Spotlight | Hook & Rail Meats in Staten Island

Welcome to Broadway Stages’ Spotlight, where we feature local shops, restaurants, organizations, individuals, and venues that provide goods and services to our community. This week, we travel to Hook and Rail Meats in Travis on Staten Island for pasture-raised beef, pork, chicken, and more!

Established in 2016, Hook & Rail Meats in Travis on Staten Island is run by Mike Ozga and his partner Jay Vario. This old-fashioned butcher shop takes pride in their work and the locally sourced, farm-fresh beef, pork, and chicken that they sell.

A true sign of their pride is seen in how they speak about their products. Ozga believes that the more questions asked, the better it is for everyone. Not sure what cut of meat is best for your dinner or barbeque? Just ask. Do you wonder what affects the flavor of the meat? Just ask. Was the cow Red Angus, Black Angus, or Swiss Semmintal? Where was the  animal raised? What was in its hay? Just ask. Mike or Jay will be happy to help; rest assured, they will know the answer!

Ozga, a Farrell High School graduate, received his food training at the Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park. Earlier in his career, he worked at Ruddy and Dean’s, a North Shore steakhouse in St. George.

Ozga says that the product in the showcase ultimately is customer-driven. In addition to meats, you can find a refrigerator case with other specialized products like organic cheese, whole milk, local honey, and much more. “We’re working out of the box, which is great for people who know us... It’s how we have to keep the product at its freshest,” said Ozga.

There is little waste on grass-fed beef, pork, lamb and veal. Prime cuts like Tomahawk steaks and ribeyes are dry-aged. Chicken and pork trims will be turned into sausage and charcuterie. Applewood smoked, nitrate-free bacon chunks could be blended with ground beef for bacon-beef patties.

But don’t take our word for how good it is. You can feast with your eyes on their Instagram page or listen to what one customer said about Hook and Rail Meats. “I have to admit, Hook and Rail Meats was truly something else. The ambience of this place is outstanding and so welcoming! ... Staff are incredibly pleasant. They’re accommodating, well-mannered, and always on their game. Overall, I had an excellent experience at Hook & Rail Meats.”

Hook & Rail Meats is located at 4174 Victory Blvd. in Travis. You can call ahead to have your order ready at (718) 524-5208. The store is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 am-6 pm.

Broadway Stages loves to see a business that shares our work ethic, customer service standards, and pride in what they do. And we think you will, too. So, the next time you are in Travis, stop by Hook & Rail Meats and be sure to tell them Broadway Stages sent you!