FAQ

FedEx Priority Overnight Shipping — $49.95

FedEx Standard Overnight Shipping — $39.95

Saturday Delivery — Additional $24.95

* No Sunday or Monday deliveries.
** Not all services are available to all areas. Shipments to Alaska and Hawaii are available via Priority Overnight shipping only for an additional $40 surcharge per shipment.
Shipping prices are subject to change without notice.

Lobel's of New York is a direct-to-consumer business only. You can only buy our products directly from us. We do not use distributors or wholesalers, and we do not sell to restaurants or food-service operations. You can place an order either from our online butcher shop or by calling our toll-free customer service line, 877-842-2580, during business hours.

You can place an order at any time, any day of the week. Our online butcher shop is always open, and our toll-free customer service line is available during business hours. The toll-free number is 877-842-2580.

Be sure to place your order by 6 a.m. (ET) to receive your order on the next available delivery day. During certain holiday times, you must place your order by 4 a.m. (ET) to receive your order on the next available day. Check our What's New page for the most current ordering deadlines.

Deliveries are available Tuesday through Saturday. For more information on our shipping policies, click here.

To begin shopping, click the Shop button at the top of any screen. There you will find a menu of our different product lines and product categories that you can browse.

Once you've found the product you'd like to purchase, enter the quantity you'd like to purchase, then click the "Add To Cart" button (or the "Pre-Order" button if it's a pre-order product). Follow the on-screen instructions to either continue shopping or complete your order by continuing to Checkout.

If you have any problems or questions about completing an online order, one of our customer service representatives would be happy to help you. Call 877-842-2580, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. ET.

Call our toll-free customer service line, available during business hours, at 877-842-2580. One of our representatives will be happy to help you select your cuts and place an order. Please have your shipping address including phone number and credit card information handy.

We are not a traditional mail-order company and we do not accept orders by mail. We are an online business and we accept orders either online or by phone.

On each product page, there is a list of the packages available for purchase and their prices.

Absolutely. You may place an order at any time and select your delivery date at checkout. When you get to the Shipping Method section, you will be given the opportunity to select your delivery date.

As long as you order by 6 a.m. (ET) (or 4 a.m. (ET) during certain holiday times) you can take delivery in as early as two business days. Or you can select any future date. Delivery is available Tuesday through Saturday. Please note that we do have some delivery restrictions around certain holidays. For our shipping policies, click here. For current holiday ordering deadlines, see our What's New page.

If you order by 6 a.m. (ET) (or 4 a.m. (ET) during December) Monday through Friday, your order can be delivered in as early as two business days.

For parties and events, we recommend that you schedule your delivery to arrive 1 to 2 days before the event. This allows for any unforeseeable delivery problems (such as severe weather). This is especially important to take into consideration during winter holidays, when weather is at its most unpredictable.

Our meat products are vacuum-sealed and will keep in your refrigerator for 5 to 7 days (if left in the original packaging). For more information on storing your Lobel's selections, see our guidelines in the Lobel's Guide to Meat.

Please note that we do have some delivery restrictions around certain holidays. For our shipping policies, click here. For current holiday ordering deadlines, see our What's New page.

Because of heavy ordering volumes around various holidays, each holiday has different deadlines and restrictions. Check the What's New page for a current list of holiday ordering deadlines and holiday shipping dates.

An item is on pre-order when it has restricted delivery date availability. Items are on pre-order for a variety of reasons:

We may run out of some popular items, so we will put them on pre-order so that you may place your order now and receive it when the items are back in stock. Some items, such as USDA Prime Corned Beef Briskets, are always on pre-order because they are special-order products. Certain special holiday items are only available for a limited time.

This is because these items are on pre-order and have restricted delivery dates. See the question above for an explanation of what "pre-order" means.

We would be more than happy to accommodate your needs. Visit our Corporate Gifts Center for more information, fill out our online form, or call our administrative offices at 585-328-0420.

