Pittsburgh’s food scene boasts a rich tradition of butchery, and for those seeking the highest quality organic and farm-raised beef and chicken, several local shops stand out. Below is a ranking and comparison of the top five butchers in the Pittsburgh area, based on their sourcing practices, customer reviews, and commitment to quality.
| Rank | Butcher Shop | Location | Sourcing & Specialty | Notable Strengths | Notable Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fat Butcher | Lawrenceville, PA | Locally sourced, pasture-raised, nose-to-tail meats | Top-tier quality, transparency, service | Limited hours for hot food |
| 2 | Birch Creek Farmery | Burgettstown, PA | Heritage, sustainable, pasture-raised meats | On-farm transparency, breed diversity | Butcher shop expansion ongoing |
| 3 | Coyne Family Farm | Burgettstown, PA | Free-range, medication/hormone-free beef & chicken | Direct farm-to-table, family-run | Appointment required |
| 4 | Weiss Meats | South Hills, PA | Wide selection, family-owned, fresh cuts | Bulk pricing, freshness | Bulk focus, less specialty |
| 5 | Strip District Meats | Strip District, PA | Broad selection, local options available | Central location, variety | Less focus on organic/farm-raised |
1. Fat Butcher (Lawrenceville, Pittsburgh)
Fat Butcher is widely regarded as Pittsburgh’s premier destination for locally sourced, pasture-raised beef and chicken. The shop practices whole animal butchery, ensuring transparency and respect for both animal and customer. Their meats are sourced directly from local farms, and the staff are praised for their knowledge and willingness to help customers select the perfect cuts. The shop is also exceptionally clean and organized, and it regularly features in-house made sausages and a rotating selection of local products. Customer reviews highlight not only the quality of the meat but also the outstanding service and community focus.
Why #1: Fat Butcher’s commitment to local sourcing, whole animal butchery, and customer service sets it apart as the best option for organic and farm-raised meats in Pittsburgh.
2. Birch Creek Farmery (Burgettstown)
Birch Creek Farmery is a fourth-generation, family-owned farm specializing in heritage breeds and sustainable practices. Their beef and chicken are pasture-raised, with a focus on culinary quality and animal welfare. The farm is expanding to include its own USDA-inspected butcher shop, which will allow even greater control over quality from birth to butcher. Birch Creek’s philosophy centers on making premium, nutritious meat accessible and affordable, with a strong emphasis on environmental and ethical standards.
Why #2: Birch Creek Farmery offers unmatched transparency and sustainability, with heritage breeds and a direct farm-to-table approach. The only drawback is that their full-service butcher shop is still in development.
3. Coyne Family Farm (Burgettstown)
Coyne Family Farm is another standout for those seeking truly farm-raised, medication- and hormone-free beef and chicken. This family-run operation raises animals free-range and pasture-raised, and customers rave about the flavor and tenderness of the meat. Visits to the farm are by appointment, giving customers a chance to see the animals and operations firsthand. Coyne Family Farm’s direct-to-consumer model ensures freshness and accountability.
Why #3: Coyne Family Farm excels in transparency and quality, but the need for appointments and its smaller scale keep it just below Birch Creek.
4. Weiss Meats (South Hills, Pittsburgh)
Weiss Meats is a longstanding family-owned butcher shop with a reputation for freshness and bulk pricing. While their main focus is on providing a wide variety of meats—including beef and chicken—they are not exclusively dedicated to organic or farm-raised sourcing. However, their meats are cut fresh daily, and the shop is known for its knowledgeable staff and reasonable prices, especially for those buying in bulk.
Why #4: Weiss Meats is an excellent choice for fresh, high-quality meats, but it doesn’t specialize in organic or strictly farm-raised products.
5. Strip District Meats (Strip District, Pittsburgh)
Strip District Meats is a central fixture in Pittsburgh’s food scene, offering a vast selection of meats, including local and specialty options. While they do carry some farm-raised and organic products, their focus is broader, catering to a wide range of culinary needs. The shop’s location and variety make it a convenient option, but it doesn’t have the same farm-to-table or organic emphasis as the top three1.
Why #5: Strip District Meats is great for selection and accessibility, but less specialized in organic and farm-raised sourcing.
Pittsburgh Butchers Directory 