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East Village Cheese
Category: Food Specialty Food Cheese Shops Cheese Shops [Edit]
40 3rd Ave(between 9th St & Bowery)
New York, NY 10003
Neighborhood: East Village
(212) 477-2601
- Nearest Transit:
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Astor Pl (4, 6, 6X)
8 St - Nyu (N, R)
3 Av (L)
- Hours:
Mon-Fri, Sun 8:30 am - 6:30 pm
Sat 9 am - 6:30 pm
- Price Range:
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$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Larry L. said: "I love how Kashkaval is only two blocks away from my apartment since it's a hybrid in the craziest sense - part neighborhood Mediterranean grocery, part lively hole-in-the-wall date spot great for wine and tapas. It really can't get…" read more »
212 reviews for East Village Cheese
Review Highlights
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212 reviews in English
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Review from Carson Y.
New York, NY
Super affordable.
One of my favorite spots in NY. There's so much to say about this place. For about $10 you can get a log of brie, some pate, a baguette and artichoke hearts. If you're throwing a party or picnic on a budget then you need to shop here. Did I tell that they offer awesome customer service. Everyone who works there are super friendly and helpful. You can even get a cup of coffee for $1. Enough said. -
Review from R Y.
Manhattan, NY
I'm a cheese fiend and this place DEFINITELY sells it cheap.
When you enter, on your right & left, there are PILES of cheese. This PILE changes every so often, so if you walk by and see your favorite cheese, buy it or remember that you may not see it again ever or at least for a while.
This past weekend my eyes were caught by 1.99 for spreadable cheese from laughing cow and 5 for $1 deal for mini cheese wheels. However, I ended up buying sharp cheddar for my SuperBowl gathering.
However, there are few downside- TOTALLY CHEAP, but CASH ONLY!
Also, 1/2lb is MINIMUM if you select your cheese and not get the prepackaged ones off to your right & left when you first walk in. Lastly, their supplies change every week, so one week you may have fresh mozz balls and another week, you won't see it.
Other than that, it's a STEAL! You like cheese? Go here :) Just remember to bring cash. -
Review from Ron Y.
Cheap, good quality cheese.
Cash only (that sucks).
1/2 pound minimum.
Lots of spelling mistakes on the boards... (it bothers me).
They sell other things too, like chocolate, hummus, olives, prosciutto, salami, etc... -
Review from Alexandra C.
New York, NY
Cheeeeap and I mean cheap cheese!
Cheapest place to buy brie and goat cheese.
The counter guys wrap the cheese perfectly. Excellent quality!
Doesn't feel like the cleanest of places but hey, most don't in this area of the Village. They close pretty early too. Cash only. -
Review from Frances L.
Los Angeles, CA
We've come into East Village Cheese quite a few times as it was right near a friend's place near St. Mark's. Simply put, if you're looking for a bargain on decent cheese, this is the place for you. The prices here are shockingly low-- SHOCKINGLY LOW! However, the staff weren't as helpful as I'd wished for them to be, so you're better off sticking with what you know you like, as you won't be getting the complete cheesemonger experience here. It can get fairly crowded on the weekends and the selections vary and aren't too far from what I would call "safe." Good brie and accompaniments for either the same price or cheaper than Trader Joe's, but still not up to par with better shops like Murray's (which is probably the best in NYC). Be sure to check expiration dates and be prepared to buy a minimum amount for certain cheeses at this cash only spot.
Listed in: The Big Apple
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Review from JP B.
Yes, much of what's priced too good to be true here is best consumed ASAP, because it's near the end of its shelf life. But oh, the deals! You can make out like a bandit here.
You're not going to find too much in the way of artisanal products here, but the better end of commercial stuff is well-represented, not to mention discounted. Perfect place to stock up for throwing a party. You could throw down an opulent spread for well under a c-note by shopping here.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/31/2007
While it's easy to spend a fortune in this town you can also find deals that beat anywhere else in… Read more »
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12/31/2007
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Review from Ngoc P.
