Darke Pines

Dark Pines in Jersey City is the kind of joint that keeps faith alive in the simple miracle of a great sandwich. I’ve been slipping through its doors for over three years now, and every time, it delivers. No gimmicks, no Instagram circus tricks just honest, layered, beautifully executed sandwiches that remind you why you fell in love with eating in the first place. It’s the smell that hits first bread, char, fat, a whisper of vinegar and spice. The menu reads like a love letter to everything right about deli culture, but with enough edge to keep you curious. The pastrami smoky, tender, unapologetically salty is worth building your day around. The ham, somehow never dry, feels like redemption for every sad deli counter cold cut you’ve ever choked down. The perfect bread cheese condiment and meat combinations sing, they cut, they hold the whole thing together like a jazz trio finding its groove. The place isn’t fancy, but it doesn’t need to be. Dark Pines is about trust. You walk in, you order, and you know you’re going to get fed the way a sandwich should feed you big, messy, perfect. After three years, I can tell you this: it’s worth it, every damn time.

The Heirloom Tomato sandwich is amazing! So fresh and everything pairs perfectly. This place is such a gem. I’ve only had the tomato sandwich since I’m vegetarian, but I bet the rest of the menu is just as good. Can’t wait to try their focaccia next

My son shops here every week, which says everything you need to know. We were recently there to buy NY strip for a BBQ, along with fresh-baked bread and assorted condiments. I'm from Colorado, where beef pride is a thing, and this is the BEST steak I've ever had. Darke Pines (aside from having the coolest name ever) is a sustainable butcher offering pasture-raised beef, lamb, pork and poultry from the best local farms. They also sell vegetables at peak freshness and tasty sandwiches. The staff are friendly and genuinely interested in their customers. The owner, who greeted my son with a smile, suggested I agree with all his cooking ideas (wink). That personal touch and the quality of their products may be why there's usually a queue before they open. My only regret is they don't have an outpost near me.

Meat looks great! I like the service because I didn’t expect to have the exact cut I am looking for on lamb ribs. But they were able to cut it on site. The shop looks clean and clear. The lamb ribs taste great after I cook it in traditional Chinese way. I will definitely buy it again.

I’ve been coming to Darke Pines since they opened. The product quality and creativity have always been excellent. But when Will or Erica aren’t in the shop, the customer service often falls short. I’ve owned a retail business for nearly 40 years, and I can tell you: a great product isn’t enough. Customers want to feel welcome. Lately, that’s been missing at Darke Pines. Some staff are friendly, but others come off as rude or uninterested. I get that it’s frustrating when someone walks in close to closing time. But posted hours matter. They tell people when it’s okay to come in. If your lights are on and the door is open, customers will assume you’re open. Mopping the floor doesn’t say “closed.” Locking the door does. And if someone walks in to spend money, they shouldn’t be met with attitude. Compare that to Scale Fish Market around the corner, which is always packed and upbeat. Meanwhile, Darke Pines has been cutting back its offerings. That's telling, in my opinion. The meat is still great. But the service now feels like walking into a high school clique. If that’s your thing, go for it. If not, check out Pampita in the Heights. Great products and genuinely kind service.

I stopped in today for lunch and had the roast beef sandwich. It was the best sandwich I’ve ever had. I highly recommend trying it. The bread is great, beef is even better, and the peppers and stracciatella take it to a whole other level.

Saw the articles around their Heirloom Tomato sandwich. Was very good. But I also grabbed their roast beef with stracciatella and peppers. That blew me away. What I'd love to try is the roast beef sandwich with peppers swapped out with tomatoes. Wonder if they'd let me do it? As far as I know, sandwiches are only offered Wed - Saturday. And while in line (around 11:30am on Saturday, line wasn't too long) I figured most people would be ordering sandwiches. But most went for the other meats they offer. I'm too lazy to cook that stuff - but definitely inspiring. Anyway, worth the visit to try them!

