I don't normally re-review barely 3 months later but a couple of folks deserve spotlighting - Raul and Amber! In August we had a lackluster service experience that muffled our enjoyment of their typically terrific dining. It's bound to happen occasionally. Fast forward and on this mid-Oct Wednesday 6pm we popped in knowing that the likelihood of getting a table without a reservation would be slim (and with Charro and Los Milics as fabulous "backups" there was nothing to lose - love Tucson!). Amber was at the helm and quickly crunched some numbers. Despite 3-4 open two-tops, she said the difficulty is that they were booked by 7/7:15p and I promptly replied, we'll be done! and she whisked us to a table. Our next delightful encounter was with our server, Raul. From his easy charm, to his inconspicuous-yet-ever-present attentiveness (and little special accommodations and suggestions of his own devising) the evening continued its determined crescendo. We were able to enjoy our steaks completely unhurried and still finish before 7p. I caught Amber's eye and she thumbed up that the table situation was totally in control, so we ordered our favorite blue corn ice cream cookie and called it a night! NOTE: after wrestling with (a frankly clumsy) 5p/7p "partially open" reservation system for much of the year FMC just joined the masses and now takes full reservations every half-hour... way to go team! read more

See all

Forbes meat company is a unique gem within the Armory Park area. It is place where you can buy locally sourced meat and have a delicious meal! We walked in on a Tuesday during around 5:50PM and it was packed! The indoor seating was full, but they were able to offer patio seating which had ample lighting. For our dishes, we had the roasted beets, hanger steak, Sonoran ceviche (tuna and salmon) and bisou burger ice cream sandwich. I loved the labneh base for the beets. Honestly everything blew us away, I could taste the high quality in all the ingredients. Everything was so tasty that not a morsel was leftover! Also shout out to our server who was handling the entire patio while making sure we were taken care of. All the staff were incredibly kind and friendly. In their bodega, we also got chocolate chip cookies, banana bread and wagyu jerky. If we lived closer, I would've loved to get some of their fresh fish on display and various chops of meats. I highly recommend that you stop in and check out this incredible business! read more

See all

Absolutely exceptional. First, our server Jo, was AMAZING! He brought comedy, lightheartedness, and expertise to our table from beginning to end! We ordered - The butchers board: get it. You won't be disappointed Hangar Steak & Miso Carrots: amazing. Wonderfully tangy carrots with a beautifully butter smooth steak Halibut: Easily top 3 fish dishes we have ever eaten The staff is wonderful and so happy to answer questions, the food is amazing, their patio is a wonderful quiet ambiance, inside is inviting and very comfortable. It's an amazing meal for a really fantastic price point. Ask for Jo to be your server, we LOVED him! read more

See all

Had a wonderful midday meal experience here! Can't believe it took me this long to get here!! Service was great! Friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive! Restaurant has plenty of indoor and outdoor seating and this restaurant is also a butcher shop! A nice and casual vibe with top notch dishes! We'll definitely be back and with friends! Oh, there's also a bar top to grab a seat at! My steak frites was delish and perfectly cooked! read more

See all

Easy place to find and free parking on site. Great food made just the way I like it, good service and average price which was like $30/person without drinks. We used the outdoor patio since the weather was lovely. This was a nice place to have dinner and we will go back soon to try something else from the menu. read more

See all

We celebrated my husband and his twin brother's birthday dinner here and the food was so fresh and delicious that we decided to come back for the lobster rolls a week later!! The rolls had a generous amount of lobster the roll was buttery and loved how tasty it was! Kailey our waitress was so lovely and very attentive! I wish we had one closer to home cause it would be my go to restaurant!! You definitely have to make reservations because it is always busy. read more

Forbes Meat Company - Lobster Roll - Meat Shops Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Phenomenal! Staff, ambience n the food! Omg the food. Best place in Tucson right now. The meat, the sauces yum read more

