Buying a whole or half side of beef from a local Pittsburgh butcher isn’t just for farmers or big families. It’s an affordable, healthy choice that any meat lover who wants high-quality, local products can benefit from. Here’s why this trend is making a comeback—and how you can get started.
The Cost Savings: Bulk Buys Mean Lower Prices
- Lower Per-Pound Cost: When you buy in bulk, you often pay the same price per pound for all cuts—including premium steaks and roasts—often around $6–$11/lb., compared to $20–$30/lb. for some retail steak cuts.
- Premium for Less: Cuts like filet mignon, ribeye, and T-bone cost the same as ground beef when buying in bulk. This adds up to $14–$28 per pound in savings on those pricier cuts.
- Budget-Friendly for Families: Expect a half cow to yield about 100–150lbs of beef, easily feeding a family for months—sometimes up to a year.
- Hedge Against Price Fluctuations: You’ll have a freezer full of locally sourced beef—even if store prices climb later.
Health & Quality Benefits
- Know Your Source: Local butchers can tell you where the meat comes from and how the cattle were raised—many work with nearby farms offering grass-fed, hormone-free beef.
- Freshness: Local butchers offer fresher products than grocery stores, often butchering onsite or sourcing directly from regional farms.
- Custom Cuts, No Fillers: You can request your preferred cuts, avoid unwanted additives, and choose healthy cooking options for your family.
- Diet Control: If you want grass-fed, organic beef or need to avoid antibiotics, your butcher shop will help you select the right product.
Pittsburgh & Surrounding Area: Where to Buy
Some of Pittsburgh’s highly-rated butchers and markets for bulk beef orders include:
| Butcher Shop | Location | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Fat Butcher | Lawrenceville | Local sourcing, expert staff, custom cuts |
| Strip District Meats | Strip District | Full service, highly-rated, custom orders |
| Tom Fridays Market | Brighton Heights | Family run, custom cuts, high quality |
| Weiss Meats | South Hills | Popular for variety, customer service |
| Henry’s Meat Market | Cranberry Twp | Local favorite, Fresh, bulk options |
| Birch Creek Farmery | Burgettstown | Grass-fed, pastured meats, sustainable methods |
Many other small butchers in the region, from McKeesport (Lampert’s) to Beaver Falls (Milk House Meats), offer sides by special order.
What to Ask & Expect When Ordering
- How Much Meat Will I Get? Expect roughly 100–130lbs for a quarter, 200–260lbs for a half (after processing).
- Pricing Structure: Ask if the price is based on hanging or packaged weight, and what’s included in processing fees.
- Custom Cutting Instructions: Decide on steak thickness, roast sizes, whether you want brisket, short ribs, soup bones, etc. Most butchers will give you a form to specify your preferences.
- Pick-Up & Storage: Make sure you have enough freezer space! Two medium/large coolers will usually handle a half side for transport.
- Deposit & Scheduling: Most require deposits and advance ordering—some have months-long waitlists, especially for grass-fed or organic.
- Local & Ethical Options: Don’t hesitate to ask about the farm’s practices for diet, medication use, and animal welfare.
Pro Tips from Real Customers
- Local reviews praise the knowledgeable, friendly staff at shops like Fat Butcher and Strip District Meats for patiently explaining cuts, helping with recipes, and honoring special requests.
- Many small farms around Pittsburgh also partner directly with butchers for pre-orders, letting you control exactly how your side is processed.
Cut out the mystery and enjoy steaks, burgers, roasts, and more right from your freezer—while supporting Pittsburgh’s vibrant butcher and farm community. If you’re serious about eating local, saving money, and serving top-quality beef, now’s the time to call or drop into one of these shops and ask about availability for whole or half sides.
Pittsburgh Butchers Directory 