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Categories: Grocery, Meat Shops [Edit]
Neighborhood: Bernal Heights"I love Mission Fish & Poultry. I can walk out with a high quality, fresh. sushi-grade piece of fish for a couple of bucks. This is one of…" read more »
[Green Zebra Coupon: Free cup of soup with sandwich]
I can't say much for their meat selection since, honestly, I didn't look at it. I can say this, for a butcher shop they do know their produce.
I got an heirloom tomato and pesto sandwich and a cup of lamb soup. I'm not a big lamb fan (and I'm actually a recent, former-vegetarian) but the tomatoes in both were so good I thought I'd die. I haven't even been able to find tomatoes that good at farmers markets so I don't know where they get them from (Granny's yard, perhaps?) but they made both the soup and sandwich delectable.
The service was also friendly and while I waited I contemplated purchasing a bottle of "Lenninade," communist-themed, sparkling pink lemonade. The guy working there seemed a bit shy or new to the job, but overall it was a great (perhaps over-priced) place to grab a late lunch.
Historically I've gone to Drew's to get my meat...I've always liked the selection and prices (albeit cleanliness does not seem to be priority #1)
but now it's all about Avedano's...this place is the way a meat purveyor should be....nothing but few great cuts, the ability to custom order what you want, killer selection of extras and really good European, pressed sandwiches to boot.
I'll be buying a lot more meat from here...
My experiences here are either stupendous, or stupid, and not stupidity on my part. Yesterday's sandwich could be mind blowing, but tomorrow's could be mindless. Yesterday's perfectly cut up whole chicken could be tomorrow's hacked up hunks which cannot be dealt with by any cook.
Ye Olde Attitude ranges from Hi Ya friendly and a pretty smile to Yeah, waddya want with a grimmace. This is NOT what SF is about my friends.
What's up with the grass fed meats from other states or countries when CA boasts cutting edge, delicious, and hey, it's CALI-FREAKING-FORNIA! Why import grass fed meat? hullo?
This was my go-to spot for awhile, but some nasty blunders on their part has put me off off off and OFF.
Oh, and don't you DARE complain about anything. OM-ifng- G . . .even if they are at fault. Mama Mia . . . you'll be snubbed and as Heidi Klum says "one day you are in, and the next you are OUT" When it should THEY who are out for being sub par and don't have a clue about an apology and solution.
All of a sudden I have been shopping at Avedano's regularly (like a few times a week). I really like the idea of supporting a local butcher/store instead of buying at Whole Foods.
I like that they have fish and meat that you can NEVER get at Whole foods. I bought a piece of sturgeon upon the recommendation of the butcher and it might have been the best fish I've ever had. When in season, you can get sand dabs too (another one of my favorite fishes). I also love buying their Kobe beef flank steak.
Their homemade panini sandwiches are great and a favorite of Bernal residents. I have had 3 different ones so far and love the Cuban and the meat loaf panini sandwiches. They make them to order so it takes a little while.
I have bought their frozen gnocchi and bolognese sauce, but it's still in the freezer and I haven't tried it yet.
I highly recommend shopping at Avedano's - the service is always friendly and helpful. They'll even call you upon request if there's something you're waiting for.
We had known about Avedano's for some time, already fans of its small-shoppe approach focusing on local, organic and quality meats and produce. We love their kurobuta pork chops, fresh pastas, shelves of fine vinegars and oils, the magic freezer where one is likely to find demi-glace, bones for stock, and caul fat... we love the fact that it was run and managed by 3 women, including the butcher. We love that an entire pig is broken down every week for many tasty purposes.
The husband wanted to do their butchering class with his grandfather and younger brother, an aspiring chef. Though Avedano's only does one class a month, they added one extra class in January when they learned Danny's family was flying out from Florida. The class is limited to 6 people, costs $300 and entails 3 hours of butchery class. Each person gets to take home around 14-15 lbs of meat (approx. 100 lbs gets broken down during the class). Lunch is included and Avedano's provides all the tools, the meat and butcher smocks. Each person gets hands-on work with actually cutting up and breaking down two entire carcasses of lamb and suckling pig.
