There are a number of very good Italian market/deli/butcher shops in the area, but the German version is a dying breed. Rolf's is old school and delicious through and through. They make amazing wursts and sausage, cure their own hams, and have a big assortment of cheeses and package goods. It's a little incongruous when you look out the window and remember you're on Lexington Avenue ---you can easily imagine you're in some old Polish/German neighborhood in Pittsburgh or Milwaukee. This store will make your top ten list of the best smelling places in the world. read more

I'd never been to a German deli before I went to this one. I didn't know what I had been missing, but apparently I had been missing alot...true, at least, in the case of Rolf's. I get out of the car and am instantly greeted with the savory smell of smoked meat. I'm not even int he store yet and can smell smoky goodness. Tried the bockwurst, weisswurst, and a few other things, but the bratwurst is my current standby. Cook on the stove a bit with some German beer, slap on a grill, enjoy. Just the other week we picked up some German mustard to go along with it. We should have done that sooner, because it is different from any other mustard I've had, and in all likelihood is probably a truer mustard than that icky French's stuff. read more

I always stop hear before I head out camping . An excellent selection of wursts and frankfurters. Don't forget the red cabbage , spatzel, Rouladin, tar tar ,duck, and smoked goose ( usually around the holidays) ! Also, If you like liverwurst... This is the best place to go! I recommend the coarse ground liverwurst . Spread the it on some brown bread with a grainy German mustard, sliced hard boiled eggs, and some slivers of red onion. My idea of a perfection in a sandwich . read more

If you desire great wrist , meats and European specialties this is the place. No one else comes close

I can't name another establishment that I enjoy giving my business to more. Called earlier this week and placed an order for a brisket. The service, quality and people are second to none. They do everything right. I have gone for a number of times for venison processing and their products are the best and I've had a lot. You can talk to people who care and will help you. I've also picked up from the back and the place is cleaner than any area of my house. This place is a timeless gem run and staffed by awesome people. read more

Yep, sometimes you just NEED a frankfurter. Smoke, garlic, salt, fat, pork - the 5 food groups recognized by anyone that needs a fix. Phooey on all those hot dog stands in town - there ain't nothin' simpler than splitting a dog lengthwise almost all the way through, frying in a tad of butter in a hot pan, popping it into a soft roll and slathering it with mustard before topping with some choice sauerkraut in the privacy of your own home so you can take big bites, roll your eyes in pleasure, finish the rest, and have yourself another. At about a dollar a pop you can even afford a beer to help savor the moment. read more

I make the drive to Rolf's every month or so to stock up on weisswurst, landjaeger (those dried meat sticks hanging behind the counter, try one!) leberkaese, and whatever else strikes me. I hope this place never closes as this the last place in the capitol area you can get authentic quality like this. Do yourself a favor and see what you've been missing by shopping at PC and Hannaford. (they also do a great job cutting up your deer!) read more

If you love any meat in tubular form, you must check out Rolf's. Their brats, hot dogs (including minis!) and assorted German sausages are the best you'll find in this area. We love Rolf's so much it's requested at out of town family gatherings and my dad expects a brown bag of meaty goodness from Rolf's as a holiday gift every year. I haven't had anything from Rolf's that I haven't enjoyed. Besides the delicious sausages, they also make delicious bacon, liverwurst (so bad but oh so good), smoked pork chops and German potato salad. When shopping for your next sausage fest, be sure to check out Rolf's! read more

Now the first thing you need to know about this place is it's a lot of amazing to take in at once. If you do visit this place, which I highly recommend, go in and don't go right to the counter. Walk around, look at the candy, desserts and other foods imported from Germany. Ask questions, the staff is extremely helpful. They'll help you figure out what you're looking for and even give you written instructions on how to cook it. Now second is on to the food, no nitrates, preservatives or fillers! And everything tastes amazing from the landjaegers to the mini hotdogs to the fresh smoked bacon. My personal favorite is torn between the fresh sliced liverwurst that is oh so creamy to the sliced gelbewurst. If you're still curious but want a little more research before going on an adventure to Rolf's visit their website rolfsporkstore.com read more

My Favorite here is the soft spreadable liverwurst (Glen told me it freezes!) and... everything else I see.love the teawurst. Love that you can special order almost any kind of game or meat. Love the prepared frozen foods / dinners. Love everything. read more

People who have lived in Albany their entire life don't realize that places like this don't exist everywhere. Having moved I now realize how lucky I was to have this place. If you haven't been go with the understanding that nothing beats the holy trinity of pork + smoke+ German food. read more

As others have pointed out this is multigernational family business is about as good as it gets for real German sausage and smoked pork products. There is really nothing like the place in the area, except perhaps Hembolds in Troy which is also very good, but Rolf's is head and shoulders above where it counts, Flavor! It is the last holdout of what looks like a once thriving neighborhood that for whatever reason is in desperate need of love. If you are in or near Albany, and a fan of assorted wursts and frankfurters and German hams, head on over. And yes they are very friendly and eager to answer any questions. read more

DO NOT PASS THIS PLACE UP DUE TO ITS LOCATION!! i went to church in the neighborhood as a kid so i was a little familiar with the area. once you walk in you smell tasty, smoky, pork...its awesome. don't limit yourself to what the eye can see, although your eyes will be overwhelmed with goodness. in the case all the sausage variations are fantastic, and the smoked liverwurst is literally my favorite thing on earth. the prepared foods from the cooler are fantastic, i love the split pea soup. you can also pick up more exotic stuff like sweetbreads, you just have to ask. check this place out for sure. grab a milka bar on the way out. read more

I raise a few pigs a year for my family and friends and have all the smoking of hams, bacon, hocks, etc and sausage done at Rolf's. The reason? It all tastes great. As for their own retail meat products they are, IMHO, as good as you can get. Try the German Pretzels for a nice treat. read more

