Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Vancouver's Trusted Butcher Shop Since 1946
Since 1946, Windsor Quality Meats has been a cornerstone of Vancouver's Main Street neighborhood, dedicated to providing premium meats with unwavering commitment to quality and tradition. Founded by George Freeman and family-owned for generations, our butcher shop combines decades of expertise with a passion for sourcing hormone-free, locally raised, and internationally renowned products like A5 Wagyu beef. Our team of skilled butchers specializes in dry-aged steaks, custom cuts, and house-made specialties, serving both discerning chefs and home cooks.We prioritize ethical sourcing, working with ranchers who adhere to humane practices and third-party audits for animal care. Recognized as Vancouver's best butcher through multiple awards, we blend old-world craftsmanship with modern culinary demands, ensuring every customer receives top-notch products and personalized service.
Services
Dry-aged steaks
A5 Wagyu beef
Exotic game meats
Custom butchery
House-made sausages
Local pork products
Organic chicken
Bone broths
Holiday meat orders
Wholesale butcher services
Details
- Year established: 1946
Highlights and features
- We offer 80+ years of combined family expertise in traditional butchery techniques
- Our meats come from ethically raised, hormone-free, and antibiotic-free animals
- We source locally from BC ranchers and global producers of premium Wagyu beef
- We provide custom butchery services and hard-to-find specialty cuts
- We've won multiple 'Best Vancouver Butcher' awards since the 1980s
Services
Dry-aged steaks
Our dry-aged steaks undergo a meticulous aging process of 30+ days in controlled environments. This enhances tenderness and concentrates flavor through natural enzyme activity and moisture reduction. We offer various cuts including ribeye, New York strip, and tomahawk steaks, all aged in our 500 sq ft specialized cooler. Customers benefit from intensified beef flavor and exceptional marbling that creates a buttery texture when cooked properly.
A5 Wagyu beef
We source authentic A5 Wagyu beef from Japanese ranches known for strict breeding and feeding standards. This top-grade beef features superior marbling with high concentrations of healthy fatty acids. Our selection includes various cuts from ribeye to tenderloin, offering customers an unparalleled dining experience with rich umami flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture that defines the world's finest beef.
Exotic game meats
Our exotic game meat selection includes venison, elk, bison, wild boar, and more from ethical sources. These lean proteins offer distinctive flavors and nutritional benefits compared to conventional meats. We provide cooking guidance and specialty cuts that allow customers to explore gourmet options while supporting sustainable hunting and farming practices through our carefully vetted suppliers.
Custom butchery
We offer personalized cutting services for whole or half animals, accommodating specific preferences for portion sizes and cooking methods. Our expert butchers work with customers to create customized meat packages that maximize value and minimize waste. This service ensures clients receive exactly the cuts they need, from traditional roasts to specialty steaks tailored to their culinary requirements.
House-made sausages
Our in-house sausage production uses quality cuts and natural casings to create over 30 varieties rotating weekly. From classic Italian and chorizo to unique creations like kimchi pork and lemon ginger chicken, we use fresh ingredients without preservatives. Customers can order by the link or request bulk quantities for events, ensuring consistent quality and flavor in every bite.
People
George Freeman
Founder
Founded Windsor Quality Meats in 1946 after WWII, establishing Vancouver's premier butcher shop with traditional values and quality focus.
Rick Freeman
Former Owner
Took over family business in 1985, maintaining high standards and winning multiple 'Best Vancouver Butcher' awards during his tenure.
Connor Freeman
Current Owner
Continues family legacy since 2009, balancing tradition with innovation while preserving the shop's reputation for excellence and service.
Questions
What makes your dry-aged steaks different from regular steaks?
Our 30+ day dry-aging process concentrates flavor and enhances tenderness through natural enzyme activity in controlled environments.
Do you carry grass-fed beef options?
Yes, we offer BC grass-fed beef with grain finishing for optimal marbling, raised without hormones or antibiotics.
Can I special order exotic meats not currently in stock?
We can custom order most game meats upon request with appropriate lead time.
What cooking methods work best for Wagyu beef?
Low-and-slow cooking or quick searing preserves Wagyu's delicate marbling and prevents overcooking its high fat content.
Do you offer bulk meat purchases for restaurants or events?
Yes, we provide wholesale services with custom cuts and volume pricing for commercial clients and large events.
How should I store meat purchased from your shop?
Keep refrigerated at 4°C or below, consume within 2-3 days, or freeze for longer storage in original packaging.
Reviews (5)
Kurtis S.
Sep 24, 2021
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I kind of don't want to leave a review cause it's just gonna make this place more popular (which sucks for me! lol)
I do love the team here. They all know their meats and will help you out and go above and beyond. I've ordered Christmas roasts and turkey's from them and they always impress! They really do have everything and can custom order a lot of stuff depending on your needs. I've always found every experience there a positive one, even when they were super busy during the pandemic and things were harder to come by.
I do love the team here. They all know their meats and will help you out and go above and beyond. I've ordered Christmas roasts and turkey's from them and they always impress! They really do have everything and can custom order a lot of stuff depending on your needs. I've always found every experience there a positive one, even when they were super busy during the pandemic and things were harder to come by.
Alicia T.
Aug 05, 2021
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I went into this butcher store today to pick up some kangeroo meat for my dog's 16th bday. Things have been really tough at home as my grandmother is terminally ill and my dog has been really sick. This young gentleman working behind the counter offered me a piece of pork chop on the house. I was really surprised and was really caught off guard. My initial reaction was shock so I'm not sure if I acted rude. However I'm so grateful for his act of kindness. I have a really long night ahead of me and I was actually stressing out about dinner. I'm not sure if he realize what
Kent Hull
Nov 28, 2020
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Amazing customer service is rare today, but Windsor Quality Meats truly made our day. After seeing the ads for Windsor Quality Meats on both FB and IG, We took the trip downtown and bought a few items from Windsor Quality Meats . The service was amazing, the selection was awesome. We even picked up a couple of Wagyu Steaks!! Unfortunately the shop… assistant accidently forgot to place a item in our bag. Once we got home, I called and they more than made it right. Today they delievered a box full of amazing goodies. Well we are now customers for life!!
Nachiket P.
Jun 22, 2020
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Windsor meats has been my go to butcher for a few years now. The staff is super friendly and knowledgeable. The meat selection here is great and the prices are reasonable. Other than meats they also sell farm fresh eggs, pork lard & duck fat. The store is super clean and with the COVID scare going around, they have taken extra precautions for their customers. Only 3 people are allowed at a time to maintain social distancing. Come support the local business :)
Shelley Franklin
May 03, 2020
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Just discovered Windsor Meats! What a great find! Over the top friendly service, great selections and variety. Beautifully cut steaks, all so well presented. Raul helped put together an order for pick up next… week. Cant wait to try more of their cuts. Tonight ribs on the smoker, tomorrow prime rib. Highly recommend them, wish I found them years ago! 10/10 for Meat Men on Main Street!