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
anyone needing meat should familiarize yourself with Los Paisanos on Smith and Wyckoff. Staubitz is there too but I much prefer the less up-market feel to Los Paisanos. Much friendlier environment, also family-owned and operated. Three generations working there at times.
Delivery is free, the staff is great, the meat is great. Pretty sure they deliver to Park Slope, since I’ve seen their delivery van there.
I guess if your house costs $3 million you can afford to not cook.
I am so glad that I have Staubitz nearby. They are so nice, even when I just buy 1/2 a pound of ground lamb. Big spender, eh?
I spoke to the owner, Jimmy, last week on the day he started packing up the store. He told me that he sold the business and the building. He lives out on the island and has two small kids. He said his schedule had him away from home too much and that because he has no partner (his dad owned the store before him and was his partner until a few years ago)it was hard for him.
Jimmy was a great guy and will be missed in the neighborhood. A 2nd generation family business is gone.
Sorry to hear this.
FWIW, at the farmers market btwn 3rd and 4th on 5th ave there was a stand selling meat direct from some farms in NY state. They only had frozen meat and it wasn’t cheap. I got a porterhouse steak which was pretty good.
This is a sad story. They went broke.
Interesting feedback about their quality but I must disagree. I used to order from these guys, they were fantastic. I loved the sawdust on the floor, and they had aged bone in ribeyes, aged skirt, special doublethick frenched lamb loin rib chops, all fantastic quality. They could get you prime but mostly sold choice.
I now buy from union market on 7th and 14th, and I also buy fresh pork/eggs/sausage from the pork guy next to the egg lady at grand army greenmarket on saturdays and also from the elysian fields lamb farmer at the greenmarket. superb quality, local product, and you meat (ha!) the farmer, too.
I actually spoke with the guys at Western, and my neighbors, who were born on my block and know these guys, confirmed it: they went broke because people don’t buy meat from the butcher anymore. They simply can’t make money.
The A&S guys are good quality but they are ripoff artists. They charged me a lot of money for shank bones. SHANK BONES FOR SOUP! $20 for 4 bones! Give me a break.
I agree that eagle market on 5th and 17th is good quality, friendly, and their homemade bacon and hams are wonderful, but they’re more an “appetizing” place than a real fullservice butcher.
Unfortunately, for real PRIME grade meats, you need to go to Cobble Hill, to Staubitz.
If you’re just going to throw something on the grill, Union Market will impress. If you’re going to make a roast (standing rib, beef, or shoulder), I’d recommend Staubitz. It’s worth it if your meat dish will be the centerpiece of a dinner party.
Tom
It has always puzzled me that Park Slope has had no real butcher shop (I love A&S sausages but it is really more of an “Italian specialty” store) since the one on 7th Avenue closed in the 90s.
What are people in this neighborhood doing with their Viking ranges and the Sub Zero freezers those granite countertops and those all-stainless designer kitchens?
Helicopter delivery from Dean & DeLuca, no doubt.
I used these guys whenever I needed something basic, but like many others have said–it wasn’t the place for specialty cuts.
And I’ll just add my voice to the chorus of how genuinely nice the guy who ran the place was.
I like A&S, but sometimes those guys seem to be in a grumpy mood. And one time I swear I overheard the owner (I think it was at least) on the phone threatening some poor schmuck. Whatever, they DO always give my kids a free potato croquette.
You want good steaks? Go to Piazza Mercado in Bay Ridge. Incredible dry aged porterhouse.
I was never a fan of Great Western. Staubitz on Court & Warren when I wanted something special. Otherwise Steve’s on 9th.