Forbes Meat Company - Smoked beets with Labne, pork chop with salsa brava and halibut with corn cakes - Meat Shops Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Excellent service and high-quality food! They've expanded the market and now have even more refrigerated counters featuring fresh seafood, sausages, and other specialty items. This visit, we came for lunch with family and ordered the lobster roll, steak sandwich, and pork torta. The lobster roll was incredibly buttery and delicious, the steak sandwich was outstanding, and the pork torta was perfectly juicy with a crispy finish. While the prices are on the higher side, the quality of the food and overall experience make it absolutely worth it. We'll definitely be back. read more

See all

Parking absolutely sucks in this area. Ambiance/Cleanliness-First of all, for the longest time in my experience, there is no way to tell if they are open or closed or where the front door is. There is now a sidewalk sandwich board which is helpful. This establishment cannot decide if it wants to be a butcher shop or a fine dining restaurant. It does both...to mixed results. It's the classiest butcher shop I have ever been in, and the most schizo restaurant, bar none. I would not bring a date here. 3 stars. Service-I walked in yesterday to look at a menu for lunch. Was not greeted after standing around for almost 10 minutes. I left without food. 1 star Food-Have gotten sausage, steak and lamb here in the past. Their cold case stands out. Good selection. The merguez, breakfast and brats that i had purchased all had good flavor and mouthfeel, but were unfortunately, extremely salty. Forbes is very expensive as well, compared to other butcher shops around Tucson, beef jerky is 40/lb. 2 stars read more

Forbes Meat Company - Business logo - Meat Shops Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

I was completely blown away and how incredible our meal was last night! My daughter is a graduating senior and I am so sad that I didn't find this restaurant until her final year. We started with a sampling of oysters & simple sashimi (bothe were amazing) My daughter ordered the steak frites for her main and I tried the Waygu A5 which was so incredibly tender it melted in your mouth. I can't wait to come back. Great service as well. Only issue is please please fix your website. read more

See all

Might be one of my new favorite spots. Forbes Meat Market is a really unique place. It's both a butcher shop and a restaurant. There's a bar and they also have coolers where you can grab a drink like a soda, and they'll just add it to your bill if you're dining in. The staff was very friendly and attentive. I ordered a Caesar salad, hot honey chicken sandwich, steak frites, and chocolate cake, and everything was delicious. I'm already looking forward to coming back to try their breakfast. read more

See all

The food was excellent we started off with fresh oysters so good l had lunch box steak fries and Cesar salad, my son had the hamburger said it was best he ever had 10 out of 10 read more

A group of friends and I went for a birthday lunch on a Saturday. Myself and two other friends ordered the steak frites. All three of our steaks were chewy. VERY CHEWY!! I get that you don't get the best cuts for a lunch, but it looked like it was their feature item for lunch. Aside from that, my Caesar salad was good. I'll have to come back for dinner and order from that menu. read more

Busy spot south of downtown. Locals know the history of the business and the building. I guess it is or was a butcher shoppe. Small and busy. We had a Rez which was honored. Three of us had sandwiches. They do not plate or serve sides, you have to order and pay. The sandwiches looked very lonely on the plate. Everything was good. Attentive service. Coming from Campbell and River it took us 30 minutes. I doubt I would do that again. read more

Forbes Meat Company - Meat Shops Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