I've been wanting to try a sandwich from here for sooo long and the sandwich schedule finally lined up with my work schedule. I had the Braised Beef and it was incredible, I should have asked to have it cut in half because it was big and messy but absolutely delicious! My one gripe with this place is there are no prices on any grocery products besides the meat and the sandwich menu. I really don't understand this at all. Even if you're prices are more expensive than an average grocery store, customers expect this because it's not your average grocery store, and you should give your customers the necessary information up front to make a purchase. Why would you want to alienate customers when you can easily spare them the uncomfortable situation of bringing a product up to the counter to see how much it is, realizing that's a little more than they can afford with the rest of their order, and having to put it back with a line waiting behind them, by just pricing your products to begin with? When people feel bad, awkward, uncomfortable - they don't want to spend money. Maybe they have a comfortable customer base for whom price isn't an option, but that just kinda makes it worse if that's the case. I love treating myself to some specialty products at a local grocer, i will gladly spend money for a treat, but I wont be back to buy their grocery products unless they put prices on them. The sandwich was astounding and worth every penny! I really hope they take this feedback into consideration because I would love to support and buy more from them!

Additional thoughts: I needed to come back and edit this and say that the chicken salad (tried today) at this place is one of the best I've ever ... Wow! A friend of mine, another local business owner in Jersey City, who I've known for a decade and shop from religiously (Love Locked JC) referred me to them and I decided to pop in on my way home today! I always trust her recommendations and this one continues to raise the bar. I grabbed a few things and was super impressed. Specifically got to try some of their focaccia and I put some of the pimento dip on it with a fried egg scrambled up and a little bit of Sriracha... That dip is no joke! So flavorful. I also got the chicken salad which I can't wait to try tomorrow but I've heard nothing but good things. Really really nice group of hard working staff in there! I appreciate that they let me chat their ears off for a few minutes that I was in there lol great selection of meat and a variety of other things that really can add to a dish :) They have a new customer in me for sure !

We bought a fresh turkey for Thankgiving dinner. It was delicious. It was all it should have been. I'm looking forward to making soup.

Pretty place but haven't bought anything here yet. We might come here for duck in the future though. Service was helpful.

The BEST butcher in Jersey City. I have had only amazing experiences shopping at Darke Pines. The quality of their meat is fantastic, but what really sets them apart is the experience they've created. Each time I've stopped here, I've been amazed by how friendly and helpful the butchers are. The last time I was there, I was looking for a specific meat that they did not have that day, and the butcher was kind enough to ask me what recipe I was making & helped me pick out an alternative meat that would work with the dish. They also stock some pretty exquisite snacks (especially cheese!). I feel so grateful to have Darke Pines in my neighborhood.

The meat is nicely prepared and very fresh. Love the steak -- soft and juicy. The service is great as always. The staff is helpful in recommending right meat and making flexible cuts. And despite the long line they keep track of people's order really well! This is my weekend must-go place now

Especially in the summer, I love to have access to great steaks for grilling. Darke Pines steaks have never disappointed and all the people working there are super helpful if you have any questions. Great place to have in the neighborhood!

I have never bought meat here to prepare at home, but certain days of the week they sell sandwiches. The Roast Beef is top notch. I got it yesterday and can't stop thinking about it. It was heavenly. I need another one immediately. Oh and service was friendly as well.

Dark Pines is probably my favorite spot in town. All of their meats are high quality and delicious. Their sandwiches are great and they have nice items in their store. The staff is also friendly and helpful. Highly recommend.

Love love a good piece of meat. And Dark pines delivers! The product is always so fresh and top quality. Once i overcooked my ny strip steak and thought it would be hard to chew, dry,... and it was still so good and tender!!! Prices are reasonable for the quality of the meat. Incredibly good

Great quality meats at this local butcher shop, as well as a small variety of other produce and goods. I can't normally find meats like lamb or duck at regular supermarkets, so I was happy to find them both sold here in several different cuts. The meat is truly high quality for cooking. I've also bought their lamb harissa "Merguez" sausage, and that was amazing in shakshuka (as the staff recommended!). Staff is very friendly and helpful. If you're looking for something special/specific, you can also order and reserve meats in advance.

As a butcher, I think the prices are a little steep. But their sandwiches are to die for. The quality of ingredients that go into each sandwich are amazing(most made in house)! Pastrami is my favorite on the list currently I think the only issue I have is that they sometimes sell out to quickly and I don't get the one I want, not a bad issue to have.

The roast beef sandwich is the best thing I've eaten in months! Please keep making the sandwich!

One word lots of vowels: MEEEEAAAAAAAAAT! Darke Pines is absolutely wonderful. Their curation of finely selected meats and cheeses is hands down what you'd expect from your local butcher if you have a celebrity chef. The cuts are mesmerizing and their meats have the most tenderizing marbleizing look to them. I usually buy all my pork and beef here. The set up is really cute and the staff has a heavy passion for Swansoning (Ron Swanson). Your meat HQ if you're swinging by Jersey City, you have to check this place out!

