I'm going to 5 star this meat shop immediately. Not only did the friendly meat counter man voluntarily explain their supplier/sources, but didn't flinch when I told him that my trust in butchers has been harmed. He agreed with me, and then turned to their wide stock on display, as well to the variety/price list on the wall, as well to their butcher shop where whole carcases are butchered in plain sight of customers. As well, he told me that I can phone in an order, or order a couple package deals that seem decently priced, all expertly cut and packaged to your specs if that is your thing. I decided to try them out, and bought a couple of great-looking marbled beef tenderloins - PRIME filet mignon - and with it as a first-time customer he kicked in one of their home-made steak spice packs. At home patted the blood off, and seared, rested, and basted my way into steak heaven. With fried mushrooms, garlic, fresh rosemary and thyme all slaked in lotsa butter, wow! Among many done the same way, the best steak I've had in a year! Melt in the mouth wonderful and only $17! Although tenderloin is superior to my usual porterhouse, NY strip, rib-eye, prime rib and top sirloin, the difference in its marbled flavour was noteworthy. A few days later we ordered some skin-on/bone-in chicken thighs, two nice-looking NY strips, a couple frozen lamb shanks, some tasty andouille sausages. So far the thighs were excellent w little fat/skin, the NY's were very good, the sausages great in pasta sauce, the shanks super Greek spice style ... As it's hard to trust butchers these days (!), some carefully researched advice on steaks? The junk sold out of Co-op on certain days (and possibly Safeway, Costco, Sobeys, Real Canadian, and Save-On) is horrible: in the same meat cooler recently Coop was selling similar-looking New York strips for both $30 AND for $14 per pound, indicating something weird: the pricey cuts were new and authentic looking - for a supermarket meat counter! - but the cheaper were likely nearing or past their date/freshness limit. The cheap steaks in the front of a separate line-up were all distinctly red; the rear ones were much darker coloured and likely a few days fresher, but, as per customer ignorance, didn't look it. A few days later the same expensive steaks at the same Coop meat counter were $28, and the other line-up were not priced and were darker. Folks, the reason for the bright red meat is this... Meat that's over the 'best date' is injected and/or sprayed with carbon monoxide - in sufficient quantities it will kill you - that allows overdated meat to last months! As well, some butchers apparently 'paint' on fresh beef blood from more recent butchering. These supermarkets are hiding the truth from us, and are likely short-cutting and ripping us in other ways too: we need to boycott their meat counters, all of them. A friend who works in one of the meat sections said little when asked about being able to trust his big chain, but quietly directed me to meat that he said was better: it was clear he's not free to tell the truth. As well, some meat shops in Calgary are likely out-and-out crooks. As I used to work for them, M&M flash-freeze most of their products, and likely Urban Butchers too: they are not to be trusted for freshness, quality, or what's on the label. Additionally, there's no butcher on the premises, and so we don't know what goes into their chewy tendony 'steaks' that are most likely inferior cuts tenderized like crazy, and for which I never returned. Some of the others? At first trusted, Better Butcher has at least twice stiffed me with at least $5-10 worth of fat and skin on big $45-50 orders of chicken thighs. They hide the extra weight under their own shrink wrap packaging. As well, the last steak I had there was supposed to be porterhouse, but why would they separate it from the bone as that's where extra flavour for the two sides resides. As it was not all that tender, I suspect it could have been an inferior marbled cut (cannot prove it). Calgary Meats on Edmonton Trail is okay but I was not impressed with one steak when compared to others'. Regina Meats at Crossroads Market to some people is good, but why settle for whatever when can have the best? Sickel Meat at the same market carries rough-looking product, but for me flavour of their sausages was off. Silver Sage meat at Calgary Farmer's Market off Blackfoot is good-looking, but expensive! Spinelli's Piedmontese pork tenderloin is tender and tasty; so too may be their beef steak and chicken. BonTon Meats off Crowchild in the northwest may also be good. The conclusion? Check out Master Meats, and possibly Bon Ton and Spinelli. The rest? Steer clear. As in general prices are about the same, why not select the best, even if you have to drive a few more kms? The masters at Master Meats are now my hands-down fav. Go for it? read more

