I drove out to Q7 Ranch today and bought a few pounds of free range, grass fed sirloin, ground beef…read moreand few pasture raised chickens (which are better than simply "free range" in that they get to eat more natural grass because their pen is moved a few feet to a fresh spot every day). They also have pork but I didn't order any. They're very friendly and easy to buy from. Just call first to make an appointment and drive out to the ranch. Most meat is sold by the pound. When I got home I cut the frozen sirloin into 3-4oz pieces and seared in a cast iron skillet (which I think is a more pure way to cook a steak, avoiding any extra flavors which are imparted from cooking over fire). The steak was extremely flavorful. I also minced a piece to have as traditional steak tartare (see picture above). The beef flavor was bright and full -- and the color was amazing. From the Q7 Ranch website: "Quarter Circle Seven Ranch is an Illinois family owned and operated all natural, grass fed beef cattle ranch based in Marengo, Illinois. Blessed with an abundance of natural vegetation and water; our ranches provide over 400 acres of native grass pastures in Marengo, Poplar Grove and Virginia, Illinois with our home pasture being only 58 miles northwest of the Chicago loop. Our husbandry and pasture management practices meet all of the All Natural/Grass Fed requirements that our clients want...locally produced and locally processed. No growth hormone implants or additives. No fed antibiotics. No herbicides applied to our pastures. No pesticides applied to the cattle. Plenty of natural grasses, shade and clean flowing water. Our processing, packaging and pricing is intended to allow for the maximum in client choice. You can purchase one steak, one whole beef or any amount in between or split a purchase with family or friends. We believe that buying locally leaves a smaller carbon footprint by saving energy and therefore should cost less. Our prices are market based, applying discounts of 10% to 33% to the prices of the largest internet based providers. Our mission is to provide Chicagoland families a high quality, locally produced, and affordable choice in grass fed beef. Living "Green" is critical. It is also inconvenient when compared with a trip to the local supermarket. We try to help with that by offering delivery service to your home or business. Although, we have more fun when you visit the ranch to pick up your order and take a look around."

We purchased some ground beef from them at the Family Farmed Expo. It was the tastiest beef I have…read moreever had. We have also purchased some of their Beef at the Butcher and the Larder and love it. It is nice to have a free range grass fed alternative to the regular store beef. We look forward to ordering our first 1/8 beef side.

Disapointingly Countryside Meats & Deli, where we for many years have bought sweet pickled ham (aka…read moreSwedish ham) for Christmas this year say that they're out of stock. I'd normally have given them five stars.

Lovely kind people. The food is fresh and fantastic. Great prices. I had the green mileread more

Not a happy camper the meat we got in a 189 dollar meat box is not fresh so the have a funny smell…read moreand the hamburger is the sam. I wont be back again . I had a sandwich a 640 club it said it had mayo it wasn't it was GD miracle fing whip oh hell no

I'm never buying a sandwich anywhere else but here! The best sub sandwich ever! I had the Italian…read moreand it was delicious!

I rate REAMS a 10+ I was amazed from the first time I went…read morethere, have never seen such an assortment of in house made meats, anything imaginable! Plus a delicious deli, and SO MANY meat sticks, all Freshly made! Their dips are homemade, biscuits & gravy and quiche's are phenomenal--- EVERY SINGLE THING IS AMAZING!!!!! Too many to mention, staff is wonderful too, so helpful - Love Reams!

I don't come here often, but when I do, I'll join the droves of people gathering around the Meat…read moreCounter waiting methodically for your number to be called, Yep, it's a 'cattle call' for those willing to throw 5 Stars for a slab of Beef or Pork with 'Steakhouse' prices. Yep, Reams just can't get enough of your credit card! Get in line. Apparently, this is the only place around serving the best meat imaginable!

Cute, little shop with freezer cases filled with exotic flavors of sausages. Old style and Malory,…read moreblueberry and maple, Nashville hot, just to name a few. Homemade sauerkraut, lots of fresh sausages my favorite was the Italian beef, lean lean lean and full of flavor. Homemade slim Jim's in lots of flavors. Great service.

I got hot Italian, sweet (aka mild) Italian, spicy Polish, and taco brats. I found all to be light…read moreon flavor - both of the Italian were very light on fennel seed and I'd never have guessed what the taco brat was. The grind on all of them was finer than what I prefer, and they all tasted like they had a bit of something like vinegar in them. And at about $9 per pound, they're pricey for this area. But I liked that the links in each pack were not connected, and I particularly liked that all of the links were on the thicker side. I'll try these same four choices again to see if the flavor is better, but before then I'll visit Frankie's Deli in Oakbrook Terrace for the best hot and mild Italian sausage, and Ream's Meat Market in Elburn for several varieties from their huge selection of sausages.

Joe is the man, quality of meats there are excellent. And if they don't have what you want they…read morewill get it.

if you are ready to impress anyone this place has the absolute greatest quality meat available. you…read morecould eat a ribeye without any teeth (lol) the marbling is magnificent. the taste is out of this world. i recently went to rpm steakhouse downtown and all i could think about was how much better freedom steaks are on my grill!!!! live a little-spend a little extra for quality. you will not regret it! p.s. they have great raffles on f.b.

A family owned meat market that offers fresh cuts and quality meats along with specialty brats and…read moreBBQ seasonings. Opened since 1955,this is now a 4th generation owned Artisan Butchery. Prices are slightly higher than the "Big Box" stores but the freshness and quality cannot be compared. They also have a location in Geneva Illinois. Definitely a place to try when in the area!

Always like to support local family owned businesses and this one is a great place to find freshly…read morebutchered meats. They make their own meat sticks in various flavors and even some for the dogs. We usually stop to pick some up on our way into Woodhaven Lakes campground. In addition to fresh meats they have deli and frozen items too. Expect to pay premium prices for premium products that are worth the price if you're a carnivore.

Mike and his staff are there to make you happy. Had some Ribeyes and Fillets. They were fantastic…read more I highly recommend this operation

Great selection of fresh meat. Good old fashioned butcher market vibe. Custom cuts are no problem…read morehere you choose your piece of meat and how you want it cut. People there are great.

Live closer now so I go all the time. The fresh dairy so yummy. Sour cream like nothing else,…read more tasty yogurt , milk and cream. So yummy. The staff is fantastic. The meat and cheese and way too many items to mention. Go get something. It's worth it

We highly recommend Bull Valley Farm. We have tried many of their food items (ribs, beef/reuben…read morepot pie, brisket and more), have been there multiple times and everything we have purchased there has made our lives more enjoyable.