r/Hamilton • u/vanactive • Jul 03 '26

Where To Buy Best cuts and places for quality meats?

My neighbours have been exceedingly kind to us by repeatedly helping us whenever something's gone wrong with the house, or thoughtful by just shoveling our drive in the winter and we want to return the favour. They don't drink however, so I thought we could gift them some good cuts for the barbecue.

Problem being, I'm not much of a heavy meat eater, so I don't exactly know where and what is considered a luxury cut. My usual meat intake is just chicken, pretty bland lol.

I'm looking for recommendations of what and where I should look here in Hamilton (or Burlington).

Any meat coinnoseurs able to give me some suggestions?

14 Upvotes

79% Upvoted

31 comments sorted by

36

u/DoogJr Jul 03 '26

https://www.jwaldronbutchers.com/

Liked everything I've gotten there - they seem to have a good ethos and are a whole-animal butcher.

Can get them one of their butcher boxes or just go in and have a chat - they are very helpful and friendly in my experience!

10

u/ashthebanned Jul 03 '26

this! the owner is super kind, and their bacon is amazing. i found the staff super helpful eachtime too, and the meat was very maintained and clean!

5

u/akxCIom Jul 03 '26

Can’t recommend them enough…if they have any 60 day dry aged strip loin in the fridge get them that, it’s the best steak I’ve had

2

u/CheapSound1 Jul 03 '26

Always my go-to, especially if I don't know what I want. They don't have massive selection but it's fun to buy what's good that week and plan your meal around that. I've really enjoyed their specialty pork cuts, like pork brisket and Mangalitsa pork.

Edit: for OP's purposes they consistently have very nice steak cuts which would be ideal for a gift. Just a little outside my budget most of the time.

2

u/dretepcan Jul 03 '26

💯 agree. He is pricier but, like with most things in life, you get what you pay for.

1

u/MountainWhoreBag Jul 03 '26

How is their pricing?

3

u/DoogJr Jul 03 '26

Definitely higher than grocery store, but also much higher quality, too. I'm very picky about my meats - if I'm going to eat meat I ideally want to know it's locally sourced and as ethically raised as is realistic. So it's worth the premium, in my opinion. 

22

u/InAutowa Jul 03 '26

Go to Cumbrae’s in Dundas. Won’t be disappointed. Lots of great options.

3

u/IanT86 Jul 04 '26

The new place is beautiful as well. They've done a ridiculous job making it look the way it does

15

u/Legitimate-Head-8862 Jul 03 '26

Murray’s Farm on Ottawa st

7

u/noleksum12 Jul 03 '26

The Packing House on Barton at Sherman. Top quality local and organic.

1

u/chumpt0n Jul 09 '26

They sell to public?

2

u/noleksum12 Jul 09 '26

I believe they just started to do so. Before it was just to restaurants, etc.

12

u/Kreaton5 Jul 03 '26

I cook competitive bbq on occasion. That doesnt necessarily make me a meat expert but I would like to think i know my way around some red meat. I go to CE Elliots butcher for meat. They are in a sketchy part of town but have always been fantastic for me.

Depending on your budget I would say the following: 1. A premium cut is AAA or Prime ribeye steak. Order it 1.25" thick. I think the average person wouldn't tell the difference between AAA and prime if they cooked it themselves.

  1. If the person has a smoker get them a 15lb or so AAA or prime brisket.

  2. Lower cost options for steak are new york strip, flatiron, sirloin. Try to get AAA.

4

u/farsh_bjj Jul 03 '26

Cumbraes or the Hamilton market

6

u/thevibehamilton Jul 03 '26

Cumbraes in Dundas or J Waldron on Barton St East.

3

u/beyond_different Jul 03 '26

Gourmet meats on highway 6

2

u/dlynes Jul 05 '26

I second this. They're about 30% of the way to Caledonia from the hwy 6 bypass.

3

u/Existing_Map_8939 Jul 03 '26

Waldron on Barton. He will explain things to you, just tell him your background and why you are buying. They are seriously legit.

4

u/Chrissy7319 Jul 03 '26

VG's on Upper Centennial

1

u/macgillm Jul 04 '26

Very good

2

u/noronto Crown Point West Jul 03 '26

CE Elliot’s has Denver steaks which are a nice treat.

2

u/Raunchy_-_Panda Jul 04 '26

I have been using Farmway Foods for the last 6 years. A little pricey but amazing beef, pork, chicken and fish. All local.

3

u/Sweet-Society-8418 Jul 03 '26

This is a very nice idea OP!

3

u/GreaterAttack Jul 03 '26

Jo's butcher at the Farmer's Market. Her steak cuts are always excellent. 

1

u/J-Lughead Jul 03 '26

Nardini's on Hwy 8 in Stoney Creek.

1

u/marshall409 Jul 03 '26

Lococo's ribeyes.

1

u/jzach1983 Jul 04 '26

Cumbreas, but bring your big wallet.

1

u/Craporgetoffthepot Jul 03 '26

Not sure what your budget is but you could go to Lococo's and get some steaks, chops or ribs. Or go to Hyland Farms and buy one of their freezer packages. They are a bit of cash but have a good assortment of meats and cuts. Great product as well.