Jersey City, NJ
It's not necessary to review this place as it's a great place to buy cheap cheese from a knowledgeable staff. But, as a tip, the place is small and the line can be a little long. Don't get me wrong, the service is very fast but DON'T be the naggy lady fussing over the difference between 1/3 pound and 1/4 pound of cheddar cheese. The cashiers actually fixed the problem very quickly but she just kept nagging. Why? You not only hold up the line but you'll also have people making fun of you on blogging communities [such as Yelp]. So touché lady with red shirt, you will be remembered!
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Review from Jean Pierre S.
Manhattan, NY
this place used to have great cheeses, many very good well known french and european at reasonable prices. The new owners destroyed it. Prices doubled, and good roquefort, St André or goat cheese were replaced by a few low quality cheese that you can find in Chinatown at cheaper prices.
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Review from Susan B.
Woodhaven, NY
Even though this place sells cheese that's close to expiration date, the deals are amazing! I got half a pound of fresh mozzarella and a goat cheese log for $1.99 each and brie $1.50! 8oz tubs of mascarpone for $1.79 each! I've also tried the olives ($4/lb) and the domestic prosciutto ($2.50 per 1/4 lb). Of course you can get much higher quality somewhere else, but the prosciutto is really decent for the money you pay for.
There's also cheeses behind the counter you can buy, but it's 1/2 lb minimum and no tastings allowed, so you have to know what you want. I suppose I can understand with the prices being so low...
All in all, I love coming here when I'm lazy and feel like having some fruit and cheese for dinner.
One more thing: Cash only! -
Review from Nicolas B.
Manhattan, NY
I guess, I could have written two different reviews for EVC. The first one on the cheese they sell and the general ambiance of the place. They're drastically opposite, it's not even funny. Since, I think the purpose of this place is selling cheese and other deli items, I'll base my rating on that. But I'll give you the other perspectives so you're aware!
First, the cheese.
As you may know, the prices over there are ridiculously cheap. It's a real pleasure to buy cheese at a price that is the one I use to find in France. Cheese isn't suppose to cost you half a liver. Considering just that criteria, I would definitely consider myself a fan! Yet, the cheese selection isn't the best. But who's gonna complain once you get those prices.
Second, the ambiance.
EVC is obviously very popular, which means the place is packed whenever you go there. Which could be a big minus too many people. But that's not the worst. As I said before, EVC is definitely about selling stuff. They put very few consideration about the respect of the client. I felt like I was the next customer and not THE customer. Which highlighted by the huge "NO TASTING" sign they have. This is kind of strange for a cheese store....
To make the matter worst, EVC is cash only!!!
I will definitely go back there, it just won't be my favorite place in NYC. That's a shame though, cuz' it could be really great. -
Review from Michael D.
Boston, MA
EVEN THOUGH THEY SERVED US EXPIRED CHEESE, ITS STILL SUCH A STEAL.
You're not gonna find a better deal on cheese than this place. ONE DOLLAR BRIE?!? $2 STILTON?!? and a handful of other cheeses for MUCH less than what you'd pay anywhere else. BUT, these prices are only possible because you don't get the experience you would have gotten at a fancier cheesemonger. The workers don't know much about the cheese.. they're just like robots who cut and distribute.. so don't bother asking them which ones pair well or anything. ALSO, unlike other cheese joints, you CANT sample anything so unless you KNOW what you want, you might end up taking home a nasty cheese (happened to me before). Lastly, theres a HALF POUND MINIMUM unless you buy the prepackaged cheese up near the entrance.
They stock some bread (HIGHLY recommend retoasting the BMC roll to pair with your cheese) and a few cured meats at very reasonable prices. The cured meats aren't the best ever, but hey, its cheap.
SO, i'd come here if i KNEW what specific cheeses I wanted, but if you're looking to sample new ones before you buy, or if you want the traditional, service-oriented feel of a traditional cheesemonger, pay a little more and go to somewhere a little fancier. -
Review from Marcy L.
Brooklyn, NY
This is a cheap, narrow little barn of cheese in the East Village. As others have said, you should always check the expiration date of anything you buy. The reason they can offer such cheap prices (about half of comparable cheeses) is because they sell food very close to its expiration date. That said, I've never had any trouble with anything I've bought here.
