Nea Agora Packing

Butcher shop · Little Italy

Nea Agora Packing

Butcher shop · Little Italy

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1056 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607

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Nea Agora Packing by null
Nea Agora Packing by null
Nea Agora Packing by null
Nea Agora Packing by null
Nea Agora Packing by null
Nea Agora Packing by null
Nea Agora Packing by null
Nea Agora Packing by null
Nea Agora Packing by null
Nea Agora Packing by null
Nea Agora Packing by null
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Nea Agora Packing by null
Nea Agora Packing by null
Nea Agora Packing by null
Nea Agora Packing by null
Nea Agora Packing by null

Highlights

Nea Agora in Little Italy is a no-frills, family-run butcher shop specializing in fresh, high-quality lamb custom-cut to order with friendly, personal service.  

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1056 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607 Get directions

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1056 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607 Get directions

+1 312 421 5130
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Jul 30, 2025

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Chicago’s Best Butchers and Stores to Buy Meat

"If you’re looking for lamb, Nea-Agora is where you want to head. This decades-old butcher shop is a gem of the Little Italy neighborhood, and you can even order a whole lamb ahead of time or catch them on one of the days they’re spit-roasting one outside. Here, Old Chicago is here and anything but old." - Nylah Iqbal Muhammad

https://chicago.eater.com/maps/best-butchers-fresh-meat-beef-chicken-pork-chicago
View Postcard for Nea Agora Packing

Ray Valentino

Google
My family has been buying lamb at Nea Agora for 40 years. My old man is very picky about his meat but has continued to make the 1+ hr drive each way for decades. It’s still as delicious as ever. Even the grand babies love it. Not many places around quite like this these days.

Hamda Zurriegat

Google
Nea agora he is amazing yes cash only or EBT but always has clean lamb meat and cuts it the way you like I have been going since I was a kiddo with my dad now I go with my girls the dad was great and the son carried on best place to go for lamb

Chris Zurales

Google
I have been buying our Pascha/Easter lamb there for a few years. The lamb I have bought are the best I have ever purchased in the Metro Chicago area. Additionally, even at their busiest, they are the friendliest bunch I have ever met. They are always willing to butcher the lamb the way you want it and help you carry your purchases to the car. They never disappoint.

ping2254

Google
Growing up in Chicago in the 60s and learning how to bbq a lamb 🐑 on a open spit nea agora was the best place to get a lamb always very good to us 👏

Miguel Ruiz

Google
食 5 minutes ago Disappointed with my last 3 visits. I have been buying goat meat from Nea Agora Packing for over 35 years but my last 3 visits I have been very disappointed with their service. The short Hispanic butcher who works here has sold me lamb meat the last 3 times even after I specifically requested "GOAT MEAT". At first I thought the butcher had made a mistake but I honestly don't believe they sell goat meat anymore even though they claim they do. Whether they sell goat or not, they have lost this customer and I will spend my $200 per visit elsewhere.

Moyo Omowabi

Google
This is the neatest meat shop I have been to in Chicago. I come here mainly for goat meat and I get the best deals. The only downside for me is that they only take cash. The customer service is incredible, the owner is friendly! I highly recommend

Sureia Martinez

Google
I have been a customer since their previous location. I was a kid when we first began going there and Joe took care of us. That was more than 50 years. Great place to purchase your lamb!

Robin Brink

Google
My wife has been coming here for years to buy her lamb.
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Padma A.

Yelp
Cash only, cash only!! Please remember that when you go So you don't have to waste time going to the atm. One of the cleanest meat shops I have ever been. They even have a blossoming lemon tree inside along with lots of other plants. My choice of leg of goat was not the best because there were more bones and less meat which I personally liked but rest my family was looking for meaty pieces in the curry. I finally found my go to neighborhood meat place instead of going all the way to indian groceries. I will be back soon and highly recommend!!

Ted C.

Yelp
Having roasted over 70 whole lambs for our Easter celebration. The last 10 years we only buy from Nea Agora. Order how many lbs you want, if you want it cut up, deboned, and the price per lb (BEFORE the bone is removed). Bring cash NO CREDIT CARDS. The tall guy is Eddie. !, Srećan Uskrs!, ¡Felices Pascuas!, Buona Pasqua!, Gezuar Pashket!, !,`Ied Qiyama Magid, Christos voskrese, Happy Easter!

L E.

Yelp
An old school butcher shop, cash only, lamb only. Fair prices and great quality. Can customize: only want a leg of lamb? Or a shoulder? Or a leg and chops like we did?
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Jocelynn K.