We store your username and password, any shipping addresses you've used (in your address book), and your billing address information. Your account also contains your order history and indicates if you have any gift card balances in your Lobel's account. We now store payment source information in compliance with PCI regulations.

Your username is your email address.

Yes, as long as you remember your username (the email address you registered with us). Click on My Account, then click the link that says "I Forgot My Password." Enter your email address and your password will be emailed to you.

If you do not remember what email address you registered with us, or if you don't receive your password from us via email, you can call our customer service center toll-free at 877-842-2580 and a representative will be happy to look up your account information for you.

Our USDA Prime beef comes from the very finest corn-fed cattle the Midwest has to offer.

The famed Kobe beef of Japan comes from the Wagyu breed. Therefore, all Kobe is Wagyu, but not all Wagyu is Kobe.

Beef production in Japan is, in some ways, similar to wine production in France. Just as the regions Pauillac, Médoc, and others produce different wines under specific appellations, the Japanese have several regions, or prefectures, where beef is produced. For example, Kobe beef is produced in Hyogo Prefecture, while beef from Mie Prefecture is called Matsuzaka and beef from Shiga Prefecture is Omi. Each of these areas uses the legendary beer-massage practices associated with Kobe, but style and specifics vary from prefecture to prefecture.

Regardless of where in Japan the cattle are raised, the common element in all of these types of Japanese beef is the Wagyu breed of cattle.

Lobel's of New York sells American Wagyu. For more information on our American Wagyu, read on.

Wagyu is a breed of cattle naturally predisposed to produce beef that is densely marbled. In fact, Wagyu beef surpasses USDA marbling standards for Prime-grade beef. Often referred to as the "foie gras of beef," Wagyu has an exquisitely tender texture and incomparable, luxurious taste.

We’re used to hearing about USDA Prime, Choice, and Select—the top three of seven USDA quality grades and the most recognized by consumers. USDA grading is based on the density of marbling between the 12th and 13th rib.

Wagyu beef’s quality is determined differently: by a 12-point marbling-score scale. Using the Wagyu marbling score scale, USDA Prime would have an equivalent ranking of 6 to 7. Typically, the mass-marketed variety of Wagyu will have a marbling score at the lower end of the 12-point scale.

The most prized beef in Kobe, Japan, would rank the equivalent of a 12. The marbling is so dense that the lean muscle-to-marbling ratio can reach 9:1, or 90% fat to 10% meat. This Kobe is unbelievably rich—too rich for many palates. Some say it looks like a piece of meat that has been left in a snowstorm, with fine strands of lean meat embedded in pure fat.

Using the 12-point marbling score scale, our American Wagyu will score 9 points or higher.

Our American Wagyu are raised in Texas. For most of their lives, Lobel’s American Wagyu cattle are fed a variety of natural grains—a 100% vegetarian diet, absolutely free of any animal by-products. Their feed program is free of subtherapeutic antibiotics and growth hormones.

Developing an intricate network of marbling—fine rivulets of intramuscular fat—takes time; there’s simply no substitute for it. Mass-marketed Wagyu beef comes from cattle that are on a feeding program for about 150 days. Such young cattle cannot develop marbling as dense as that of mature cattle. The cattle that yield Lobel’s American Wagyu beef are on a feeding program of a minimum of 450 days.

As a result, Lobel's American Wagyu is densely marbled, exceeding USDA standards for Prime grade. Using the 12-point marbling score scale, our Wagyu will score 9 points or higher. At that level, the marbling is abundant and evenly distributed throughout the meat.

Legend has it that Oliver Cromwell discovered the Berkshire breed more than 300 years ago while his army was at winter’s quarters in Reading in the shire of Berks, England. From that time, the Berkshire breed has been revered for its outstanding quality, texture, and flavor.

During the early 1800s, the breed was refined and has remained a pure breed since. In 1875, the American Berkshire Association (ABA) became the nation’s first swine registry and has maintained pedigree records ever since.

