THE LOCAL BUTCHER SHOP

It has been a long time since the duo of meat adventurer’s have embarked on a journey of meat exploration. It was time to team up with my mentor the Reverend Biggles and go on a Meat Adventure to the recently opened ‘The Local Butcher Shop”. This adventure would take us to the famous gourmet ghetto of Berkeley California. This area is a foodie’s paradise since it is home to: Chez Panisse, ‘The original Peet’s coffee shop, ‘The Cheeseboard Collective’ and numerous high end food establishments. The Local Butcher Shop should be a welcome addition to this delicious neighborhood.


This is what “The Local Butcher Shop is all about in their own words. “The Local Butcher Shop offers our community sustainably raised, local meat. We buy whole animals direct from farmers who are all located within 150 miles of Berkeley. All of the meat we sell comes from animals who have been 100% pasture raised, no antibiotics, no hormones, just pure, clean, true meat. All of the animals are free to roam on pasture and lead what we like to call “a happy life”. Since we buy whole animals, we are able to cut your meat for you however you desire. Our trained butchers are also chefs, so they can help you with cooking suggestions and recipes. We are here to educate and help you succeed in the kitchen or at the grill! The meat that doesn’t make it into our display cases, goes into a rotating array of sausages, pates, confits, stocks, rendered fats and sauces. We also make a changing sandwich of the day as well as “tallow chips.” We hope to see you soon!”

We stepped into this meat emporium and were greeted by a naty attired friendly staff. We surveyed the meat cases and saw well marbled assortement of meat. House made made beef chorizo and knockwurst were displayed.There was a large butcher block in the center of the store which the cut of the day was being broken down to manageable size pieces. A refirgerator was stocked with house rendered beef and pork lard. Eggs and some select dry goods were also for sale. This was one clean meat shop.

We noticed that there was no prices listed with the meat in the display cases. There was a chalkboard on the wall which had written categories of beef, pork, lamb and rabbit. The categories were then broken down to: rear, middle and front with prices attached. We asked for a little assitance in this unique pricing system. We were informed that meat cuts will come from certain areas of the body. For instance the beef rib roast will come from the center. You then look at the wall for Beef, and the center price. This is great if you know your meat anatomy. Fortanately there are charts and friendly people to assist you.

We made several purchases and left this new meat establishment. I had my eye on some beautiful seven blade roast. It was so well marbled and was calling me. I could not justify the forty five dollar price tag for this pot roast. The Local Butcher Shop is a very clean and unique place to get your meat on. It is a good fit for the neighborhood. If you visit be prepared to pay premium prices for being able to bring home premium cuts from free roaming, pasture raised, and happy life meat. We shall return to purchase the pot roast some other day but it will be for a special occasion.

The Local Butcher Shop

1600 Shattuck Ave. Ste. 120

Berkeley, CA 94611

510-845-6328 (MEAT)