Good butcher in or around Washington, DC?

[Bood]

I've lived in DC for a long time and I still haven't found a decent butcher. Whole Foods is my fallback, but they're really not that great. Does anyone have recommendations for a good butcher in Washington, DC or the suburbs? Somewhere I can get cuts of meat beyond the average? Somewhere I can get pork belly or secreto?

[Bart Hound]

This is not in DC, but it's a real butcher. Inside the IGA store in Marshall, VA (just off Rt. 66) is a new operation called The Whole Ox. It's a husband and wife butcher team. They do all sorts of cuts and have "weird" stuff like sweet breads.

www.thewholeox.com/

8382 West Main Street
Marshall VA 20115
540-660-5535
getyourmeat@thewholeox. com

It might be further than you want to drive, but I bet they can take care of your needs.

[ClevelandDave]

Might not be the most convenient, but My Butcher and More near Annapolis is really wonderful...Mike who runs the place is really helpful and knows his meat!

http://www.mybutcherandmore.com/

[Turtlejay]

Mike at My Butcher in Annapolis is worth a zip car! Get on his email list - he sends specials and coupons once a week - and you can plan your drive east.

[kara2006]

Agree. My Butcher and More is great. Talk to Mike and he can get anything you want. Mike studied at the CIA and knows his meat and how to cook it. He is a butcher and his other butchers know their stuff, too.

[afdawson]

I love the butcher at Wagshal's in Spring Valley, DC (i.e. not easily accessible via public transport). It's not a huge place, but it seems they can get anything (there are python and kangaroo loins in the freezer by the door). Pam is in charge and knows what she's doing. I'd also nominate their house-made crabcakes for any best-of list.

[Bood]

These are all great recommendations. Thank you so much! I'm going to call first and see what they've got. I live in DC and rely on pub trans so I need to test the waters before I make a commitment (zip car) ;-) I forgot about Eastern Market. I've been there a thousand times, but more for the "flea" markets on Sunday than for the butcher. That's an easy trip so I'll def check them out. I'll keep you all posted. Thanks again!

[Regulators_Mountup]

I will totally vouch for Wagshal's - 4845 Mass Ave NW. The manager, Pam, is awesome and has been incredibly helpful with several special occasions. I have bought a whole pig and a whole lamb from here at different times, and they were able to deliver really nice animals at reasonable prices. Other than that, they have delicious steaks (they carry dry aged prime beef if you want to pay for it), and beautiful seafood. I agree with the post above that it's not the most convenient place on earth to get to if you don't have a car, but I would definitely check this place out if you want to get your hands on really high-quality meat and seafood.

[theyawns]

I love Let's Meat on the Avenue in Del Ray, Alexandria. Doesn't hurt that I live right around the corner. He'll order you anything you need and most everything is local.
http://www.letsmeatontheavenue.com/

[ktmoomau]

If the Westover Market in Arlington/Falls Church still has their butcher it is a fantastic place. I like the Organic Butcher in McLean for their variety. For price Lebanese Butcher used to be wonderful, I am not sure if the Butcher shop is back open after the fire?

Agree with the above poster on Eastern Market.

[tommyskitchen]

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but this was posted on fecebook on 11/30:

The Butcher Shop at Westover Market
After much thought and soul searching, I'm sorry to inform everyone that as of this week, the Butcher Shop at Westover Market will be closing. Cody and I extend our heartfelt thanks to all of our friends and neighbors in and around Arlington for your support and patronage over the past year and a half. It's been great to serve you and to have supported our local farmers and their families. Please continue to support these fine farm families and the hard work they do. See ya around town!

[ktmoomau]

Actually it is re-opening with new management, and says it will have many of the same meat options:
http://www.arlnow.com/2011/12/07/west...

[tommyskitchen]

Cool - Does that mean No Bruce?

[tommyskitchen]

Eastern Market - And the Dupont Farmers Market on Sundays