I continue to have a love/hate relationship with this shop. The guys here are friendly, and try hard to please. My Thanksgiving turkey did not disappoint last November. I just wish they weren't so darn expensive. I don't begrudge anyone a living, but yesterday I purchased three veal shanks to make osso buco for three. It was delicious, but $90...really? No wonder nothing here has the prices posted. I guess if you have to ask, you can't afford it. I'll continue to shop here as necessary, but also buy my meat at Pat's, around the corner, Barth's Market in New Providence, Wegman's in Woodbridge, and now, Union Pork Store, on Morris Ave. read more

Five stars on the basis of customer service and the few products I purchased- bacon, vodka sauce, and rice pudding. My aunt asked me to come here to pick her up freshly sliced bacon, she has been raving about it for years. I wasn't planning on getting everything else, but mentioned in passing to the guy behind the counter that I would buy a half pint of vodka sauce, but they only had full pints out. The guy asked me to hand me a full pint, and he put it in a half sized container and charged me half. I've literally never had that happen anywhere. Most people would've just said "oh that's too bad." This is definitely an old school butcher, don't expect to see state of the art scales, or beautifully written menus. You don't come here for that, you come here for the products. I see other reviews regarding prices not being marked, the owners definitely saw that because most items had prices per lb. All the prepared food was clearly marked. A lot of the reviews here are outdated. Shop small and local, give them a shot. They need your business more than Whole Foods, or the major chain grocery stores. read more

Excited to try this place out more!! I always pass by and say to myself, I gotta go check that place out. The sign outside their store the weeks leading up to St Patrick's day finally did me in! They said they would be selling their corned beef and to make your orders! I of course didn't but Friday on my way home I stopped in to see if they had enough corned beef to sell me to make sandwiches the next day. My luck they did! All of the butchers were very friendly and helpful and cut me enough of their bottom round corned beef so that my husband and I could enjoy some sandwiches on St Patrick's day! They had the rye bread there so well, one stop shop!! I'm not particularly fond of corned beef but figured it was something festive. I have never had corned beef like this! It was amazing!!! My husband agreed. The meat was top quality! So worth it! I can see why they get preorders!! The price was worth it and reasonable considering you'd probably end up paying more out somewhere and not get anything close to this! They had prepacked foods inside, soups, raviolis, etc. A lot of things definitely caught my eye. I will definitely be back to try out more of their items! We were both impressed with the quality of the corned beef so it will have us coming back for sure! read more

John's Meat Market - Bottom round corned beef from the market! So good! - Meat Shops Near Me - Scotch Plains, New Jersey

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So disappointed in the order that I had delivered on Saturday. Two of the three sirloin steaks were fine - but the third was black and moldy. The stir-fry beef was old - black and moldy. All four pieces of osso bucco had freezer burn and looked old, with discoloration which looked like old meat - mold. Instead of risking getting sick, I threw all four pieces in the trash. Vinny the owner got rid of low quality meat and gave them to me. I did tell him that I needed the meat delivered because of macular degeneration and I feel he thought - oh the lady with bad vision won't notice the spoiled meat - let me pass the problem to her. - and he charged me $301.00. Not nice - back to Barthes in New Providence or Shoprite in Stirling. read more

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Is the meat great quality? Absolutely. Is it delicious? Yup! Customer service is good too. Why the 2* review you might ask? There are no prices to be found, except for the ground beef special. I had real shock when my preordered 13 lb turkey for Thanksgiving and it was almost $100! Holy cow. I paid for it and then walked out and thought "did I just pay a hundred bucks for a freaking small thanksgiving bird?" Yup. I did. Was it good? Yes. Was it better than a frozen bird? No. Please put prices on things so we know how much all of the items are. I would buy more if you guys show us what things cost. read more

Time for an update. I've been here about a dozen or so times now and I am still a major fan. Ive bought steak, chicken, bacon and pork here and I was happy with it all. I am pretty much the ideal shopper for this place. I feel pretty good about my ability to tell a great steak from an OK one. I have worked hard to ensure myself the luxury of spending a little extra something if I feel its worth it. I am the kind of person who feels stongly about putting her money back into the local community. If you are the person who says a steak is a steak is a steak then dont go here. For example you can purchase a strip steak from the local chain grocery store for lets say about 12 bucks...at Johns it will run you $18 now thats 50% more ey? In my head I would pay $3 more to give my money to a local business and easily $5 more for a prime (not choice) cut of meat that has no perservatives and has never been frozen. If you are like me then check the place out, If you are on a tight budget or just don't care all that much about the quality of your meat then don't....got it? read more