A quick tour behind the counter reveals that the place is immaculate - one could eat off the floors. There's a space in the back for private parties, and a kitchen for preparing tasty pre-made foods.
When Tia, the butcher (who's also executive chef at Sociale) learned that Danny's grandfather and brother were flying home to Florida the next day, she vaccum-packed their meats for them.
All in all, the class (while pricey), was a fantastic experience. With useful handouts and the invaluable hands-on training, the class helps to demystify the (these days) rare and almost forgotten art of butchery.
Have been looking for a good spot to get tasty fresh meat.
While you aren't going to find a massive abundance of all different meats and fish you are going to find a nice small shop with tasty meats, good rubs and some sides to join your meal.
They also serve fresh sando's made to order.
I picked up a pork tenderloin from here and it was fantastic.
Great neighborhood butcher with a wonderful array of unusual canned/dry goods and candies. The staff is super nice too.
A butcher shop dishing out $9-a-dozen, wild/pastured/local/grass-fed eggs would be unbearably snooty in Noe Valley, but up in the ramshackle, labyrinthine streets of Bernal Heights, it takes on a much more iconoclastic/progressive light (especially when you arrive by scooter).
It's certainly no trivial feat to track down these model growers of humane and sustainable animal products, and wouldn't you know it, even after all my Michael Pollan books and web research, I arrived only to find out that Soul Food Farms' roasters weren't in season (because, yes, eco-efficient meat has a season--see why industrialized agriculture took over so easily?).
They did, however, have the magical eggs, which for comparison I fried side-by-side with some (merely) organic eggs from Mollie Stone's. The yolks didn't look any more orange to me (from all the carotenoids, they say), but I definitely could see the increased "muscle tone"--the white didn't spread as far and the yolk was far perkier. The Soul Food yolk is definitely richer and more viscous on the tongue as well--like egg nog compared to milk. Still, unless you're an expert dessert chef, I doubt you'll find this worth the doubled (or tripled) price. But if you're rich, you can always call it an investment in sustainability:)
I was also here to try the famous cuban panini, but alas, the pork loins were still cooking. So instead they made me a great salami one that was a touch exotic in its own way (cloves, perhaps?).
I have never had a bad experience at Avendana's! It is so refreshing to be able to stop by and order what you want and they call you and save it for you...it is a real honest to goodness butcher shop! I love any reason to go there and the people that work there are very knowledgeable about meat!
And they make their own yummy sandwiches! Just go,. you will be so happy you did!
Good meat. Awesome Cuban sandwiches. And really good fresh pasta too.
I'm over in Bernal once in a while and always have to stop by Avedano's for a sandwich or something to take home and cook. The place is small and focused, VERY clean, super friendly staff, and the meats are excellent and delicious. Definitely stop in when you're in the area. You won't be disappointed.
Best Cuban sandwich in town: well toasted, great mustard, enough pickles, succulent pork accessorized with ham.
Been to Lo Cubano, Delessio's, Arlequin's, etc. and this one is IT!
Such a retro-cool spot with down to earth people running the show.
Reasonable prices for such high quality fare.
Avedano's the only thing negative I can say about you is you don't always have the roast beef panini, which is delicious! This is a must try... It's on my personal list of 100 things to eat before you die SF.... so far I've only found 4 things that make my list so that's saying A LOT!
Great Local Business.
I've been really happy with all their products, and the service has been excellent, friendly, and chatty - a perfect neighborhood combination.
In addition to their meats, they feature a surprisingly wide array of (mostly) expensive add-ons, ranging from arborio rice (great) to artisinal jams (also great). On the one hand, I think I'd appreciate some more price-variety in their offerings. On the other hand, they have limited space, and Good Life is about a 3 minute walk.
All in all, I think they are fantastic.
Oh, come on, people. Really.
