Picked up a sandwich here today for the first time. It was roast beef nicoise with cherry tomatoes, basil vinaigrette, and aioli. It was excellent! Came on a really tasty ciabatta-like roll and used vegetables that I would have never expected on a sandwich (like green beans). It was rather expensive ($8), but it was pretty big. I also bought a chocolate chip cookie since they have a $10 minimum for debit/credit. The cookie was okay. I will definitely be coming back for more sandwiches, though I probably won't buy meat here. It is very expensive. read more

Popped in for a sammich and a pepperoni stick...It was pork, bun mi style, damn good too! The pepperoni was by far the best I've ever had too! Would give 5 stars but only 4 on acct that they charge $9 for a medium (at best) size sandwich. read more

This superb butcher shop is notable for the remarkably high quality of its meat. I can't really explain why exactly but everything I've ever gotten here, from hamburger to lamb to duck, has been absolutely terrific - best I've had, normally. The service is likewise superb, the staff patiently explaining preparation tips and also offering to do various cuts, just being really helpful. Overall the staff is exceptionally knowledgeable and friendly. Finally, there is a very small but extremely well-chosen selection of condiments: e.g. excellent mustard, Katz olive oil, pluot jam. read more

Love their pork roast sando with persimmon slices! Their daily sandwiches set you back $9, but they're definitely worth it. I don't have to worry about added hormones or antibiotics either. read more

I've never tried the sandwiches, but I've gotten some odds and ends here and have generally been happy. They have high end rendered fats like leaf lard. Use it 50/50 with butter as the fat in a pie crust and thank me later. The sausages... meh. In particular I was really disappointed in a fennel sausage that had basically no fennel in it. You can go to any random supermarket around here and get the "Italian Sweet" and it'll have more fennel. So to call it a fennel sausage and not have much fennel in it is kind of weird. I'll try some other kind some other day but I'm not exactly motivated. The meat all looks great. I haven't tried as much as I'd like but if you know meat just give it a look and a smell and you'll know you're in the right place. The service has always been fine. Somebody always says "Hi!" when I come in the door and I ask for something and they go get it. They're pleasant. Maybe they get grouchy during the lunch rush, I really have no idea - I was surprised at some of the service related negative reviews. I'm usually in there late morning if that helps anybody. read more

Great place to eat a great sandwich!!! Different one every day and made from the hands of experts

I love this place. Buying meat from a knowledgable butcher is a treat. They know what they're talking about. You pay 2x compared to super market cuts but it feels fresh and you can ask questions. read more

Prices are quite thru the roof. I get it is sustainable. The ground beef should read ground beef with lots of fat. Big flecks of white. My friend shops at the Amish market in east coast where the Amish farmers raise their own animals and the meat is beautiful. This place has blah Customer service read more

Really great addition to the Shattuck area. Their meat is the best and freshest I have bought in the area! They are open on Saturdays and Sundays, which is great because I do my grocery shopping on those days and can swing by to get my meat after hitting up Berkeley Bowl. Their meat beats Berkeley Bowl and Whole Foods' meats hands down--on freshness, flavor, and price. I was frankly surprised how reasonably and competitively priced their meats are. Because of this, I will be going every week even if it means going a little out of my way to get there. I really love how local their meat is -- it is all purchased by small sustainable farms/ranches nearby. Inside is clean, well-designed and open. The employees are extremely friendly and helpful. The only tricky thing is the parking in that area, but its usually not too hard to find free parking close by. read more

Sawdust on the floor is all that's missing. Then it would a real butcher's shop. The white coats and stripey aprons are cool. I was a 5 star fan in the beginning, but I'm starting to get fed-up for having to pay so much. I am a good cook and use quality ingredients. There's no question they have top-quality meat, but it's beginning to be 'special occasion' for me. I have tried several of their prepared dishes like coq au vin, and stews. They were only ok. In the beginning you could return the containers for 50c per, but they've stopped accepting them. I do like their sandwiches and understand the concept of a 'daily sandwich.' They are not a deli. I like the customer service and the time they take to answer questions. I also like the fact they sell offal meat, like liver and kidneys. It's a good idea to call ahead if you want a particular cut. What they have is what they have. They are on facebook so you can always contact them there. Ok - I started off giving 3 stars, but I seem to have talked myself into giving 4! read more