See all

If we could give Forbes six stars + we would! I've been following this business since the beginning on social media and we have had numerous friends say it's absolutely amazing. Ben Forbes and his crew are crafting culinary magic, and in my opinion, is one of the best restaurants in Tucson, and that's saying something for a city of gastronomy. I especially appreciate the local meat partnership, supporting area farmers and meat that is more healthy and sustainable. My husband and I parked easily in the neighborhood, paying attention to signs, and walked through the Barrio Viejo area. We approached the patio which had numerous gas heaters, looked cozy and classy. We walked around to the entrance on the south side of building and we were greeted by an employee shucking oysters which was super fun! I've lived in Seattle, DC, and have spent a lot of time eating/drinking through Portland, and that's the first time I've experienced that when walking into a restaurant! We were then escorted through the restaurant and the vibe is a mix of meat market, classy restaurant, and wine bar, with a nod to Anthony Bourdain (which I loved!) The patio is romantic, cozy with classy touches including the beautiful (maybe mesquite?) wood tables in various lengths. Our table for two was perfect. Our server was excellent, and helped us decide on all of our choices. The oysters were rich and a great starter. Their house made tartar sauce was excellent. We added the sashimi, which included salmon, tuna and yellowtail, all outstanding. I was craving mussels, so I ordered them and they were perfectly steamed. The semi-spicy sausage was delicious and the bits of corn added a lovely crunch. I paired the frittes, which were crispy, with just the right amount of salt. My husband ordered a buttery, cooked to perfection, NY strip with bone marrow mash potatoes. Just incredible. The finale to our amazing meal was some of the best cheesecake I we've ever had, orange, honey cheesecake, which was light, full of flavor and addicting! We are planning our next lunch, brunch and dinner there because we can't stop thinking about our experience! If you haven't been in yet, make a reservation now, and treat yourself! read more

See all

A lovely patio lunch at Forbes. A bit chilly so they graciously lit the heater near our table which was lovely. Steak frites, steak sandwich and beet salad was the order and it was delicious. Espresso martini and a Negroni to quaff. So nice to see all the happy faces around us enjoying the food, weather and cocktails. The restaurant has a great menu and market for all your carnivorous needs, along with seafood, wine and pantry essentials like homemade stock! If you haven't been to Forbes yet I strongly encourage you to come and see what all the buzz is about. It's REALLY that good. read more

See all

We frequent Forbes and enjoy the steaks and seafood. Now why I am so fascinated with their cheeseburger you may ask. This is a perfect burger. The beef is the right blend, cooked to perfection, and just the right size. In. my top 5, anywhere. read more

Such amazing oysters and food. Only thing i was every disappointed by was the ahi tuna salad but other than that everything is SO good especially the steaks. They even have a meat market inside. Such a great place to get food or even buy local meat. read more

Staff is amazing. Food is amazing. Beers are amazing Always take my friends and family here when they visit from out of town.

If we're judging this on food alone, it's still a five star spot. But add in the fabulous bar by the front door and you got yourself an absolute local gem. Everything that came out of the kitchen looked incredible and if you wanna stock up for the week that's your spot. Hope to find my way back soon. read more

See all

Always good and I always end up buying something from the shop too. LOL. The steak and frites is so good and tender, the tallow fries are crispy and very flavorful. The staff is always accommodating and friendly. Love eating and shopping here. read more

See all

Great location and plenty of parking! We ordered some bavette sirloins & skirt steaks to cook at home and cannot wait to try them. They looked absolutely mouth watering and were about $20/lb. We also ordered a Steak Frites to go and it was honestly perfection. The most perfectly medium-rare steak with so much flavor along with the perfectly crisp French fries. The baby bleu shallot sauce was just okay. The taste of fat was stronger than the other ingredients. But the fries were so beautifully cooked that you honestly don't need any sauce at all. Just enjoy their tallow fried goodness! Customer service was okay. Our order was handled quickly but our friend who placed the order felt uncomfortable in the space. Some of the young staff members were repeating her name and then would laugh and she felt a bit self-conscious because of it. There were also a lot of people in the food prep area laughing and hanging out, which didn't feel super clean. But, due to the fantastic quality of the food, we will definitely be back and look forward to hopefully have an even better overall experience read more

