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A & J Meats & Seafood
Categories: Food Specialty Food Meat Shops Food Specialty Food Fruits & Veggies Food Specialty Food Seafood Markets Meat Shops, Fruits & Veggies, Seafood Markets [Edit]
2401 Queen Anne Ave NSeattle, WA 98109
Neighborhood: Queen Anne
(206) 284-3885
- Hours:
Tue-Fri 10 am - 7 pm
Sat 9 am - 6 pm
Sun 11 am - 5 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
38 reviews for A & J Meats & Seafood
Review Highlights
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"Also, A&J has the best beef jerky I have ever had." In 6 reviews -
"Everything a neighborhood butcher should be and more." In 12 reviews -
"They offer a great selection and a helpful staff." In 5 reviews
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38 reviews in English
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Review from Vanessa J.
Seattle, WA
4/16/2012
I love this place. It reminds me of the butcher mart my grandfather ran back in the 60s through the 80s, back when service was important and quality mattered.
Whenever a holiday is coming up, my brain starts churning, trying to come up with recipes so I can have excuses to buy things from A&J. The apricot sausages are a must for any brunch, of course, and this is the place to order fresh duck for Thanksgiving or Prime Rib for Christmas, but they also have beautiful fish (as an extension of Fisherman's Terminal, they are right off the boat and reasonably priced), mussels, crab, and oysters.
When I cooked Thanksgiving dinner this year for just 2 of us, I bought the duck, pre-made (just pop it in the oven) stuffing, pastry wrapped sausages, and my asparagus here, plus smoked salmon for appetizers. Everything was amazing, prices were good, and - best of all - the customer service is absolutely fantastic. Last but not least, I added a marrow bone for the pooch.
Talk about one stop shopping! -
Review from Kate S.
1/19/2012
Awesome butcher shop - wish it was closer to me!
Tons of fresh (& local I believe) cuts of meat: pork, beef, chicken, lamb, fish and the occasional oddball like bison, etc. This last time I grabbed stewmeat for, well stew and it was tender and just great in my winter-time meal! Their sausages come in many enticing flavors too, i'll need to be sure to come back when perhaps I own a grill. You can even buy long bones for your four-legged friends -- and they will even cut them up in easier to manage sizes. I have to say, while my dog may have preferred to have the stewmeat, he went to town on those bones!
Prices are fair --surprisingly so. Maybe im just used to the hiked up prices I see at the market, but everything here was priced reasonably, and with the quality so good it is totally worth the bus trip (as opposed to walking and paying 1/3 more at whole foods, etc).
If I actually lived in Queen Anne I would be here several times a week, im sure!Listed in: Groceries
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Review from Gary Y.
Seattle, WA
8/1/2011
It's worth it to hike/bike up the hill for some meat from here.
Their processed meats (bacon, jerky, sausage, pastrami, etc.) are amazing. Their beef jerky is succulent and flavorful, as opposed to the dry leather that you get in the supermarket. Varieties of sausage include breakfast sausage w/ fruit, lamb sausage, chorizo, pre-cooked German sausages, chicken sausages, etc.
They also have a great selection of raw meats that they will butcher for you, including de-boning (e.g., leg of lamb) and cutting into steaks (e.g., lamb loin). In addition to what is in the display counter, they also have other items in the freezer in the back, such as duck breasts.
They've been very friendly and helpful, patient when I ask for the wrong thing or change my mind on quantities.
They also sell veal bones and other rarer items if you call a few days ahead.
Bonus that they are co-located with Wild Salmon Seafood Market -- a one-stop shop for protein! -
Review from Jason K.
Seattle, WA
12/19/2010
One of the reasons I love living on Queen Anne is that it generally has a very neighborhood feel to it, and A&J Meats contributes to that in many ways. You don't really find dedicated butchers out there anymore.
A&J is expensive, but always extremely high quality. They take special orders in advance of special events and for specific items (e.g. this year for Thanksgiving I ordered an 8-bone frenched pork rib roast...pretty specific). You can order a half slab of bacon cured in whatever way you want. The place is clean and the service is efficient but not necessarily the most friendly.
