The Best Butchers To Try In Calgary Alberta

Drive across Alberta and you’re bound to glimpse a popular bumper sticker that reads, “If it ain’t Alberta, it ain’t beef.” And if you’re a carnivore visiting Calgary (otherwise known as Cowtown), you might want to sample some of the locals’ favorite cuts. Whether you’re after fat rib-eye steaks or corn-fed chicken, these Calgary butchers are a cut above the rest.

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Master Meats

Butcher, Canadian
Meat eaters rejoice: what started off as a modest joint selling hamburgers in the ’70s is now Calgary’s premiere butcher shop, with a stellar reputation for their knowledge of how to cut fine aged beef. For novices in the kitchen, they’re also happy to advise you on whether to grill or fry your meat. Choose between sirloin, T-bone and rib steaks, or opt for poultry or seafood – not to mention the best pork in the city. Go the whole hog!

Recommended by local insider Stuart Forster

Harry’s Natural Meats

Butcher, Authentic

Harry’s Natural Meats is serious about its meat. The master butcher knows there’s a right way for animals to be raised, and that’s out in the open air without unnecessary stress. From skilfully trimmed racks and roasts to dry-aged steaks, the cuts come from the area’s finest farms. The honey ginger apple sage pork sausages – if a mouthful – are a must-try. Recommended by local insider Stuart Forster

Cut Rite Meats

Butcher, Canadian
Got a hankering for a late-night roast? It happens. If you do find yourself with the midnight munchies, you can pop over to Cut Rite Meats, which has a 24-hour pickup service – just remember to order online first. This shop sources all its produce fresh from nearby Alberta farms, selling fresh farm eggs, ground beef, pork chops, chicken wings, beef jerky and even apple pie. If you’re feeding the equivalent of an army, take note: they sell whole cows, too.

Recommended by local insider Yamila Godoy

Bon Ton Meat Market

Farmers’ Market, Butcher, Canadian

© Christian Bridgwater / Alamy Stock Photo

Provenance is assured with Bon Ton Meat Market. It’s one of the oldest family-owned meat markets in Calgary, having been around since 1921. Back in its heyday it was famous for its salty meat pies, though you can now pick up other ready-to-eat items too, such as home-made burgers and hot dogs. Choose between beef (aged 21 days), lamb, poultry and even exotic game. They’re a friendly bunch here, and the name Bon Ton is apt (it’s French for good manners).

Recommended by local insider Yamila Godoy

Garcha Bros Meat Shop and Poultry

Butcher, Authentic
This franchise butcher is ideal for home cooks who use a lot of meat. It also serves as a one-stop shop for those keen on avoiding regular trips to the supermarket. The pre-cooked food and flavored meats are not only delicious, but pretty handy if you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The best part: you can rest assured that it’s always sparkling clean here, as the founders place topmost priority on sanitation and hygiene.

Recommended by local insider Coco Hiu Tung Yuen

Madina Halal Meat and Grocery

Butcher, Halal

For those looking to spice up their dishes, Madina Halal Meat and Grocery ticks all the boxes. Combining great customer service with quality halal meat, they sell a variety of Pakistani, Indian and Bangladeshi items, including an assortment of spices. If you’re planning a barbecue, we recommend you bagging the samosas and kebabs – they’ll be a hit.

Recommended by local insider Coco Hiu Tung Yuen