Back before ‘meat market’ meant a place where men went to pick up women or, vice versa, it was actually a place where you went to buy meat — large quantities of meat. Still today, “meat packs,” a variety of different cuts of meat, are big business in traditional meat markets.
If you’re used to buying your meat wrapped in plastic and sitting in a Styrofoam tray at a typical supermarket, you are missing out not only on the old-time meat market experience, but also on some of the freshest meat available.
There are only a few meat markets left in Houston, but they’re worth seeking out, if only for the sheer shopping pleasure of buying from a real butcher as well as the variety of specialty meats and cuts available. Many of them also serve hot food to go.
Guy’s Meat Market, 3106 Old Spanish Trail
The original Guy’s Market was started in 1938 by Brad C. “Guy” Dickens on Almeda. The current location on Old Spanish Trail dates to 1958. It’s a small place but it does a brisk business, especially at lunch.
What to get: Rind-on, thick sliced bacon. Brisket and Sausage BBQ plate from the steam table. House-smoked burger.
This is one of the only places in Houston to get a patty that has been smoked on the barbie. Get it to go and tailgate in the parking lot, along with everyone else. Frozen smoked patties are also available to cook at home.
B&W Meat, 4801 N. Shepherd
The store opened in 1959 and in addition to some terrific meat, it also has some of the freshest and largest shrimp in the city. B&W specializes in deer processing and if you need a special cut of meat like a pig’s head, turtle meat, rabbit, frog legs or hog casings for sausage making, this is your place.
What to get: Pork belly. If you’ve ever thought about making bacon, you’ll need a pork belly and this is the place to get one. And don't miss the chicken breast stuffed with dirty rice and 27 different kinds of homemade sausage, including alligator.
Bud’s House of Meat, 6730 Cullen
Open since 1977, Bud's specializes in Family Packs of meat as well as lots of different kinds of smoked meats, especially pork and turkey.
What to get: Fried Cajun turkey. Homemade boudin and sausage. Any kind of smoked meat. Pork loin stuffed with Cajun rice. Bud's will also soon be opening a steam table to serve its own smoked brisket and sausage. Rumor has it Bud's might also serve its famous stuffed pork loin.
Burt’s Meat Market and Cajun Food, 5910 Lyons
Come hungry, because the steam table with various meats, beans, rice and cornbread will surely tempt you. In business for more than 65 years, Burt's specializes in Cajun meats like tasso and andouille sausage and boudin — all homemade.
What to get: Stuffed pork chops, gumbo, red beans & rice and the jalapeno popper, which is a cheese-stuffed jalapeno and half a sausage wrapped together in bacon. One may not suffice!
La Michoacana Meat Market,Various locations
Started in 1986, this meat market is now up to 100 stores in Texas with more than 50 in Houston alone. There’s one probably close to where you live or work. This is the largest chain of independent Hispanic-focused grocers in the United States.
What to get: Homemade, already seasoned fajita meat or chuletas (pork chops), homemade chicharron (deep-fried, crispy pork skin), lard for your Mexican recipes. Plate lunches like Asado de Puerco with rice and beans and anything from the in-house taqueria from breakfast tacos to gorditas.
No need for a sign saying ground pork at Bud’s.