Berkshire swine were first brought to Japan as a gift from the British government in the 19th century. Also known as Japanese black hog, the breed has thrived in Japan as Berkshire pork — a name synonymous with a unique dining experience.

According to the ABA, Berkshire pork is well documented for its superior quality in tests conducted over the past decade. It scored the highest of all breeds in a study of sensory quality at the National Barrow Show in Austin, MN. Other studies, including those conducted by the Journal of Animal Science, ranked Berkshire pork tops in 19 of 22 quality measures.

Lobel’s Berkshire pork is raised by small, Midwestern family farms using all-natural production methods.

Raised in the open meadows of the Rocky Mountain high country, Lobel’s All-Natural Lamb is free of subtherapeutic antibiotics and growth hormones. The lambs eat a 100% vegetarian diet throughout their lives—grass only for six to eight months and then a blend of unprocessed grains. Their feed never contains any artificial supplements, stimulants, or animal by-products.

All-American raised, hormone- and antibiotic-free, ours is the finest milk-fed veal available from the upper Midwest.

Lobel’s fresh poultry are all-natural and raised on small Amish and Mennonite farms in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania Dutch country. Each of these free-range birds is processed by hand in small volumes.

No, our meat is not certified organic. Organic products must comply with very strict USDA guidelines and producers must follow livestock-management regimens that meet the criteria for organic certification through the USDA.

At the USDA site, you will also find labeling definitions for such terms as all-natural, free-range, pasture-raised, and certified humane. These terms define how the animal is raised and processed.

All Lobel's of New York meat products meet one or more of those labeling criteria. For example, our Wagyu beef is free-range and all-natural.

Our Natural Prime Beef comes from free-range cattle that are grass-fed/grain-finished. The cattle live on a diet for most of their lives that comprises 70% grass and forage and 30% grain. About 3–4 months before processing, the cattle diet becomes 30% grass and forage and 70% grain.

Grass-fed/grass-finished cattle rarely develop enough exterior and intramuscular fat (marbling) to achieve the USDA grade of Prime. Grass-fed/grain-finished cattle meet the requirements for being graded Prime.

A primal is a large subsection of a steer carcass—a single muscle group, such as the tenderloin, short loin, or rib.

On each applicable product page, you will find a list of ingredients. If you require additional information regarding these products, please email us with your questions.

All our meats are hand-cut on the day we ship your order.

The most frequent request we have for "custom cutting" is with regard to the thickness of the steak. We sell our meat by weight, and therefore, the thickness of the steak may vary based on such things as the size of the animal.

If you are looking for a particular thickness of steak, we suggest you select your steak weights from our thickness charts, which are listed on every product page. Please understand that the thicknesses on these charts are approximate.

We will try to accommodate other custom cutting requests as well as we can. The best way to see if your needs can be met is to discuss it with one of our customer service representatives. You can reach us toll-free at 877-842-2580.

Originally, dry aging was used as a way to preserve meat before refrigeration was invented. Today, dry aging is almost a lost art; it takes time and it’s an expensive, labor-intensive process.

The Lobels are among the few practitioners anywhere of old-fashioned dry-aging methods, in their own patented dry-aging lockers, for up to six weeks—longer than most beef purveyors.

In the dry-aging process, beef primals or subprimals are held in coolers under tight temperature, air-circulation, and humidity controls. During this time, the natural action of enzymes breaks down connective tissue to render the beef fork-tender.

When aged for up to six weeks, the beef develops a crust that seals the meat and protects it from deterioration. The beef can lose from 25 to 30 percent of its overall weight through dehydration during the aging process.

A piece of beef that has been aged only seven days can still be labeled “dry-aged,” but such a short time does not permit the full development of flavor and tenderness that dry aging for up to six weeks provides.

