The hours are inconvenient, the place is far from most apartments in the area, and their stock is liable to change daily, but the UIUC meat lab is the best-kept secret on campus. The meat is of excellent quality, the selection is good, prices are great for the product you're getting, and it's usually not too busy. All the meat is slaughtered and butchered locally, so it's the freshest money can buy. In addition to raw cuts of beef and pork, they also carry prepackaged bacon, sausages, ham, and other processed meats. You can also buy eggs by the flat, which is quite the bargain if you're a big breakfast eater. Simply put, if you want meat in Chambana, this is the place to get it. read more

Very accommodating professional and personal. I have had only stellar service and I feel confident with the product and process.

I recommend checking out their website for online ordering. Very fair prices & clean. In-person check-out can take a little longer because they only have one register. The students are nice and knowledge on the products. read more

Meat Science Laboratory - Meat Shops Near Me - Urbana, Illinois

No one can deny that The Meat Lab is Champaign's best kept secret - especially when you walk out with a bag full of meaty goodies! While the hours are a little funky & make it hard for someone working an 8-5 to swing by - the meat pricing makes the trip worthwhile. Even the sale prices at local grocery stores can't complete with the low cost & the quality product! They stock beautiful, luscious cuts of pork, beef, & lamb - & also sell whole chickens perfect for roasting - and it's all extremely fresh; I've heard the employees mention that the various animals were butchered that morning! Just ask an employee if you need ground pork & beef, hamburger & pork sausage patties, or bacon - these are available in the walk-in fridge behind the counters. You'll be able to pick up a tray (30 eggs) of either brown or white eggs, or any of the smoked or processed sausages in the cooler by the customer area. So do yourself a favor - grab a pound of thick sliced bacon ($2.79/lb - cheaper than Sam's!), pullet eggs when there are some in stock, then peruse the meat counters and one of the employees will help you with your meat selection, & then head over to the line to get rung up. If you're a severely cash-strapped college kid, or if you're of the offal persuasion like me, then head in early on Tuesday, when they usually stock offal tidbits like tongue, liver, hearts, & pig tails/ears. I've scored lamb hearts for $1/lb, which is delicious when sauteed with garlic & kale! Just keep in mind that you can place a special order by calling in - but make sure you reach a live person! They might not get to it by business hours if you leave it on voicemail. They also run special promotions every once in a while; i.e. a free pound of bacon with a minimum $25 purchase. You might be able sign up for the mailing list; I've emailed my info in a few times but haven't gotten a response yet. *I've also uploaded photos of the pricing board. **They accept credit cards - just Visa & Mastercard though. read more

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The products they sell are top notch. I try to avoid the hectic hours, and I can't find any downsides now. read more

These guys haven't missed a beat during the whole virus issue, they may have had to tighten up their sales service indoors and go to online service but they never let me down, I have been a long time customer and I only see a progress. You are all a great team read more

So, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has a Meat Sciences Dept. where they train people to make/sell high quality meat products. And this is amazing, because we all win. The Meat Sciences Dept has its own sales office where you can buy fresh, wonderfully choice pieces of meat at great prices. Also, the MSD occasionally has surveys where you can test out their products; one such survey was examining the texture of their bacon. After a 30 minute survey, I was rewarded with a FREE POUND OF BACON. Oh, yes, that's right. FREE. Pound. O' BACON! Fresh, delicious and bacony. I am invariably in love with aforementioned Meat Sciences Department now. Hell yes. BACON. read more

That's right, it is the sales room at the Meat Science Laboratory. And does that mean you are eating experimental meat? Meat produced... for science? I asked the manager, and in fact that's just what it means. He assured me that everything was USDA inspected. Sure, sure. But what kind of science is this meat science? I asked him to give me an example of a research project involving this meat. He said that they did not talk about specific projects but that they were all run by University faculty members. That sounds a little shady. I'd go to a hospital run by university faculty members. But a grocery store? A dog groomer? How about a Pier One Imports run exclusively by university faculty members? It seems like a mismatch. Maybe that's why my daughter is afraid to come here. But I love it. Seriously, where else can you get University-branded meat? The University of Wisconsin--Madison has that crazy orange chocolate chip ice cream made from the university dairy. We have this meat. It's fresh and tasty. You can meet the herd -- some of them hang around a field on the south side of Windsor Road. Now that's eating local. I also asked the manager: are there any faculty meat research projects involving organic, grass-fed beef? He said no. This was wishful thinking on my part. (Damn you, ConAgra!) read more