We came by here on a Saturday evening as I have herd amazing things about this spot. There was a bit of a wait but that's not an issue, we spent our time getting a drink and browsing their meat cases. Once we got our table there was a pause in food orders due to them being busy, again not an issue I'll gladly wait for a good meal. We asked about what sauces would be safe for a soy allergy and our waitress was very confused and tried to guess what would be safe. The sauce we asked about did in fact have soy in but we were told it was safe. The waitress did catch those before we ordered which we appreciate. We hated the grilled beats and I got the citrus salmon. The beats were fantastic. My salmon was ok, the portion was rather small which was a bit disappointing. All and all it was a decent meal, but I was expecting more. They were extremely busy so it could of just been a busy night for the crew, but I will be back to try their lunch menu in the future read more

Forbes Meat Company - Grillled beats - Meat Shops Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

See all

First time here, and it definitely won't be our last! We were pleasantly surprised to find parking right up front on a packed Friday night. Even better, we were seated immediately. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, and we were greeted right away by a friendly server who helped us get settled. My husband was starving, so we placed our order as soon as we sat down, and the food arrived within 15-20 minutes. The service throughout the evening was outstanding. Our water glasses were kept full, and our server checked on us regularly without being intrusive. We started with the smoked beets, which were absolutely incredible. I'll honestly be thinking about that dish for days! We also ordered the seafood platter with shrimp, crab claws, oysters, and three slices of sashimi. Everything on the platter was fresh and beautifully prepared. The oysters and sashimi were rich, creamy, buttery, and absolutely delicious. The steak frites was another standout. I was pleasantly surprised to see it featured picanha steak. It was packed with flavor, cooked perfectly, and incredibly tender. Overall, we had a fantastic dining experience with great food, attentive service, and a welcoming atmosphere. We can't wait to come back! read more

See all

I wanted so much to absolutely love this place, but unfortunately our experience was less than expected and average for the price spent. It started with the lack of attention after we were sat. We finally had to wave someone down to ask if anyone was going to take our order. Our server was delightful and super friendly, but unfortunately we were already off to a horrible first impression. We were in for the whole experience so we ordered cocktails, appetizers and their $100 steak hoping this would all live up to the hype. I ordered my sirloin medium and it was definitely on the medium rare to rare side. It was as if they just didn't let it rest long enough. That was my impression because I watched the expo churn out the steaks in a way that seemed rushed. The french fries looked wonderful going out but unfortunately we got the over cooked batch. The dessert was the best! If the management is reading this please don't criticize us for not bringing it to the server's attention. The staff seemed rushed and we just are not comfortable with complaining. We paid $300 for 2 and honestly, I think at those prices your quality assurance should be built in without having to wait for complaining customers to nudge you to course correct. read more

Wow. I couldn't decide whether a 4 or 5 star review is appropriate. The reviews on this place are spot on. Walking in, it's a bit confusing. There's no one to greet, nor a sign to state to wait to be seated. I saw a server and asked her and she lead me to a table. So, 4 stars for walking in. I was waiting on friend to show up. Our water glasses were filled and our server (Cory) asked if i wanted something to drink other than water (no). The place has a very industrial vibe and is very noisy (4 stars). Friend showed up and we looked at the somewhat limited menu. Cory took our orders. I ordered a (swordfish) fish sandwich with no bread and a side order of frittes (fries). Friend ordered the steak sandwich with condiments on the side. Looking around, one can see through the clear door as the butchers are breaking down the meats. There's a spot to shuck fresh oysters. There's a cooler with sides of beef and pork hanging and aging. along with cuts of meat, fish, and seafood. They had poke, different kinds of fish (amberjack which I've not seen outside of Florida)! There's a lot of wait staff, all in black with no name tags. The food arrived after about a ten minute wait. And the wait was worth it. The swordfish was done perfectly, juicy and tender. The swordfish was served with tartar sauce but it wasn't needed. The steak sandwich was just that, with the meat being steak worthy - tender and flavorful. The fries were AMAZING!!! Cooked in tallow, they were soft on the inside with a crusty outer shell. We ate every last one of them ((5 stars on the food). And 5 stars for Cory who was very busy but kept our water glasses filled and answered our questions. We talked to the owner for a bit. It was obvious that he has a passion for what he's got going on at this place. We'll go back for sure. read more