Amazing sandwich that are constantly changing. The staff seems to really care about the product. Meat is best quality in the area. Unfortunately the prices are too high to make it the go to butcher.

I loved my vegetarian sandwich from their sandwich shop! The flavors were perfect and the bread was super moist and fresh too. Their other vegetarian option is appealing, but I'm not huge on brie. I hope they rotate these 2 veggie sandwiches out soon so I can try something else delicious!

I didn't realize there's an awesome butcher shop nearby. Everything here was super fresh and high quality. The cold cuts were made in house and not salty.

Came in with my heart set for a special bone in rib roast for Christmas dinner. Only problem was that I was cooking for me, my husband and our two sons (5 and 1) and didn't make sense to drop $$$ on a rib roast that we couldn't finish ourselves. The employee there recommended the tri tip given that I wanted a roast cut and IT WAS AMAZING. I was skeptical but he insisted it was one of his favorites. It ended up being perfect for my family as you are able to achieve different levels of cook given the shape. So, me and my husband ate med rare and my sons had med well pieces from the tip. It was also super easy to prepare. So happy I came here and was convinced to try a new cut. Will be coming back for more! Thank you to the employee that helped me!

All around great experience at this local butcher shop in downtown Jersey City. Stopped in during the unfortunate pandemic and had to stand online... My tip would be to get here as early as possible as they are only allowing two customers in at a time. This includes if you are with your partner to keep the line moving it was suggested that one person goes in to complete the order. Was provided with great suggestions, the service was impeccable, very friendly and informative. Fresh produce and meat with great quality. Unfortunately I smashed my bone broth so can't give a full review on that but otherwise the pimento cheese and chicken salad was amazing. Tried the picanha which was DELICIOUS and so easy to make (they even gave some tips to cook). I still have a whole chicken ready for dinner this week but this was definitely worth the wait! Can't wait to be back!

Highest quality meats I have ever tried. They have a beautiful display of all of their top notch meats but also side selections such as dry pasta, a few produce items, and a few other items to help you think of a delicious meal with your meat selection. Erica and Will are knowledgeable about their products but they are also very humble! This is truly a hidden gem in JC...

Came here to check out the offering of cuts and also buy a sandwich. The roast beef sandwich was really top notch. Sour bread was delicious. Will definitely come back next time we're planning on firing up the grill!

Where to start with Darke Pines? After dealing with grocery delivery services over the past several months, I have become accustomed to random product substitutions, things that just aren't available, products that... just aren't what you expected. So when it came time to trying to find some really good cuts of beef for a backyard bbq dinner, I knew Darke Pines was my go-to reliable source of quality beef that I can go and see and pick. Will and Erica are fantastic owners who pride themselves in customer service in addition to their product. I emailed in to see if anything was in short supply and if i needed to reserve anything - these steaks that I looked to procure were the centerpieces of our bbq dinner. They were super responsive and told me to swing by so they could show me how the marbling on their NY strip and Ribeyes looked like and advice on portioning. During my time there, I saw their shipment of produce come in from Lancaster farms. The tomatoes they brought in looked super fresh and beautiful. It was really awesome to see that it was a short chain of farm to local store to my table. Anyway, I ended up with 2 x 1.75" thick NY Strips (custom cut and trimmer - about 2.5 lbs) and threw them on the grill. It came out perfect. The meat was tender, flavorful, delicious. I can't wait to come back for more.

Love to tell you what my new favorite cut is but I can't no way no how do that. Never enough for me to share. Sorry.

DARKE PINES REFUSES SERVICE TO PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES Very disappointing and upsetting as I had high hopes for this place. I went in to pick up lunch and was promptly told: "No, we don't do sandwiches" I replied "oh I thought you did... oh there's a menu here on your counter" "No, not today. No sandwiches at all today" It felt odd. I left feeling sad and upset by the vibe. My sister called them 20 minutes later to see if she could pick up a sandwich for lunch- to which they said "Yes, we are serving sandwiches today. Come on by" Discriminatory practices like this are disappointing and disgusting and have no place here.

We all want an easy, congenial relationship with a local business, especially one whose fare is so wonderful, but I concur with other reviewers here that the attitude of the staff is strangely disrespectful and impatient - at no provocation. Their meats are consistently superb and they carry quality condiments and other products. It's a shame that they are unpleasant to deal with because I would have loved to have been a regular. I'm not going to give my business to a place that steps on you for the trouble.