I'm always shocked to find out there are people that have lived in Champaign for years and still are not aware of this place! The quality of meat you can purchase here is far superior than anything you'll get at a chain supermarket. Their menu of available items changes often, so it's a good idea to sign up for their MeatMail newsletter. This is my go to place for all things meat. On occasion, you can find some pretty interesting items in the meat case - pork heart, uterus, liver, etc. Pretty gnarly. They sell a lot of items that most people wouldn't consider purchasing or would just throw-away. This is a great stop for organ meats if you make your own dog food. It you're more into steak and chicken, they have that covered too. The prices are often better than the supermarket and you just can't beat the quality. They do have some wonky hours that are sometimes difficult to shop around, but they do allow you to call in an order and pick it up so you don't have to waste time in line. If you haven't been here, you must try it. It's hands-down the best meat deli in C-U. read more

If you happen to be living in Chambana, you should really know about the meat sales room. Since you can see quite a few of the different buildings where the herds live from the parking lot, the meat really doesn't get much more fresh or local than this. It's run by Meat Science faculty and students, the prices are very reasonable, and whoever's behind the counter always has lots of great advice. If you're looking for something specific, call and ask! Most recently, we ordered lamb for easter. I'm the house's mostly-veggie eater, but my carnivore husband and all of our guests loved it. Here's the one thing that bothers me: The animals aren't free-range or raised organically. I get that the general practices in the meat industry aren't either of those things, and I'm guessing that the sales room is indirectly funded by the grants that faculty get from large institutes. And I do understand that students need to learn common techniques to be employable. But, at the same time, since the meat is experimental anyway (as another reviewer put it), why not experiment with different sorts of farming and husbandry practices? I'd love to see the university take the lead on this path. read more

Shhhh. Stop telling people how good this place is. Top quality cuts of meat cheaper than the supermarket? Shouldn't that be a secret we want to keep to ourselves?? Great source of meat. If there is a specialty cut you are looking for, let them know. I was able to buy skin on pork belly here that I was unable to buy in town ... because very few places actually butcher the whole animal. If the ratings could go to 6 I would give them an extra star just for being able to fill a non standard order request like that. read more

As others have said, this place is one of the best kept secrets in C-U. Sometimes grocery markets in town may have specials that beat their prices, but you won't get the quality that the meat salesroom has. The students who work the counter know almost as much as any butcher, and far more than the person you would speak with at any grocery store. To top that, they are eager to help, and able to deal with special requests. As far as I know, this is the only place in town to get picanha, my favorite beef cut. It's not on their price list, but they usually stock a little bit of it, and it can of course be special ordered. The prices do fluctuate, and they are not kept online, so it's wise to call before making a trip there. They also tend to sell out a lot, so keep that phone number handy. The parking lot south of the building is marked "permit only" at the entrance, but there are several spots reserved for customers, so it really is easy to visit, as long as you know their hours. read more

What a hidden gem. High quality meats and unbeatable prices. I purchased some pork chops and bacon and noticed a huge difference (a positive one) from the meat I purchase at the local grocery store. The hours are a little wonky and it can get busy but it's definitely worth your time to check out. There is a metered parking lot directly next to the building. read more

Another place in town that I wish I'd known about a long time ago. This place is great, though hidden away. If you ask, no the meat is not organic or free-range. But it's local and very fresh - one of my friends said they got a piece that was still warm. They also have some cuts of meat you won't see in the grocery stores - like beef hearts. I went in today to buy a chicken and there were a couple pig heads sitting in trays, ready to go home - so, if you are an adventurous cook, this might be a good place to check out. What they actually have varies from day to day but I can generally find something I'd like to cook with, and they generally have a mixture of beef, pork, chicken, eggs, and slightly more processed stuff like meat sticks, ham, bacon, bacon ends, jerky and sausages. Some of these (like the smoked pork chops and the ham) are a little salty for my taste, but they are still pretty good and the prices are very reasonable. I got some prime rib here for my girlfriend and I to have as a treat and it was excellent, extremely delicious and flavorful. Basically I am going to try and buy as much as possible of of my weekly meat here, instead of at the grocery store. read more