You can buy cheese from the counter, but I tend to just pick things up from the two refrigerated cases in front. They tend not to have very unusual cheeses and are heavy on the brie/spreads (which I don't like) but it's always worth a look.
My very best purchase here was a few packages of white anchovies for 1.99 each (usually sell for 7.99 and up). And today I picked up three packages of Spanish goat cheese washed in red wine for 1.99 a package. Sure, they expire 1/24, but I can assure you that they're not going to make it through the weekend, much less two and a half weeks from now.
In short, a very good value for smart shoppers and a nice little sliver of the 1980s still extant in NYC. -
Review from Jenny S.
CHEAPEST CHEESE AROUND.. but at a trade off... you can't taste what you buy & the workers are NOT KNOWLEDGEABLE about cheese what-so-ever!!
BEST DEAL? one ~7 oz. wedge of brie is ONE DOLLAR!!! plus they have weekly specials
cheeses must be bought at a MINIMUM HALF POUND, unless you buy the prepackaged cheeses at the front of the store & CASH ONLY
they've also got some meats like ham, salami, PROSCUITTO (i've had better but it's not bad)
their bread is from vieira's bakery but they also stock crackers and such!!
ONE PRECAUTION: check expiration dates... we've been sold an expired piece of cheese before... NO WONDER ITS CHEAP? beware!! -
Review from Lily L.
Great place to get cheese, yes, but also the pate is wonderful and very inexpensive. You do have to purchase 1/2 a pound minimum, but it really isn't that hard to eat...
If you're early enough, you can score yourself a delicious Balthazar French baguette. However, you're out of luck after midafternoon. I highly recommend their Rosemary ring (I believe it rang in at about $3.50 for a generous, heavy, fragrant round bread). It reheated beautifully and was delicious with clam chowder - I imagine it would go fantastically with tomato basil and butternut squash soups as well.
I adore their Emmi yogurts - best selection I've found in the city, and although still a splurge, delicious at $1.89 each. They also offer nonpasteurized yogurt.
Only downside is that sometimes they don't stock the same products. I was able to get Boursin light (um, I call this herb BUTTER CHEESE in case you've never had it -- tastes buttery/like crack/awesome) but then they seemed to stop carrying it. It can be a tossup what they have in stock.
Cheap cheap cheap mascarpone cheese - less than $2.
Always a happy happy gal when I leave with my finds! -
Review from Eve T.
New York, NY
Great place for cheap cheese, especially if you are making a spread for a party or picnic. I go there so much that I've become first name basis with one of the ladies behind the counter. The only thing is you have to know what you want going into the store because they don't let you taste it and there's a 1/2 lb minimum. They lack the more sophisticated cheeses and their brie selection is very limited. Other than that, I've never been disappointed with this place. They also have great fresh cream cheese, roasted red peppers, and baguettes too, although you'll have to get there early as the ones from Balthazar tend to run out first. Cash only.
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Review from Emma L.
Great selection of cheeses, for cheap!
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Review from Andrew D.
This is a great place to get good, cheap, high quality cheese of all descriptions. The prices are generally about 10% - 20% lower than Whole Foods and other places that would have excellent cheeses, and the selection rotates on a seasonal basis, by availability.
Along with the cheeses, they have a lot of excellent meats. This is the place I go for speck, as it tends to be close to half the price of other locales. And it's damned fine, I tell you.
The store has a small selection of other goods, crackers and pickles and whatnot. It's helpful if you don't want to make another stop.
The only beef I have with the place is the occasionally chaotic method for ordering up your cuts. Some of the folks who wander in there are not in tune with the getting-in-line-and-waiting-your-turn protocol, and it gets crudded up pretty quick. My solution is generally the same as on the sidewalk... kick the tourists out of the way.
NB: This is a cash establishment. -
Review from Ryan B.
The East Village Cheese shop has more or less ruined all other cheese shops for me. Their prices defy logic. They're practically giving the stuff away. You can go in here and seriously stock up on a myriad of cheeses for $5-$10. Its absurd. You'd think there is a catch. You'd think that all this cheese is a day away from expiring. You'd think they stole all this cheese and the cops are about to bust in and close up their little 'operation'. Nope. Nope. Nope. Not at all. Delicious, fresh, stacked high with as many calories and grams of fat that can possibly be crammed into a small piece of edible material...CHEESE!!! LEGIT CHEESE!!!
