Paulina Market — Attraction in Lake View Township

Paulina Market is simply the Best of the Best. Period. Paragraph. It is an experience from the moment you walk thru the door. The smell hits you instantly, then you see the cases wall to wall of the best cuts of pork, beef, chicken and lamb. Next the case of fresh homemade sausage and brats. Not to be outdone the cold cuts, braunschweiger and bacon. Do not leave without trying the jerky sliced to order, it is nothing short of amazing. My latest trip I saw they added Waygu beef jerky that melts in your mouth. Ridiculously delicious. If you like charcuterie you can create an out of this world charcuterie board. During the entire experience you have a personal butcher to help you through the entire process. These men know everything about every product they sell and stay with you through your entire shopping experience. Have no illusion quality like this comes at a premium, but it's worth every penny. I look forward to every visit here. My wife and I left Illinois 10 years ago but every visit home ends with a trip to Paulina market on the way out of town. If this sounds remotely appealing its better than you think. Be aware if you go on the weekend its busy like you wouldn't believe, especially in the summer, or on or around a holiday weekend. Take a number, its worth the wait. IMHO this butcher shop is a destination not to be missed. Highly...

I Really don't know how this store gets high reviews. Overly priced. Krakus ham @$9/lb??? For real??? I went for italian sausage. Special occasion & wanted the Best. The service is crap, and our guy had no idea what was in the sausage. Didn't know what fennel was& that should of been the Major Flag, but i gave it a shot. Perhaps he was hungover? Took him forever to wrap 2 "torpedos" / patties of italian sausage. For $12 I expected flavor..Nodda..salt &? Such a disappointment & surely the original owners must be flipping in their graves to see this place go down the Hill! Your a Meat butcher so why r you selling frozen seafood you can buy anywhere? Stick to Meat.. but you clearly can't do that either. The craftsmanship is gone & truly sad that in chicago all the True places that had true craftsman are long gone. Save your money & go elsewhere...then let me know where to get good old fashion full of flavor Italian Sausage...please. It is just another glorified gift store. So sad...

One of the last truly great butcher shops in the Chicago metro area (especially now that Schmeisser's closed). Best selection of sausages bar none, particularly the veal brats, which are the best I've ever had - including in Germany. You can get virtually anything here, including game meat (although that's mostly frozen). I knew this before going today, but couldn't resist - NEVER go on the Saturday before Christmas unless you have no other choice. I got there at 845a and there were already 30+ people in line outside. By the time they opened at 9a, there were at least another 40 people in line behind me. But they are efficient and knowledgeable - if there is a cut of meat that looks appealing, but you've never worked with it, the butchers can tell you how. Or if you are trying a recipe with a cut of meat that you dont recognize, they can tell you what will work. I've been coming here for 25+ years and have never been disappointed. They also take...