I love this place. The BEST food. Some guy named Erdem there makes sandwiches that will knock your socks and your shoes off! I converted my vegetarian girlfriend by buying some choice pork chops. This food might really change the world. Think globally, eat locally. read more

I will keep this short since I have only been here twice. And Serious Eats has recently reviewed their sandwiches so who am I to compete?! I first visited the shop in search of humanely raised ribs and man did I luck out! They sell pre-cooked and sauced ribs that you merely reheat and ENJOY. Granted, they come at a pretty penny but they are grass-fed, local and hefty. The sauce was not overly anything, well-balanced and neatly clinging to the ribs. I couldn't get enough! I returned many months later when I was dying of hunger and short of ideas. Of course that day it was roast beef, something I don't even like. No matter, I needed food so I paid my $9 and dug in. This was no deli roast beef. Their meat is still pink, carved from a tender roast of local high-quality beef. It was sandwiched (forgive the pun) on a Semifreddi torpedo roll with horseradish aoili, provolone and sharp cheddar. This was the quintasential sandwich, something I never eat but relish it when done correctly. I love knowing I can get local meat from knowledgable people and support a small business to boot. They even sell dog food which I naturally had to buy since I believe Reina deserves the same quality we eat at home :) Do the same, even if it means buying less or saving all month. The staff is super helpful in choosing and you will tasted every cent read more

Well, why didn't I come here more in college? I stopped here after getting myself a Philz coffee from around the corner, and I wish that I came here more to buy my proteins. They have such a nice variety, all of it very fresh, and the shop itself is very clean and bright. I also appreciate that the butchers were all very clean and neat as well. Very reassuring. On this particular day, I grabbed one of their sandwiches, which I believe change either daily or weekly. It was probably the best damn roast beef sandwich I'd ever had. The beef was so perfectly medium rare, and so well seasoned. You could really taste the flavors of the beef, and the sandwich accompaniments of ripe tomatoes and arugula were just perfect. read more

Great guys. Fantastic cuts. Really helpful. What more can you ask for? Always go the extra mile to be sure their customers are satisfied. read more

I sometimes come here after getting a haircut for the sandwich special. Its kinda expensive 11.50$, but its a premium sandwich. The meat is extremely high quality. The bread and toppings are superb as well. When I started cooking, I'll buy some meat from them too! read more

The local butcher shop offers very high quality fine meats and products. I ordered a roasted chicken tonight and I want to say BRAVO the chicken is roasted to perfection and the salt level was on point. I am so very tired of eating chicken and your roasted chicken has revived me. The ground turkey is so very fresh and bright with color hence pasture quality. The butchers are knowledgeable, friendly and offer great advice and service. I appreciate this butcher shop and I am very happy that this place exists, I would not eat meat if it were not for the quality of meat the The Local Butcher shop offers. read more

This place is wonderful. The daily sandwiches are fantastic (as are the chips), but their suggestions and knowledge about which cuts of meat to use and how to cook them are brilliant. For several years I've limited my meat and chicken purchases to local CSAs to avoid factory farmed products, but the ability to talk to the butcher/chefs is a real plus. Right now, beef stew made from beef cheeks is cooking in my kitchen, thanks to their help. They're really nice folks. read more

I love this place and I love the fact that a butcher shop can SMELL good. I don't know what they do but it's unlike any butcher shop I've been in, odor-wise. I mean it only takes about a microgram of rotting meat to produce a putrid stink, so they must be doing something right. This is only part of the reason why I love this shop...mostly, it's the high quality meats that they offer. The first truly 'seasonal' (buy local) butcher shop that I've come in contact with. They don't even sell chicken during the off-season although, to tell you the truth, I had no idea there was an off-season for chickens, but it does make sense. Great pork, steaks, and eggs; chicken and duck. Great sausages - try the cotechino. Great sandwiches - they change every day. Nice selection of high end olive oil and vinegar. We are blessed! read more