One caution: if you're used to super market beef, you may need to adjust should you get steaks or any other piece of beef that you don't stew (e.g. shortribs, roasts, where the sauce covers the subtlety of the beef flavor). The beef is grass fed and so has a slightly richer flavor and more of that grass-fed taste. You may not like it. -
Review from Neil G.
Seattle, WA
12/18/2011
A&Js is simply the best quality product you can get. Been shopping there years and never had a disappointing cut. Wild Salmon Market, along with the local produce addition this year, make it a one stop shop. Kudos go out to Noah in the seafood section who must work 80 hrs a week, and always takes the extra time to remember our name and provide the best service!
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Review from Laura S.
Seattle, WA
10/31/2006
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. -
Review from Ron M.
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! -
Review from Cathy S.
11/25/2009
This is one of our favorite places to splurge on meats. Of course you're going to pay a bit more buying your meats here (in my opinion) than at Safeway but you can clearly see the difference in quality and in taste.
They have a huge selection and the staff is as friendly as can be. They are extremely helpful when it comes to helping us pick the right cut of beef for grilling on a warm summer night. -
Review from Lisa C.
Seattle, WA
5/30/2009 1 Check-in Here
LOVE LOVE LOVE this place. I even prefer it to my fav grocery store Metropolitan Market. The seafood has always been fresh, never fishy. And the meats are wonderful. Plus all grass/grain fed, no corn here! Everything is also antibiotic and hormone free. The staff are uber helpful and always willing to answer questions.
Most recently bought the linguisa - spicy, delightful and large, the maui marinated chicken breasts - best I have EVER had, sauerkraut - yummy!
BONUS: apparently they have been getting their meats from the same suppliers in washington and oregon for over 50 years.Listed in: I love Queen Anne, Locavore Seattle
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Review from phil r.
Seattle, WA
3/14/2008
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. -
Review from Shannon B.
Seattle, WA
2/8/2009
I am so glad that there's a terrific fish place nearby!
Granted, in Seattle we're pretty spoiled with good fishmongers but it is just way too convenient not to have to travel much at all to get to A&J. The only downside is that I tend to park in back and thus just HAVE to go through the little wine market in the way to A&J and of course I just HAVE to pick up a bottle to go that that night's dinner.
They have a great selection and while I haven't yet tried anything but fish from A&J I'm sure all of their meats are top-notch. The staff is friendly and helpful, and that tends to say a lot about a business. -
Review from Kristen e.
Seattle, WA
11/20/2007
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. -
Review from Jason R.
Seattle, WA
9/8/2009
This is a great place. I've only been here for meat, never for fish, so I can't judge everything.
They have a HUGE selection of meats: from lamb and sausage, to bacon and maui-style short ribs. I try to go once a week and shop for the whole week. They are one of the few places I've been with quality lamb that isn't insanely expensive. Their bacon is delicious. The pork chops inexpensive and thick. Tons of steak and beef options. They recently had a maui short rib special and they were so tasty.
Something to keep in mind: they have more options in their freezer. You'll have to look on the counter for the menu of freezer options -- so if you don't think they have what you want it's probably in the freezer.
Staff is very friendly; prices are very reasonable. There is no reason to go to QFC or Safeway for meats when you have such a good butcher not far from the city.
Also, a tip: they have free parking in the back of their shop. -
Review from tracy m.
Austin, TX
6/24/2007
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. -
Review from Jeff B.
Seattle, WA
6/6/2010
Even though I have yet to purchase anything from A & J, I am giving this 5 stars for merely existing.
This place reminds me of all those great Alice & Sam scenes in the Brady Bunch. There's just something about it that feels classic.
Service wise, the very attentive and proud owners/staff are happy to speak about all their products. They age & smoke their own beef and create their own sausages & lunchmeats.
I am so happy to have found this place in my neighborhood. Add in a great wine shop next door and it's one stop shopping...Who wants to open a produce stand/cheese shop next door??? -
Review from Guy N.
King, WA
9/14/2009
Excellent sausages.
Excellent lamb burgers.
Excellent customer service.
Well worth going out of your way for. -
Review from Suzanne C.
