Albanese Meats & Poultry

Food

New York City Store 238 Elizabeth Street, New York, NY 10012, USA

Closed

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  • Dating to 1940 most of the shops features and fixtures are original.
  • Meat cut to order with a side of local history.
  • Vintage photographs chronicle the story of four generations of butchers.

New York City Store


238 Elizabeth Street

WHAT WE LOVE

As much a museum as a butcher shop, Albanese Meats & Poultry is a testament to the heritage of Nolita. Housed in a distinctive red-painted brick building since 1940, most of its interior also dates from that period. The tiled floor, butcher blocks and walk-in cold room are all original. Vintage photographs decorating windows, shelves, and walls chronicle the history and heritage of Albanese Meats & Poultry.

Located in the charming New York City neighborhood north of Little Italy, Nolita on Elizabeth Street which was once lined with butcher shops founded by Italian immigrants. Familiar to viewers of Amazon’s  The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Albanese Meats & Poultry is also known as as the last butcher in Little Italy. Established in 1923 by Vincenzo and Mary Albanese the current butcher's, Jennifer Prezioso, great grandparents. Jennifer took the reins from her grandfather, the late, legendary Moe the Butcher after his untimely death at 95, who in turn had taken over from his mother, Mary.

" The last butcher in Little Italy, home of the “I GOT’CHA” Steaks."

Jennifer Prezioso, shopkeeper & butcher at Albanese Meats & Poultry


THE SHOPKEEPER

Jennifer Prezioso, actor, local historian and fourth generation butcher is happy to share the history of the shop and her family. The vintage photos illustrate the history of the neighborhood and the Albanese family, a history that Jennifer happily elaborates upon. She also shares the amazing history on the shop’s Instagram account moethebutcher which is worthy of a read if an in-person visit isn't possible.

Beyond the cuts of meat the shop has so many interesting aspects and details. The portable record player plays a wonderful collection of vintage vinyl records. The windows are decorated with cleverly crafted fabric sausages and salamis (also for sale in neatly wrapped brown paper packages). The festive holiday displays, the antique till and weighing scales.