PRIMAL: Your Local Butcher 1475 Western Avenue, Albany, NY 12203

"I will leave my review at 3 stars only because I genuinely think they sell quality items. My husband and I have frequented Primal a few times to buy many of their products, along with order sandwiches. Tonight we came into the store at 5:10PM looking to get two sandwiches and shop their marinated meats, premade goods, spices, etc. We both had one of the most delicious sandwiches the last time we came and were really looking forward to having another one. We made sure to check the business hours prior to coming in and saw that they closed at 6PM. We have both worked in the food service industry in the past and have made it a point to never be the kind of people that show up to a place even 25 minutes before they close. But, given that it was 5:10, we felt like that was still ample time to run in, order, and not create any staff inconvenience. Upon arrival we were not greeted. We immediately went to the counter where various young men stood socializing. Where we were very quickly asked if we were looking for sandwiches, which we replied yes. We were just as quickly told “we aren’t making sandwiches anymore today”. Now, I fully understand that there can be issues with equipment and what not that can cause restaurants to have to pause making certain offerings for a night but, it just seemed really odd and dismissive to us. It is a Saturday. Almost an hour before close. It WAS very apparent that they were not busy, as we were 2 out of 3 customers there. It was pretty obvious that we were unfortunately victim to staff members looking to get out of work on time and not make further work for themselves. As former food service employees, that is a very bad look. We have both experienced customers coming into restaurants 10 minutes before closing, on days we really wanted to get out on time, but had to do our jobs and serve them and maybe clock out a little later. It felt like a really unfortunate approach to be taking post pandemic, when most restaurants and businesses in general are just happy to still be open. Especially when we have at least 5 other food options to choose from in Stuyvesant plaza alone. Not only was a sale missed out on two sandwiches, but, most likely also purchases of other store items would have been made. This is not a cheap store, but, we both are willing to spend money on quality items. This has made us rethink revisiting Primal in the future. To add, we went up the road to Bountiful Bread, who also closed at 6PM and welcomed us with hellos and delicious food. I really hope management reads reviews and takes note of this."

"Best sandwich ever!!! Got the steak sandwich, which was recommended when I was looking over the menu. I am glad I ordered it cooked to perfection and tasted amazing. The Sprecher Cherry Cola paired great."

"Have been coming here for a long time. Ordered sandwiches Sunday and was disappointed.Server was so preoccupied. Both sandwhiches were not prepared as ordered...wrong bread and tomato and mayo which were specifically not requested. Asked for coleslaw an was starting to serve seafood salad. Salad was dripping dressing and was told there was nothing to clean it....grap couple napkins. No effort to help. Will think again before referring friends ."

"My first time in, I had no idea what I was in for. I expected a simple butcher shop with a few extras. Instead I was greeted with an extensive array of... Everything! Meats and spices and basically a full deli and sandwich shop. I got the steak and cheese sandwich which was the most popular according to the guy with the mustache. It was delicious! I look forward to going back soon to pick up meat dairy eggs maybe some seasonings and sauces. This little gem is tucked away in Stuyvesant plaza. You need to check it out."