The place to go for Irish Bangers and other great brats and sausages. Quality meats at a real butcher shop. Friendly service. read more

Not the best for a deli sandwich, just fair. Like just what Mom would make to shut you up for lunch. No wow factor just ok at best. So I guess I'm not a big fan of what they offer for lunch. read more

Stopped here for some goodies. They have a huge selection of meats, lunch meats, soups, and desserts. I grabbed the chicken and dumpling and clam chowder soups. There is also a restaurant inside where you can dine in with sandwiches, soups, and a salad bar. The staff were extremely kind and helpful. read more

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If you're a fan of meat, you'll be a fan of Nelson's. They've got a great combo - a deli during the week for delicious sandwiches over lunch (they also have a grill going outside during grilling season with lunch specials), and a wonderful butcher shop with a huge selection of frozen brats, burgers, seafood, soups, entrees, and just about any other meat you could ask for. They've also got fresh meats including their famous Miami roll (pork tenderloin wrapped in flank steak and then wrapped in bacon!). Oh, and I didn't even get to the homemade ice cream yet...you'll have to stop by Nelson's and see what catches your eye. read more

Nelson's Meat Market - Smoked brisket sandwich - Butcher Near Me - Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Nelson's has a decent variety of offerings! I have also gone and asked for cuts they don't offer, sometimes geographically it's hard to find things. I really like their brats and they had amazing whole turkey breast. I haven't tried any of their premade meals but I want to. The all beef hotdogs were so amazing when I smoked them. I also heard their Miami rolls are amazing, I can't wait to try them! Also, their meat market is closed on Mondays and I wasn't aware, I walked in and they still got me what I needed!! SERVICE IS ON POINT! read more

First experience buying a Prime Rib roast at this business. I prepared it like I usually do and cooked it to the instructions that I was given when I picked the roast up. This is what I usually cook for Christmas so not a rookie at doing this. This roast was delicious cooked to perfection and everyone was very happy with the results. Very delicious taste and quality. I will buy again. read more

Best meat in town! Love the hotdogs with the skins on. Their service is excellent in the meat market and they are always so friendly read more

The best smoked pork chops!! I put a little water in the bottom of my crockpot, put the chips in with a little seasoning on top cook for 3.5 hours on low. We come home from church the fall off the bone! Best ever!! And the Amish butter is good too. read more

I went to Nelson's Meat Market for the first time with my boyfriend who showed me this diamond in Cedar Rapids and I was immediately in love with their setup at first sight! Outside, they had a giant smoker and griller with all sorts of fresh, delicious smoked and grilled foods to try, ranging from a wide bar of their homemade brats, like their apple brats, which was possibly the best brat I have ever tasted in my life. They also had: blue cheese brats, beer brats, pineapple brats, chorizo brats, and the list goes on... Along with the amazing array of brats, they had smoked: ribs, chicken, pulled pork, brisket, and more. The smells outside were amazing and the parking lot was packed full, so we kinda found our own parking spot next to a car in the grass nearby. People were lined up and swarming for their food, both indoors and outdoors. Later, I found out that at least during the summer, this is an everyday experience. As we got out and walked around, we noticed people walking around or sitting around eating. And then we walked inside to find their very neat deli where you can go up and order your own sandwich, with whatever you want on it and pick all of your extra toppings - I recommend the dill spread for sure! And all sandwiches come with a pickle spear. Yum! They have all sorts of sides to choose from too, from homemade potato salad, to homemade soup, to chips, or even you can use their homemade and very unique salad bar. In addition, they have an authentic ice cream station inside their deli with all kinds of delicious homemade ice cream you can order or even buy in bulk. I just loved that right around the corner from the deli was their own little store, where people can buy fresh or frozen meats along with already prepared frozen or fresh meals or their fruit or their homemade ice cream and much more! What a cool little hidden gem of Cedar Rapids! A definite must stop!! read more

they didn't have anything here. Had to go to Walmart. Really disappointing because I wanted to support a local butcher.

