West of Metro/Central MN butchers/Meat markets?

[Biff Tannen]

We're heading to the Wilmar/Spicer area this weekend, and my buddy and I are looking for some good meat/butcher shops along the way to stop at for some good ribs, jerky, bacon, sausage etc to smoke & cook. I already plan on stopping at Ittells in Howard Lake, but I'm wondering if you guys have any other suggestions on where to go or stop by? We're trying to stay away from supermarkets, and get some good local stuff. We'll most likely be taking 12 West.

[mnstang]

i can't think off hand of any on 12, although i'm sure there are some.

on hwy 7 and cr 92 in st. boni, there is a place just like you describe, called mackenthun's (sp?). They are a meat market with absolutely delicious food and a huge selection, more than just meat also, and you can even eat there. it's about 15 minutes from 12 but you could take 7 west for a bit and swing back to 12 on some other road.

let me know if you find anywhere good on 12. lots of little towns on that stretch, there must be some good ones.

[Biff Tannen]

Ittels in Howard Lake, as I mentioned before had some of the best beef jerky I've ever had. Granted, that was 8-10 years ago when we had friends in the area, but I can't imagine it's that much different today, since it's the same ownership. So we are for sure dropping in there for at least some Jerky. I like the way the place in St. Boni sounds, and we're heading from Prior Lake so it's not that far off the path.

[N8Dogg98]

I generally stick to Hackenmuellers in Robbinsdale, Ready Meats in NE, Osseo Meats, or Kramarczuk's. Report back if you find anything out that way worth checking out.

[Fernanernie]

I cannot vouch for quality, but at least worth a phone call:

Wick's Meat Shoppe
(320) 382-6195
209 N 4th St, Kandiyohi, MN 56251


This is just a little out of your way, but last time I was up there (6 years or so ago), it was a decent little shop. Also worth a call:

Valley Meats & Grocery
(320) 453-2710
395 State St N, Eden Valley, MN 55329


FWIW: You'd probably be best to stop somewhere known in the cities on your way out and designate a separate cooler for your purchases instead of gambling on out in the woods places.

[mnstang]

if you're coming from prior lake i would definitely swing through st. boni, mackenthuns is great.

if you like jerky, try the jerky from osseo meat market. imo it is jerky perfection and i've tried a few.

i just looked in my handy dandy west metro yellow pages. I can only vouch for Mackenthun, come hungry when you go there.

Mackenthun sausage and deli - st. boni

Nortog family meats - rockford

Rieder meat market - delano

Taylor meats - Watertown

Uncle Ron's smoke house - Mayer

all those towns are not too far off from 12 and in beautiful country with nice roads and scenery. i'll try out that ittel's jerky.

[Biff Tannen]

Nice. Might have to check that one in Kandiyohi... Just checked with my buddy, and I guess he used to live down the street from Mackenthun's, so that's a stop for sure.

And I just remember Ittels being good, and everyone asking me to get them some the next time I go, I just always forgot about it. I think it's the novelty aspect too, since it's a cool little family run shop. So if it sucks now, it's not my fault, it's been 10 years since I've been there lol.

[HAULNSS]

Uncle Ron's smoke house - Mayer

I think that one is owned by a coworkers family. I'll have to check.

[sininja]

Mackenthuns is awesome, if I'm within 10 miles I always swing that way.

[Biff Tannen]

mackenthuns bacon, brats, ribs, and sausage - awesome.





Also - Ittel's Beef Jerky - still awesome.

[mnstang]

all that shit sounds so good, now i want some. thanks ASSHOLE.

if anyone is ever looking for good ham.. Ham's sandwich shop in Minnetonka is great. also has very very good sandwiches.

[sport the war]

Osseo meat market. Hands down.

[Fernanernie]

all that shit sounds so good, now i want some. thanks ASSHOLE.

if anyone is ever looking for good ham.. Ham's sandwich shop in Minnetonka is great. also has very very good sandwiches.

I get the Cubano from them every now and then

[Biff Tannen]

all that shit sounds so good, now i want some. thanks ASSHOLE.

if anyone is ever looking for good ham.. Ham's sandwich shop in Minnetonka is great. also has very very good sandwiches.

The dry rub i made to put on the ribs really went well with the Arturo Fuente Cigar, and Maker's Mark as well.

[mnstang]

I get the Cubano from them every now and then

i'm there at least a couple times a week. i bought a pound of sliced ham last night for the weekend, i've been snacking on it since though and it's pretty much gone already! few favorites i really like.. meatloaf, godfather, unforgettable, prime rib, meatball- with garlic added, roasted pork. the place is outta control.