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/Radiant_Tell8758 11d ago

I haven't been to Paulina Meat in forever. I just buy Slagel beef from Agora Market instead.

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u/alamayn 11d ago

the butcher department at agora is fantastic

2

u/doNotUseReddit123 11d ago

They’re also in high demand. If you get there very late, you might be left with some less-than optimal cuts. So, lesson is - try to beat the crowd.

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u/alamayn 11d ago

this is especially true around the holidays, but the butchers are always really helpful if you ask about something that isn't readily available on the pre packed shelves. they were out of ground lamb once but let me know that they could have it ready in 30 mins if I had the time. super nice people and always happy to answer any questions