StreetLevel: Park Slope's No Meat Market
A reader writes in to tell us that what he believes to be “the last full-service butcher shop in Park Slope,” Western Beef on 5th Avenue between 7th and 8th streets, “has abruptly closed its doors.” Buzz is that the shop’s proprietor owned the building and simply decided to call it a day. Anyhow, was…
A reader writes in to tell us that what he believes to be “the last full-service butcher shop in Park Slope,” Western Beef on 5th Avenue between 7th and 8th streets, “has abruptly closed its doors.” Buzz is that the shop’s proprietor owned the building and simply decided to call it a day. Anyhow, was this indeed the last butcher operating in the Slope? We know there are a couple of businesses like the Italian deli/butcher on 5th between 1st and Garfield that are still going strong, but we’re not sure whether this was the last place in the Slope that was only a butcher, and nothing else. Anyone know? GMAP
I feel a little guilty. I rarely bought my “everyday” meat there. I really went for the holiday meats which is when you need a good butcher – a free range turkey, an aged prime rib and when we had a barbecue, I’d get a couple of good steaks. They were always so nice and I think the prices were very good for the quality. A&S is just too expensive and it’s not a full service butcher. Thanks all for the recommendations. At least I have time before the next holiday! It’s also so sad to see yet another Park slope institution gone.
Sorry to see Jim go, but wish him well-he was always great to talk to-and give some quick cooking advice too.
Western may not have had a full range of cuts, but the basics were good, the bacon was excellent…and the sawdust was just like my grandfather Morris Youner’s old kosher butcher shop on Utica.
now will have to stick to the food co-op, and C-town for walking distance meat…or go vegan.
Gilly Youner
Just wanted to say that when I have gone to Los Paisanos, they have charged me MORE than Staubitz for most things. (Except those nutty prepared foods at Staubitz like the $40 lobster pie.)
A&S is decent, but yes, very expensive. Still, I went there because it was old school and Sal, one of the proprietors, reminds me of a young Bobby DeNiro. Sadly, Sal is very sick and it’s not looking good for him right now. I’m pretty heartbroken about it, as he’s a terrific guy.
There’s a great little Italian butcher/grocery shop on Prospect Park West near 16th st, United Meat Market.
Well, that sucks. I used to buy my meat there all of the time and when I wanted something special (boar, veal shanks) Jimmy would order it for me.
I would always tell me friends who live in the ‘hood about the place and they’d be like “A butcher? In Park Slope? Where?” But they would never go. They’d all make the trip to Los Paisanos (which I have to admit has a bigger selection).
Il Chameleon moved to 4th and 7th Avenue…are they opening up a new place? Bah.
Next you’re gonna tell me Pollio is closing (which I’d be more worried about if that Brooklyn Bread Caffe ever opens).
I wonder how much it went for
417 Fifth Ave reportedly purchased by the same folks who owned the former 7th Ave & 9th St hair salon El Chameleon.
Jimmy Ahern, a good friend, owned and operated Great Western Fine Foods at 417 Fifth Avenue. Jimmy’s grandfather started the business at that same location, over 100 years ago, passing it down to father and then grandson.
Contrary to what some folks reported, Jimmy did not go broke, he just wanted to sell his real estate while prices were high. He and the buyer, have been in contract for almost a year. They finally got it done last week. Jimmy admitted that he was ready to move on to something else. He was tired of retail and ready for a new career. Last week, he moved out all of his personal items, including a signed Mickey Mantle baseball and his huge model train collection. “The rest of it, the new owners can deal with,” he said.
Jimmy is a first class guy, I wish him good luck and fortune.
-David