Amazing food and the service feels like you're eating at grandmas house. Can't say enough about the service and the quality of food. Also: they take pride in their soup. Try them all. read more

I will make this simple! If there is a better brisket sandwich in the area. Please let me know. I met a regular there named Jack, he recommended the brisket sandwich. I had a 12h drive home to Pittsburgh. so I decided to get 2. That was my mistake, should have got 4. Bottom line your brisket is only as good as the meat you select. The beef is center stage and the smoke secondary. Granted there a many recipes and preferences to smoke brisket. This brisket is for me! Big bold beef flavor with the company of smoke. Do yourself a favor and do not put any condiments on it. just enjoy it! Staff is very friendly and informative. Prices are very good if you understand the product your buying. At home, I have a local farm where I buy my meat direct. so understand what I am buying. You get what you pay for! This place is a 5 star all day long. I was in town working on the Derecho damages, I regret that I saved this place for my last day in Cedar Rapides. I will be back, just under better circumstances! FYI they do ship! read more

On 12/22/23, I purchased three T-bone steaks at $19.99 a pound. I usually don't leave negative reviews but after spending that kind of money, I feel compelled. The service was good but the steaks worse the worst we've ever had! Very tough and full of gristle! We've had better steaks from Walmart for half the price. Very disappointed! read more

We had Nelson's cater our family reunion this past weekend. Our entire experience with them from start to finish was fabulous! The food is excellent, the staff is very organized and top notch, and their prices are very competitive. Highly recommend! read more

Had a gift card to use from a silent auction. Really good experience. They have every kind of meat you can think of for sale, also a deli, and fresh and frozen side items and casseroles. There is an outdoor grill with burgers and hotdogs. We got some really good quality beef and pork that my husband smoked. Really great! Trimmed nicely, no extra fat. Prices are more than grocery store, but seems like good meat. Also they have a row of their own spices and rubs they make. I am regretting not getting some, will have to go back. read more

WOW!!! That is the best way to start my thoughts on my whole experience with John and the staff at Nelson's meat market! As an out -of -towner in for a few days, I was directed to Nelson's as the right place to coordinate a meal. Not just any meal but a BBQ for 100 with only 3 days' notice. Not only was John receptive to the request and willing to assist with menu planning, delivery and a free loan of serveware and tables, he did it all with a GREAT attitude. The delivery team was terrific and gracious and totally helpful with good tips specific to the items provided. Now on to the food...another WOW!. To feed 40 hungry baseball players and 60 parents/coaches was a feat. The Nelson team made it come off without a hitch! My final WOW...the homemade cookies are spectacular. Thank you 1,000 times over for helping to make our trip to Cedar Rapids extra special. read more

We routinely stop into Nelson's to purchase Tri Tips as it's the only place in town we reliably find them! Today we stopped in to grab one. We were checked out at the register by a lady, she bagged our Tri Tip, handed it to us, and we walked to the car. As we're backing out of a full parking lot she comes running at the door waving and yelling at us to stop. So we stop and roll down the window, she demands to have a look inside the bag (which she had put our Tri Tip and handed to us). My husband picks the bag up off the floorboard confused and hands it to her, she snatches the bag out of his hands and starts digging through it. She pulls out 2 hot dogs and something else that was wrapped, glares at us as if we're the ones who put the extra items in the bag??? She tosses the bag back into my husband's lap and huffs off with no explanation or apology, making it appear to the entire packed parking lot like we stole something? I understand mistakes happen and maybe she just put something in the bag and totally forgot and put our purchase on top of it, but I find it incredibly rude to not even apologize after making a scene. read more

This Is a great meat market. Their fresh meat counter is fantastic but it is EXPENSIVE! Way better than local groceries. They have everything under the sun in the freezers including homemade ice cream. I like to treat myself here on special occasions but it's pricey for everyday shopping. read more