Avedano's is okay. However, it is by NO means like an "old-fashioned butcher shop." If you're looking for a real butcher's, go to Drewes at 30th and Church, where they have a wider selection of meats and fish -- and do not, like Avedano's, have (for instance) two carefully arranged grapefruit that they sell for $1.40 each, or designer track lighting, or little yuppie tchotchkes (like little buttons that say "I like you better than bacon."). To describe Avedano's as hearkening back to a simpler, more traditional time is simply an urban conceit. I'm not sure what Avedano's is trying to be: maybe sort of the Heartfelt version of a butcher shop, where half of what they carry is just too precious unless you have a lot of money that you don't mind spending on vaguely overpriced stuff or frou-frou merchandise. A real butcher's doesn't carry a bottle of "Leninade" soda with a hammer and sickle at $1.75, microscopically-sized imported jams, seven types of olive oil, or Italian pasta shaped like medallions for over $7 per pound. Excuse me?
I like the store well enough, but for what it is (whatever that is), not because of some gloss that San Francisco urbanites who have apparently never seen the real thing would put on it. One would think it was the best dang thing that ever happened to Cortland Street. If I were a devoted foodie, I might go to Avedano's for an esoteric this or that; or maybe for the frozen gnocchi. But for a better selection of meats and fish and less cuteness and pretension, I'd go to Good Life. Or Drewes.
The feel of an Italian alimentari.....aaahh, straight forward food.
No distractions.
Nothing looked so so, rice from Vercelli (where I come from), meat cuts (best roastbeef ever....mouth melting after I cooked it), salami (reasonably priced boccalone), air dried chicken, white asparagus, Rachael Saunder's jams, a terrific duck breast.....everything.
The only glitch is that the meat comes from Oregon (at least the one I got). I wonder why they don't buy from Marin or other close areas. If it's for quality purposes I'll shut up - I don't mind splurging if the quality is excellent as it was.
Dear locavores....if you only knew how good was that roastbeef...
So they are cooks, foodies and also butchers....respect to these girls.
They do cooking classes too...
Did I mention the sammiches? No, right? It's because you have to get one to understand.
I love this place. When I moved here a year ago, I was so excited to finally have a butcher's shop nearby. They have great meat and seafood and I have also enjoyed the frozen raviolis and other goodies sold around the shop. They are always so nice and answer your questions.
And where else can you get a delicious sandwich for cheap?
So I just moved across the street from Avedano's and like to include it on my Cortland tour when people come to visit. Angela, one of the owners, is always nice, even when I don't actually do any ordering.
So far, I've only had the prepared items because, well, I'm lazy. The paninis are excellent (especially the ones with prosciutto) and I was impressed with the Sunday tacos.
Plus, I like their vintage neon sign.
01/15/08 UPDATE
Last night I put that bad boy of a chicken in the oven with only a bit of freshly chopped herbs, garlic and some squeeze of lemon. IN THE WORDS OF A VERY DEAR MAN IN MY LIFE: IT WAS SO JUICY!
***********
I first read about this lady owned butcher shop in the Chronicle, then another write up in Bon Appetit Magazine and this month Sauveur. I had to take a trip over to see what these ladies were all about.
I love Bernal Heights, I don't go often enough. If my rent wasn't so cheap in Noe Valley I would move. And after visiting Avedano's today I have another reason to relocate to Bernal Heights.
I went in without the intention of making a purchase. I met my butcher and how bad of me to forget her name, (I don't seem to be doing too well with one of my new years resolution for 2008...names).
The place has the feel of an old time butcher. I am guessing the main cooler displaying all their protein is the original. It ads so much ambiance to the place. I walked in and could smell that familiar protein smell from my days in butcherie while attending culinary school. But wait there was a hint of something else in the air...what is it...ahhh there is the source a big vat of marinara sauce stewing in the back. so not only are they providing me with proteins they make sauce, tacos, sandwiches and who knows what else.
After introducing myself and singing my praises I was brought out back to the private dining area you can rent out. It was so cool. It seats 26 people and they will cater from the kitchen in the back. Apparently it isn't your standard meal it is a multi-course affair complete with front of the house staff and back of the house. You can even bring in your own wines...all the better!