See all

Really cool place that has a casual yet dressy vibe with quality food and excellent service. I've been here twice and was drawn to the steak frites both times. The beef tallow fries are so delicious and plentiful. The steak is delicious and such great quality. Alcohol isn't cheap but the beer selection is pretty cool. Definitely planning on coming back to try more dishes! Highly recommend for a date or group outing read more

Forbes Meat Company - Steak frites - Meat Shops Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

See all

We haven't been to Forbes Meat Co. in over 6 months. Two previously very below average experiences have kept us away. We decided to try them again, on our anniversary, because our original visit here was so good. The new redesigned dining area is nice. But the food execution is pretty off. Again. We had sashimi which definitely had a very lingering fishy aftertaste. Pieces were unevenly cut and looked unappetizing. They served it with a sauce that resembled fish sauce. No ginger to clear the palette. The Wagyu burger was a big disappointment. This was amazing in the past, but they've added caramelized onions and mustard to it. You can't taste the Wagyu because the rest of the additions are overpowering. It now tastes like a Freddy's steak burger. Except it's $17. Banh Mi was off as well. Sandwich was over sauced with Mayo and Sriracha. Difficult to eat with such a large hard crusted piece of bread. Steak was good, but slices too thick for a sandwich. Meat wasn't trimmed correctly, so each bite had gristle and required a ton of chewing. The beef tallow fries and Vieux Carre were good. Service person was also disappointing. Unpleasant, no smile. Lacked energy and made us feel like we were a bother. I still tipped well, but felt like I shouldn't have. read more

My partner and I just stopped in to have a snack while burning some time. I'm honestly just sad we waited so long to come here. The space is pretty, Wilson was our bartender and he was helpful and kind. I started with oysters, two Shogoku and two Kumamoto which were served with lemon, mignonette, and cocktail sauce. Absolutely delicious. We then shared the steak frites with chimmichurri. The steak was cooked perfectly and so delicious. We will absolutely be back for dinner! read more

Forbes Meat Company - Kumamoto and Shigoku (both PNW) oysters with mignonette and cocktail sauce. - Meat Shops Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

See all

Over the past few months I have slowly been making my way through the Forbes menu and I have to say it's so good! I will continue recommending it and bringing friends to eat here. I think this place has the best caesar salad in Tucson. It is the perfect place for group meals because they have something for everyone. Whether you want a cute appetizer or a huge steak, you'll leave Forbes satisfied. The staff is so kind and the service is great, definitely listen to any recommendations they have. And try the bone marrow mashed potatoes! read more

See all

We love Forbes! Best staff and great vibes. Love the owners passion! Always a good time and the food is always amazing. Best oysters! The ONLY thing I could fuss about is the portion size of my salmon...maybe 2 oz ...I need more protein than that ...but it was cooked perfectly..as was everyones steak at the table! (I won't dock stars for that because everything else was perfection.) read more

See all

I got a chance to pop in today to see the recent expansion that they did and I love it! These guys definitely needed more seats and space cuz it was packed on a Saturday after noon for lunch. I love sitting at the bar especially when solo so I had no problem sliding in quickly. As always fast and friendly service, their whole staff is top notch and I love being able to watch the kitchen work and how open everything is. I am always here for the lobster roll and today was no different, stunning as always. I love the "box lunch" of a half ceaser /half fries that I added on the side . And I had possibly the best margarita I've had in awhile. The menu looks more official since last time , I know they add and subtract based on season and run lots of specials throughout the week. They always keep it fresh and interesting. If you haven't followed them on instagram yet or been in.. I do highly recommend both . High five to Mr. Forbes and his team. read more

See all

It's been about a year since my first review and having gone back to not only enjoy different meals but also purchase fish and meat from the butcher, an update seems warranted. They continue to source more fish, which I am the most excited about. The meat is without a question good, but continuing to adding high quality seafood to the shop and the menu was a solid move.we love to pick up a spread of things and grill at home. Staff give us great tips on cuts and cooking and we've been grilling to perfection! read more

