Schatzie the Butcher

Let me be clear: this update is NOT for the butcher shop, but for the hamburger joint attached. The butcher shop is GREAT. Schatzie is GREAT. I also want to mention the butcher who works there with him. GREAT.
However, the hamburger has gone downhill fast. I was blown away in August, but now it’s on my don’t waste your money list. What used to be a fine quality burger cooked just right is now just awful. Instead of a little salt and pepper, it is now over-​seasoned with god only knows what commercial and chemical tasting seasonings. You would never know that the meat is first quality. It tastes like the proverbial sawdust burger. Burgers ordered medium arrived grey and dry. Like bad meat loaf without the gravy. I don’t know why you would ruin good beef with seasonings from a jar. Or worse. What a let down. I won’t even mention the fries. Feh. They used to have a waitress and Richie (who I assume was the chef) was in the kitchen. That worked. Now, Richie is in the front, and someone else is cooking. Not the best business decision. He’s not a bad guy, but clearly a better chef than people person. When customers are not happy with their burgers, the waiter/​manager should offer to re-​cook them, not say something about «let me know next time.» As if.

Have been buying my Thanksgiving Turkey from here for 28 years! The meat is always delicious and the service is outstanding. Can’t go wrong… Long Live Schatzie… King of Meats!

Best and most likable butcher in the City. I go there 2 – 3 times a week. Really fair prices on prime meat, duck, lamb, etc. Also his son has a burger place next door, that makes fresh ground burgers that are pretty outstanding.

The best meat, ever! Support your local butcher or it will be replaced by a supermarket.

Son is nasty, father is mellowed a bit but neither would honor a groupon. Meat in general is overpriced and you feel intimidated from the moment you walk in by these two mega personalities who certainly do not believe that the customer always comes first.

Fantastic burgers! Gotta try Ritchies grassfed burger, its delicious. Ritchie himself hangs out and watches baseball with you. A great experience

We are SO lucky to have Schatzie’s in the neighborhood… there are precious few butchers left in NYC. I’ve known about Schatzie’s for years, back to the time he was on the UES. Then I moved out of NY so missed the move to Amsterdam Ave. Now I’m back in NY and the new place is a couple of blocks away and I’m delighted.
I recently had a houseful of guests coming for a long weekend out on Long Island and so went to Schatzie to stock up. I got veal chops, butterflied leg of lamb, tri-​tips (sp?) and free-​range chickens. It was all cut to order and then vacuum packed to save space. Everything was absolutely fabulous and got rave reviews from my guests. The quality is outstanding.
The burger joint is great… simple, uncomplicated and fabulous burgers as well as a good pulled pork sandwich. I don’t understand the comments from Charles R… I am a frequent customer and Metro Diner and like it a lot but you can’t compare the two burgers… as the Brits would say, it’s comparing «chalk and cheese».
I agree with Kate B. about the casualness. Everyone, staff and guests, are friendly and relaxed. It’s a wonderful addition to the neighborhood.

This was my first time ever dining in, and I had a grilled chicken sandwich with onion rings. The chicken superb and the onion rings were perfection. If you are anywhere nearby definitely stop in and try anything. Five stars is an understatement.

Just had lunch at Richie’s Burger Joint — the eat-​in section of Schatzie’s. When I heard they were moving uptown from their former location I was pretty excited as I’d heard a good deal about it but had never been. I have to honestly say it was all-​that and more.
We both ordered the Hudson Valley Grass Fed Burgers. Perfectly prepared — a REAL medium rare and perfect medium — and the fixings were also laid on in just the right amount. But the meat was SUPERB and wasn’t overpowered at all by the typical trimmings. Even the onion was part of the flavor and not THE flavor. At $ 13 it’s comparable to what you’d pay almost anywhere else in the neighborhood, although in a less «atmospheric» environment — but I wanted the meat, not the dim lighting. Haven’t had a better burger anywhere east of Boulder CO. Forget Shake this or Mel’s that — — - this has it ALL OVER the competition!
We also decided to try the Brussels Sprouts w Pancetta app since, well, since we really LOVE Brussels Sprouts. Moist, swimming in a marvelous garlicky broth and cooked to a turn. AWESOME! I’ve gotta figure out how to make it like this at home — — - but, hey, why bother when they’ll make it for me?
I have a «what’s my tummy saying?» evaluation process about meals, and when I left my tummy was singing a happy little tune. In fact, it was so happy it made me stop at the butcher section to take home some slab bacon. Can’t wait to try it for breakfast tomorrow.
Also really impressed with their line of prepared foods at reasonable prices. They are next on my «must try» list — — - and don’t forget their revolving selection of seasonal beers on tap. OK — I’ve died and gone to heaven.
AND (as if that wasn’t enough) they carry a line of Italian specialities, including products from Raffettos’ on Houston Street. Any place that carries Raffetto’s really knows about food — — - — - — ’nuff said. I’ll be back many, many times.
Just be sure and bring cash — the Burger Joint doesn’t accept plastic.

Great burgers and beer selection! Nice to have a grass fed beef option.

I love this place. The meat selection is such good quality. The employees are very helpful in selecting the cut of meat and telling you the best way to cook it. There is a wide selection. It’s Whole Foods quality (if not better) without their price! Any cooking fans I really recommend checking this place out. Planning on making a chicken soon and guess where I’ll be going!
My husband and I went to get burgers. So good. I think what I love about this place is the casualness of it. They grind their own hamburger meat (obviously haha) and it feels like if you make a burger at home. Nothing fancy but so tasty. Probably one of the best burgers I had. Nice a juicy and flavorful. Cooked just how I like it and the only way you should get a burger, medium rare. If you get a few toppings it can start to get a little expensive but I feel like that’s kinda every where. They have a good beer selection too. I didn’t care for the fries we got but my husband loved them. We got the Belgium style with rosemary. I think I just prefer fries with just salt, pepper and ketchup (yes pepper).

Awesome burgers, awesome fries, awesome beer selection.
If you’re in the mood try the fried Oreos!

Excellent beer selection, really great burger; perfectly cooked, great cheese, delicious bacon– the doors are open and get nice fresh air and everyone is extra nice at the place. Looking forward to trying some of the items from the butcher shop. Glad to have this in the neighborhood