Yum. Love the outfits, the hats, and the sandwiches. I can't write much of a review seeing as how I only eat the chocolate, drink the fizz drink, and eat the sandwiches, but hey. The sandwiches are delicious! read more

My husband and I come here to get a steak when we really want to treat ourselves. Amazing meat. Cook it simply on the BBQ rare or med rare. Yeah, its expensive, but its not an every day steak :) read more

the Sandwich of the day is always amazing. always! the selection of meat can't be beat either. read more

As I was watching food inc I decided to never buy packaged meats again. I went on yelp to find a local butcher shop who provided organic meats. I called the local butcher and the gentleman on the phone talked to me for at least 10 minutes and educated me on their meats and how they are raised, fed etc...I really appreciate that he took the time to educate me as I really appreciate great customer service. I've been back twice now and I am very satisfied. I literally never tasted chicken and steak that tasted so good! Thank you guys for your great service and products offered. read more

This is my very local butcher shop. The meat quality is superb and the bacon...oh, that's is what you can really call bacon. If you're local and buy your meat at Whole Foods because of meat quality, you should consider this place. The prices are fair if you consider the quality of their meat. read more

I was very excited to see The Local Butcher Shop open up- a butcher without having to get south of Cal's campus and the surrounding traffic? Finally! On my first trip there, the owner was really nice and chatted with me about where on the cow the meat was coming from (complete with a helpful diagram!). The steak he had butchered for me on the spot was, without a doubt, the best steak I've ever grilled. The second trip didn't disappoint either. We tried the beer sausages, and they were FANTASTIC. The meat quality is beyond excellent. While some of the meat is pricier (think Andronico's price range rather than Berkeley Bowl's), you're getting a fresh, local, sustainable product that tastes insanely delicious. Why spend $7 for inferior quality meat from Andronico's when you can buy the superior product at The Local Butcher Shop also for $7? Bear in mind that only some of the meat is pricier here, and overall, the pricing is eminently fair. For example, the priciest cut they sell in beef is $11/lb, and that's if it comes from the rear of the animal. Those sorts of cuts are MUCH higher cost at Whole Foods and Andronico's. They also sell non-meat items, such as garlic, shallots, rubs, a few sauces, some toffees and chocolates, homemade chips and daily sandwiches. While the local goodies (such as the chocolates, chips, and sandwiches) are fairly priced, the very few mass-produced items they do sell come with an outrageous price tag- for example: $6.99 for a bottle of Soy Vai Terriyaki Sauce. I can buy that for $4-$5 at Berkeley Bowl. But whatever, I don't go to the butcher for terriyaki sauce, I go for beef, chicken, pork, rabbit, sausage... all of which the The Local Butcher Shop beautifully provides. The workers behind the counter are also very nice, but their service is a little bit slow. Considering they just opened up show a few weeks ago, this isn't so surprising, and I'd be shocked if they didn't naturally quicken the pace over the coming weeks. The Shop is definitely a great addition to Berkeley. To summarize: buy your meat and local goodies there, don't bother with the rest. The staff is very friendly. The meat is amazing. read more

I bought steaks and bone marrows from this place couple weeks ago. Both were excellent and made a great meal. If you are cooking steaks, do not forget to pick up their demi-glace sauce in the freezer. So rich and delicious! Aside from the great meat quality, I really love the concept of this place. You can peek in the back room to check out various whole animals hanging from the ceiling. Really makes you realize where your meat is coming from. I also enjoyed the quick anatomy lesson I got when I asked about a specific cut. read more

Very, very impressed!! Went in on a Monday night and was graciously helped by the owner himself- Aaron chatted with my boyfriend and I about what cuts were better to cook, when the meat is in season, etc. We ended up picking out two pieces- a beef chuck and sirloin. We nervously approached the cashier booth expecting to pay big bucks- But we were very surprised to hear our bill was just under $10. Cooked them at home and absolutely loved how tasty they were! Way better than anything we've ever bought from a restaurant. Thanks again! Can't wait to come back. read more

