Key Takeaways:
- Arthur Avenue in The Bronx is celebrated as NYC’s “Real Little Italy,” offering an authentic Shopping experience steeped in Italian-American heritage.
- Discover generations-old, family-run Local Businesses, including renowned butchers, bakers, cheese shops, and specialty food importers.
- Find Unique Finds from fresh pasta and hand-rolled cigars to imported delicacies and traditional crafts.
- Plan your visit using insider tips: shop early (especially Saturdays), bring some cash, and engage with the friendly shopkeepers.
Welcome to Arthur Avenue, the heart of Belmont in The Bronx and arguably New York City’s most authentic Little Italy. Forget tourist traps; this neighborhood is a living, breathing marketplace where generations of Italian-American families have crafted a unique Shopping destination. This guide offers a local’s perspective on navigating the best Specialty Stores and uncovering the Unique Finds that make Arthur Avenue a cherished shopping experience.
A Taste of History: How Arthur Avenue Became a Shopper’s Haven
Arthur Avenue’s story begins in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as Italian immigrants settled in The Bronx, drawn by work opportunities at nearby landmarks like the Bronx Zoo and New York Botanical Garden. The street, named for U.S. President Chester A. Arthur, quickly became the center of a vibrant community.
Family-owned businesses – butchers, bakers, fishmongers, pasta makers – sprang up, establishing traditions that continue today. A pivotal moment came in 1940 when Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia opened the Arthur Avenue Retail Market, providing an indoor space for many street vendors and cementing the area’s status as a vital commercial hub. This dedication to quality and tradition defines the neighborhood’s enduring appeal.
Navigating the Neighborhood
Arthur Avenue and the surrounding streets are packed with treasures. Here’s how to get around:
- Getting Here: Take the B or D subway lines to Fordham Road or the Metro-North Railroad (Harlem or New Haven lines) to Fordham.
- Parking: A public lot is available (check rates), and street parking can be found, though it gets competitive, especially on weekends.
The Local Shopping Scene: Traditions & Insider Tips
Shopping on Arthur Avenue is an experience. It’s about the aroma of baking bread and curing meats, the lively chatter, and the connection to long-standing traditions. Many shops have been run by the same families for generations.
When to Visit:
- Peak Times: Weekends, especially Saturdays, are the most vibrant but also the most crowded. Shops typically open early (around 8 AM) and close by 6 PM, with many closed on Sundays.
- Best Times: Aim for weekday mornings for a more relaxed experience and the best selection. Early Saturday mornings are best if you want the weekend buzz with slightly fewer crowds.
Insider Shopping Tips:
- Cash is Helpful: While many places take cards, having cash (especially small bills) is useful for smaller purchases (under $10-$20).
- Chat with the Owners: Don’t be shy! Shopkeepers are often passionate experts happy to offer recommendations or samples.
- Go Early: For the best selection of bread, seafood, or mozzarella, arriving early is key.
- Bring Bags: You’ll likely buy more than planned, so bring reusable shopping bags.
Must-Visit Shops: A Curated Directory
Here’s a guide to some of the standout Local Businesses and Specialty Stores that define Arthur Avenue Shopping. Always check current hours before visiting.
FOOD MARKETS & SPECIALTY STORES
- Arthur Avenue Retail Market
- Address: 2344 Arthur Avenue, The Bronx, NY 10458
- Specialties: Fresh produce, meats, cheeses, Italian specialty items, includes other vendors like The Bronx Beer Hall and La Casa Grande Cigars.
- Hours: 8 AM – 6 PM (Closed Sundays)
- Historical Note: Established 1940 by Mayor LaGuardia.
- Teitel Brothers
- Address: 2372 Arthur Avenue, The Bronx, NY 10458
- Specialties: Imported Italian cheeses, olive oils, canned tomatoes, vast selection of imported goods.
- Hours: 8 AM – 6 PM (Closed Sundays)
- Historical Note: Opened in 1915 by Austrian Jewish immigrants, a neighborhood fixture.
- Calabria Pork Store
- Address: 2338 Arthur Avenue, The Bronx, NY 10458
- Specialties: Famous “sausage chandelier,” sopressata, capicola, pancetta, n’duja, fresh sausage.
- Hours: 8 AM – 6 PM (Closed Sundays)
- Historical Note: Known as the ‘sausage king’ of the Bronx.
ARTISANAL SHOPS
- Casa Della Mozzarella
- Address: 604 East 187th Street, The Bronx, NY 10458
- Specialties: Legendary fresh, hand-pulled mozzarella (still warm!), provolone, scamorza.
- Hours: 8 AM – 6 PM (Closed Sundays)
- Historical Note: Famous for its fresh mozzarella, often drawing lines.
- Madonia Brothers Bakery
- Address: 2348 Arthur Avenue, The Bronx, NY 10458
- Specialties: Traditional Italian breads (prosciutto bread, olive bread), pastries, cookies (pignoli, cannoli).
- Hours: 7 AM – 7 PM (Closed Sundays)
- Historical Note: Established 1918, serving the community for over a century.
- Randazzo’s Seafood
- Address: 2327 Arthur Avenue, The Bronx, NY 10458
- Specialties: Wide variety of fresh seafood, clams, oysters, fish.
- Hours: 8 AM – 6 PM (Closed Sundays)
- Historical Note: A multi-generational family business and fixture for decades.
- Borgatti’s Ravioli and Egg Noodles
- Address: 632 E 187th St, Bronx, NY 10458
- Specialties: Fresh egg noodles cut to order, wide variety of ravioli (including seasonal fillings like pumpkin or lobster).
- Hours: Check locally (often closed Sun/Mon).
- Historical Note: Long-standing pasta institution.
UNIQUE ESTABLISHMENTS
- La Casa Grande Cigars
- Address: 2344 Arthur Avenue (Inside Retail Market), The Bronx, NY 10458
- Specialties: Hand-rolled cigars, watch them being made.
- Hours: 8 AM – 6 PM (Closed Sundays)
- Historical Note: Showcases traditional cigar rolling techniques.
- The Bronx Beer Hall
- Address: 2344 Arthur Avenue (Inside Retail Market), The Bronx, NY 10458
- Specialties: NY State craft beers, food menu sourced from market vendors.
- Hours: 11 AM – 10 PM (Closed Sundays)
- Historical Note: A modern addition celebrating local craft beverages and food.
Planning Your Visit: Practicalities
Best Days/Times: Weekday mornings offer a calmer experience. Saturday mornings provide buzz and full availability. Most shops are closed Sundays.
Getting There: Subway (B/D to Fordham Rd) or Metro-North (Fordham station) are convenient. Driving is possible, but parking requires patience.
What to Wear: Comfortable shoes are a must for walking!
Nearby: Combine your shopping trip with a visit to the Bronx Zoo or the New York Botanical Garden, both located nearby.
Conclusion
Arthur Avenue offers more than just Shopping; it’s a journey into the heart of The Bronx’s Italian-American soul. The Unique Finds at these Local Businesses – from perfectly aged cheese and hand-crafted pasta to robust cigars and crusty bread – are a testament to enduring traditions. Use this guide to explore the Specialty Stores, savor the atmosphere, and discover why Arthur Avenue remains the “Real Little Italy.”
Tags: The Bronx, Arthur Avenue, Shop, Shopping, Local Businesses, Italian Products, Unique Finds, Specialty Stores, Little Italy, Food Markets, Artisanal Shops, Bakeries, Butchers, Cheese Shops