Second Helpings: Meat Markets, Part I

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"Second Helpings" offers tasty, bite-sized restaurant listings compiled from new and previous reviews, guides, and poll results. This week's entries were updated by Erin Mosow. For quick, reliable info about Austin eateries, check here.

Central Market

4001 N. Lamar, 206-1000 Daily, 9am-9pm 4477 S. Lamar, 899-4300 Daily 9am-9pm
Among Central Market's numerous fresh products are those available in their meat department. The counter features a variety of homemade sausages, natural chickens, and the finest meat, including bison and veal -- no ground chuck or rump roast here. They also stock duck, geese, quail, and emu upon request. There are more than 65 varieties of pork products, jerky, and even rattlesnake. Call for availability.

Cooper's Meat Market

1601 W. 38th #12 (Jefferson Square), 467-6700

Monday-Saturday, 9:30am-6pm
Located in the Jefferson Square shopping center, Cooper's Meat Market is the second branch of the San Antonio shop run by brother and sister Cooper Boddy and Lee Boddy Morrison. Cooper's carries a wide variety of traditional and unusual meats, plus quail appetizers, tamales, twice-baked potatoes, and homemade casseroles. In addition to steaks, fish, chicken, pork, and lamb, Boddy and Morrison offer axis venison, cabrito, rabbit, and Wagyu, a specialty Japanese beef. Check their Web site for a complete list of available cuts of meat, grill-ready kabobs, and gift packages. Delivery available.

Fresh Plus

1221 West Lynn, 477-5574

Monday-Saturday, 8am-9pm; Sunday, 9am-8pm 408 E. 43rd, 459-8922

Monday-Saturday, 8am-8pm; Sunday, 9am-8pm
While the choices aren't as extensive or exotic as some other fresh meat counters, Fresh Plus offers high-quality meat not available in your typical grocery store. USDA choice and certified Black Angus, Buddy's All-Natural chickens, and a variety of freshly made sausages made in the store can be picked up on a daily basis. Check out the deli if you can't wait until you get home to try the fresh fare.

Hickory Honey Hams

1204 W. 38th, 459-4267 Monday-Friday, 10am-6pm; Saturday, 10am-5pm
Closer to a deli than an actual meat market, this locally owned family business offers spiral-sliced honey-glazed hams and turkeys. Hams are sold in halves or whole, and turkeys come whole. They also offer a number of fresh sandwiches, salads, and desserts. For the thoughtful boss, Hickory Hams gives a discount on the purchase of 10 or more hams.

HoneyBaked Ham

9029 Research, 835-7925 Monday-Saturday, 10am-6pm
This national chain has more than 300 stores nationwide, but they still provide quality cooked meats to help out the busy host. The most popular item, the Original HoneyBaked Ham, comes fully cooked, spiral-sliced, and ready to serve. Also available are ready-made honey-baked turkeys, beef and pork roasts, and ribs. HoneyBaked Hams can cater your entire meal if necessary, with vegetable sides and desserts. Just make sure to reserve your order early to ensure availability.

Johnny G's Butcher Block

11600 Manchaca, 280-6514 Monday-Saturday, 9am-6pm; Wednesday, 9am-1pm
johnnygbutcherblock.com
Johnny G's h as been around since 1980, specializing in quality meats, cut daily. Fresh steaks and various types of sausage, jerky, barbecue links, pork loin, and chicken are all part of their menu. Stock up for winter with their freezer packs of hamburger, chuck roast, pork chops, or beef ribs. Johnny G's also processes wild game for the local hunter and will cut and wrap it for your freezer.

The Meat Shop

948 Peyton Gin, 837-6331 Tuesday, 8am-noon; Wednesday-Thursday, 8am-4pm; Friday, 8am-5pm; Saturday 7am-noon
An enormous variety of products are available at the Meat Shop, as well as custom-made freezer packs and catering. Anything you need to cook a delicious homemade meal can be found behind the counter. Harrell Ranch All-Natural Beef and Wagyu make up the list of rib eyes, porterhouses, filet mignon, and tenderloin, to name a few. In addition, a number of beef cuts including chuck roast, brisket, liver, and soup bones are available for your cooking needs. The Meat Shop offers beef and pork sausages, ribs, loin chops, and whole frying chickens. Call ahead to check on availability.