Do yourself a favor and make a trip over to these ladies. They know what they are doing, are happy to take time with you and really want to make you happy. This is a neighborhood butcher and they will get much more of my business.
Oh by the way I walked out with a whole chicken and not just any old whole chicken a delicious petite air dried chicken that has so much flavor without any other elaborate spice or herb.
HATS OFF LADIES! I WOULD LOVE TO COME AND SPEND A DAY WITH YOU TO LEARN A THING OR TWO.
-KB (Kitchen Bitch)
No fair! Those kids in Bernal get all the cool new places!
Avedano's is your friendly neighborhood meat market, plus. It has a real butcher counter with fresh local meat and seafood, plus great sandwiches, fresh produce, cheeses, teas, agua frescas, etc.
You can either buy the fixings to make yourself a delicious meal at home, or take advantage of the prepared foods for a gourmet heat-and-eat night that will taste like you made it yourself.
On my first visit, I bought: baby arugula, mixed greens, ricotta salata, watermelon agua fresca, bread for making panninis, cream of tomato soup, chicken/lime soup. Everything was very tasty and top quality - and actually reasonably priced.
This market is still very new, and they will figure out through their customers what works best for them - and as a customer, I look forward to seeing this business thrive and grow.
Last night went there for the first time - after some months of just driving by - and was very pleased with the experience. Dave the friendly butcher was there and he happily butchered us some lamb shanks right off the hanging beast itself.... and then he cut us a deal for the neck, which we were very pleased to get and which we put to good use in a stock.
This is an old school abattoir, with the beasts hanging by the hooks in the walk in, ready to be brought out and butchered right in front of you. I love that. I also love walking in and seeing lamb rack and some really good looking cuts of grass fed beef. And I love the seemingly (but not really) random things that they have on the shelves and cases. I also love that we can talk to Dave the friendly butcher and get positive, interested responses when we probe him about some of the more, uh, exotic cuts that we're looking for. All of these things are good.
Oh, and a good location and high quality meats? That's good too.
So go and get your MEAT ON!
Normally I am a cranky person. Why am I writing so many positive reviews? And this one will not be a negative - far from it. I'm not much on five-star reviews, as I think too many of them render the whole concept meaningless, but Avedano's gets a solid four stars.
I'd been curious since they opened - another high-end butcher shop, this close to Drewes Bros.? - and finally made it here a couple of weeks ago. The boy wanted steak, I wanted to check the place out, and - oh my.
We were initially a bit leery because so much of the meat was pre-cut and shrink-wrapped, but figured we'd give it a try. We got several diiferent cuts of grass-fed beef, including I think a ribeye and a skirt steak. Not cheap, but not factory-farmed or pumped full of hormones and subpar feed.
I also had to try the locally-made chocolates with salt and caramel. Decadence.
The butcher was very friendly and helpful. I ran back in after we'd made our purchase - "I forgot! Do you happen to have any spare bones for our dog?" - she graciously handed over two lamb bones. A certain enormous spoilt dog was VERY happy that day.
We took the beef home and I marinated it in garlic, soy sauce, red wine, and an assortment of herbs & spices. Our French and Californian dinner guests showed up and contributed a stellar salad, and then we came to the moment of truth.
Every steak was delicious. Beyond delicious. My marinades cannot compensate for mediocre meat, nor can the b/f's grilling skills, good though they are. This was amazing meat, well worth paying a premium. Verdict from food-obessed French person, New Mexican, Californian, and grouchy East Coast transplant:
Wow. Incoherent happy eating noises. We have to do this again.
I hate paying a premium solely because of location. In this case, the price is tied to the quality, and I think it's entirely legitimate.
I'm looking forward to trying their prepared foods. My coworkers rave about their carne asada.
"Butcher's hands, gentle souls."
We only bought 3 things:
1) A delicious flank steak, the one in the case just wasn't big enough, so the Butcher girl brought us one from the BIG fridge, it grilled up nicely.
2) Bacon: Thick and not too fatty, I almost made the mistake of just ordering a 1/2 pound...
3) A whole fish: Intimidating as it might seem, Tia gave us some lemon-thyme to stuff it with, and it made it onto the grill with the flank steak.
