7 New York Grocery Stores With The Best Meat Departments

When it comes to finding quality cuts of meat in the Big Apple, not all grocery stores are created equal. New York City boasts some incredible meat departments where skilled butchers offer everything from prime steaks to exotic game.

Whether you’re planning a special dinner or simply appreciate top-notch meat products, these seven grocery stores stand out for their exceptional selection, quality, and service.

1. Citarella’s Gourmet Market

Family-owned since 1912, Citarella’s showcases seafood and meat with equal passion. Their butchers hand-trim each cut while happily explaining the difference between dry-aged ribeye and prime sirloin.

Weekends bring special offerings like house-made sausages and specialty game meats you won’t find elsewhere. Their dedication to quality makes every visit worthwhile, even if your wallet feels a bit lighter afterward.

2. Fairway Market’s Butcher Shop

Walking into Fairway’s meat department feels like stepping back in time when butchers knew your name and preferences. Hanging carcasses age properly before skilled hands transform them into perfect portions.

Though prices remain reasonable, quality never suffers. Their ground beef blend has achieved legendary status among burger enthusiasts throughout the five boroughs, while their lamb selection outshines most competitors by miles.

3. Wegmans’ Premium Meat Selection

If heaven had a grocery store, Wegmans might be it. Their Brooklyn location offers a meat department that balances accessibility with exceptional quality.

Want organic, grass-fed beef? They’ve got it. Craving unusual cuts like Denver steaks or tri-tip? No problem. The butchers seem genuinely happy to special order anything not displayed, and their house-made bacon deserves its own fan club.

4. Zabar’s Old-World Butchery

While many know Zabar’s for smoked fish and cheese, their meat counter deserves equal fame. Third-generation butchers maintain traditions that have nearly vanished elsewhere in the city.

Housewives and professional chefs alike queue up for their perfectly frenched rack of lamb and custom cuts. The butchers remember regular customers’ preferences and often slip an extra soup bone into packages for loyal shoppers.

5. Eataly’s Italian-Style Macelleria

Where else can you watch butchers break down prosciutto while sipping espresso? Eataly’s meat department functions as both shopping destination and culinary theater.

Italian traditions shine through in every offering, from thin-sliced carpaccio to massive Fiorentina steaks. Though not the cheapest option in town, the quality justifies splurging for special occasions. Their veal selection particularly impresses even the most discerning Italian grandmothers.

6. Dickson’s Farmstand Meats At Chelsea Market

Farm-to-table isn’t just a buzzword at Dickson’s; it’s their entire philosophy. Every animal’s origin gets meticulously tracked, with relationships extending directly to small-scale farmers within driving distance.

Their transparency about sourcing refreshes in an industry often shrouded in mystery. Beyond exceptional steaks, their prepared items like beef jerky and pâtés showcase whole-animal butchery at its finest, ensuring nothing goes to waste.

7. Kalustyan’s Exotic Meat Offerings

Surprising many visitors, this spice emporium houses an exceptional halal meat counter tucked away near the back. Specializing in cuts favored in Middle Eastern, North African, and South Asian cuisines, Kalustyan’s fills a crucial niche.

Looking for goat shoulder, lamb sweetbreads, or beef suitable for authentic kebabs? You’ll find them here, alongside helpful cooking advice. Their prices remain remarkably reasonable despite the specialized nature of their offerings.