Have spent many years in Manhattan where they have everything good and believe there is no better German meat market than Rolf's. Everything is pretty much perfect. I stop in for a bucket of smoked pork chops and fresh sauerkraut for an annual old boys ski trip. Pricey, but so very fine and always a huge hit. Even if you don't have a particular interest in this type of food, you should experience Rolf's at least once. read more

This place is amazing. If your are interested in something but don't see it. Just ask. They are so nice & food is tasty. In an area that doesn't look like much. Parking is right next to building. Bring a cooler, you'll want to get THAT much. read more

Best place in the Capital District to buy quality meats for summer cockouts. Also great for all of your catering needs. read more

Rolf's Pork Store - Meat Shops Near Me - Albany, New York

People have been telling me about what a great place Rolf's is for years. I am so glad I finally made the trip. They have a wonderful selection of meat, wursts, chocolate, cookies, and other German groceries. They even sell Quark which I will be buying for Kåserkuchen. I brought my three sons who loved all the sweets and were pleasantly surprised to get a small frank to snack on! YUM. We ordered a variety of wursts, potato salad, red cabbage - the wursts were some of the best I've had and I grew up with German food. I was also told Rolf's make fantastic pickles. My mom bought a marinaded Sauerbraten and we can't wait to cook it for our family. You don't need to only like German food to shop here. The variety of meats is impressive and the quality of their meat will be worth your trip. Big box supermarkets just don't compare. I found the staff helpful and friendly. This place is a gem and I feel fortunate to live close to a German market. It was also nice to see that Rolf's has a loyal following as there were a lot of regular customers coming and going. I enjoy supporting local businesses and left the store knowing I'll be back very soon. P.S. Parking was super easy - they have their own lot! read more

Best butcher in the capital region. They have the most amazing meats you will ever eat and makes everything you can buy in the supermarket look like absolute garbage. You are dumb if you do not go here. read more

Don't be fooled by the name - they have more for sale than pork. It is a great place to get beef and poultry. They are great butchers and will trim and prepare any sort of meat for you. The home made hot dogs are terrific too. It is a great place. While you on the block check out the Historic Albany Foundation Parts Warehouse across the street. read more

My mother has been getting meet from Rolf's for as long as I can remember. Always good. Beats any grocery store butcher any day of the week. Support your local small businesses! read more

This is one of the greatest places ever. It certainly makes BBQing every single night of the summer tempting.

Rolf's Pork store now has a webpage : www.rolfsporkstore.com The site currently offers a product list, directions, hours of operation, and a new recipe every month. Stop by and tell all your friends that love fresh, quality meats, homemade german food and other goodies! -Jackie C. read more

This place is a great local spot that everyone needs to check out. High quality meat, reasonably priced and great customer service. They have an interesting assortment of deli meats and the best roasted Turkey I've ever had. Would highly recommend. read more

Top quality meats!! Now that I've had Rolf's, I seldom shop anywhere else for my family's butcher items. There's a significant difference in taste & quality compared to supermarkets or even a couple of other local meat stores I've shopped at. I have yet to be disappointed!! read more

Kathy... You have got to be kidding about Rolf's making that smoked liverwurst!! Only GOD Himself can make a braunschweiger that awesome. Truly, it is a cosmic experience. Thank you so very much for accommodating me here in the Green Mountains. mo'c read more

Rolf's is an impeccably clean store with everything German. I think it is absolutely the best meat in Albany, NY. It is worth the trip from anywhere. I love going there. read more

I love the friendly family business. Try their warm leberkaese sandwich with some brown mustard, it's delicious! We also got the chef's recommended combo: Headcheese, liverwurst and salami sandwich. Yum. Two sandwiches for $8, what a deal! We will be back for sure to try all the amazing meats they have. read more

Thanks to Rolf's and the reviewers who directed us to this outstanding resource, our new life in the capital region was transformed. We have tested virtually all of the products with consistent success: besides the acclaimed pork and our favorite, Weisswurst, the fresh ground beef is absolutely superb, lamb chops are delectable, and all delicatessen products first-rate. We transported the prime rib and goose for holidays to another city ! I walk from Center Square but parking is also convenient. I was moved to write when I discovered that many locals were not aware of this treasure in their midst. Owners and staff could not be more accommodating. I also find the prices remarkably reasonable in view of the quality of the products. read more

Rolf's pork store is the very best for all your smoked meats and cold cuts. The very best in many a town or city. Bratwurst, Bologna sausages. Corned beef the best. If you like liver wurst they have s few different ones. You won't be disappointed. read more

An unbelievably charming SUPER CLEAN old fashion European style butcher/deli/grocery store. Thankfully the extended family that runs the place hasn't changed the basic concept or recipes that were developed generations ago. That doesn't mean they don't have new recipes for some things as they do but the old recipes or flavors that you remember from your Oma's and Opa's house are all there from the handmade sausages, hotdogs, and natural cased meats and Liverwursts and rare heavy breads some delivered from Montreal. Most of the stuff in the refrigerated case is all handmade and smoked or boiled on the premise and anything you don't see and really want can be custom cut or ordered and readily made while you wait. Its a pleasure to deal with a staff that is always accommodating and as friendly as you will find anywhere and any questions or special requests (such as tasting samples) are handled with a warm smile. The selection of meats and cheeses are numerous where else can you get Rabbits, Lamb, free range smoked chickens (which are out of this world delicious) along with other meats and custom cuts of pork and beef. They also will make you a delicious sandwich to hold you over until you get home and you might have to as the lovely smell of that freshly smoked meat will have your mouth watering the entire time. Lastly I have to mention the fact that they will shrink wrap or vacuum seal in heavy freezer plastic anything you buy that you plan on storing for awhile. read more