I love the mom and pop type stores, I always try to shop at local small businesses as opposed to the big chain stores. Not only do I like to support the community, but I just like the one on one attention you receive in these types of places. My butcher, for one, will cut and trim and grind whatever I need when I need it, however I need it. I just love it. In Manhattan these stores are (as expected) much larger. And more awesome of course. Below find three of my favorites!
Zabar’s
Zabar’s is a rather large grocery store that sells absolutely everything delicious. It’s actually a deli, but I just can’t bring myself to say that, just because of its size. Louis Zabar opened this store with his wife Lillian on 80th Street and Broadway in 1934, and it has thrived ever since. Traditionally a Jewish Deli, they sell all the expected goods that you usually find in these types of stores. Oh, but there’s more. Just. More. There are more counters (meats, cheeses, pastry, bread, fish, and more), and the counters are longer, and I dare you to order something they don’t have. Because they have everything, as long as it’s delicious. I can get lost and go broke in this establishment, it’s just amazing!
For more info on Zabar’s click here
Schaller & Weber
This store is closest to my heart, because I grew up in Germany, and this is the one store where I can buy all my treats that remind me of my childhood. Yorkville on the Upper Eastside in New York City used to be known as Germantown (still is by most original New Yorkers), and you will still find lots of German-related things there like this oversized deli, or Butcher Shop, or Grocery Store, or all of the above. This store opened some 80 years ago by German immigrants from Stuttgart, Germany, and has managed to stay true to German flavors and traditions, which as a German national I can vouch for. Besides the usual cheeses, cold cuts and meats you can shop here for Bratwurst, Knockwurst, Quark, Herring Salad, Pretzels and all that good German stuff that I feel everyone needs in their life! It’s a must try…
For more info on Schaller & Weber click here
Raffetto’s
Raffetto’s fresh pasta store opened its doors in Greenwich Village in 1906 by Marcello Raffetto, and until this day, it is in the hands of the Raffetto family. Starting out as an “ordinary” pasta shop, it has now evolved to a premier pasta source! All pasta is made fresh in the back, you can actually take a peek! You can get whatever your heart desires, from simple lasagna strips to black squid ink linguine. Not a dry pasta in sight! The quality here is unparalleled, I wouldn’t consider any other place to get my fresh pasta. Of course you can also find some other Italian specialties here, that you would be hard pressed to find anywhere else. This amazing spot deserves our support, and you will be glad for it…
For more info on Raffetto’s click here