Wow. This place makes me cry now that I'm mostly vegetarian, but I'd be a liar if I didn't say that those aren't tears of missing the cuts of meat you can find here! The folks do a bang-up job of getting the best cuts of meat as well as educating you if you're not certain about what you're looking for, and everything is fresh as a daisy. Even their frozen options are great and reasonably priced. But my recommendation? Pork chops. I got them every Thursday for a good old batch of breaded parmeasan chops I'd fry up alongside some greens and rice. Now that's a memory I would love to create once more! Try the jerky. It's to die for. read more

This is, by far, one of the best kept secrets of Champaign-Urbana. I'm hesitant to even mention it on Yelp lest hoards of yelpers show up before me next week and buy out all the pork tenderloin. But I can't resist ooohing and ahhing about the wonderful gem that is the Meat Sales Room. Yes, it's tucked away in a nondescript building that is currently really difficult to access due to road construction. Yes, they keep extremely limited hours. Yes, the entire place smells like butchered meat. But oh my goodness, the meat. If you're looking for meat that's affordable, fresh, and delicious, look no further. They offer fresh and cooked meats, and I have yet to be anything less than thrilled by what I've bought. The brats are phenomenal (although sometimes a bit thick-skinned), the ground beef made perfect Memorial Day burgers, the pork tenderloin was moist and delicious, and the steaks made me drool. In addition to the basics, you can also get eggs (30 at a time), "snack sticks" (like beef jerky), hotdogs, brats, and whole chickens. The cuts of meat aren't labeled, so if you don't know your cuts don't hesitate to ask. They also sometimes have frozen cuts if fresh ones aren't available. And be warned: they do sell out, and they don't have everything every week--just depends on what was butchered that week. read more

I love the meat here, great cuts, great quality, and better value than anywhere else for the most local product you can possibly hope for. The major caveat about this place is that it's run by students, and it can cause issues with service. 1) Please install a "take-a-number" ticket system. The line gets insane and people walk right up to the counter and cut you off. Do you wait in line first? Or do you get your order first and then wait? Depends on the day it seems. 2) Double verify your orders! You can call and reserve cuts easily, but something always seems to go wrong. I once ordered a 12lb pork shoulder and they had 12 pork shoulders ready for me. Recently, I ordered a brisket and planned a BBQ around it. Go to pick up the meat when they said it would be ready and low and behold they "didn't have any", even though the manager took my order and said they would pick out a smaller one for me. Students didn't get around to butchering it and no one bothered to call me. Not much point in reserving something then if they have no idea when it's actually ready. But, I love this place, and if you haven't been you better go check it out! read more

Ah, the Meat Sciences lab. Great fresh meat for really good prices. The mailing list is a must, as they update you with weekly or bi-weekly messages that explain exactly what they have for sale, and they often include stuff they don't have all the time (for instance, when they slaughter a bunch of pigs, they let you know so you can pre-order pork loin). It's my goal in life to order a beef side when they get cattle in (yes, you can order AN ENTIRE SIDE OF BEEF), but it's so much fun to drop in and see what they have. Plus, sometimes they can help you find stuff that doesn't appear in the Meat Mail email; I went in once and got a cut of brisket out of the freezer even though it wasn't behind the counter. They're always ready to help. read more

GREAT meat, HORRIBLE customer service. Not helpful, always busy and in a hurry. I realize they aren't teaching students to become great salesmen, but come on. It's like they can't wait to get you out of there. I also feel they couldn't care less. Also, very little display space, and they act like you're pulling hens teeth when you ask for something not in the display case. At least try to be human folks. read more

One of the best secrets and most underappreciated stores on campus. Everything is freshly butchered on the spot and always delicious. Better yet, the prices for some of the best meats are equal if not less than market prices. I subscribed to the email list and the owner is always so funny! I also love their specially made products like the snack sticks and the holiday meats. The bacon is a definite must buy as well as their filet mignon (assuming they aren't sold out immediately). read more

