Want to visit one of these gormet stores and wondering if they are so similar that it doesn't matter or do they have specific differences? We stopped at D&D when in Napa Valley and loved it although it was, I'm sure, much smaller than NY store. Other than Whole Foods, which we have here, that was my only experience at one of these special food stores and I want to be sure we hit one (or both?) on our 4-day visit in May. We will be going to Central Park and The Met and could work Zabar's into that timeframe. We don't yet have anything planned for SoHo (not into shopping) but could make our way to D&D store. I'm assuming the other locations are just cafes, right? I'd appreciate any comments and help in deciding. Thanks.

My vote would be for Zabar's because it's unique - the UWS vibe and ambience is so.......Zabar's. It's a nice walk across the park too.

Actually, there is a small D & D on Mad and 85th. You could pass it after the Met on your way to Zabar's.

Zabar's! Not because I don't like D&D, but because I LOVE Zabar's. It's a "destination" as far as I'm concerned

Zabars isn't as "pretty" as D&D but is definitely more authentic. If you are on the UWS, you might want to pop into Fairway just to experience the insanity.
I also really like the gourmet food hall at Grand Central. Go try some cheese at Murray's cheese if you don't make it all the way to the Village to do so.

I think it is so funny that you want to experience the small gourmet NYC food stores as when I go home to Texas, I love roaming the Whole Foods or the Central Market Huge Aisles. Goes to show we want what we don't have.

D & D is more of a food museum. Zabar's is high quality with a stampede in the aisles. Sharpen your elbows and head in. It is wonderful as are the selections. The claim to sell more coffee beans and lox than anyone in NYC.

What Aduchamp said. D&D is great, but Zabar's is the real deal. Sharpen your elbows, indeed. I will never forget when I was a new graduate, subletting a place on the UWS. The owner left me a note to be sure to visit Zabar's. I headed there and was pushed and shoved by all the little old ladies at the appetizing counter! LOL. There is something for everyone there.

ZABARS ZABARS ZABARS - I just stopped on the way home to buy a tea kettle (and a little something for dinner - I live on the East Side so it's the long way home but well worth it) AND You've got Mail had scenes there and it's mentioned on Sex and the City and you never know who you'll run into.

A while ago a nice lady asked me a question at one of the prepared salad shelves - I knew I knew her and finally said - I know you but I've forgotten your name. She said in a very nice way well I've forgotten your name too but mine is Ann Jackson (she's a great actress and Eli Wallach's wife

Zabar's. It's not pretty at all. It more resembles a european street market - and if you go at prime time be sure your elbows are sharpened. But the food is incredible - as is the upstairs kitchenwares department. Much more middle class and neighborhood oriented than D&D.

SueNYC - love your story - only in NY as they say!

If the OP has been to Trader Joes outside of NYC, you really ought to visit the one on 14th Street -- same selection or a better selection - one fifth the physical size of a suburban Trader Joes and 5 times the people - It's on 14th Street near 3rd Ave and it's lots of fun! and also a New York experience

There are lines out the door after work and on weekends at Trader Joe's on 14th Street.

This is not good. First thing that came to my mind when I read "Dean & Deluca" was "Felicity".

Wow! Thanks, guys, Zabar's it is! Your replies make it easy and that segment already planned so now just have to work on the elbows

Centralparkgirl, loved your reply--so New York! SueNYC, loved your Ann Jackson story; have always liked her and her husband, both great actors. I've been to Trader Joe's in San Francisco but it was quite large. Williamscb, I also love roaming the aisles at the large Whole Foods and Central Market. Your comment brought a smile--so true! Whole Foods is less than a mile from my house but it's just a run to the store, not an experience Will check out market at Grand Central, another stop for sure. Sorry, rkkwan, don't understand.

Again, thanks everybody!!

Oh, rkkwan, I am so glad I am not the only one! And why someone would go out of their way to go to a TJs that is MORE crowded and smaller than a regular store I just cannot understand. The regular store is difficult enough to navigate!

texasjo, Felicity was a show where the main character and her on again off again flame worked at Dean and Delucca.