Second Helpings: Meat Markets
The meat market is strong, according to this carnivorous "Second Helpings."
Fri., Nov. 22, 2002
The Meat Shop
948 Peyton Gin Rd., 837-6331Tuesday-Friday, 8am-6pm; Saturday 8am-3pm
An enormous variety of products are available at the Meat Shop, as well as custom-made freezer packs and catering. Anything you need to cook a delicious homemade meal can be found behind the counter. Harrell Ranch All-Natural Beef and Wagyu make up the list of rib eyes, porterhouses, filet mignon, and tenderloin, to name a few. In addition, a number of beef cuts including chuck roast, brisket, liver, and soup bones are available for your cooking needs. The Meat Shop has 13 different beef and pork sausages, ribs, loin chops, and whole frying chickens. Call ahead to check on availability.
Johnny G's Butcher Block
11600 Manchaca, 280-6514Monday-Saturday, 9am-6pm; Wednesday, 9am-1pm
Johnny G's has been around for more than 25 years specializing in quality meats, cut daily. Fresh steaks, seven different types of sausage, jerky, barbecue links, pork, and chicken are all part of their menu. Johnny G's also processes wild game for the local hunter and will cut and wrap it for your freezer.
Cooper's Meat Market
1601 W. 38th #12, 467-6700Monday-Saturday, 9:30am-6pm
Located in the Jefferson Square shopping center, Cooper's Meat Market is the second branch of the San Antonio shop run by brother and sister Cooper Boddy and Lee Boddy Morrison. Cooper's carries a wide variety of traditional and unusual meats, plus an assortment of prepared food. In addition to steaks, seafood, chicken, pork, and lamb, Boddy and Morrison offer quail, axis venison, cabrito, rabbit, and Wagyu, a specialty Japanese beef. Check their Web site for a complete list of available deli sandwiches, prepared dinners, soups, and side dishes. Delivery available.
Central Market
4001 N. Lamar, 206-10134477 S. Lamar, 899-4300
9am-9pm, daily
Among Central Market's numerous fresh products are those available in their meat department. The counter features a variety of homemade sausages, natural chickens, and the finest meat, including PGA, bison, and veal -- no ground chuck or rump roast here. They also stock duck, geese, quail, and emu upon request. There are more than 65 varieties of pork products, jerky, and even rattlesnake.
Fresh Plus
1221 West Lynn, 477-5574408 E. 43rd, 459-8922
Monday-Saturday, 8am-9pm; Sunday, 9am-8pm
While the choices aren't as extensive or exotic as some other fresh meat counters, Fresh Plus offers high-quality meat not available in your typical grocery store. USDA choice and certified Black Angus, Buddy's All-Natural chickens, and a variety of freshly made sausages made in the store can be picked up on a daily basis. Check out the deli if you can't wait until you get home to try the fresh fare.
HoneyBaked Ham
9029 Research Blvd., 835-7925Monday-Saturday, 10am-6pm
This national chain has over 300 stores nationwide, but they still provide quality, cooked meats to help out the busy host. The most popular item, the Original HoneyBaked Ham, comes fully cooked, spiral-sliced, and ready to serve. Also available are ready-made honey-baked turkeys, beef and pork roasts, and ribs. HoneyBaked Hams can cater your entire meal if necessary, with vegetable sides and desserts. Just make sure to reserve your order early to ensure availability.
Hickory Honey Hams
1204 W. 38th, 459-4267Monday-Friday, 10am-6pm; Saturday, 10am-4pm
Closer to a deli than an actual meat market, this locally owned family business offers spiral-sliced honey-glazed hams and turkeys. Hams are sold in halves or whole, and turkeys come whole. They also offer a number of fresh sandwiches, salads, and desserts. For the thoughtful boss, Hickory Hams gives a discount on the purchase of 10 or more hams.
