Murray's Cheese Opens New Combined Shop and Restaurant in Long Island City

Murray’s Cheese Bar LIC (Image: Emily Andrews for Rockwell Group)

Aug. 17, 2020 By Michael Dorgan

Specialty cheesemaker Murray’s Cheese opened a new combined restaurant and cheese shop in Long Island City Monday.

The establishment opened on the corner of Jackson Avenue and Queens Plaza South, at 28-30 Jackson Ave., in one of the three mega towers that is part of the 1,800-unit Jackson Park development.

Murray’s has split its ground floor space in two, with one side dedicated to the restaurant and the other to its acclaimed cheese shop.

The restaurant is now open for outdoor dining and has space for 20 customers in accordance with state COVID-19 restrictions. The indoor space will cater to 50 people once coronavirus restrictions are lifted, according to Deena Siegelbaum, a spokesperson for Murray’s.

The restaurant is currently serving up a seasonally-inspired menu consisting of artisan cheeses, fresh dairy produce and carefully-sourced meats. On offer is a selection of various cheese boards, BLT sandwiches and chicken and risotto dishes. The menu also consists of salads, soups and desserts.

The eatery also features the company’s first full-service bar with original house cocktails, frozen drinks, wine and beer. Freshly made non-alcoholic drinks can also be purchased from the restaurant.

The restaurant is open from Monday to Wednesday from noon to 8 p.m. and from noon to 10 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. It is also open for pickup and deliveries.

Cheese boards at Murray’s Cheese Bar LIC. (Image: Emily Andrews for Rockwell Group)

The cheese shop component of the business is offering more than 400 specialty items including a rotating selection of pre-cut cheeses that Murray’s sources from around the world.

The shop is designed as a self-service model that invites customers to explore the cheese case alongside Murray’s trained cheese mongers.

The shop also offers a wide array of additional food items including smoked fish, charcuterie, pasta, sauces, fresh baguettes and other fresh dairy products. Customers with a sweet tooth can also savor some treats from the chocolate menu.

The retail shop is open Monday to Sunday from noon to 8 p.m. and will also deliver.

Murray’s was founded in Greenwich Village in 1940 by Murray Greenberg and has become world-renowned for its selection of fine cheeses, cured meat and grocery items.

The company has two retail shops in Greenwich Village and a retail operation in Grand Central Station.

Murray’s also has an existing presence in Long Island City. It has its cheese caves—to age the cheese–at its central office at 25-19 Borden Ave.

The company distributes its products to over 600 restaurants and stores nationwide from its Borden Avenue location. It’s e-commerce business is based there, too.

Murray’s was bought in 2017 by Kroger, a Cincinnati-based company that operates supermarkets across the country.