Monday, June 29th, 2009

Zabar’s, located on 80th and Broadway, is an Upper West Side staple and the go-to place for many New Yorkers to pick up quality specialty foods. 

Zabar’s was founded by Louis Zabar (1901-1950), who moved to the U.S. from Ukraine in the 1920’s, and went from a single stall in a farmer’s market in Brooklyn to 10 stores in Manhattan at the time he died.  He had three sons, Saul, Stanley, and Eli.  Today, Saul Zabar is the president of Zabar’s, Stanley Zabar is the vice president, and Eli Zabar has his own successful food operation.

The block of Broadway between 80th and 81st began first as tenements in the 1870’s, and after a sale of the property in 1890 and the building of elegant apartments in the area by the turn of the century, a remodel led to the building containing both apartments and storefronts on Broadway.  Several stores rented in the first floor, and by 1920, the building displayed the Gothic decoration, beamed ceilings, and leaded casement windows that are seen today.  Zabar’s Super Market moved in during the 1940’s, and it expanded as the years went on.  By 1980, Zabar’s occupied the entire building, including the rooms upstairs.

Today, you can head to Zabar’s to pick up some of the best imported cheeses, smoked fish, and fresh breads in town.  The store itself is large, crowded, and full of character; many of the employees have worked there for several decades.  The varieties of smoked salmon are arguably the best around, and the gourmet coffee is Saul Zabar’s specialty (he still acts as the official taster).  There is a free tasting of cheese in the cheese department every Thursday from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, or you can participate in one of Zabar’s many other events, scheduled here.  Happy shopping and eating!

Zabar’s

Open daily at or before 9:00 am and until at least 6:00 pm

Broadway at 80th Street

Filed under: Upper West Side
Tags: Grocery Stores, Landmarks, Louis Zabar, Saul Zabar, Specialty Foods, Zabar's