Super different supermarkets

Lucie Bernheim, Section Editor
March 29, 2018

Supermarkets are a staple in American culture, as well as around the world. Depending on where one lives and their budget for food, liquid, toiletries, they shop at different markets and stores. Some very popular markets around the US are Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Ralph’s, just to name a few. In New York City, there are some places to shop that are specific to each borough. Zabars, Pioneer, and 82nd Street Grocery are three markets that are popular on the Upper West Side.

Outside of Zabars, a gourmet supermarket located on the Upper West Side. Zabars is on the more high-end side of shopping for food, and has been around for over 80 years.
Zabars is famous for their dairy section. People from all over New York travel to pick some of the delicious selections of cheese they have.
Part of the bakery section where Zabars sells different types of bread, cakes, and more.
Overview of the meat department, along with different items such as bottles of olives, packaged salami, canned tuna fish and more. This section was not as crowded as dairy, but it was still pretty populated.
Close up of the nationally famous dairy section at Zabars. Zabars is the destination for their cheese and their fish, selling over 600 types of cheese.
Mid-day shopping: Upper West Siders and New Yorkers are doing their grocery shopping on this cold March day, stocking up on bread, cheese, meat, etc. Taken at 3:45 PM when many are at work, Zabars proves to be an important destination even in the middle of a work day.
Pioneer Supermarket is a market located on 73rd and Columbus. There aren’t that many markets like this one in NYC anymore, especially on the Upper West Side where there are plenty of Fairways, Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s. But it is proven to be a neighborhood staple.
The dairy section at Pioneer is not the same as Zabars, but it still quite the setup. Customers have lots of cheese, milk and yogurt to choose from!
The good news is that no one will be running out of cereal anytime soon! There are plenty of cheerios, fruit loops, etc. This feels like the epitome of American culture.
Juice is a staple for many in the morning, and Pioneer market makes no exception! You can drink orange juice, apple juice, and grape juice. You can also drink lemonade and many other drinks!
Not only does Pioneer sell food and beverages, but they also sell cleaning supplies and general necessities! Pictured are some paper towel, which is a household necessity.
It seems that every neighborhood in NYC has at least one bodega. They are essential to New York culture, as they are a place you can buy essentially anything. 82nd Street Grocery specializes in that, and as well as making your favorite sandwiches has groceries. They sell great egg and cheese sandwiches, chopped cheese sandwiches, roast beef, etc.
The best sandwiches come from bodegas/delis. And 82nd Street Grocery specializes in just that!
Beans are a great way to get protein, and they aren’t too expensive. So 82nd Street Grocery makes sure to have plenty!
Just like Zabars and Pioneer, 82nd Street Deli sells bread and canned tuna fish and canned food. While their bread may not be freshly baked and they may not have different types of canned food, they still have a variety to choose from!