What Sahadi's is and where to find it

Sahadi's is a specialty grocery store in Brooklyn, New York, located in the DUMBO neighborhood (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass). The store has operated since 1898 and is known for stocking Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and international foods that are harder to find in standard supermarkets. It occupies a corner storefront at 187 Atlantic Avenue, between Court and Clinton Streets.

The store is independently owned and remains a neighborhood landmark. It is open six days a week (closed Sundays), with hours typically running from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, though hours may vary seasonally. You can reach them by phone at (718) 624-4550 to confirm current hours or ask about specific products before visiting.

Key Takeaways

  • Sahadi's stocks bulk spices, nuts, dried fruits, grains, and legumes at lower per-pound prices than pre-packaged versions.
  • The store carries fresh and jarred Middle Eastern staples including tahini, pomegranate molasses, za'atar, sumac, and multiple varieties of olives and olive oils.
  • You can buy items by weight from bulk bins, which means you pay only for what you need rather than a fixed package size.
  • The store is cash-friendly but also accepts major credit cards and debit cards.
  • Parking on Atlantic Avenue is street parking only; the nearest subway access is the High Street-Brooklyn Bridge A/C line.

Bulk spices, nuts, and dried goods

Sahadi's is organized around bulk bins where you scoop your own quantities of spices, nuts, dried fruits, grains, and legumes. This format lets you buy exactly what you need—a quarter pound of sumac or a pound of pistachios—rather than committing to a full jar or bag. Prices are marked per pound, and you pay at the register after your items are weighed.

The spice selection includes common items like cumin and cinnamon alongside harder-to-find Middle Eastern spices such as Aleppo pepper, mahlab (cherry pit kernel), and black nigella seeds. Nuts range from raw almonds and walnuts to roasted chickpeas and pine nuts. Dried fruits include apricots, dates, figs, and raisins in multiple varieties. Grains and legumes cover lentils, chickpeas, farro, bulgur, and rice types including arborio and jasmine.

Fresh and preserved Middle Eastern staples

Beyond the bulk section, Sahadi's shelves hold jarred and bottled items central to Middle Eastern cooking. Tahini (sesame paste) comes in multiple brands and grades. Pomegranate molasses, used to add tartness to salads and meat dishes, is stocked in several sizes. Olive oils range from everyday cooking oils to premium extra-virgin varieties, many imported directly from the Mediterranean.

The store carries multiple types of olives—green, black, Castelvetrano, and others—both loose in bins and in jars. Pickled vegetables include turnips, eggplant, and mixed vegetables. You will also find canned tomatoes, chickpeas, and beans; dried herbs like oregano and mint; and condiments such as harissa paste and labneh (strained yogurt). Many items are imported from Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, Turkey, and other Middle Eastern countries.

How to shop by weight at the bulk bins

When you arrive at Sahadi's, grab a small paper bag or container from the bins. Scoop or pour the item you want into your bag until you have the amount you need. Some shoppers bring their own containers; the staff will weigh these before and after you fill them so you pay only for the contents. Write the bin number on your bag with the marker provided, or leave it unmarked and tell the cashier what you scooped.

At the register, the staff will weigh each bag and ring up the total. Prices vary by item—spices are typically more expensive per pound than grains or legumes. If you are unsure of how much you need, start small; you can always return another day to buy more. The staff are familiar with customers who visit regularly and can offer suggestions on quantities for common recipes.

Payment methods and pricing

Sahadi's accepts cash, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. The store has been known to offer modest discounts for cash purchases, though this is not may provide. There is no minimum purchase requirement. Prices are generally lower than specialty food shops in Manhattan or online retailers, especially for bulk items where you avoid packaging costs.

The store does not have a website or online ordering system. You must visit in person to browse and purchase. There is no delivery service. If you want to know whether a specific item is in stock before making the trip, calling ahead is the most reliable method.

Getting there and parking

Sahadi's is located at 187 Atlantic Avenue in the DUMBO neighborhood of Brooklyn. The nearest subway station is High Street-Brooklyn Bridge, served by the A and C lines; the walk from the station is about five minutes. The F and R lines also serve nearby stations (Broadway-Lafayette and Jay Street-MetroTech) at slightly longer distances.

Street parking on Atlantic Avenue is available but competitive, especially on weekends. There are no dedicated parking lots for the store. If you are driving, plan to arrive early in the day or on a weekday morning for easier parking. The neighborhood has become increasingly busy in recent years, so traffic and parking can be unpredictable during peak hours.

What to know before your first visit

The store is small and can feel crowded, especially on Saturday mornings and weekday evenings after work. If you prefer a quieter shopping experience, visiting on a weekday afternoon is usually less busy. The staff are knowledgeable about the products and can answer questions about how to use unfamiliar items or suggest substitutions if something is out of stock.

Bring a list of what you want to buy, since the layout is dense and organized by product type rather than by cuisine or recipe. If you are new to Middle Eastern cooking, the staff can point you toward staples that work in multiple dishes. The store has been family-owned for over a century and is considered a cultural institution in Brooklyn; many customers return regularly and have built relationships with the owners and staff.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order online or by phone for pickup?

No. Sahadi's does not offer online ordering or phone orders for pickup. You must visit the store in person to purchase items. Calling ahead to confirm that a specific product is in stock is the best way to plan your visit.

Do you need to bring your own containers for bulk items?

No. The store provides paper bags for scooping bulk items. You may bring your own containers if you prefer, and the staff will weigh them empty and full so you pay only for the contents. This is optional, not required.

What is the best time to visit if I want to avoid crowds?

Weekday afternoons, especially Tuesday through Thursday between 2 and 5 p.m., tend to be quieter. Saturday mornings and weekday evenings after 5 p.m. are typically the busiest times. Sunday is the only day the store is closed.

Are prices significantly cheaper than online specialty food retailers?

Prices are often lower for bulk items because you avoid packaging and shipping costs, but this varies by product and retailer. Comparing prices for a specific item you buy regularly is the most accurate way to decide whether shopping in person is worth the trip for you.

Does Sahadi's have a loyalty program or membership?

The store does not have a formal loyalty program or membership system. Regular customers may build relationships with staff, but there are no official discounts or rewards tied to repeat purchases.