Written by Emma Carroll
Growing up, I went to an orthodontist in Bayonne, NJ. It sounds crazy but I was excited to visit the orthodontist as a kid because afterward, I’d go with my dad to get a hot dog and waffle fries at Petridi’s Hot Dogs or a banana shake from Magic Fountain. His favorite place to stop was 22nd street Meat Market where he’d get veal cutlets and other amazing meat products. I take after him – if we’re in Bayonne, we may as well stop by all our favorite places. Here are a few of my favorites in and around Hudson County.
22nd St Meat Market
483 Avenue C, Bayonne, NJ 07002
This quality butcher has been around for decades, and the cuts of meat are always amazing. They have tons of different cuts of steak, chicken, and pork, and a few different varieties of Italian sausage. All very reasonably priced.
What I like about this market is that it’s not only meat, they have a small section of produce and groceries as well. They also have a freezer full of Pastosa pasta (famous in the area, Pastosa pasta is made fresh then frozen for distribution around the NJ and NY area). My go-to when I stop in here is the filet mignon, about 4 three-inch filets will only cost you around $30 – which is great for this high-quality piece of meat.
I also usually grab a pound of chicken cutlets while I’m there, and when they ask if I want them pounded out, I always say yes. This is my favorite spot to stop before going to a friend’s house to grill in the summer.
Moloney’s Meat Market
627 Newark Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07306
The Moloney family has been doing it right for over 100 years. This old school butcher has the usual cuts you’re looking for, along with a ton of other funky varieties of meat like elk rib-eyes and wagyu steaks.
When you walk into this place, it’s all about the meat. They have a few other items for sale, but this is where you go when you’re looking to try something new. I would suggest calling ahead to reserve what you want, or going to the shop early in the day as they tend to sell out. My go-to when I stop in here is the beef chuck, I get it cubed up and use it for my homemade chili. Delicious!
Lopes Sausage Co
304 Walnut St, Newark, NJ 07105
So most people from the area know that you go to the Ironbound district in Newark for really good chicken, but no one talks about the unreal chorizo. Lopes Sausage Company in Newark is a hidden gem.
It’s right down the street from the Prudential Center. I used to love to stop by this spot after work. They have the usual cuts of meat, but my favorite item is their chorizo. They have a few different varieties. I usually get the regular chorizo, but the smoked is also a great choice. I’m telling you, this chorizo sets the bar for all other chorizo, I’ve eaten so much and none is ever as good as it is from Lopes.
The smell of meat is pungent when you walk in, but you get used to it and it’s worth it to get your hands on some of this chorizo. If you’re on the hunt for a specific meat, or a specific type of cut that’s a little unusual, like pig feet, then this is your spot.
Pampita Meat Shop
393 Central Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07307
Pampita Meat Shop is a beautiful Argentinian butcher shop in the Heights in Jersey City. The owners are extremely nice and happy to help you find what you need. This butcher has less variety than some of the others, but what they do have on their menu is amazing. This is one of my favorite spots to get short ribs and rib-eye steaks.
Pampita is the most pricey out of all my recommendations, but you’re paying for truly high quality cuts of meat. They also have a small selection of sausages, empanadas, and sauces. I will say, Pampita makes an AMAZING chimichurri sauce.
Whenever I visit the shop I leave with short ribs, beef empanadas (they’re uncooked and frozen so you can heat and serve whenever you want), and that amazing chimichurri.
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