Queens, NY (Astoria + Ridgewood) - I seem to be on a (sausage) roll, so for my 300th review, allow…read moreme to highlight a deli & butcher shop that's a beloved New York institution to those in the know, but not yet a secret that's out to the masses. When I was in the Astoria store earlier this month, I overheard an obviously epicurean gentleman who spent some time in Austria (with presumably some appreciation for well-crafted old world charcuterie) share that he had come down from Boston and made a special trek out here to experience this Mecca of meats in person. I myself came all the way from the distant shores of NJ that day, enduring horrendous holiday traffic down FDR Dr. and across Queensboro Bridge, but likewise, finally made this pilgrimage after I became addicted to their superlative pork cracklings (chicharron / čvarci / jumări), which is the best on the planet! It's weighed by the pound and the prime time to get it fresh & hot out of the fryer is late morning, though best to come earlier on the weekend. 90% of the products are made in-house, and one can find a dizzying array of cured and smoked meats, multiple varieties of bacon, prosciutti (including hard-to-find duck and lamb!), sausages, salami, pâtés, purées, cheeses, steaks and chops, as well as pickled and jarred foods, canned delicacies, and shelves of dried goods and snacks from Europe. The founders came over from the Balkan region and likewise the counter staff are well-versed in multiple tongues (Serbo-Croatian, Romanian, Hungarian, as well as Spanish) and can fluidly navigate between ethnic product names according to what the customer is asking for. The staff are welcoming, warm, and helpful, and will offer you samples of everything to try. We stocked up on our favorites and also picked up some new goodies: - Chicharrones (always!) - Tarska bacon (a house speciality) - Rolled garlic bacon - Some other bacon (cos yes it's the land of bacon galore) - Duck prosciutto - Various sausages - Goose & pork liver pâté - Liver - Szalonna (pork fat) - Brânză de burduf, a handmade cheese that's a traditional salty Romanian cheese originated from Transylvania. (Muncan is very popular with the local Romanian community) I've always said Queens is foodie heaven and is worth a trip from the boroughs if not the tri-state, and Muncan is definitely a destination stop!

Great neighborhood butcher that has fresh meats but also tons of deli meats. Lots of things you…read morecan't find in a regular butcher store including duck prosciutto. I love the fresh pork rinds and chicharrons that are sold by weight. I was served quickly and with a smile. Def will be back to try more things.

I've honestly had Al Aqsa bookmarked for 1 reason only. Since I've let chicken, beef and pork go in…read morethe last 30+years, every once in a rare blue moon though, I get the itch to eat lamb. So I knew the Al Aqsa folks in the Parkchester area, wouldn't play around with their Halal lamb quality. I missed my calling though big time because I was pressed for time and couldn't wait in line- so picked some produce I needed instead. Al Aqsa has 2 entrances (I think?): one with some hard-to-find gorgeous fruit and veggies outside leading to more produce inside and several cashiers on right wall. Other entrance leads to another wing of the market. Meat dept. is further back and 'supermarket' aisles towards back left. I noticed Urad Dal flour, Chapati packages plus so much other stuff I'd use for my seafood (or non-seafood) dinners at home. The big space looks like it's been retrofitted in someway- but it works. Avoid rush hour and Saturday late mornings (from what I've seen)- because this place gets sardine packed man. But it's a good sign because the high turnover among produce items means you're getting a fresh batch every time. Lines to pay move rather quickly and Al Aqsa accepts cards. Because this place is a major hotspot, finding parking right up front doesn't always fall on your lap- so doing side streets is the best way to go. I look forward to returning.....and get my hands on my lamb. But between my ginger, fresh okra, 7 limes for $1.00, cilantro and a few other things- was a good $8 and change. So yeah...I'm digging these prices just fine- especially bulking up with their fresh fruits and veggies for my pressed juices at home.

