Rising Social Hub: Ouri’s Market
It’s not just a grocery store; it’s a trendy spot to shop and socialize.
On a bright Wednesday afternoon, four high school students from the Upper East Side gathered at an outdoor table. They sipped pricey lattes and dove into creamy frozen yogurt and flavorful truffle bagels, sharing laughs and gossiping about their lunch plans at Ouri’s Market. This upscale kosher grocery has quickly transformed into a favorite hangout for teens.
Located just a few blocks from their school, Ouri’s has become an unofficial social hotspot—a melting pot where private school students, local families, influencers, and even reality stars interact, whether it’s by the sushi counter or the smoothie line.
“I’d never go to Ouri’s without makeup,” said 18-year-old Francine Tawil, with her friend and fellow Lammas student, Leila Gatto, chiming in that it’s “the best cold beer around.”
“When you’re outside, you’ll definitely bump into someone. We’re always here hanging out, so it’s likely you’ll see someone at any time,” Gatto remarked.
Founded in 1976 by Ouri Galili, a pioneer in the kosher retail scene, this family-owned supermarket chain began in New Jersey before branching out to Brooklyn with its expansive Third Avenue location in 2024.
While Ouri’s has always had loyal customers, its arrival on the Upper East Side marked a shift, generating buzz and joining a wave of gourmet grocers like Butterfield Market and Happy Grocery that have recently gained traction on social media.
What sets Ouri’s apart is its unique blend of wellness culture, social media aesthetics, and Jewish tradition, striking a balance that appeals greatly to New York teens. For many, it’s even likened to Erewhon, a famed upscale grocer in Los Angeles renowned for its premium wellness items.
“There’s a whole vibe here. Even non-Jews call it the Erewhon of the city,” Gatto mentioned, noting how students from a nearby private school who once shopped elsewhere are now loyal to Ouri’s.
Beyond just trendy smoothies and youthful excitement, Ouri’s is a bona fide supermarket. Its 8,000-square-foot space boasts marble countertops, fresh produce options, a kosher butcher area, and stocked dairy refrigerators, alongside an impressive collection of pantry essentials, including specialty oils and gourmet snacks.
“They have the best of everything,” Tawil claimed.
On platforms like TikTok, Ouri’s has gained a following far beyond just the Jewish community, thanks to its excellent coffee offerings, which have been described as “amazing” and somewhat “bougie.”
Even Bethenny Frankel, a reality star, mentioned in a TikTok video that the service at Ouri’s is “out of control,” calling it an expensive but worthwhile experience.
“They really keep up with trends,” noted 18-year-old Caroline Efron. “They’ve just opened a frozen yogurt bar from Greece that’s all over TikTok.”
Teens from Lammas recently collaborated with Ouri’s to create a custom drink called the “Lammas Remix,” inspired by their school colors.
However, while Ouri’s is often compared to upscale wellness markets, teens emphasize that its charm lies in the freshness of the items—and that quality brings a price tag. Some smoothies may range around $10 to $15, and salads can be $20 or more—definitely pricier than most neighborhood takeout options.
Despite the higher prices, the buzz hasn’t dwindled. “It’s worth it,” said Ramaz student Romi Koper, noting that Ouri’s kosher menu is hard to find elsewhere. “Getting your protein in during the day is a lot easier here.”
Interestingly, the market’s popularity has created an unexpected space for Jewish matchmakers.
Gail Jungreis, a matchmaker from the Upper East Side, often brings her business cards when visiting Ouri’s, as she anticipates meeting potential clients.
“I always know I’ll meet someone here,” she said, explaining the market’s relaxed social environment. “It’s a place where you can easily be seen without feeling pressured.”