I agree with Robin M. They are very friendly and will go out of their way to help you. Once I went in and wanted a whole pork loin. The counter person said they were just "breaking down" a carcass in back, and if I could wait a few minutes she would have them strip one for me. Can't get any fresher than that! You can also special order cuts, and they'll let you know when they're ready. By the way, the map is wrong. See http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=1503+S+Maryland+Dr,+Urbana,+IL+61801&mrt=all&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=49.176833,79.101563&ie=UTF8&z=16&g=1503+S+Maryland+Dr,+Urbana,+IL+61801 read more

They were busy today...must be all that memorial day weekend shopping...but, I got weisswurst (haven't seen that since I was in Munich!) and andouille and a ginormous steak. This is a must-shop location for peeps in the CU read more

This place is most awesome. Where else can you buy 10 pounds of top quality fresh bacon for under $40! After finding out about this place, I make it a point to go at least weekly. Better meat than you can buy in the store. Between the 1/4 cow we buy yearly and the meat I buy here, there is no need to buy the inferior crap at the big chain stores. Love meat science and so happy this place exists. read more

Meat Science Laboratory stole their name from the sign hanging above my bedroom doorway.

The secret is slowly getting out on this place. I was lucky enough to discover this place a year ago within the first week of moving to campus. I have been a regular since. You can't lose on anything you get here. I get all my lamb products, brats, and pork belly here and refuse to eat any other bacon. Seriously, bacon is the greatest food known to man and the meat science bacon multiplies the experience. Yes, the hours suck and you never know for sure what they will have on hand, but it is always more than worth going in to see what they have. read more

You don't know exactly what will be there, but you do know that it will be fresh, tasty, and cheap, and that very nice, patient, knowledgeable young butchers-in-training will provide it for you. If you want something specific, you can order it in advance: beef, lamb, pork, chicken. The best prices on good quality fresh meat in the city. Yes, it does have weird hours, so you have to plan ahead a little. But this place is a gem. read more

I love buying here. Quality is really good. The only downside are they very limited opening times. If you plan in advance is a great place to shop. read more

The snack sticks are perfect, the smoked ham and chickens will make your mouth water. The store is barebones but reminds me of my younger years(53yo) going to a butcher shop. Oh yea. It is worth all of them 5 stars. read more

First of ALL - I want to thank everyone who listed a prior review as they were all great and very truthful. - A little background on me, is that I personally used to work and the Meat Science Lab and boy do I miss it - I was just chatting with a friend about the great products and staff at the lab. If you are looking for amazing local meats than this is your place. The hours may be a little strange but it helps keep the prices down and the students in class, as the majority (all except good old Chuck and the meat inspector) of the staff are students. The prior review about the "experiments" may have been comical, but be assured that the experiments may range from: How to package meat better in the grocery store so that it is more appealing to the consumer (depending on what materials are used, the meat can change from the dark natural color to bright red, all depending on the amount of oxygen the meat is subject to) Or maybe the experiment is testing a master's student thesis Or even the amount of time to reach the perfect product; How long does a farmer really have to raise the cattle and pigs before they are taken to the stock yards?? All this is being researched right on campus! And no worries, if it hasn't been passed by the USDA - it isn't going to be put on your table!!! Enough about all that - My recommendations: 1st: BACON - it's thick and delicious - and to save even more, if you are fortunate to get in early you can by it by the side (the section of the pig where bacon comes from) - it's a way to buy it in bulk, and yes the staff will cut it and package it right there for you! 2nd: Pork Chops- OMG they are so big and juice, my mouth is watering RIGHT now- (that is why I was calling my friend, so she can bring them up when she visits me, 120 miles away- how I love my chops) 3rd: Ribeye thin cuts: perfect for your sandwiches or if you don't want a super thick steak, these are great -- Trust me the steaks are about 1-2" thick, no matter if it is a New York, T-Bone, Ribeye, or Porter House- it's gonna be thick GO - GET MEAT- EAT- and smile as you think about how great this treasure is.................. ILL - INI read more