After about three weeks of dry aging, beef reaches its peak tenderness. Beyond three weeks, the flavor continues to develop into a deep, rich, beefy taste with nuances of butter and roasted nuts.

Lobel's of New York dry ages all of its USDA Prime and Natural Prime bone-in primals to perfection by holding them in coolers at a temperature of 34 to 38°F. We age beef for up to six weeks.

To dry age beef, it must remain on the bone. Beef not connected to a bone (hanger steak, for example) cannot be dry-aged.

Veal and lamb are young, delicate, and tender, and are hung in our coolers for no more than a week.

There are two types of aging: dry aging and wet aging. Dry aging is the choice of the discriminating chef. The wet aging process involves sealing meat in airtight Cryovac bags. Wet aging does less to enhance flavor and tenderness than dry aging.

That depends on your tastes. If you are looking for something tender and succulent, try our Filet Mignon. If you are looking for a classic steak-lover's steak, try our Boneless Strip Steaks or Bone-In Strip Steaks. If you want something hearty and toothsome, try our Boneless Rib Steaks or Bone-In Rib Steaks. If you're looking for something a little off the beaten path, try our USDA Prime Hanger Steak or Wagyu Skirt Steak. Or for something decadent, try a selection from our American Wagyu offerings.

All our meat is sold by weight. Our thickness and servings charts can tell you approximately how thick each cut will be and how many servings you can expect from each cut. Our thickness and serving charts are listed on each product page.

Lobel's Gift Shop is your one-stop resource for everyone on your gift list—and for any occasion. You can browse the Gift Shop by gift-giving occasion, by price, or by type of gift.

Here are some ideas from our Gift Shop:

Our Versatile Packages make excellent gifts. These pre-selected packages are designed to suit varying tastes and varying budgets.

For an elegantly packaged gift, try Lobel's Gift Boxes, which come packaged in "black-tie" gift boxes.

Gift certificates are the most convenient way to give the gift of Lobel's of New York. Certificates are available as dollar-value certificates.

People across the country have different names for the same cut. If you're looking for a specific cut but can't find it under the name you're accustomed to, it's possible that we have it by another name. For example, Delmonico, Kansas City Strip, and New York Strip are all names for a Boneless Strip Steak.

If there's something in particular that you're looking for and can't find, email us or give us a call at 877-842-2580. Our customer service representatives are ready to help you.

Lobel's Guide to Cooking the Perfect Steak is a basic, fool-proof recipe for getting the perfect steak every time, whether you are cooking indoors or out.

For additional grilling instructions, download our free grilling brochure.

Our Rib Roast 101 guide includes everything you need to know.

Our Turkey FAQ includes everything you need to know.

You can download the preparation instructions here.

Yes. Our products are packed to withstand up to 48 hours of unrefrigerated shipping.

We believe that fresh meat has the best flavor and texture. That said, if you must freeze your meat, leave it in its vacuum-sealed packaging and store it in your freezer according to the storage guidelines in the Lobel's Official Guide to Meat.

Your order from Lobel's of New York is packaged in vacuum-sealed material so it can be transported safely. Kept in this packaging, the meat will stay fresh in your refrigerator for 5 to 7 days. For full storage instructions, see Lobel's Official Guide to Meat.

The temperature in your freezer should be 0°F or below. Kept in this packaging and in this temperature range:

• Beef will keep for 6 months.
• Lamb and veal should be used within 3–6 months.
• Pork should be used within 2–3 months.

For full storage instructions, see Lobel's Official Guide to Meat.

For full thawing instructions, see the defrosting section of Lobel's Official Guide to Meat.

For best results, thaw your meat slowly in the refrigerator while still in its vacuum-sealed packaging.

Absolutely. Visit the Recipes and Techniques section of our website for recipes arranged by type and cut of meat.

We also have several cookbooks available on our site. If you're looking for something specific and can't find it, email us and we'll be happy to help.