Good meats, BAD ATTITUDE!. Ive been here 4 or 5 times over the past 2 years and just about every time, someone behind the counter has a snarky comment or attitude. This most recent experience, one of the guys was actually helpful but the other who was cutting the meat, was an absolute dick. (younger guy) They just don't get customer service and since they are the only game in downtown, I guess they get away with it for now, I wanted to crack the guy in the face but who wants to get arrested in a meat shop. Its not worth it. Anyway, I go the the Heights now where there is a great meat shop and I feel welcome every time!

I had been meaning to check out the meats at Darke Pines for ages, and finally did so right before Thanksgiving: I bought a whole duck and a poussin for a makeshift 'ducken' recipe, which turned out to be delicious! Also purchased some merguez, which were perfectly spiced and delicious. Back to the duck though: the bird was large and seriously tasty. Having bought duck from big ticket supermarkets and grocery stores (and also chinatowns in various cities) previously, I can tell you that this was a quality of meat far superior to anywhere else in JC, and in my view most places I have been to in the tri-State area. The team at Darke Pines are friendly, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about their work. I will definitely be buying my meat from here going forward, and highly recommend that anyone reading this does too!

I personally do not eat meat but my fiancé loved his steak. Way better quality and great prices to buy from here then key foods etc. god knows where that meat is coming from... I also get my bone broth here that they sell which is great! Highly highly recommend!

Been going here for years. The other day I walked in to purchase a potato for a meal I was preparing. I was just in there a few days before, and purchased a bunch of meat, and had plenty of product. I was leaving the country the next morning, so this is all I needed for the time being. The lady at the front counter was incredibly rude and said "a potato, that's it, I mean what, is this maybe $1? Do you have a dollar? Thanks buddy." Laughing, and treating any customer this was is completely unacceptable. I felt very belittled. I will never ever go back to this place and give my business. There's plenty of other good places in jersey city that treat their customers with respect.

Great butcher! wish they had better pricing and higher end meats like waygu, or kobe.

I really wanted to like this place. But the first time I got their hot sausage which was just mediocre, so I gave it a second try based on its 5 star yelp comments. I got a 2 pieces of $50 steak the second time but the quality was not as good either. I really don't know what to say. Too bad!

There's nothing bad I could say about this place. Incredible variety of EXTREMELY FRESH cuts of meat. A little expensive but the quality shines through and is well worth the cost. I love that I can get anything from osso bucco to cheeseburger sausage to lamb bacon here. Outside of that, there are some fun pantry and fridge staples they offer that go well with their meat selection. Def worth a try if you're in Hudson County.

a great little shop with an outstanding meat selection and consistent friendly service. a little pricey because the quality is unmatched. we love this place!

Pretentious and rude. Hours and days of operation constantly changing. They don't list a phone number but if you call, the answering machine asks you to go to their Instagram page to see what they have in stock for the day, but when you go to the Instagram account there's nothing about the inventory. If you enjoy rude service and high prices, this is the place for you.

We love the quality of ingredients that one can find at Darke Pines. We discovered it some weeks ago and have shopped there ever since (Tenderloin Filet, Bone Marrow, Osso Buco); One can also call them or follow them on IG to request specific pieces and cuts and 'order' them. Very recommended!

Darke Pines is exactly what downtown needed. There are no butchers, let alone a good grocery store in Jersey City. No more schlepping into the city or the suburbs for high-quality meat. The shop is so clean, welcoming, and unintimidating. As a vegetarian (my bf is a carnivore), I'm not intimidated or taken aback walking in here. While the fresh locally sourced meat selection is set up at the front counter, they also have shelves of accoutrements and meat-free items like spices, kombucha, and eggs. My bf has tried multiple items from Darke Pines and particularly loves their homemade burger blends-all of them! And the beef jerky! We both also love the Southern Flavor spice (not just on meat!), which came recommended to us by the owners, who by the way, are just the absolute loveliest people. Welcome to the neighborhood, Darke Pines! Can't wait to keep m-eating! ;)

I've pined after a well-sourced butcher in JC for the 2 years I've lived here, and have been going to Darke Pines since it opened. At this point, I buy virtually all my meats there. I'm usually cooking for a crowd or in bulk, and everything is fresh, local and tasty (special shout-outs to the beef hot dogs, bacon and sausages). Everyone I've served Darke Pines meat to knows the difference. Erica, Will and Aydan bring this shop to life, making recommendations (everything from comparing cuts to how much to buy) and helpful explanations and substitutions. Also, I highly recommend the classes. I took the chicken class, which was accessible for occasional and everyday cooks alike. I can rant and rave all day, but the message is "Go!".