John's Meat Market - Meat Shops Near Me - Scotch Plains, New Jersey

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We hit John's tonight for a nice hi end piece of meat . We bought a two pound peter Luger steak I guess it's from the famous peter Lugers for the price we paid . That's the only drawback I see at John's is the price other wise his meats are on point and top notch but once again at a price . Place is clean and neat nothing fancy . read more

John's Meat Market - Meat Shops Near Me - Scotch Plains, New Jersey

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Ordered three tomahawk steaks for a summer cookout. Dry aged steak is in a totally different league from the steak you get at a grocery store! John was very helpful on the phone, and delivery (within Scotch Plains) was painless. read more

John's Meat Market - Tomahawks - Meat Shops Near Me - Scotch Plains, New Jersey

Update: I finally got around to smoking one of the prime Briskets from this shop. Amazing! Thats all I have to say. Tender, full of flavor. Ive had prime briskets from elsewhere and id have to say this shop's ranks the number one. If I lives closer I would visit them at least a couple times a week! read more

NEVER EVER AGAIN......... We frequently went to John's for chop meat UNTIL we noticed they NEVER wear gloves or atleast wash hands after each customer, touching money, change, there dirty apron and wiping there face. What a shame - Health department needs to do something about this. read more

Just moved to Scotch Plains and decided to give this place a try. Purchased a NY strip steak as per recommendations of one of the butchers and paid $49 for 2 pieces of steak. I felt like I got robbed since I never remember paying so much for steak even at whole foods. The place is nice and sales people look very knowledgable but oh boy - it's so overpriced and overrated. I am surprised how they are still in business but who am I to judge since I am not going back there ever again. read more

I went to John's Meat Market to pick up some steaks for grilling with old friends. I asked Barry behind the counter "if you were getting together with old friends to grill and sip bourbon which steak would you choose". He pulled out some beautiful prime rib steaks that were dry aged about 35 days. They were well marbled. That night i grilled them for my friends to medium rare. It was perfect. My friends raves about it. Well worth the money. Thank you Barry! read more

not sure what is so fantastic about this place. I was the only customer in there and nobody said hello to me except one said "whaddyawant?" It was so unwelcoming. I ordered over $150. worth of stuff that was handed to me over the counter and never mind brought to the car not even walked around the counter. It was way too heavy for one shopping bag. They barely spoke to me. They wanted me to spit out my order as fast as possible and go away. I volunteered to kind of sweeten it up because it was so unpleasant that I had sent them quite a nice customer from out of town and they said "oh that's nice". I mean are they kidding/ Other customers came in after me and they all woke up and started interacting with them and I got even less attention than when I was the first one by myself. Now I went there for some great quality meat and I got it so the lousy customer service is really not a big deal it just leaves a bad taste in your mouth. However what prompts me to write this review is that everything I brought home was half falling out of the butcher paper and not ready for the refrigerator OR the freezer. So I had to now stand here and re-wrap over $150. worth of meat in order to put it away which really ticked me off. I mean the meat was practically thrown in the shopping bag. fuggedaboutit. read more

While I like to support old school butchers like John's I'm always bothered by something when I visit. Either the meat is way too expensive, or they act annoyed when I ask a price for something, or they outright lie (yes the hot dogs are homemade-but not here!), or the way they fawn over some customers and ignore others. While some of their stuff is great they shouldn't make their customers feel like they're doing them a favor by selling it to them. I'll still shop there for some sale items, when the price is merely expensive rather than extortionate, and deal with all the other stuff. Great parking though! read more

I've been to a lot of butcher shops over the years as I love a good dry aged steak (preferably a NY Strip or T-bone, but on occasion I'll go for a Rib-Eye). My wife is also a big fan of dry aged filet mignon. Anyway, I could care less about anything else than the dry aged meat so this review is only based on that. John's is easily the best value for dry-aged steaks in the area. Compared to the other old school butcher shops that serve dry-aged beef they're typically similar in price and just much better in overall quality. They're also miles better than Whole Foods or Wegmans and a lot cheaper. The only comparable in the area is DeBragga, but I prefer the experience of going to John's over getting some steaks delivered from DeBragga. The only butcher that is consistently better than John's is Lobels in NYC (but they're also more than twice as expensive) so if you want some of the best dry-aged steaks on the planet and don't want to break the bank get yourself over to John's. read more

I am Argentinian and I love steak and we have been looking for a good butchery since we arrived to New Jersey. Thanks to a neighbor recommendation we went to johns meat market and we were able to found the best meat! We were looking for specific cuts ( skirt steak and "tira de asado" beef short ribs) and we found it at john's meat market. In addition to the good quality I love the vibe of the place. Old butchery, they have been working since 1949. read more