Clean and easy. They get WHOLE animals and whatever part you want, they cut it for you because it's all there. No mystery meat. Including ORGANS. Yum! Everything is FRESH and sourced from within 200 miles, the last I checked. Super CLEAN. No flies. The butchers are all experienced CHEFS as well, not just hired hands. If you ask for suggestions, they are HELPFUL. And very NICE. Especially the owner. OMG sammich of the days are AMAZING. I could eat those everyday. One time I got 5 pounds of corned beef for St. Patty's day for just me and my partner and it was the best darned corned beef ever. Ate it all in 2 days in soup, stew, and sammich form. Wish every butchery was like this one. read more

I called ahead to ask if they had raw beef links. The guy on the phone seem confused by the question but finally said yes. When I got there the kids working there told me they did not have beef links but showed me some hot dogs. Thanks for wasting my time. read more

I just had the roast beef sandwich last week with a cesar dressing and it was DELICIOUS! I've also had a carne asada one in the past that was super delicious too. So far I haven't tried a sandwhich I haven't liked! Customer service is great too, everyone is very friendly and helpful! We once tried something they called bacon crack and it was devine. Bacon, toffee and chocolate! YUM-O! read more

Terrible customer service. My first and only visit customers who came in after me were waited on first because they were known by the staff. read more

The lamb and beef are amazing, the ethic impeccable. But best of all are the knowledgeable butchers who understand the meat, how to cook it, and how to interact with customers. Thank you Aaron! read more

The guy at th counter was super helpful and patient with my stupid questions and requests. Everyone was so busy preparing stuff, it was fun to watch. Side note; hot guys and they were playing dj shadow. Awesome place read more

I really didn't want to like this place. When I heard there was a hipster butcher shop, I thought there would be a lot of smug attitude along with handlebar mustaches. I was so wrong, this place is awesome. Not only is the quality of meat high, but the service is friendly and fantastic as well. Their daily sando is worth watching too, there are some real gems each week. I'd recommend this spot over and over. read more

A sandwich shop that doesn't have any sandwiches. They only have raw meat. Not a lunch place!!!! Raw meat only!!!!!!

I called today to see if they carried duck legs. They said they did ($9/lb). I went down to the shop and asked for two duck legs. The butcher took a nearly whole duck from the case and proceeded to cut off the legs. In between the legs was a large piece of bone and skin and fat that he said I had to pay for. It must have weighed over a half pound. When I said I only wanted to buy the legs, not the bone, he explained that I had to buy the bone because he cut the legs off the whole duck. If the legs had *already* been cut off the duck, he said, I could have just bought the legs. So let's see, because the butchers had not prepared enough duck legs earlier in the day, I had to pay for the bone. If they had prepared enough duck legs in advance, I would not have had to pay for the bone. Aaron Rocchino, is this really your business model? read more

Today had the roast pork sandwich! A big hit at our house.

Prepare for a bill that's more than you expected, but quality that you didn't know was possible. I've shopped here 10 - 15 times and have finally stopped wondering whether the quality is worth the price. It's unfair to compare with anything you'll find in the other boutique butcher shops, let alone what you might get at Whole Foods or another supermarket. read more

I'll keep it short and to the point: Excellent meats, great people. Pastrami.... Yum!

These fellows are masters of old-school meat and poultry. Crisp aprons, shirts and ties, delicious custom cuts, ground beef that they grind before your eyes. Meat-tastic. read more

Feeling a little like the ridiculous Portlandia people wanting to "meet our meat," we went here for the first time to purchase a Christmas roast. Incredible! The butcher was really helpful; I appreciated the fact that he didn't exude a condescending attitude when I wasn't sure what I wanted. He explained how best to roast the meat, and it was divine! We'll certainly be back. Yes, it's expensive, but not when you take into account the sustainable practices. read more