Great service, and yummy meat -- you can't go wrong here.
This place rocks.
Sometimes I go in for a zucchini & goat cheese panini, sometimes for some fresh watermelon agua fresca for my boy, or maybe to get a loaf of asiago bread and dip it in their fantastic olive oils (oils run from $10-15 for about a 12 oz. bottle - very worthwhile, though, the oils are delish.)
They're no nonsense, neighborly, down to earth - and they know good food. Such a great addition to the neighborhood. Come give them a visit.
I have shopped here many times and while I want to support one of my neighborhood businesses I can't do it any more. Over the weekend I bought my third piece of spoiled meat. The first time was a steak, that when I questioned the color I was told it was aged and should be a touch green, when I cooked it that evening the smell and taste told me it was rotten. Then I bought fish that when I got it home that day & opened it the smell was awful. Lastly I bought some pancetta and it was rotten at the center of the roll. While I still say buy their preped foods, I would be extra cautious when buying fresh meats.
I missed my butcher from Brooklyn. Then I found Avedono's!
We checked out the new butcher on Cortland just as they opened and have been in love ever since. The best part is when you see that they actually do the butchering right there, in the shop!
Got a great turkey for T-giving and have always been happy with what is from the counter. The prepared food is great and WE LOVE TACO SUNDAYS!!! One of the saddest moments of recent was heading over after moving all day on Sunday and finding them closed - no tacos! Of course, it was Easter - duh! What were we thinking!
A bit on the pricey side, but they strive for high quality and good service. And are always willing to help you out.
(Edit: they have lowered the price of the yogurts mentioned below to $3.00... thanks!)
Excited to have a new butcher/market in Bernal Heights, and there's quite a bit to like here already, but man, the items are expensive ($3.50 single serving containers of yogurt!?). Selection needs more time to grow too. A good start, and I'll definitely give some time for things to shake out. Welcome to the neighborhood, hope you do well!
addenum:
Tried the tacos this weekend (only available on Sundays, I think; look for the lit up taco sign), and they were AWESOME!! ordered both pork and carne asada, and they were each piled high with stupendously tasty meat, onions, cilantro, on a homemade super-tortilla, with a pickeled pepper on the side. you *must* try them!
This place is fantastic. Great service and great products.
Best butchershop in SF. Melanie, Angela and the gang always come through with friendly service and fresh animal flesh. Killing is no joke and these people take it seriously. Sometimes I buy their frozen soups/stews - these are perfect for those days when you are too busy to cook and it seems like it's always soup weather in this city. They also have lovely crusty baguettes and yummy little meat sticks for the trip home.
I am a major fan of good meat, and I have to say, there is no beating this place. It is truly sensational! From the customer service...they will describe in minute detail what part of the animal you are looking at, how to cook it, even providing you with a custom mix of herbs and spices for free...to the pure quality of the food, there is no going back! Once you tried the steak, or the salmon, or the cheese, or the freshly made to go food meals (different choice each day), you will never, ever consider going to (dare I say it) Safeway again. End of story!
Great place to go when you don't know what to make for breakfast, lunch or dinner. There's all you'll need for the vegetarian (fresh produce and pastas) or the occasional allergy (sheep's milk yogurt, wheat free gnocchi, goat cheese) plus happy meats. Yummy olive oils too. oh! and the ginger lemonade was a great refresher for a saturday walk in bernal- not too sweet, just right spicy. the traditional panini's look divine- haven't had one yet... looking forward to visiting as they grow.
My first trip to Avedano's was on the way home and I needed some pancetta & cream. It was a bit of a detour, but I knew that Drewe's was already closed. As I approached and glanced at my watch, it was 8:05pm and they were already taking the outdoor sign back in. I ran up and asked if I could still get something quickly.
They told me that they didn't sell cream, but could give me the 2 cups I needed from their own stash. And since the pancetta came to all of $3 (less than what the cream would have cost me), I felt bad and decided to get some steaks. They recommended their kobe sirloin tip.