Their rotating selection of cheeses is by no means comprehensive, but it is enough to make this your 'go-to' spot for cheese, possibly your ONLY spot. All the usual suspects are always here: all our favorite imports, domestics, even soy cheeses for all you vegans out there. I've never come here and not left with what I came for, plus six other items.
The service is nothing to write home about, but its manageable. I've seen the cheese mongers become slightly "soup-nazi-ish" when they are busy, so I'd suggest knowing what you want before you get to the counter. They don't seem to be very communicative, so don't expect to shoot the shit about cheese with them.
Beyond cheese, they have just about everything you'd ever want to accompany your cheese (minus booze, but that shouldn't be a problem considering you are in new york city). I think that they carry every type of cracker in existence. The cracker prices are on par with supermarkets, so don't expect to get the hookup on that stuff too.
My recent discovery is their deli section. Their charcuterie is literally half the price of most other delis. The other day I got a half a pound of domestic prosciutto ($5) and the person working behind the counter spent about 10 minutes gracefully slicing each piece of my meat so paper thin. Thank you good sir, that was some of the most amazing (and cheap) charcuterie I've encountered. I'll be back for more very soon!Listed in: resources for nyc foodies, Bike Ride Chronicles
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Review from Robin K.
This place has destroyed me. I cannot buy cheese anywhere else, because it just seems like a ripoff in comparison. This place is adorable, convenient for me, the people who work there are nice and helpful, and they have really nice products besides cheese! They occasionally have really good deals on random hummus, fresh pasta, and yogurt. And the blondies they have in the case by the register... they show up in my dreams. That is all. I love this place!
I agree with the other reviews...check expiration dates, people. But shouldn't you be doing this anyway whenever you buy dairy products? -
Review from Ben G.
Brooklyn, NY
The go to spot of you're feeling Cheesy...
You probably wont believe this place when you actually walk in and see the prices... There has to be a catch somewhere... you actually look for it... Nope... Good quality cheese at a price you literally are happy to pay.
Things to remember:
1) Ordering cheese is by the half pound minimum...
2) Know what you want when you talk to one of the mongers (kind of Soup Nazi esque.)
3) CASH ONLY!!!!
Plan of action:
1) Raid the fridge as you get in.... Really good finds there!
2) Get on line and look up what you want....
3) Order your cheeses (remember sometimes a cheese like Saint Andre that is normally $15 a pound may not be so fresh at 2.99. But they're not bad either).
4) Give the monger your found gems from the fridge... Get your receipt... pay... leave!
5) Struggle to support the weight of the cheese you just bought.Listed in: Shopping in the City...
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Review from Lauren L.
Okay so I haven't even had the cheese I bought from here yet and well I'm not sure I want too!! My friend was ranting and raving about the goat cheese with cranberries and cinnamon, so after brunch we stopped by to grab some. While he was checking out I was looking at the cheese and then happened to look down ... HUGE cockroach, HUGEEEE!! I had to leave the shop right away, I was totally grossed out.
When my friend came out, he told me a woman stepped on it and didn't even notice. I know this is going to happen at places everywhere in NYC but I was totally grossed out. At least my cheese was nicely wrapped and it better be worth it!
Otherwise, great little cheese shop, amazing prices and a wide variety of cheeses as well. -
Review from Christine E.
New York, NY
I don't have much to say that hasn't been said already. Yes, they are incredibly cheap, and as someone who has only been in New York for three weeks, I think I can safely say that my standards have not been Manhattan-warped yet. In my experience the staff has been sweet and helpful, and despite telling me that they could not offer any tastes, two different employees have done so anyway on different occasions, perhaps in response to the sad look on my face.
My one gripe is that they are super-low on goat cheeses. Two goat goudas, three chevre/fresh options and that's it. I know that they're a discount place, but as a percentage of the overall cheeses offered, it was still an incredibly low number. I would definitely come here for cheeses I use in recipes, like parmesan, chevre, blue cheese and pecorino, but for eating cheeses other than Brie I'll be looking elsewhere, since goat cheese is where it's at. -
Review from Sean M.