Seattle, WA
10/7/2010
Everything a neighborhood butcher should be and more! SUPERIOR customer service: friendly, helpful, and cheerful--the staff is truly terrific! High quality, grass-fed beef, which may cost a little more than the sad stuff you find at the grocery store, but it tastes so much better, as well as being healthier for you and better for the planet, to boot! It doesn't break the bank, and the high quality is worth paying a little extra.
They've cracked hamhocks for me, provided the most delicious standing rib roast I've ever consumed, pounded out veal breasts, furnished many a BBQ steak and never, ever disappointed. I'm so lucky to live in the neighborhood and be walking distance from such a wonderful local butcher! -
Review from Taro H.
San Antonio, TX
5/28/2009
If you're going to buy a steak, don't go to Safeway or QFC! What's wrong with you? Go to A & J Meats! They have some of the best cuts of meat you can get your hands on (and I grew up in Texas). The staff is always a pleasure to deal with and I will always go out of my way to come here for what they offer.
Parking in Queen Anne is just as bad as anywhere else in Seattle but they do have a small parking lot in the back. The facility always seems to be very clean and sterile. This goes for the actual butchers as well.
If you go just to check the place out and can't make a decision just yet, at least buy a little bit of their Maui beef jerky. I promise that this stuff will bring you back. -
Review from lester k.
Seattle, WA
2/22/2010
This place is simply the greatest. Old time feel, hands on owner and great staff. Oh ya did I mention the MEAT!!! There is no where else I'd go for a hot dog or a steak. The fruit filled breakfast sausage is sure to put you in an early grave but at least you'll go with a smile on. Pepperoni sticks like you've never tasted before. So good it may tempt even the strictest vegetarian to rethink their menu tonight.
Expensive, Yes... But I'm worth it !!!! Les -
Review from S V.
Seattle, WA
3/17/2011
They have a nice selection of meat and fish. The staff is great friendly and helpful. I love having a butcher near by, to get things you can't get at the regular store and better quality then the grocery store. We've ordered prime rib here for Christmas dinner and I have gotten lamb from them and duck breast. They have it all.
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Review from Jay B.
King, WA
4/27/2011
Any of their sausages with fruit make excellent breakfast sausages. Their lamb and cumin sausages are more versatile than one may think and their spicy chicken sausages are fantastic. Whole Foods can compare in some of the categories but not in the sausage department. Also, A&J has the best beef jerky I have ever had. They're (the staff) are all friendly and knowledgeable as well. In a city slowly becoming more and more homogenized and cookie cutter A&J is a breath of old school fresh air!
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Review from Megan B.
Seattle, WA
2/13/2008
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. -
Review from Todd D.
Seattle, WA
10/17/2010
Great selection of all things meat and next door all things wine.
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Review from Aaron M.
2/7/2007
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.
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Review from Brooke Y.
WA
11/8/2007
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!
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Review from Rachael L.
Seattle, WA
4/7/2010
These guys are great! I sent the bf here last night for some sausage, he returned, triumphant with 1+ pound of Italian sausage that was an amazing addition to the stuffed peppers that I made. Bonus: they took it out of the casings for him! I can't wait to stop by and pick up some ground beef, etc for burgers once outdoor bbq season is upon us!
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Review from Elyssa H.
Seattle, WA
12/9/2008
I love the fact I live right down the street from these guys. Yummy sausages (the apricot and blueberry ones are soooo good). They give great advice (like the fact I really don't need a whole bone in ham for Christmas) and the shop is sooo clean.
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Review from Christopher T.
Washington, DC
4/24/2010
Add this to the list of stuff I miss from Seattle and can't find anywhere in DC. A & J Meats is simply fantastic and I never knew how much I would miss it. The thought of a house marinated flank steak is enough to get my mouth watering every time. Good prices, more expensive than a grocery store, but well worth the price for the incredible quality. If you haven't found this place in Seattle yet, make it happen.
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Review from Tom E.
San Jose, CA
9/22/2005
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!
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Review from Brycelaine P.
Seattle, WA
9/28/2005 2 photos
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!!
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Review from Alistair L.
