New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

A mural of a woman’s face holding up a chain with the word “LOISAIDA” and a gold cityscape. The words “el bohio murals” and “#BRINGARTBACK” are next to the woman alongside the words “CURATED BY … THRIVECOLLECTIVE.ORG.”
Activists’ 25-year fight to revive an East Village community center
Dharma Niles, Deputy News Editor • Mar 12, 2024
A front entrance with the text “Electric Lady Studios” written in a retro white font on two reflective walls.
‘An exploitative environment’: The interns behind Electric Lady Studios
Julia Diorio, Music Editor • Feb 20, 2024

Murray’s Cheese opens restaurant

It’s 7 p.m. on a balmy, late-summer Friday evening, and Murray’s Cheese Bar on Bleecker Street is packed with patrons clamoring for the vast selection and cheery atmosphere that the freshly minted restaurant has to offer. Located only a few doors down from the fabled Murray’s Cheese Shop, which was originally founded in 1940 by Murray Greenberg, the Bar expands upon the infectious popularity and appeal of fine gourmet dairy products.

Opening the Bar was “just a natural extension of everything we do at the shop,” according to Beth Griffenhagen, marketing manager for Murray’s Cheese.

“We don’t have a place for customers to sit and enjoy cheese in the store, but we always wanted to offer that,” Griffenhagen said. “When the space opened up right down the street, it was an easy choice.”

Highlights include the $14 three-cheese “Flight,” a cheesemonger’s selection of dairy goodness curated to your tastes. Presented on a classy, black rock slab and accompanied by several, freshly baked bread options, this mouth-watering platter will satisfy any taste.

The delectable dairy options range from Up In Smoke, which is — you guessed it — smokey; to Nocciolo, a sweet Italian variety; to sharp Vermont Tarentaise. These tantalizing morsels come from Murray’s Cheese Shop right down the street.

“Murray’s sources products from all over the world,” Griffenhagen said. “A lot of it is aged in the caves beneath the shop, and every cheese is aged for a different amount of time. Some [are aged for] just a few days, others for several years.”

From the Buffalo Cheese Curds to the popular Rarebit Cheddar Burger, an 8 oz. grass-fed burger made with dark beer and smothered in a cheddar cheese sauce, gourmet cheese dishes are everywhere — however, options for the lactose-intolerant exist as well.

Though a little pricey for a fiscally frugal NYU student, Murray’s Cheese Bar is a can’t-miss for the amateur aficionado of Sbrinz and Fromager d’Affinois.

“Cheese is a companion to absolutely any meal,” CAS freshman Annie Weaver said. “It can be shared with friends or eaten by yourself and is great in really any situation.”

Helen Holmes is a contributing writer. Email her at [email protected]

View comments (1)
More to Discover

Comments (1)

Comments that are deemed spam or hate speech by the moderators will be deleted.
All Sort: Newest

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

 

  • J

    Jordan McAfee-HahnSep 18, 2012 at 11:05 pm

    Hilarious, informative, well-written article. Keep up the good work!

    MMMMMM CHEESE

    Reply