Yelp
A no frills, quick service butcher that deals exclusively with lamb. A unique gem in university village that I'm thankful to have. I just needed some lamb liver for my pup and it took less than 5 mins, in and out. Cash only so keep that in mind if you visit!

Kevin M.

Yelp
This place used to be very special and it had sadly changed. Went earlier today and they kind of made a mess of my order and made a half-hearted attempt to fix it. Probably won't go back. Did it change hands?

Miguel R.

Yelp
Disappointed with my last 3 visits. I have been buying goat meat from Nea Agora Packing for over 35 years but my last 3 visits I have been very disappointed with their service. The short Hispanic butcher who works here has sold me lamb meat the last 3 times even after I specifically requested "GOAT MEAT". At first I thought the butcher had made a mistake but I honestly don't believe they sell goat meat anymore even though they claim they do. Whether they sell goat or not, they have lost this customer and I will spend my $200 per visit elsewhere.

Linda S.

Yelp
They are definitely still open and business is booming. I think the phone just gets tied up because sometimes my call goes through and other times it does not. We went this morning to stock up on meat before the storm. Many other people had the same idea and the line was out the door. At 845am they were sold out at of lamb chops, but we got a good amount of goat for a reasonable price.
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Sharon G.

Yelp
Based on glowing reviews, I truly wanted to buy lamb for a special dinner here. The first time I tried, I called to confirm I could get the cut I wanted, two racks of lamb, and was told it would need to be ordered 3-4 days in advance. I had only two days and decided to plan ahead next time. With time to spare this time, I began trying to call to place my order. Off and on for two days, I tried, but no one answered the phone. Ever. Makes me wonder if they are still in business.
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Jisha J.

Yelp
I am so glad a co-worker recommended this place to me. We have bought both lamb and goat and both were amazing quality and freshness. They are fast and very friendly. I asked for the meat to be cut in a certain way and they packed everything up nicely afterwards. It's cash only, but there is a Chase bank close by in case. I can't recommend this place higher! Definitely worth a visit.
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Emily H.

Yelp
pretty good meat shop specialized in lamb. They have whole lambs here and also offers a variety of cuts. You can request to have it cut in certain ways for minimal cutting at home if you are doing bbq skewers they have good COVID protection in place, marks on the floor for social distancing, and a plastic board at the cashier
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Chris P.

Yelp
Needed to purchase some goat meat for a rice dish called Briyani. Heard about this place from a Caribbean friend. Checked it out today. I would say this is a decent meat shop. Very clean, decent prices and decent customer service. One thing to note this place only accepts cash. Overall will visit again

L H.

Yelp
This is one of the last businesses on Taylor St that is independently owned. They sell lamb - that's it. But it is very high quality lamb & you can see it there on the rack, like butchers used to display their wares. You can ask them to debone it or you can just take home an entire half of lamb.
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Sarah M.

Yelp
I purchased a leg of lamb from Nea Agora yesterday, and the results of my fresh lamb stew speak to the quality and freshness of the meat sold from this shop. I had a great time talking with the owner, Eddie about the neighborhood and restaurants we've eaten at lately. There were some other people hanging out who added to the conversation and experience as well. I'm going to incorporate more lamb into my diet just so I can visit this shop more often. .. Great experience and delicious lamb!
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Diane B.

Yelp
Great lamb and very knowledgeable. We got the rack for a crown roast and they butcher it in front of you and explain everything.
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Nilmani S.

Yelp
Excellent place for fresh cuts of lamb and goat. Very helpful owner. Price is awesome and people working here are friendly. Easily accessible location.

Book J.

Yelp
I have been going to Nea Agora for over 4 decades! They are the best place in Chicago and its suburbs for fresh lamb! The staff is awesome to work with and seem to accommodate any and all requests. It doesn't get any better than this!
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Fade K.

Yelp
Best place for fresh affordable lamb. The staff are so friendly and feels good to go to a mom and pop shop. Been going here since I was a baby. Nothing's changed. Excellent place.
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John T.

Yelp
Very friendly people with a nice stock of whole lambs and goats. Did not have a bad odor which throws you off a lot of times in butcher shops. Lastly, the only reason that I'm not giving 5 stars is due to the fact that they are cash only which is a bit annoying.

Yan X.