Seattle, WA
7/25/2010
So I just moved to Queen Anne and while trying to get a general lay of the land etc, I found this great butcher. I loved all there different sausages, bacon. I was hoping that they could custom grind me some ground beef but the butcher wasn't having it, I wanted some 80/20 with ribeye fat for the additional fat. They were super helpful though and really took the time to help me out. I like that all the meat is so fresh and the place has that nice clean meat smell. I highly recommend if your looking for a good local butcher.
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Review from K S.
Seattle, WA
6/1/2010
Even as a vegetarian I always oooed and ahhed at the meats here. I just love the layout and how it looks like an old timey meat market. Therefore, when I decided to eat meat (after 7 yrs) I came here to get basically one of everything. My boyfriend announced my conversion and the staff applauded me. They're really nice and helpful. I love the burgers (you can get bacon ones!) and sausages. When I went camping last summer I brought a tent, sleeping bag, Makers and a beef/cheddar dog and it was delightful. Not a big fan on the Maui marinade just because I like more savory seasoning on my meat. Also, I got a landjaeger sausage once and it was really tough. Some stuff is a little expensive but worth the quality!!
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Review from K M.
Seattle, WA
1/21/2010
If you love steak, you HAVE TO get a filet mignon from A & J Meats. It is the most incredible filet I have ever had. There is absolutely no reason to get meat from QFC anymore. This steak was soft and buttery smooth, melted in your mouth. I can't remember exactly, but I think it was $40 for four 12 ounce filets. Just an amazing steak. Friendly service too. Don't forget to take a number on the corner of the steak display, or people in-the-know will get ahead of you! If you ever want a special meal and don't feel like trekking to El Gaucho, getting dressed up, or spending the time out of the house, this is your place to grill up a fabulous meal.
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Review from Nathan T.
Seattle, WA
8/30/2009
I hardly feel like I know enough about meat to even rate butchers...but based on what I know I really like A&J. Just a few specifics:
- They sometimes carry prime beef. It's a limited selection, mostly New York strips, but that is by far the most important Prime piece to carry. I've bought them and grilled them; great marbling and flavor. Generally you can't get Prime outside of a restaurant, so this is great.
- When I was making braised short ribs they gave me a lesson in the different styles of short rib cuts which was great guidance.
- They carry veal bones and chicken bones in their freezer in 5 pound bags. I make my own stock, so this is great.
- If you buy a chicken they'll fabricate it for you at no cost if you want them to.
- I went in looking for a very specific cut of lamb and they quickly worked to cut the tenderloin to exactly what I needed, perfectly trimmed and tied.
Personally I can't stand going to the supermarket butcher anymore. -
Review from Nadine W.
Seattle, WA
4/30/2010
Classic neighborhood butcher with high prices but wonderful service. One of the things I missed most about living in San Francisco was having a neighborhood butcher. When we moved to Queen Anne we were thrilled to find an authentic neighborhood butcher. The staff is incredibly warm and friendly and make their own bacon, sausage and jerky - all of which are among the best I've ever tasted. They offer very high quality meats. During the holidays, the wait here can be well over an hour but there is little to no wait normally. The prices are quite high which is the only reason I gave it four stars instead of five.
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Review from Scott B.
Seattle, WA
4/16/2010
YUM - everything I've ever bought here was delicious: the bacon, steak filets, bockwurst, bratwurst, ground meat. Great selection of meats. You can see and taste the difference in qaulity from the supermarkets. Its costs a little more but its worth it.
The staff are friendly and always patient and helpful even when its crowded. -
Review from jill g.
Seattle, WA
11/12/2010
They have it all - knowledge, selection, helpful & friendly customer service etc. They also carry meats that are far superior to anything else i've tasted from any market or specialty shop. Yes you will pay a bit more for what you get but it's completely worth it.
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Review from johnny D.
Seattle, WA
3/17/2010
THIS PLACE IS AWSOME !!!! by far the best in Seattle ,24 day aged beef , homemade thick cut bacon ! huge variety of sausages ! Special cut's available .Lamb / Pork all are first rate ! They also have prepared entrees with instructions on preperation.Another big plus is that this is a family business and you often deal directly with the owner.
