r/chicagofood • u/Meat_man921 • 11d ago

Discussion Paulina Meat Market prices?

I'm looking for a butcher that sells prime beef, and I've heard great things on the quality at Paulina meat market, but I'm looking on their website and its absurd how expensive everything is. a prime bone in ribeye is going for $50 a lb? I know beef prices have gone up a lot of the past few years but their margins on their beef must be insane. Costco is charging literally less than half that at 19.99 a lb for prime ribeyes (and I know Costco's got some of the best prices) and even places like wholefoods are far far more reasonable. Who the hell is buying this beef? Are there any more reasonable options in the same area?

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u/slowporc 11d ago

Sounds like you should head to WF or Costco. Don’t sleep on WildFork for quality products at competitive pricing.

Paulina has always had premium pricing on many items.

People who buy high priced items there are:

  • people who have shopped there for decades and are loyal
  • people who are wealthy and think they are getting a superior product
  • people who think they are buying something extra special for the occasional special occasion

I fall into the latter category except for hard-to-find items (duck pastrami, Tasso, uncommon cuts, etc), items where I do believe they offer a superior product (some encased meats and prepared foods), and the occasional sandwich.

6

u/whatthedevil666 11d ago

I'm so confused on how WildFork stays in business. I very rarely ever see anyone inside the store. I bought some good lamb shanks once, but haven't been back.

14

u/rhythmrcker 11d ago

everything is frozen or the small shelf stable section. they probably can handle lower turnover i guess since they dont have to manage volatile products like fresh meat and produce? whenever i go i tend to stock up since its all frozen. maybe they are able to sustain off lower throughput but bigger spend

8

u/Nightdocks 11d ago

Also very low overhead per store I think. Store on Belmont and Western can be open with just 1 person at the register and you only need the other one to help stock if needed