Boy oh boy, grilled those babies up super simple, paired them with cast-iron skillet potatoes & carrots. They were to die for. Priced little less than normal ribeye, but for a lesser cut, the kobes made up for it with their marbling so you got the best combination of flavor (usually found on tougher cuts) and tenderness (better cuts, less flavor but here it came from the extra marbling).
We've since gotten their chicken, lamb and pork. They will take the time to cut & trim as per your request. They take time to chat, answer questions and behave like real neighbors.
Now we have to great butchers within walking distance to home. NICE!
And they started selling freshly roasted 'Blue Bottle Cafe' coffee beans, so you can make that perfect cuppa joe at home!
i don't eat meat, i am afraid of bl**d, and yet i loved it here. the open glass showcase of all things red was intriguing and, indeed, alluring. however, i mainly concentrated on all of the little jars of delicious somethings, the refrigerator full of fresh cheese and esoteric butters, the miniature chocolates and tiny jars of strange nectars, and the green and fuzzy almonds to boot. this city needs more of this.
The staff at the counter can be very, very reserved, to the point of being annoyingly monosyllabic. Help, I want information, but none is forthcoming. I had a problem reconciling their "Local People/Local Food" stance (per the large sign in the window) with the copious amounts of offerings from overseas.
However, I have to give them 5 stars because last week I had the porchetta panini and it was best thing I've tasted in many, many months. And it was a bargain at $5.50. Oh me, oh my.
Yee haw!! I love this little specialty meat (and more) market. The friendly staff and great olde time feel make this a wonderful addition to Bernal. I've been several times, and each time I find more and more products. It's true that they are new, and getting into the swing of it, but so far I've loved everything I've bought.
Extravagance, baby. Bernal-style. Which means it's not only delicious it's correct.
Yes I bought a $25 chicken here today. And yes it tasted like a $25 chicken (I know how to cook remember). The oysters I'm certain compete with the best of Bresse hens...Robuchon would serve his customers the oysters and feed the rest of the bird to the staff. Happy staff.
The hedonism is in no way limited to meats. The buyer here has a palette...sadly, there are no wines (and no one has offsale wine at this level on Cortland). But the strawberries were to-die-for, perfuming the entire room giddily. And the pecorino was in the very best of condition: fresh, pure, delightfully balanced.
There are also hot and prepared items ready-to-eat, but they've been selling out. So haul some tukas before they're gone in the evening.
Yes I'm going to hike up Cortland to get what I can here before I get the rest at my usual Good Life. When I have some dollars in my pockets of course. If you want to have a store like this you're going to have to support it. They're not marking stuff up so much...they made $5 on my $25 fowl. Minus labor and overhead. So consider the expense a charitable donation to your own opulent lifestyle...and compare the prices with those of the finest restaurants.
Love this place! Always fresh! The only thing is that sometimes I've walked over and they're out of boneless chicken. Other than that, it's great!
As a committed and deeply caring carnivore who moved to Glen Park from NYC in 2005 I was truly excited to find Drewes. Now there is a new game in town and I couldn't be happier. These ladies have put together a truly enticing and contemporary emporium and I am here to express my gratitude and solidarity and urge anybody who reads this to patronize this store. I don't care what your tastes are you will find something in this shop that you prize. My personal favorite so far is the duck breasts -- which are so far beyond any other offering in this category. Two of them cost about $12 and they are so fresh, so tender, so red and good that it will change you attitude about duck breast from a Special Occasion dish to a It's Tuesday, Let's Have Duck Breast headset. I was in the other day eyeing a very succulcent Eye Round roast and asked if they could cut it down since I didn't need like 5 lbs of it -- many places would say no, but here it's no problem. The fish offerings are always looking very fresh -- I have only tried the scallops but let me tell you, these were dry sea scallops, meaning no phosphate taste, only pure deliciousness. Thank you Avedano's for never having to worry about "what's for dinner" - since they are open til 8 you can stop by on the way home from work and be assured of fresh, organic, fabulous food. Oh, and the sandwiches are divine, so stop by on the weekend if you want a piece of something heavenly.
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