The only thing better than cheese is cheap cheese!
The selection is kind of limited but the prices totally make up for it. They even sell a variety of crackers and a few different types of salami, it's a one-stop-shop for assembling a cheese picnic.
CASH ONLY. -
Review from Eugene K.
I needed 10lbs of Brie cheese and I panicked.
'lo and behold, East Village Cheese came to the rescue. 1lb for $2.99.
It made me feel good, Halle Berry good (see Monster Ball).
I just wouldn't recommend carrying 10lbs of cheese in the subway, in the summer. You'll be left with Brie whiz... -
Review from Scott K.
New York, NY
No samples?
How can you buy cheese without tasting it?
Prices good but that "no tasting" policy prevents me from going there more often. -
Review from Jen G.
I'm not quite sure how I've never been here before but i'm SO glad I finally made it in! I've never seen cheeses so cheap- a HUGE wedge of brie for $2, pecorino romano for $7/lb...this place is my cheesy heaven on earth!
added bonus- they sell my favorite babaghanoush that I can't find anywhere!!! -
Review from Jill F.
Holy-Moly Cheap Cheese from Heaven on Earth in The East Village!
This place is dreamy, like your first make-out session in your parents car in high school, totally dreamy. When first strolling in, there are a bazillion little hand-written paper signs covering the glass windows on cheese specials and prices (all probably from 2005) but once you open the door you are bombarded by an overwhelming amount of cheeses at ridiculous prices! You go here when you know what you want, and you want it cheap. They also carry Balthazar bread, tons of crackers and jams in the back of the store!
What is so amazing about this store is that you can get the same exact brands of unique cheeses for $4 dollars less than Whole Foods. It's outstanding! I think they must buy in bulk and sell quickly to keep the prices to low.
Brie for $3 dollars? An entire goat cheese log for $1.99? You can't come out of here without at least five different kinds! Cheese addicts unite!Listed in: When I escape to NYC, East Village Escapes
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Review from Viviana R.
Manhattan, NY
This is the place to go if you are looking for a wide selection of cheeses at a very low price. I always buy the cheese from here when we have workshops for our teachers (we all love cheese and wine).
They also have hummus and a lot of different crackers.
I recommend this place! -
Review from Freya C.
C is for the Camembert you offer me,
H is Hogging all the brie I see,
E is Easy-peasy
Extra-aged gouda pleasey
S is So much more
Edam and feta that I adore...
Cheese, is not all this place will give to you
Cheese, the prices here will teach you a thing or two...
Two cream crackers will make it
Take some mozzarella between them - go ahead and break it
Cheese, was made for me and you.Listed in: Gastronomic Rhymes
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Review from Ying L.
New York, NY
It's because of East Village Cheese that I now consume a semi-circle of triple cream brie every single week.
Thank god it is closed late nights or I'd be staggering around Third Avenue with a brick of pistachio halvah crumbling all over my mouth on a weekly basis, too. -
Review from Max M.
Manhattan, NY
Its hard for me not to be a fan of a cheese shop....so I'm a fan. Cheese is just one of those thigns that makes me happy in life, and inexpensive cheese just makes me smile even more.
Ths place has a great selection at a really good price. I will say that I'd take the cheese section of Zabars over this palce any day, but still a fantastic store! -
Review from MichLee A.
New York, NY
What's the best thing since sliced bread? Cheap, delicious, quality cheese to put on it! East Village Cheese has a crazy selection of fantastic cheeses from all over the world, and the prices are shockingly low. We bought half a pound of cranberry stilton, a wedge of brie, a tub of gorgonzola, sharp cheddar, and three fresh rolls for under $9. I'm still in a daze from the awesomeness of it all!
As everyone else has noted: 1/2 pound minimum on the non-prepackaged cheese and cash only. -
Review from Jane K.
1lb of triple cream brie: $2.99
.5lb Holland smoked gouda: $2.90
Package of Carrs crackers: $1.99
Italian imported basil gnocchi: $3.00
Knowing that you saved double digits on some of the creamiest, tastiest and most indulgent cheese and cheese accompaniments in Manhattan: priceless.