See all

Hubs and I shared everything we ordered -- the strawberry salad, fish sandwich, and steak sandwich -- and they were so kind to cut everything in half for us, which we really appreciated. The inside has an industrial-style vibe and feels a little chaotic at first, but don't let that fool you -- the food was amazing. The service was excellent. We waited about 20 minutes for a table, and the food took a little while to come out, but it was absolutely worth it. Everything tasted fresh and flavorful. The standout for us was definitely the fish sandwich! We'll definitely be back to try the burger next time. read more

See all

This spot has been on our list to try for awhile and it didn't disappoint. We went for a special occasion and it felt like the perfect spot for it! Our server Nate was both knowledgeable and welcoming, with quick service and the correct orders coming out. We didn't feel rushed and really enjoyed the patio ambiance and taking out time to enjoy the food and the vibe. The food was delicious - we each got a steak, ribeye and tenderloin and the miso carrots and fries for sides. The carrots stole the show for the sides, beautifully caramelized and flavorful. The steaks were on point, the crust on the tenderloin was incredible and the quality of the meat was great. The rib eyes were a little overdone, which was a bummer and the only detractor from an otherwise stellar meal. Looking forward to coming back again! read more

A friend recommended this restaurant, and it turned out to be a great find in the up-and-coming Barrio district. .Ambience: The space has a modern, minimalist design with a youthful energy. It can get a little loud, but the lively atmosphere fits the setting. .Service: The staff was warm and welcoming, though the service flow could use fine-tuning. Multiple servers attended to our table, which caused some confusion. Our main server, Ambrosia, was attentive and personable, but appetizers from the seafood station arrived after entrées were served, and a few menu items were unavailable. .Food: The food was the highlight of the evening. The steaks were outstanding--high-quality cuts, perfectly grilled, and seasoned just right. The oysters were exceptionally fresh, and the shrimp cocktails were crisp and refreshing. With more streamlined service, this restaurant has the potential to be a five-star destination. We look forward to returning. read more

See all

I called at 1330. You have lobster rolls they said absolutely this is the weekend I drive down from the northside a 40 minute drive only to find out they do not start serving until after 1700 are you fking kidding me? Pissed beyond belief!!!! Jackasses for freaking wasting my time. read more

Exceptional casual and wonderful!!! From the appetizers all the way through your desserts, the flavors and quality were absolutely excellent. Very cost-effective very casual attire and extremely knowledgeable weight staff this is a definite hotspot that you will enjoy Don't forget to try the tangerine marinated olives read more

I probably wouldn't have found this on my own, but my friend, Amanda, suggested it. This is quickly on my must stop list! We sat at the bar and had fun interacting with the team there. Drinks are well prepared and a good start for the meal. We both had the sashimi, which were good sized pieces of very fresh fish. No adornment needed! I had the ribeye with the tallow fries, and the dish was impeccable. Ended with a shot of bacanora and some good stories. We didn't have a reservation, so we had a little wait, but it wasn't too long. I will definitely be back! read more

See all

Service stellar. The tables are large and clunky for the space, especially with meat freezers behind and adjacent to diners. The layout is strange. Went to brunch Sunday. Got the peach French toast, took one bite and sent it BACK. It was undercooked and nasty. Told our server who was gracious and she investigated what happened. Apparently burner wasn't on :/ huh?!?!? Got the chilaquiles which were good. I would get again. Everything was balanced and you got cheese quesadillas instead of chips. Chicken sandwich, which our server recommended, was a HARD PASS. All you could taste was sweet honey and a little chipotle spice. Barely any salt or flavoring. This needed way waaay more. It was a huge piece of chicken however the bun ratio was off so it was messy. Also, waaaayyy too much breading on the chicken I had to break pieces of it off. The breading had all the "flavor" so after that it just tasted like bland white meat chicken. I dont get the hype about this place! read more

See all