Went to John's tonight and could not imagine a more pleasurable experience. Brian was very helpful at helping me to determine which of their fabulous cuts of meat to choose from. While helping me to decide he didn't miss the opportunity to further educate me on differing qualities of meats. In addition to cutting me 2 amazing porterhouse steaks, he also was kind enough to throw in 7-8 slices of their double smoked bacon to try. The older gentleman who was there as well was also very nice. Fantastic service + a fantastic product = a repeat customer. read more

John's Meat Market - 2 aforementioned porterhouse. - Meat Shops Near Me - Scotch Plains, New Jersey

Best selection of meats and cuts. From bacon to skirt steak to pork tenderloin to buffalo this place has it all. Their home made sauces are unbelievable too like their penne vodka. Don't forget soup selection like their lobster bisque. Huge portions at best prices. Also the guys can talk to you about anything while there and give great advice or entertain with their stories. read more

I have been a customer for about 12 years. John's is the best place ever to buy quality meats. Service is excellent and the selections are top grade. YOU MUST BUY THE BACON !!!!! Try it once and you will never eat any other brand ever again !!!!! read more

Top notch service. Whats really great is their dry age steak is usda prime. Most places that have dry age steak uses usda choice. So it was great to see how this butcher uses usda prime for everything. Their bacon was super good too. The marbling on the dry age was really good and so was the rib eye. Highly recommend this butcher. I'll be back again for sure. read more

This is an old school style butcher shop. They wear white coats and really know their stuff. My family has had a lot of things from here but the one thing we always go back for are the hot dogs. They are a favorite! We don't live that close to John's but we always go out of our way for the hot dogs. Once you have them, you'll never go back to a packaged brand again! read more

A few dollars cheaper per lb than Whole Foods (sometimes) but even better or as good quality meat. Enough said! I compare this place to Whole Foods as we try to buy proteins that were raised better than say how Purdue raises their animals. John's fits the bill and is a much easier drive for us than going to Whole Foods which also has its place in the world. Picked up a prime rib for 6 for Christmas and it was just delicious! read more

I've been coming to Johns for years, and there is no place like it! The family vibe and quality meats don't compare to other butchers. I love that I can pick prime meats, sides, soups and even homemade desserts! They can always accommodate when I'm rushing and need to order ahead, or if I'm searching for a specific item. Ask for Nick, Vinny or little Vinny - and tell them Keri sent you! You won't be disappointed! read more

I was told their briskets are prime. Bought a bunch this summer. Always came out dry. Thought it was me. Till I bought a prime brisket from creekstone and it was amazing. Went to Johns today to pick up some food. Brisket was in original wrapper and it said choice. So I'll never be back. They are not to be trusted. And way overpriced. read more

5 years later and still standing by my original review. Now living in Wildwood Crest NJ finds us making trips up north to John's to bulk order our meats. When we moved down here 3 years ago we couldn't get good, beef, chicken , lamb or pork so we invested in a large sub zero freezer so we can fill it with lots of meats from John's. Vinnie and the entire staff do a great job cryovac-ing our steaks for the 2 1/2 hour trip home. Our neighbors can't believe how good the steaks are.. They now make their own hot dogs which are terrific. We are partial to the jalapeno cheddar hot dogs.. The breakfast sausages are nice with just the right amount of spices. The chicken is a real stand apart from the grocery store chicken. Butcher extraordinaire Barry does a great job cutting the chicken into parts so it's pot ready for an excellent Coq au Vin. The chicken breasts are moist and very flavorful... The steaks, as always are top drawer A-#1... we get thick cut rib steaks for sous vide then grilled. We've had the crown rib roasts, awesome, skirt steaks, awesome, flank steak, awesome, treated ourselves to a tomahawk steak which was impressive and well worth the cost , you need to treat yourself to one and you won't be disappointed. We love the ground beef and usually purchase about 15 lbs at a time. The ground beef makes the best hamburgers ever.. We've enjoyed the pork chops both grilled and James Beard style. We are Greek and KNOW our lamb! Their lamb is the best lamb around, top shelf USDA tender lamb that is never gamey. We get a 8-12 lb leg and they do an excellent job de-boning and tying the butt half for an excellent roast lamb dinner and they cube the shank half for some really excellent shish kabob. The frenched rack of lamb and the chops are so juicy and tender. I've purchased game meats such as bison, rabbit and duck there which have all been great. Last visit we purchased some veal sausage for the first time which looks like it's going to be another winner. My mom loves the filet mignon steaks and always has us picking up some for her when we visit. I have read other reviews that address the prices. It is true they do not post prices but I must say that I've never been to a butcher shop that does and this is mainly because of the constantly fluctuating beef costs. All the game meats and sausages in the freezer are price-marked. I usually ask them how much something is before I buy it and they have always given me the price without hesitation or attitude, they know they have a good product. Also, one other big difference is that John's dry ages most of their steaks so you're paying meat with a lot less water in it which makes for a much more flavorful steak. One thing that we've always admired about John's is that every year they have a Barbeque for Veterans. There is a donation bucket for the local veteran's home and John's always closes for Veteran's day. They are very patriotic and do a lot of good barbeques for the vets. John's Meat Market is a true blue American original! I feel good about supporting John's. read more