And don't bother bringing your Mastercard, it's cash only. -
Review from Spencer K.
Manhattan, NY
During my first week living in NYC, I friend of mine asked, "Have you been to East Village Cheese yet?" To give you an idea of my lack of experience, I replied "Where's the East Village?" At that, he grabbed me by the arm, and we took off on a brisk pace. Before you even enter the shop, you'll notice the windows are completely covered with papers advertising cheeses, which (for me) creates feelings of exclusiveness and knowing a "local secret". Once inside, the shop is oftentimes very crowded. These are the cheapest prices for cheese I have found in NYC. I would definitely advise checking expiration dates before checking out. But regardless, it is an experience. If you love cheese, you cannot afford to miss this place. Don't expect it to be Murray's; they do not give samples.
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Review from Kevin L.
Even the cheapskate Asian in me feels a little bit guilty for taking advantage of the absurdly affordable deals on cheese here. -That's- how inexpensive the products are.
For just over $5, I walked home with over a half pound of soft, fluffy, delightful grated parm... and -another- half pound of sharp, crumbly bleu cheese cut fresh off the wheel and expertly plastic-wrapped.
Don't get me wrong - the selection is impressive as well. From cheap Tribe hummus (half the price of my bodega downstairs) to $11/lb. imported Romano to shelves of sausages and crackers... this is a one-stop-shop to the bread and charcuterie board of your dreams.
I don't know that it rivals the epic-osity of Berkeley's Cheese Board, but considering it's a mere five minutes from my place, I'm going to say that its proximity makes up for any deficiencies in product selection.
In and out in under ten minutes... seven of which were probably caused by my own indecision. It's so easy it almost takes the fun out of shopping for food. Almost!Listed in: NYC Groceries
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Review from Nicolay S.
Manhattan, NY
I am baffled by the raving reviews of this place. First, if you go after 5, expect a 30-40 min wait. It's packed. Second, the selection of cheeses is only slightly above average, with most cheeses available at your local supermarket. There may be a few exotic types, but you wouldn't know what they taste like (since they won't let you try them). If that wasn't enough, most of the "fresh" cheeses they sell (mozzarella, ricotta, feta) typically expire within a few days of purchase. Beware.
Yes, it's cheap, but you get what you pay for. If you want a fantastic cheese selection and a slightly more civilized environment, go to Murray's. -
Review from Laura B.
This is a very interesting place. Depending upon when you go, who is working, and what you look like, you only sometimes get the really good stuff. When you do it's amazing..when you don't...it's decent, but very well priced which makes it worthwhile.
You're probably wondering what I mean by really good stuff. Though I can't say for certain, it seems as though this place somehow manages to get French brie into the country that normally you don't find here if you know what I mean. I always ask if they have any additional brie selections. Sometimes someone goes into the back and brings out another brie which is clearly the one that I'm looking for. Other times, everyone looks at me like I have 2 heads. I'm not sure if there is somewhat of a supply and demand issue or if the staff is taught to be very skeptical. Either way, I don't seem to always make the cut. When I do though, WOW. -
Review from Albert W.
$5.99 for piave. Score. No "freshly" made dried sausage/ sopressata to go with it though. /sad face. Cash only, but definitely worth stopping into.
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Review from Metsuc K.
Brooklyn, NY
Simply AMAZING. Can comsume my weight in french cheese for less then 10$! Cheap and cheerful. Probably my favorite place in the whole city. What a deal, dont know how they do it!!
CASH ONLY. -
Review from Takako T.
New York, NY
I've been a loyal customer for years here, but my recent biggest finding was $1.79 Epoisses cheese!! And what is better, I found exactly the same brand of Epoisses in Murray's cheese for around 16!!! Was one step away to scream around at the shop...!
Also finally I tried the prosciutto here. Yes, as some of the reviewers mentioned, somehow the domestic one($9.99/lb) is dried, really dried. But as long as you get the one of imported, you can enjoy decent prosciutto for incredibly cheap price ($12.99/lb!)
Why don't they open the branch in midtown....1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/13/2010
No one can beat their price... Brie for $1 or 1.5, all the other on sale items are also incredibly… Read more »
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6/13/2010