I came here to purchase some halal chicken for a potluck at work. I wanted to make sure that I had…read morehalal meat for my Muslim coworker so that she could enjoy my jerk chicken. The butcher section is small but the guys there are very helpful. I didn't see any chicken legs with the skin on so they cut some up for me. The size of the chicken is normal, much different from the brand name meat you would get from franchise supermarkets, which suggests to me that the chickens are raised in a healthier manner. The prices more than reasonable and I'm just happy to know of a place where I can go to accommodate everyone that I might want to cook for. Another note: though J didn't get any produce, their veggies, fruits and herbs were in excellent condition and you can tell there's a higher turnover rate with their products so you know what you're purchasing is fresh.

I love this butcher have been friends with Benny for over 40 years great quality meat and customer…read moreservice can't be beat

The staff is amazing! Benny is my go to, but everyone is nice and friendly. He knows how I want…read moremy meats cut cut and never disappoints. He makes the best burgers. I call my order in so it's ready when I get there. Sometimes parking is hard. Just make sure you order early during the holidays. They do sell out.

Excellent choices. Amazing customer service. Very knowledgeable people there, that's why I keep…read morecoming back

Top quality ground beef and steaks…read more The store is old and the service is middle of the road but the steaks and ground beef are splendid. You'll taste the difference.

Boy did I get lucky!…read more I just happened to stumble upon this gem last Friday and it just all worked out perfectly. I am always looking for a spot that sells Peruvian products ... outside from bringing them back when we go once/twice a year. This spot had it all and it is conveniently just a short walk from the 7 train at the 46st stop. The staff is friendly and the place is super organized and clean. I was surprised it was so packed for a rainy Friday afternoon. I was able to grab my usual Peruvian sauce and "papa seca" for when we are in the mood for carapulcra. Definitely my new spot for all things Peruvian! And it also helps they sell sublime; Peruvian chocolate, individually next to the register.

I love this meat market and I come all the way from Harlem for it. First their customer service is…read moreimpeccable and their meat is fresh. They have a good system which is organized and moves fast. They also actually pick up their phone and are courteous. It is always clean and smells good. I definitely recommend this meat market and yes I do come all the way from Harlem to Queens for meat because they have delicious blood sausage which my mother loves so it's worth the trip.

Not my first time getting meat from here, it is ALWAYS great and tastes amazing. The most recent…read moretime I went the staff was extremely nice, they accommodated me when I asked for something specific and It was really kind of them since they did not have to do this at all. This place is great and fairly priced for the amount you get! I could not recommend this place more!

Love this place - incredible prices and I love the quality. Been through lamb shanks, osso buco…read morebeef, lamb kebabs, fresh ground lamb , chicken and marrow bones. Fabulous - old school Italian immigrants but solid for me up to this point. 6 lbs lamb shanks 3 lbs chicken wings 5.5 lbs 4 osso buco beef cuts 1.5 marrow bones for broth $110 !!!!!!

Nice Local store with a wide variety fruits and vegetables…read more Watch out for the box of Tamarind, it wayyy too sour. Good for a juice maybe? Not to eat from the box. International products available. Low price fruits.

Pros: This place is open 24 hours and the prices are usually better than that of the grocery store…read moreacross from it. Cons: The fruits and vegetables sometimes are not the freshest and some products are expired, especially drinks. Be sure to check the expiration date before purchasing.

It's a specialized store that sells food mostly from the Balkan region (Albania, Kosovo,…read moreMontenegro, Bosnia, Turkish, Romania, even Greek...). The moment you walk the aroma of suxhuk and dried meat is filled. They have a butcher, specialized cheeses, foods and bakery products. Most of their specialized foods you will not find in your average store. The prices seem reasonable. The staff were friendly and patient. The establishment was clean.

I'm not even Albanian and I love this place! The meat is always fresh and the staff are happy to…read moregreet and help you. My husband, who is half Montenegrin, says the sausage tastes just like back home. If you've never been, it's definitely worth a visit!!