Good that John's has a superior competitor now with Pats American Butcher across the street.....John's has always had the reputation as being overpriced and in some cases dishonest with pricing.....their products are good.....but way overpriced and the guys don't use gloves when handling meat. read more

Today's my wife's birthday and she wanted me to make her pork chops. No problem, I'll just go to a "well known" butcher in Scotch Plains and get some great pork chops instead of going to a supermarket. In I go and there are no customers but 3 butchers so I tell on of them my wife's birthday wish and he shows me 8-3/4 inch thick pre-cut chops in the display. I ask him if he has anything thicker with at least some marbling, he says "no, there are no special pork chops, they're all the same, this is western bred." I say that they look like the pork chops that I can buy at ShopRite and that I came to him because of their reputation. He said, "so, do you want them?" I traveled an extra 15 minutes to Barth's Meats in New Providence where I received 2 1-1/2 thick chops cut to order and was treated nicely. I really do want to support local business people but I guess sometimes you have to support someone else's. read more

This place is overrated and continually cratering in quality and customer service.Don't believe them when they tell you that all of their meat is prime. There so called ground beef is not prime. Their so called peter Luger porterhouse has nothing to do with luger's . they are using the name as a branding device. i can't believe that luger's hasn't told them to cease and desist. Most of their butchers except 2 are average to below average in their meat cutting skills. A prime shop that is competent and professional will always present the large cut of beef to the customer for their approval prior to cutting it to the customer's desired thickness. not these guys. they cut and wrap it without showing it to you. They have internet specials about once per month where it is obvious that they buy a large supply of either choice cuts of meat and list them as prime or bottom of the shelf prime. They are charging like a top prime butcher without the customer service or butchering skills. i come from the Midwest where butchers are much better and these guys would be out of business. read more

Simply not worth the money. The "prime rib steaks" were not only unremarkable @ $58.00 for two. They actually were no better than a supermarket. The marinara sauce that I remembered as delicious from 20 years ago, was sweeter than a cube of sugar. Haven't been there in 20 years, will never go back. Wegman's steaks, for less money, blow John's Market away. Very disappointing. read more

I love this place. Service is incredable. You cant beat the meat. I moved to scotch plains to be closer to this place. I really cant say enough good things about this place. read more

This place is great nice cuts, very clean shop. Friendly experienced butchers that take pride in they service they provide.

Wow, incredible service, excellent choices. Didn't know butchers like this existed anymore!

Some cuts of beef very good, some not so good. Specifically, great filets and burgers. Stay away from the brisket and rib eye. A no go on the prepared sirloin chili. Drove a long way to try this place. Overall disappointed. read more

The rib-eyes that were purchased are as high quality as you can find. Expect the price tag to match the quality. The lobster bisque I thought was below average and lacked salt - I probably wouldn't get that again. They are said to have an exotic selection of meats (gator, etc.) although I was rushed and didn't explore that option - I was content with the fois gras block and two monster steaks. I wouldn't hesitate to go back - just be sure you bring some serious money. read more

Outstanding customer experience. Simply the best meats at a fair price. We shop here at least once/week.

prices are pretty high but...so is the Quality!!! and if you have to ask how much ..you my friend need not purchase here only for the well-trained palate!!! And the aroma when you walk in the door....Heavenly!!! read more

WOW! I love this place. A real old fashion butcher shop where everyone actually knows about meat! One problem though..I cannot send my husband there alone because when he comes back I cannot pay my monthly bills! It's like sending in a starving dog! LOL Their Milk fed pork chops are amazing! They are also very helpful with suggestions and recipes. Afraid to cook that 250.00 Prime Rib, no sweat...they will tell you how to do it perfectly. I highly recommend them! read more

Johns is great! Their meat is pricy- but worth it. Great quality, Knowledgable staff, Funny guys! And seasonal fresh produce! read more

Beware. Ordered a duck for Thanksgiving, and when I unwrapped it on Thanksgiving Day, I saw that it was well-passed the expiration date from D'Artagnan. The prices are high and the quality isn't what it used to be when John was still alive and holding court in the store. Had to go to Kings to buy something to serve my guests for Thanksgiving--glad I hadn't told them we were having duck! read more

Not a fan of this shop. Very Overpriced and not worth it. Paid extra for cleaned , sliced Chicken cutlets and the cutlets were shredded and still had lots fat on them!! Not happy to pay for an extra service and then need to attempt to fix the shredded, odd shaped and holy cutlets? Won't be going back - Frank's Meat Market does a much better job. read more