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Top Butcher Shops In Philadelphia

Finding a good neighborhood butcher is hard to do in this day and age, but there are a few that have withstood the test of time and the big "one stop shop" grocers in Philadelphia. Our top five butcher shops are praised by their loyal customers for their excellent cuts and variety of meats. The butcher shop experience gives you the opportunity to get exactly what you want from your butcher and offers suggestions if you want try something different. It's hard to find that kind of customer service in the frozen food section of your local grocery store. Check out our top five butcher shops in Philadelphia.

Worrell's
111 W. King St.
Malvern, PA 19355
(610) 644-9266
www.facebook.com/WorrellsButcherShopLLC

Worrell's is known for its high-quality meats and knowledgeable staff. The family-run business offers a variety of meats, as well as homemade Italian sausage and stuffed chicken breast. Worrell's offers frozen side dishes to go with your protein. It's a great neighborhood butcher shop that will accommodate your needs for any occasion.

Arnie's Butcher & Gourmet Shop
219 Haddonfield-Berlin Road (Route 561)
Cherry Hill, NJ 08034
(856) 428-0045
www.arniesgourmet.com

Arnie's is Cherry Hill's most popular butcher hands down. Known for its tasty meats and precooked dinners, you can't go wrong with Arnie's. Arnie and the staff are friendly and the selection is plentiful. Some suggestions to please the palate include prime filet, twice baked potatoes and prepared salmon with apricot glaze. As you can tell, Arnie's has more than just meats. The prices are reasonable too.

Giunta's Prime Shop
Reading Terminal Market
1100 Filbert St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 627-6175
www.giuntasprimeshop.com

If you haven't been to the Reading Terminal, then you are missing one of Philadelphia's most unique experiences. The converted railroad station is filled with food kiosks with every type of cuisine possible. Giunta's Prime Shop may be the best butcher shop you will find in the Reading Terminal. Its meats are all-natural, with no antibiotics and grass fed. The meats are tender and flavorful and if Guinta's doesn't have what you are looking for, it will order it for you.

Related: The 'Eat Your Way Through Reading Terminal' Guide

Esposito's
1001 S. 9th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 922-2659
www.espositosmeats.com

Another true Philadelphia landmark is the Italian Market. Everybody remembers the scene where Rocky runs through the streets of Philly and someone tosses him a piece of fruit while running down a street full of vegetable and fruit stands. That would be the Italian Market and it doesn't look much different 30 years later. You can get the freshest fruits, vegetables, meats and more at the cheapest prices. Esposito's is the go-to butcher in the Italian Market. Esposito's supplies the majority  of the local restaurants with fresh meat every day. Esposito's is always packed but it's worth the wait. There are always some great deals posted on the walls so take a look, have patience and ask questions.

D'Angelo Bros
909 S. 9th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 923-5637
www.dangelobros.com

If you are into exotic meats, then D'Angelo's is your place. With camel, alligator, kangaroo, duck, rabbit, buffalo, ostrich, boar and venison among the selection, there are just too many to name. A lot of these meats come in sausage form but there are plenty of steaks and bacon. Sonny the butcher may have a "soup nazi" reputation (which really is just a rumor), but he knows his stuff and makes a mean sausage. Don't be afraid to ask questions and you'll get what you want. Bring cash and you'll get a discount.

Related: Stuffing, Cranberry Sauce And … Rabbit? Thanksgiving Menus Get Exotic

Christina Thompson is a freelance travel writer living in Philadelphia. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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