I came here once before and i don't know if it was due to some error or what, but i got extremely ripped off on some sliced meat I got. I gave them another try and I enjoy the boar's head they have along with the hoffman's cheese. i really went there looking for some good potato salad for my dad and their's passed the test. i would like to see some liverwurst in the future, but this is probably my new spot for mesquite turkey. i look forward to trying the hot food outside sometime read more

As I walk in with no other customers in the butcher area it takes at least 5 minutes for me to be greeted. Over hearing some guy talking down very badly to one of his coworkers, it put off a very bad image of this shop to me. I swept that to the side as the only reason I was there was to pick up some beef short ribs cut the way that nobody else in the area cuts them. I browse through the steak selection and I can't believe the poor quality of steaks for about $19 a pound. I was astounded at the lack of marbling and overall quality for such a high price. I'll stick with the grocery store. It's a shame too because I moved from a place that had great butcher shops and enjoy visiting them. read more

My go to place for specialty meats. The staff is friendly and they have a large selection of diffetentntypes of meats. They are a tad pricey, but you get what you pay for. They also have a nice selection of soups and ice cream. read more

Very cool place. Homemade ice cream is fantastic, the grill is excellent for lunch when it's in season. The real reason to visit is the amazing butcher block. The thing is ancient, massive, and a real piece of history. Stop in towards the end of the day and you might catch them shaving it down since they can't really ever clean it 100%. Very cool. read more

Love this place we get most of our meat here. Staff is also super helpful and friendly .

Stopped for a burger and I wasn't disappointed. Nelson's puts a grill outside and provides grilled food at lunch time. Prices are a little high but the food is good. They also have a deli and fresh meat to purchase inside. read more

Recently moved here and my dad took me here for lunch. Easily one of the best hamburgers I've had in awhile! They were grilling outside, made to order, and all natural, Iowa grown. And these patties had heft. This girl left full. We popped inside and I was welcomed by 3 lovely gents and a beautiful array of fish, deli meats and cheeses, assorted game, pre-made sides, and ice cream! They had so much I think I have to go back to do more shopping! I did make sure to get a swordfish filet and Vegan chocolate ice cream read more

I'm sorry, but Nelson's makes me slightly uncomfortable. As an American who is used to some very serious hygiene standards combined with food production, Nelson's just isn't cutting it for me. I've been here a couple times for sandwiches from their lunch counter area. I've attempted to overlook the flies and dinginess, but I just can't. I need clean, sparkly food prep areas void of pests. Call me a snob if you want, I'm ok with that. read more

A+ Great meat, friendly and knowledgeable staff. Fresh meats, frozen meats, other frozen food options, hot food - it's all here.

If I could give 10 stars I would!! Jon at Nelson's is the best! We were in town for a baseball tournament and needed fresh Brats quickly for a team BBQ. John calmly and with enthusiasm took our 80 brat order. When I went in to pick them up, I was floored by the amount and variety of meats and the team he has to support both the butcher shop and the deli. The brats were some of the best our team has had. This shop is the real deal butcher. It is a family operation that has been around for over 80 years and am I sad that I don't live in Cedar Rapids-I would be here every week for sure! This is a MUST if you are in Cedar Rapids. Thank you to Jon and his entire staff for making our BBQ awesome. read more

This place is so awesome. Everything the sell is great and the employes are very friendly. Best thing about it though? Come during the summer and have one of their freshly grilled burgers over lunch. No joke, BEST BURGER I've ever had anywhere. If I could make them start a stand alone restaurant somewhere where I could have they're grilled goodness 365 days a year, I would. By the way, that Kate girl complaining about hygiene is nuts. Haven't seen any issue with that, ever. read more

I went to this business yesterday with a gift certificate that I had received as a Christmas gift. When I said I was using it, the man behind the counter referred to it as "Monopoly money" and proceeded to treat me as if I were there for free food. He purposely gave me more than I asked for to add to the bill and then proudly announced how I had gotten all that for $10.88. I have spoken to the business owner who gave me the gift and they were as disappointed as I was. read more

