Beltex Meats is one of those places that have been on my radar for an awfully long time. Someone would mention them, or I'd read an article, or they'd pop up on Yelp...I've heard only fantastic things so I had very high expectations. They use local meats, and tout themselves as whole-animal butchers, two concepts I excitedly support.
They are pretty hip. The shop is located in an old home, there's beautiful landscaping out front, and the interior features exposed brick, a small seating area, and even a bookshelf. It looks like they offer a sandwich on Saturdays, and while seating inside is quite limited, if there was a spot open you could nab it for a pretty chill lunch.
Obtaining a parking spot will be challenging at busy times. There are some spaces (maybe 6-ish?) out front, but if that area got full you could park along the road elsewhere and do a little walking.
Upon entering you'll see two meat cases, one with cured items like salami, pâté, pork rilette, bacon, bacon jam, pancetta, and so forth, and one with fresh cuts, including beef, pork, and chicken. Additionally, they offer local eggs, a few cheeses, various broths, beef tallow, pork lard, and marrow bones. Lastly, they have raw dog food along with various treats for your pup friends.
One product I knew I had to try was the beef bacon. The slices were thick cut, large, well-marbled, and a bit fatty (it's bacon after all), but once fried up not too chewy. The flavor was reminiscent of jerky (this is a good thing), and I suppose, both being cured beef products, that's not surprising. Look, everyone loves bacon, and traditional pork will always hold a special place in my heart (insert cholesterol joke here), however if I had to choose one favorite type I might go with beef...
I really wanted to try some of the steak, but opted to test out each of the sausage flavors this time. I got the breakfast chub, bacon and bleu cheese, beef bay leaf and garlic, Italian, house brat, and fennel and parmesan coil. The bleu cheese was very noticeable in that particular sausage; the others all had more traditional flavors that didn't stand out quite as distinctly. The house brat was probably my favorite if you forced me to choose. All were delicious, and even though I charred them pretty heavily, still super juicy with snappy casings.
Regarding customer service, the first time I visited I felt like the person assisting me was a little condescending. I still gave Beltex five stars and felt they deserved it, but it did bother me a little. I've since returned, however, and ordered from Billy. He is charming and super helpful. When I told him I wanted to buy some pâté, but hadn't tried it before he suggested I sample every type they carry (all are delicious. REALLY delicious). He made great recommendations, and was just very pleasant, friendly, and fun to work with. No matter who helps you they always package everything carefully, and label each item clearly.
Prices are higher than you'll pay at a grocery store. OF COURSE. You get what you pay for. Within the past few years I (and I think many others) have altered my eating habits to enjoy meat more sparingly. In the case that you're only consuming meat for a few meals each week this becomes more affordable, and you'll appreciate those times so much more when you are eating high quality cuts. So depending on the way you currently eat meat, purchasing from a butcher shop can be totally do-able. I don't know that I'll return here weekly, but when I'm in the area I'll likely stop by, or when I want something special or just super delicious. read more