6 Austin Butcher Shops Preparing Meat the Old-fashioned Way

Angelo the butcher looked like something from a horror movie. He had a weathered face, one eye, and wore a bloody apron. Everywhere he went, he had a butcher’s knife in hand. The man never smiled. To a 12-year-old boy in northern New Jersey, he was terrifying. He was also a culinary surgeon. Grunting and scowling, he’d whack up meat like a pianist tickles the ivories. Some of my fondest memories involve watching Angelo work his magic, while I waited for the deli guy to slice my cold cuts.

Butchering meat isn’t just a trade. It’s an art form. Proper meat preparation can turn a good meal legendary, and these six Austin butchers are carrying on the craft in fine style. Next time you need to cook up some ribs, grill a burger, or perfectly roast a filet mignon, skip the mega mart and swing by these local Austin butcher shops for premium cuts.

Note: This list features butcher shops that offer raw meat cut to customers’ specifications and does not include fish markets.

1/ Salt & Time

No Austin butcher shop list would be complete without a shout-out to the wonderful Salt & Time. While most people go for the restaurant experience, the butcher shop is top-notch. Aside from the usual cuts, the Salt & Time crew carves up toughies like lamb, skin-on pork belly, and culotte roast. You can also take classes to learn the finer points of butchery for yourself. First-class all the way around.

1912 E. 7th St. – Website

2/ Johnny G’s Meat Market

A post shared by Johnny Gs Meat Market (@johnnygsmeatmkt) on Jan 18, 2018 at 5:12pm PST

Also known as Johnny G’s Butcher Block, this is the closest thing to the East Coast butcheries of my childhood, A legit mom and pop meat-cutting shop in south Austin. Locals love the friendly service, weekly specials, and off-the-wall offerings like quail, pork belly, and tripe. A member of the Manchaca neighborhood since 1980, Johnny G’s is an Austin fixture and a recommended alternative to the big box store.

11600 Manchaca Road, Suite H – Website

3/ Longhorn Meat Market

A post shared by @momskitchen499 on Oct 24, 2015 at 12:30pm PDT

Don’t let the wall of meat cleavers and knives behind the counter threaten you. Instead, let them fill you with the security that your meat is being cut by old-school experts. Like Johnny G’s, Longhorn Meat Market has been an MLK mainstay for decades. Fresh, fast, and very reasonably priced (often cheaper than the mega marts), Longhorn Meat Market continues to be an east Austin favorite.

2411 E. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. – Facebook

4/ Rosso & Flynn

A post shared by Rosso & Flynn (@rosso_flynn) on Sep 6, 2017 at 8:27am PDT

While you won’t get the experience of watching a butcher spatchcock your chicken, the pure convenience of Austinite owned and operated Rosso & Flynn makes up for the missing pageantry. Every cut of poultry, meat, and pork imaginable can be prepared and delivered straight to your door. Deliveries occur on Sundays only, so make sure you get your order in early. Shopping without leaving your home is a glorious experience, especially when it’s incredible meat arriving to your door.

4801 Timberline Dr. – Website

5/ Hudson Meats

A post shared by Lance Vaillancourt (@lancevaillancourt) on Feb 20, 2016 at 12:43pm PST

Mostly known for smoked meats, mail-orders, and catering, Hudson Meats does more than cook up slabs of sausage. Deer and game processing is a crucial part of the business. Whether you’re looking to simply skin and quarter your game, or have the team process it into patties, steaks, or even jerky, Hudson Meats is pro. The team has been feeding carnivores since 1969, becoming an iconic part of the rapidly changing South Congress landscape. True ATX originals.

1800 S. Congress Ave. – Website

6/ Dai Due

A post shared by Dai Due (@daidue) on Feb 14, 2018 at 9:47am PST

Like Salt & Time, most people frequent Dai Due for the exquisite cuisine and homey yet elegant ambiance. Little do they know that a fully functional butcher’s shop hides among the table settings and wait staff. The same incredible meat used for the farm-to-table menu can be purchased raw and ready for you to prepare at home. Everything from beef to pork to feral hog can be cut up especially for you to take home and create culinary magic with.

2406 Manor Road – Website

 

@BillTuckerTSP wants to know:

What is your favorite local Austin butcher shop?