Absolutely must try the sandwiches, especially the muffaletta and the roast beef! The inside of the shop is very bare bones, somewhat like Fish Stand on Jersey. But the owners are very nice and the meat products are high quality.

I've been hearing great things about this place so decided to stop by for some take-out sandwiches on a rainy Saturday; they're primarily a butcher shop, but their ready-to-go sandwiches are top notch, with minimal, high-quality ingredients. The wife and I split three sandwiches: the Smoked Ham (with pimento cheese and dill pickle on sourdough); the Roast Beef (with horseradish cream, balsamic-braised shallots & basil on sourdough); and Nana's Chicken Salad (with red grapes and romaine on a croissant). The third sandwich was supposed to be for later, but we couldn't resist. I'm thrilled they not only offer locally raised, grass fed meat options, but offer butchering classes too!

Steak-au-poivre was the first meal I cooked for my wife at her tiny Hells Kitchen studio while we were dating. The night I proposed, I made sure it was after a perfectly prepared porterhouse for two at the local steakhouse. Locally sourced meat, raised in a healthy and ethical way, has a special place at our table once a week. More than a meal, it reminds us of how we fell in love and how much in love we still are. Thank you Darke Pines for being our go-to butcher.

Sad excuse for a butcher. I went in asking for four 6 ounce center cut filet mignon steaks. I wound up with 2 thin center cut steaks and 2 thick steaks. The thicker steaks were the end pieces cut and tied to look like a center cut. $50 for cuts of meat that barely count as steak. Take your money elsewhere.

I bought a sandwich 10 minutes ago and am already writing the review as I eat it. I live in the neighborhood and have been in a few times to browse but have never ordered from here. Friend and I split the roast beef sandwich and we are both completely enamored. BASIL ON ROAST BEEF WHO KNEW. Genius. Super high quality lunch and really friendly staff. Will be back!

Absolutely love this place! All the cuts and meat are excellent quality and freshness. They do specifics cuts to cater your meat needs. I love the fact they work with whole animals and local farms. Legit in here in all the time and found my go to meat place in the area. The team is there is very friendly and welcoming. Keep up the great job and keep doing what y'all are doing :)

I was so excited to hear of a new butcher shop in JC, and finally got a chance to try it out. My husband and I got a bunch of stuff to try including: beef jerky (great, but pricey), chicken salad, which was delicious, hot and sweet Italian sausages that were some of the best I've ever had, and amazing breakfast sausage. We even got a rawhide for the doggo! It's really great to finally have a quality butcher in JC and they didn't disappoint! Welcome to the neighborhood Darke Pines, you are most needed!

Finally found a great butcher shop in JC! Erica and Will are extremely knowledgeable and helpful. They have a tasteful and clean shop with a great selection of meats. I bought a NY strip steak, lamb chops, and pork chops. Everything came out delicious with simple seasoning and cooked in a cast iron skillet. The quality of the meat, along with the care and respect in preparation, makes a huge difference. The family and I loved the food and I'm excited to cook more!

Great products all around. Beyond the meats, they keep a cooler with farmers market items like eggs, vegetables, etc. It's not cheap, but no one in the area can beat the quality. One last plug: they have the best brats I've ever eaten. Rely, really good.

Finally made it to the long awaited and much needed butcher shop in the neighborhood, and I love it. While they don't have everything under the sun, what they have seem really good quality and fresh, and the prices are fair enough. I haven't cook the meat I got yet, but I am very excited about it. The 5 star really goes to the sandwiches I got impulsively, roast beef and pastrami, they were very good, the meat, the bread and the fixings such as cole slaw, pickled onion, and basil that went with its designated sandwich, you can tell they take pride in what they serve. Very happy for this quality establishment in town. I'll try to post some pics of my cooked meat on here later, too excited about the sandwich forgot to take pics.

This place has the best beef jerky I've ever tried. Great addition to JC - love the steak and duck. Very nice wait staff.

Quality product at a great price. Pre-ordered brisket which was spectacular as well as the ground beef which has great color, smell, texture and taste. You can really tell it is quality product. Highly recommend!

I came in to ask for haggis ingredients (sheep heart, suet, and liver). I thought maybe they'd be able to special order it, but they had it all right in the shop, all packaged together in a little haggis bag. It blew my mind that they had such an obscure thing on hand, very impressive! It was delicious!