Eli's Manhattan
Upper East Side
1411 Third Ave.
at E. 80th St.
P: 212.717.8100
A large grocery and specialty market that is part of the Eli Zabar network and sister store to Eli's Vinegar Factory a few blocks further uptown.
What's great:
They have a large produce area that includes a lavish selection of organic fruits and vegetables. The meat department is a true butcher with skilled and knowledgable professionals preparing and finishing meats, poultry and game. It sells some hard-to-find meats including Berkshire pork chops and the harder-to-find pork loin, plus the splendid grass-fed Hardwick Beef. Very good fish department and huge cheese selection, although much of the cheese is pre-cut.
What to know:
Downstairs is produce, meat, fish and cheese and some grocery items. Upstairs is smaller and has household items, other grocery items, bakery goods, and prepared foods. This is not a store to hunt for bargains.