Great quality and selection with knowledgeable people who are always happy to help. This place is a Cedar Rapids treasure. Pro tip: Stop by over lunch and pick up a fresh-grilled burger. Mmmmm... read more

Nelson's Deli is tied directly to the butchery next door, you know that the meat is always fresh and delicious. The menu is fairly limited and simple, but that is to be expected. Their soups and sandwiches are fairly good and the food is cheep. The staff is extremely nice and they make you feel like a regular, even on your first visit. If you're looking for a quick bite to eat and in the mood for a sandwich, I'd recommend considering Nelson's. read more

I love this place. It has always been very clean when I've been here, including the prep areas. Nelson's has the best meat in Cedar Rapids. It might cost you a little more but it's worth it. What I really like is the large freezer section that contains foil pans of various entrees. Tonight I made the spinach souffle and it was incredible. Sorry, Bugs Bunny... At the time I wrote this review, there was a rabbit stew cooking in my crock pot in the camper van. I haven't had rabbit for years and was delighted to find it here. Nelson's has quite a variety of meats. The various brats sure look good. I can't wait to cook up the breaded veal patties they sold me. Yum! By the way, try their soups and deli salads. I love their baked beans. The potato salad was very good, too. Great stuff! read more

Nice, clean place. Way over priced. $37/lb for CHOICE beef tenderloin?? That's insanity. You can get PRIME beef tenderloin at Costco for $20/lb. Don't let these people fool you into thinking they're the only game in town. *RESPONSE* Again, don't let this clown tell you that their choice beef is better than Costco's prime beef. Beef is graded by the USDA, not the individual store. Prime will always be better than choice, it doesn't matter which store it comes from. These people are ripping you off. read more

My Dad's neighbor swears by this place, and I found it on Yelp and I wanted to check it out. Definitely a great place for some specialty cuts of meat, or some interesting ones. Lots of different sausage, bacon, and ground meats. Also a great ice cream selection! If you want a premium cut of roast, or a fresh cut, this is the place to go, too. But be ready to pay a little more than you would if there's a sale at a grocery store, or from, say, Costco. But of course there is also friendlier service than either of those options and the whole "Mom & Pop" feel is nice. Also loved the ice cream selection!! read more

The quality and selection of meat at Nelson's is amazing. It is the only place that I will go for baby back ribs, Boston butt and other meats for smoking. The grocery stores can be hit or miss but Nelson quality is consistently great. I haven't tried their own bbq, but they have the smoker running every time I go there and customers lined up. That says something good! If you got a new grill or a smoker during this corona stuff, then show off your best by getting some quality cuts from Nelson's. read more

The people are efficient and willing to offer suggestions. The meat is better than anywhere else in town, and my meat off the grill has never been tastier! read more

This full service butcher shop has everything a person could ever need. During regular business operations they smoke, cut and cure all kinds of meat. They also have a full freezer section from buffalo burgers to scalloped potatoes. During lunch hours they also operate a deli in the same building and if you catch them during the right season they have a grill outside serving up hamburgers, chicken and even hotdogs. The best food and awesome regular service. read more

I'm ashamed that this review is long overdue but in my defense I'm about to make public my opinion which I gave verbally to Nelsons, which I find equally important. I don't frequent Nelsons as often as I should. I've never gone there for lunch, BUT I would never go anywhere else to purchase meats for my family for holidays and special occasions. The quality of Nelsons meats are stellar! For Christmas, 2015, my husband and I made a prime rib roast for our entire family that was succulent, lean and reasonably priced. We ordered late but they were able to accommodate our request. Customer service is always excellent! I encourage everyone to support Nelsons Meat Market. read more

I love this place. Food is always good, for some reason reminds me of my small home town which is comforting. The man who runs the show always remembers who I am and my addiction to beef jerky, I like that when I walk in we make jokes. I am a younger woman and was afraid of getting harassed here like I have at some small town business' in the area but they are all charming and the food is A+! Also, sometimes they have a smoker/grill set out where you can buy hot food fresh. 10/10, have brought friends and family here, and we all agree that its lovely! read more