When in Alberta one must indulge in some quality Alberta beef! Picked up some burgers for dinner recently from this amazing local Calgary butcher shop. Also a bottle of jerk seasoning which at the time of this review remains unopened in my pantry. The burgers were juicy and delish. This is a modern version of an old skool butcher shop where you can get pretty much any cut of meat your heart desires. Definitely carnivore heaven. These local butcher shops used to be on every neighbourhood block one time ago. But with prepackaged mass factory meat they have become a thing of the past. Good eats! read more

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Stopped in to pick up some burgers, spoke to one of the guys behind the counter, and he recommended the brisket patties due to a gluten allergy, they do use a breadcrumb binder in some of their other patties. These patties are smaller than the others they have for sale but were perfect for what I needed them for, which was a large family BBQ. 36 patties will run you about $45 from what I remember so they are on the pricier side for 4 oz patties but they were as close to my homemade hand pressed ones that I make. If you are looking for a great tasting lean burger without that gristly fatty mass produced grocery store frozen taste then come here. They also had fresh patties that appeared to have a higher fat content, also had some with bacon and seasoned; personally I like as little extras in my burgers, typically an 80/20 mix and salt and pepper right before grilling. The brisket burger will need to be lightly seasoned before grilling. Saw around 5 guys working behind the counter cutting and wrapping meat like total pros, and the place is impeccably clean, only downside is their website isn't great and there is no product or pricing on it and if you do go in some of the pricing is on the higher end, once the weather warms up I will pop in for a few steaks to try them out. read more

You sirs, are the steak masters! Wait, I'm not even going to stop there... You're better than that - you do more than steak. You do ALL meat. You're the Masters of Meat! ...Wait a tic. Looking at your name, I'm gonna guess that I'm not covering any new ground here. ...It's like, you already know! So, basically... This place is epic. You walk through the front doors and you're right in the meat shop. There's a mat for you to stand on so you can read the price board. That's it. One of the guys will stop butchering and take your order. I picked up a pack of EPIC bacon. For real. It said so on the sticker and on the price board. The guy told me the bacon is so good, they're legally required to called it "epic bacon." Yup, I'm coming back here again. Pack of bacon = $9. Tonight, I grilled up some NY Strips (with sauteed onions and mushrooms in a red wine cream sauce. What up?) that they cut to my liking. A little more than an inch thick, aged for over 60 days and only $10 a piece. How good? SO good. They kicked the crap our of any strip steak I've even bought from Safeway. I also picked up some turkey wings to make some turkey stock out of. $9. I don't know what the going price for these is, but seems decently legit for the amount of meat I got. I asked them where the turkey was from. He pointed across the room and said "The freezer". Really, they're local organic SOBs so I also ordered a fresh one to pick up on December 24th for Christmas dinner. I can't wait! read more

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Wow is all I can say. The owner has this on video so if you think this is bullshit, ask to see it. Recommended by a friend. I buy 10, 7 rib prime roasts a year, mostly from Co-op or Costco. Thought I'd try local. Spent my afternoon on Friday shopping for the roast and enjoy that. Mike at MM didn't know the price so he went to the back to ask someone. Came out, said around $200. I said sounds right, have one more place to check and will call before I get here so you and bone and roll. Back in the store 30 minutes later and Mike says he misquoted me and now wants 340. Told him no way and he told me he could sell me something else. I told him I don't want something else, I want and need a 7 rib prime. Someone comes out of the back and starts on me saying well we can sell you something else. I said NO I want 7 rib prime. He said "get out of the store" I said pardon me? " he said " get out of the store". I said, gladly. Got in my car a little upset. Called the owner from the parking lot and he had the nerve to say he saw it on video in his office but instead of coming out to help his hapless employee(s), told me the guy was new (new guy didn't quote me - he left to ask the other guy in the back who eventually told me to get out) and the owner also tried to sell me "something different" explaining that beef come in different sizes like I am idiot. Told him I wanted a f'n 7 rib prime. He said are you swearing at me? My god. The guy is in the cattle business - never heard f before? Told him I want a f'n 7 rib prime rib again and said bye-bye. So much for trying to support local small business - sheesh. Just finished serving my guests and cleaning up from a great rotisserie 7 rib prime from Costco. read more

