Trying to buy good meat can be a frustrating experience. Butcher shops are almost nonexistent anymore and we are stuck with limited choices at our local supermarket. The only time we see the butcher is when he comes out of the back to restock the cooler. If you know of a good butcher in your city, make him your friend. There are few things more important than a great steak. If you can't find a real butcher locally, check these online shops for incredible meats and respectable service.
1. Tendergrass Farms
Tendergrass Farms is a cooperative of small family farmers selling grass-fed beef, organic pork, organic chicken, and organic turkey. All the farmers raise their animals in a 100% pasture-based environment in southwest Virginia.
Tendergrass Farms offers a huge selection of beef and pork cuts, as well as chicken and turkey. Tendergrass products are of the highest quality and some of the finest you will find, exceptional taste and very moist.
Another quality feature of ordering with Tendergrass is their efficient shipping model. All orders are processed through a central distribution center in Nebraska, allowing them to ship by ground FedEx - a huge saving on shipping costs for the customer.
2. Border Springs Farm
Border Springs Farm is located in Virginia and has some of the most incredible lamb meat you will find anywhere in the world - available for purchase by mail either by the whole lamb or half lamb. Border Springs is an exceptional example of the high quality of American lamb today.
A whole lamb constitutes approximately 40 lbs of vaccum packed meat; chops cut to 1 1/2" thick, two whole legs, 4 shanks, sholder steaks cut to 1" thick, ground meat, stew meat.
3. Lobel's of New York
A New York City institution is what every butcher shop should be, premium meats with fantastic service. Prime dry-aged beef, fresh veal, and prime lamb hand cut to order and delivered fresh, never frozen. Also available is Kurobuta (Berkshire) pork, Kobe-style beef, heritage beef and pork, artisan sausages, organic chicken and other poultry, and a lot more. Be sure to check out Lobel's guide to meat for lots of great information.4. D'Artagnan
Started in 1985,D'Artagnan has become a leading purveyor of foie gras, pâtés, sausages, smoked delicacies, organic game and poultry in the nation. They have a brilliant selection of very fine gourmet meats - Kobe-style Wagyu beef, domestic grass-fed beef, Berkshire pork, Australian grass-fed lamb, buffalo, and a very nice choice of game meats.
“Everyone in the food world knows how influential D’Artagnan has been in almost single-handedly bringing great game and foie gras to chefs in America.” - Danny Meyer (owner of Union Square Café, Gramercy Tavern and other top New York restaurants).
5. Heritage Foods USA
Heritage Foods is the sales department of Slow Food USA, dedicated to reviving the great variety of livestock that once existed for our forefathers. Meat from rare breed pigs and cattle, heritage turkeys, sheep, bison, and Native American foods. All raised under strict protocols and labeled with detailed info on the production and processing. Somewhat limited choice of cuts.6. Peter Luger Steak House
New York's #1 steakhouse has made their prime, dry-aged steaks available to the public. Order strip steaks (24 to 26 oz each) or porterhouse steaks (36 to 38 oz each).7. DeBragga
"New York's Butcher" has a fantastic varieties of excellent meats - kobe-style wagyu beef; naturally raised beef, pork, and lamb; prime beef cuts; Mangalitsa pork; as well as a nice selection of sausage, bacon, and salume.8. Pat LaFrieda Meat Purveyors
Another New York City landmark butcher shop, LaFrieda's has been in business for 90 years providing customers with excellent service and meat products. The LaFrieda family even have their own show on the Food Network,Meatmen. They boast over 500 products hand-cut to order - prime and organic beef, lamb, pork, and veal.9. Johnston County Hams
For over 60 years, this North Carolina company has been handcrafting country hams the old-fashioned way. Using time-tested techniques from the Colonial days, Johnston County Hams produces a wonderful assortment of beautiful dry aged country hams as well as delicious prosciutto, honey cured hams, smoked turkey, sausages and bacon.
10. Flannery Beef
California butcher, Bryan Flannery, has an exquisite selection of beef and pork cuts, as well as California lamb.11. Allen Brothers
Supplying some the the finest restaurants in the country, this very high end Chicago company has been in business since 1893. Wet- and dry-aged beef, Kobe-style beef, Pork (including Berkshire), Lamb, Poultry and Duck, Buffalo, Venison, and a lot more. Premium prices, but you won't find better meat anywhere.