Yelp
If you want some lamb, this is the right place to go! The store is well organized. You will see the fresh whole goats was taken of the trunk and hung in the store storage area. The customer service area is very clean, with bright windows of street view, interesting pics on the wall and nice green plants around. All the staff there are very friendly. We had a whole leg this morning and cooked it for lunch. Very good lamb. Definitely recommend to our friends and will be come back for sure!
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Bishop of B.

Yelp
BOUN PASCHA! I went to this place to buy a lamb for my family for easter, and seriously, it was like stepping into the movie Moonstruck. Cash only, a few chairs, a refrigerator, a saw, and a cutting board. That's it. When I was there a bunch of old (old!) italian guys were sitting around ordering their lambs for easter. They all knew each other, and all greeted each other with Boun Pascha! I got 2 large legs of lamb, about 20 lamb chops, and some innards for under $70. Great deal, great meat!

Zelang S.

Yelp
From the nomad land of Tibet, I'm kinda pick on the quail tu of lamb. I went to this place earlier this month, the owner is really friendly, and with radio and everything the place kinda make me feel like I'm a classic American movie lol I love it, and the meat quality is really good with amazing price. I thought I'll be much more expensive. Oh btw don't forget bring cash cuz this is a cash only place.
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Diane P.

Yelp
I go here a lot since it's around the corner, the lamb is beautiful, and the price is right. But if you want a bit of entertainment, order a boneless leg of lamb, and watch the master butcher at work. It is quite a show -- talk about skills! 3 minutes and a few cuts and the whole thing is ready to go -- amazing show! Love the owner and his staff, they are all swell guys who know their lamb. They will send you home with the bones -- do NOT throw them away -- they make the greatest broth.
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Sherrie Ann R.

Yelp
I have been going to Nea Agora for the past 20 years..... I love going to Taylor St, seeing that is where my family's roots are from .... The owner, I believe his name is John, just makes all his customers feel so welcome and takes his time with each person, no matter how crowded.... Yes, it feels like you are in the movie Moonstruck with all the Italian men ,talking and enjoying the season, and wishing each other ' Buon Pasqua'... At easter time his mother comes in to help him out, she is the sweetest lady , always smiling ... It is truely a good family business , yet has a personal touch .... Don;t miss out ...Take the ride into the city for your Lamb Buon Pasqua
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Bill A.

Yelp
Nea Agora located at 1056 W. Taylor Street in Little Italy is my place to get the best lamb chops. Ed's shop is very clean and the quality of lamb could not be better; simply EXCELLENT! I love Grecian Style lamb chops and I am getting hungry as I write this. Bill Altier Realtor who knows Little Italy and I support this merchant because he is good for our neighborhood.
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Antonio M.

Yelp
There is never a reason to buy lamb anywhere other than Nea Agra. Ever. Excellent quality, excellent service, locally owned, family operated, everything custom cut to order, and it hasn't changed a bit in over 50 years... you'll love the food and the experience.

irv d.

Yelp
great old butcher shop. say hello to Eddie, the boss. tall guy with sandy hair. get the boneless leg of lamb and ask for the leg bone and some xtra bones for lamb stock to make your gravy with the drippings from roasting. Eddie would bone the leg for me, would stuff it with my chopped garlic and spices and then net it up. thanks for that Ed, hope you're and your family are doin well
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Lance R.

Yelp
this is the ONLY place to get lamb - deliveries on Wednesdays and Fridays if you want it still kicking
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Sheila B.

Yelp
Very disappointing. I was looking forward to coming here-but my meat smells and tastes like mutton-not the clean smell of young lamb.The owner directed the butcher which lamb to bring out to cut for me--maybe he thought I wouldn't know the difference...lamb is lamb, not mutton. Disappointed and will not be filling up my freezer here. Not coming back-off to the butchers at Fulton market for me.

Nick P.

Yelp
Despite living in the area for almost 2 years, I've seen but never been in Nea Agora. Well, I needed a rack of lamb recently and decided to check it out. Now I'm wondering why I never went earlier-- service is superb and the staff are super friendly. I'd never gotten lamb from a butcher before and I'm sure it showed, but they treated me like I was a great customer and asked all sorts of additional questions about how I wanted it cut and such. Highly recommended.

Lilly D.

Yelp
I am the third generation to buy lamb at Nea Agora. This is the ONLY place I buy lamb from. The lamb is always fresh the service excellent.

Kim K.

Yelp
My grandmother got her lamb at Nea Agora, then my parents and now my husband and I. It is positively the best lamb you will ever taste. This is very high praise since we are Greek and very fussy about our lamb!