A & J Meats & Seafood
Category: Meat Shops [Edit]
Neighborhood: Queen Anne2401 Queen Anne Ave N
Seattle, WA 98109 (206) 284-3885
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
10 Reviews for A & J Meats & Seafood
Selection is good, clean, odor free environment. Knowledgeable, friendly staff with genuine concern for the fish/meat you bring home.
The guy in front of me asked for a fillet, the fishmonger instead of grabbing one of the precut pieces asked a couple of simple questions then he saved the guy some money and got him a fresher piece of fish by breaking down an entire salmon for him.
Reccomendations were great too. wanted to know how I'm cooking, whats going on the side, etc and did everything short of sliding the fish under my broiler.
I'm so happy I work within walking distance to here. Beautiful lil' butcher shop at the top of QA hill that shares it's space with Wild Salmon Fish Market and McCarthy and Scheiring Wines. A one stop shop!
So today I'm shopping for the V-day dinner- I need it to be easy because the huzz and I both work late, but it still needs SOME fancy to it. So I stop in to A&J's for some of their NY strips (consistently fabulous), or if they're not TOO pricey, some t-loin filet. I'm looking at the gorgeous filets and I just can't bring myself to pay $27.95/lb for 'em when I can't find out the exact source. The strips are super-spendy too, but better @$ 17.95/lb. But then, some strips obscured by metal in the case caught my eye (vein cut?- $14.95/lb!) Not as pretty as the more expensive ones, but hell, a few bucks saved is well worth it. The butcher behind the counter HIGHLY recommended them, saying they were the best deal in the house, and usually ended up going home with the butchers themselves. Two of those beautifully aged babies are sittin in my fridge right now, just waiting for their salt & pepper rubdown and sizzle on the cast iron.
Only reason they don't get that coveted 5th star is exactly what Brooke Y. mentioned in her review- not naming the sources of their meats, whether they're local or otherwise. When I asked who made their bacon for them, they said it was local, but they wouldn't reveal their source. BOOOO. But I'll still stop by when I need quality meats and don't have time for PCC or the farmer's market.
People thought this was:
Useful (4)
Funny (1)
Cool (4)
Great service, selection, and knowledge are all the norm at this local butcher shop. We used to cross town just to buy their bacon, now we live down the hill and we buy all of meats here. During football season we often have a large group of friends over and John cooks up an egg and meats breakfast - all purchased from A&J. It's become known in our close circle as the "best breakfast ever,"
Some things to know are 1) the staff will help you negotiate the different meats when asked. 2) They are always glad to share preparation tips and cooking advice when asked. 3) You can ask for specialty cuts that you might not see in the case. 4) The prepared foods are also great and come with cooking instructions. 5) You can call in your order ahead of time. 6) Wild Salmon Seafoods (main shop in Fisherman's Terminal) has a seafood counter in the store, so if surf and turf is your vibe then a&j is your shopping destination.
We just love this place, and it's even easier to shop there now that they accept credit / debit cards.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Quality, quality, quality. People who get their meat here will swear it's the best butcher shop in the city, and they might be right. Everything we have ever gotten here has been fantastic and the service is top notch. All questions are answered by an extremely knowledgeable and courteous staff. I really like going here and supporting the local guys. My only complaint is that they don't source enough of their meat locally. I know some comes from OR, CA and the mid-west, and some of it is local. I would give them 5 stars if they sourced more local product. They do tell me that none of their meat contains hormones or antibiotics, so that is a plus. You also can't beat the location-- right next door to a wine shop! If you are in a hurry you can get your steak and wine in one-stop shopping. And there is parking!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
When having guests over for lunch or dinner, I end up shopping here for their great meats and seafood. For snack food that is a crowd pleaser, pick up some Maui beef jerky. This isn't your tough Oberto style jerky, but a very tender sweet treat. The plate is picked clean as soon as it hits the table! I also like their selection of flavored breakfast sausage links. You can't miss out on their thick sliced bacon.
The staff here is very nice and helpful. Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations!
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Cool (2)
Now this is the meat market that I have been looking for. They offer a great selection and a helpful staff. A&J Meats and Seafood is going to be my default source of meat when I am in the mood for a nice meal on the grill.
PS: The beef jerky is incredible.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
When copper river salmon comes to town I always pay these guys a visit. It is easier than going to the Pike place market and I love the butcher shop feel. I also get steaks here as they are much better quailty then you find and normal grocery stores.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
The employees here are so nice, and so helpful! I bought some lamb for a stew, and the employee cut all 3 pounds up into bite-sized pieces -- fresh! I know that's a simple thing, but really this type of service is a thing of the past. The lamb was delicious: so tender and good. The beef I've had here is great, and there many types of fresh sausage to try. One amazing find: the most delicious beef jerky I've ever tried!
This place could only be improved by a selection of local, organic meats (as far as I've seen, there are none here). I'd rather shop up the street for organic meats rather than at Whole Foods, but I'm not always that picky...
Pet Bonus: get a real bone for the pooch in your life! They have them smokes or raw: with some meat still on the bone to be gnawed off... My dog enjoyes these things for months, as she chews on them, buries them, then unearths them to enjoy again. What a dog.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Cool (2)
I thought traditional butchers were long gone, but this one is a great place on queen anne to get that special cut, or try something different. Deliciously fresh meats and even a wine shop right next door. Reasonable prices, and they will give you instructions on how to cook whatever you get. Mmmm... meat!
A & J is a great local shop, where you'll pick up fresh seafood and excellent cuts from the butcher. A & J has something Safeway will never have...specialty, and it's this specialty that has attracted a very committed clientele. Highly recommended for that special meal!!
People Who Viewed This Also Viewed...
Related Lists
-
Queen Anne: High on the…
This is an evolving list of places to visit while…
Hot and New
- Borseno's Barber Shop
27 reviews
Neighborhood: University District
- Elliott's Oyster House
83 reviews
Neighborhood: Downtown
- Hillside Quickie's Cafe
36 reviews
Neighborhood: Capitol Hill
- Pike Place Market
238 reviews
Neighborhood: Downtown
- Unexpected Productions
6 reviews
Neighborhood: Downtown