Why did it take me a year to visit you? I weep at all the meaty good times I missed over the last 12 months. Now that we've met we can be BBF's and see each other weekly. Don't be shocked when you walk in and find yourself in what appears to be a butcher's back room. That's just them...hardcore. No counter, just freezers, cutters and a small area to pay. Everyone is willing to help you and talk you through what is fresh in and what is frozen. Plus if you ask for suggestions and tips you get some amazing advice. They even asked how I planning to cook my roast so they could pick the best cut for my method. Plus they have some yummy surprises like bison chorizo and spicy burgers. And seafood! Also...this was the most affordable meat experience ever. I ran from the shop clutching my bag thinking they had made an error. A 4lb grain fed, hormone free fresh chicken, 4lb of stewing beef (wrapped however I liked it), 4lb fresh ground beef, 4lb roast all for $50. The meat is all grain fed. You like meat? You like value for money? Just go. read more

Best place to buy a steak for the barbecue in Western Canada. As a native Calgarian, I'm amazed at how poor the meat is at most big, retail food stores. Try these guys. You'll be glad you did. read more

Very knowledgeable and friendly staff Product and prices are delicious and affordable Parking and location is the only downside, also how small the store is, very tiny if there are alot of people waiting. read more

I'm a Torontorian looking for delicious famous Alberta beef. I found this store from Yelp before the trip, and got there right after arriving Calgary airport. The staff has not let me down, knowledgeable, professional, friendly, and accommodating. Store is clean, yet a bit tiny without any display, but I guess it's better off to keep the meat fresh without pre-cutting the meat. And it's because of lacking of regular supermarket display, I was a bit lost at the beginning about what kind of beef is available, and what kind of cut is available. So I discussed this with the staff, I suspect he's the owner, and told him I'm a tourist and I'm looking for tasty steak. So he has recommended different steaks for me, and providing me some ice for my long drive to Banff. Writing this far, I think I haven't mentioned the most important thing, the steak. They are extremely tasty, fresh, and with tons of flavors packed in it. I got tenderloin, striploin and the Rib Eye. All of them were good, but I love the Rib Eye the most as it was extremely marbled and flavorful. It is still one of my highlights in my Banff trip. lol Thank you read more

I'm a big fan of Master Meats. I've been going to this butcher shop for about 5 years now and I have never been disappointed by the service or quality of product. These guys are true professionals with extensive knowledge on not just the meats they sell but also the preparation. Any cooking question is answered with ease. They also offer a great weekly special that changes each week. As mentioned in another review, the shop is no frills which I believe is part of the reason they're prices are so reasonable. read more

I have been buying my meats from Master Meats for over 10 years now. We have filled our freezer numerous times. For special occasions we call Master Meats for special orders on large roasts, fresh salmon or even a nice fresh xmas turkey. They never disappoint and their knowledge in preparing the meat is second to none. I highly recommend Master Meats. read more

Master Meats - Meat Shops Near Me - Calgary, Alberta

Wow wow wow! The beef is the best I ever had. The house seasoning rocks! The chicken was right up there as well. It is a must stop on the way to Revvie! Stock up for the week. Sooooo good and the peeps there rock! Very helpful , friendly and patient read more

Sometimes, you just have to travel a bit more for the hard-to-find stuff. In this case, I needed ham shanks to make a good stock. After verifying with a gentleman on the phone that they carried them, I made the long trip. It was worth it. The place is small, and very busy. Even then, it didn't take long for one of the guys there to acknowledge me and get what I need. Picked up a couple other things as well to make other stocks, but was overall impressed by the service, quality & price. I will have to give their cuts a try some day. Oh, and the ham stock made an incredible pea soup. read more

Our favorite place to get meat. Friendly service, high quality meat, great prices. Meat from the major super markets at the same quality is almost double the price. These guys cut everything fresh to order for every order. I only wish they were open later so I could stop and get fresh meat on the way home. read more

I used to occasionally by diced lamb shoulder from Noosa civic outlet unfortunately a young female staff member would continually quote price as $25 per kilo which was an annoyance as i were always charged $30 this was very unprofessional this young staff member lacked sense an decency as a quoted price is what you pay i always requested the butcher to trim as much fat as possible being prediabetic which on one particular occasion was grossly overlooked by a new older man some time ago all the fat was left on the flesh i lost close to 200 grams of what i ordered very unprofessional also an slack poor business sense otherwise on most other occasions I've been satisfied by the quality of end product overall great variety is a plus but lacking honesty is no way to run a business i now go elsewhere on principle read more

If there is a heaven for carnivores this is it what can I say I love meat and they have a lot of good meet here at reasonable prices