Email us and let us know; we will inform you of your options for resolving the problem. You can also call our customer service center at 877-842-2580.

Email us and let us know; we will inform you of your options for resolving the problem. You can also call our customer service center at 877-842-2580.

As long as the meat is still cool to the touch, it is safe to consume, even if the meat's packaging has broken.

However, do not eat the meat under the following circumstances. If any of these occur, discard the meat and email us or call us at 877-842-2580:

• The vacuum-sealed packaging is damaged and a frozen gel pack is broken.
• The vacuum-sealed packaging is damaged and the entire package has sustained enough damage to expose the meat to the open air.
• The vacuum-sealed packaging is damaged and the meat is warm to the touch.

Our products are packed to withstand up to 48 hours of unrefrigerated shipping. Occasionally, a package might be delayed due to weather problems or other unforeseen circumstances.

If your package arrives within 48 hours of shipping, the meat should be fine to consume. If it is cool to the touch when it arrives, it is safe to eat.

During severe weather or extraordinary circumstances, we have special arrangements with FedEx to refrigerate our packages until they can be delivered. In those cases, if your package is delayed, it is likely still safe to consume when it arrives—just check that it is cool to the touch.

If you are uncertain about how long your package has been in transit and whether or not it is safe to consume, call our customer service center toll-free at 877-842-2580. A representative will be happy to help you.

Yes, brown coloration is normal on vacuum-sealed meat, which has not been exposed to oxygen during transit. Within 10 to 15 minutes of opening the vacuum-sealed packaging, the meat will "bloom," turning red as it is exposed to oxygen in the air.

Yes, dry-aged meat has a characteristic musky aroma. This is perfectly normal and is, in fact, to be expected from meat that has been dry-aged to perfection.

As long as your meat is cool to the touch when it arrives, it is safe to eat.

Our products are packed to withstand up to 48 hours of unrefrigerated shipping. Occasionally, a package might be delayed due to weather problems or other unforeseen circumstances.

If your package arrives within 48 hours of shipping, the meat should be fine to consume. If it is cool to the touch when it arrives, it is safe to eat.

During severe weather or extraordinary circumstances, we have special arrangements with FedEx to refrigerate our packages until they can be delivered. In those cases, if your package is delayed, it is likely still safe to consume when it arrives—just check that it is cool to the touch.

If you are uncertain about how long your package has been in transit and whether or not it is safe to consume, call our customer service center toll-free at 877-842-2580. A representative will be happy to help you.

The default delivery date for any order containing in-stock item(s) is the next valid delivery date. For example, orders placed Monday will be scheduled automatically for delivery Thursday. Valid delivery days are Tuesday through Saturday.

It is not possible to make any changes to an order on the day it will ship. Orders scheduled for delivery the next day cannot be changed on the same day they are placed.

For any order scheduled for delivery two or more days into the future, please call our customer service center at 877-842-2580 or email us to see what changes, if any, are possible.

It is not possible to make any changes of any kind to an order on the day it will ship. Orders scheduled for delivery the next day cannot be changed on the same day they are placed.

For any order scheduled for delivery two or more days in the future, please call our customer service center at 877-842-2580 or email us to see what changes, if any, are possible.

It is not possible to make any changes of any kind to an order on the day it will ship. Orders scheduled for delivery the next day cannot be changed on the same day they are placed.

For any order scheduled for delivery two or more days in the future, please call our customer service center at 877-842-2580 or email us to see what changes, if any, are possible.

When we ship your order, we send you an automatically generated email including your tracking number. Go to FedEx.com to track the progress of your package.

You can also find your tracking number in the Order History section of your Lobel's account.

If you do not receive an email containing your tracking number, it's possible that we do not have your correct email address in our system. You can ensure you receive these emails by making sure your Lobel's account is up to date.

You can also call our customer service center toll-free at 877-842-2580, and a representative will be happy to look up your tracking number, inform you of your package's progress, and update your account information for you if you wish.