Such a friendly clerk named Danny, spent a solid 30 minutes with us explaining where the meat comes from and why it is the quality that it is. He pointed out the different cuts of meat that come from different parts of the cow. Just really, super friendly! $700 later we bought a hind quarter and I couldn't be happier with the value. Had our first taste of meat tonight and it's BEYOND awesome! This place is great! read more

The guys are so friendly and incredibly helpful. I even had one guy offer to take my 6 lbs of chicken carcasses out to my car because my hands were full with my 2 year old and my 8 month old. I have only used their shop to pick up chicken bones for broth, but the carcasses are quality!! They don't smell or taste weird. The prices seem really reasonable, if not competitive. I will continue visiting them and look forward to trying other meat in the future!! Thanks for always putting a smile on our faces when we show up, guys!! read more

This is my favourite place to pick up meats. I can't go back to Safeway/Superstore anymore - not after the New York steaks and standing rib roast I picked up. The butchers are extremely knowledgeable and have never let me down in their advice. I actually have bought steaks to bring back to BC - there's nothing better than great Albertan beef! Prices are a little more than Coop, but its worth every penny. The difference between any other steak and a Master Meats steak is significant. I think a small NY steak cost just over $7.00. read more

This is the best butcher in Calgary, probably Alberta. I buy a full Prime Rib or an entire strip loin. They weigh it, I pay for it and they hang it for me for another 14 to 21 days. They then trim and cut it exactly the way I like it. Then they cryovac the meat. This is better beef, the way they age it for me, than you can get in any restaurant. These guys are true professionals. They are friendly, knowledgable, and great to deal with to boot. Oh and great prices. read more

My wife and I love Master Meats. We were introduced to this fine establishment by her parents who have been patrons for years. We'll never buy our meat anywhere else. Fantastic service, excellent quality product and at fair prices! :) read more

Wow, what a place;) I just visited there for the first time today (thanks to the referral from my neighbours) and am so impressed. They even threw in a free pack of their steak spice as it was my first time. The friendly and knowledgable customer service was over the top. I didn't know what cut of steak to get and they said I didn't need to know and that was their job to ask me what I like and help me decide. They have poultry and flash frozen fish too. They're moving in October 6 blocks east on 40th Ave to a bigger location and that is also more retail friendly. I kind of like how you walk right into the meat counter cutting area and how old school that is experience wise. Will buy all meat there from here on. Two thumbs up! read more

Best butchers in Calgary as far as I can tell. They are pricey but you get what you pay for. Excellent steaks, roasts, sausages, pepperoni, beef jerky. They are always marinated or stuffing something it is all good. Their cowboy sausages are great as is the ground beef and ground pork. The burgers are fantastic. Friendly, helpful always had excellent service would highly recommend them!!!!!!!!!! read more

I've bought meat from at least 9 other butchers and meat shops, but only Master Meats has always been excellent. Even the variety is extensive. This statement of endorsement comes from more than 30 years patronage. I only wish they opened another outlet on my side of the city. Driving the full length of Calgary is difficult, but at leat I know the meat is worth the trouble!! read more

Awesome, I joined yelp just so I can give Master Meats this + review. I found this place today after losing it at Calgary Meats on Edmonton Trail, must have new management, bad last couple of years, lost me as a customer after 25 years! Quality, selection, cleanliness, cost, staff, all A+. Can't go back to regular. read more

I love this place! Truly a highlight of my neighbourhood. Great meats, mostly locally produced, and fair prices. Can't beat this place when you want some real meat. read more

Never been to another butcher that is better, I've been enjoying their meats for over 35 years. Assuming I am around for another 35, hope they get to do my wake ! Fantastic beef, pork ribs, and turkeys are beyond the best Christmas present I could receive. Thanks !!! read more

was not happy with the steaks I got the other day as soon as I open the package just had a very bad smell too it. staff was friendly but doesn't mean anything if the food is no good. will not be returning to master meats. read more

The first time I went to Master meats was about 8 years ago. I asked the owner what made his products better than other places and he told me that all of his meats were properly aged and that he would never sell meats that were not of the highst quality. In the 8 years that I have been going there I have moved twice and even changed cities and I still make a point of going to buy meats from Master meats. Every time I walk in I am always greeted with a friendly hello and my name. The service that I get is as good as the meats they sell (which is amazing). I highly recomend that if you are looking for the best butcher in Calgary that you go there. read more