Windsor Quality Meats has been serving the Main Street Neighbourhood since 1946, when George Freeman opened the store next to the Aristocrat restaurant after World War 2 and it has been owned and operated by the Freeman family since. Taken over by Rick Freeman in 1985, the butcher shop has mostly recently been passed to his son Connor in 2009.
Since 1946, Windsor Quality Meats have been proud to be The Meat Men on Main. Friendly, helpful men with cleavers who wrap up your order in (recyclable) paper and send you off with a smile, knowing you're getting the top-notch, award-winning product that the finest chefs in town insist on. The beef we carry are fed a wholesome diet of forages and rolled barley.
Since 1946, Windsor Quality Meats have been proud to be The Meat Men on Main. Friendly, helpful men with cleavers who wrap up your order in (recyclable) paper and send you off with a smile, knowing you're getting the top-notch, award-winning product that the finest chefs in town insist on. The beef we carry are fed a wholesome diet of forages and rolled barley.
Services
We source premium Wagyu beef from various ranches around the world. Research shows that the beef from long-fed Wagyu cattle naturally contains more Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, as well as more monounsaturated fatty acids (the good fat) than other beef. The percentage of fatty acids affect the texture and "feel" of food in the mouth, particularly in meats.
Please note: Reserve your rib or loin section section to guarantee availability! Windsor Meats is a full service butcher, meaning we carry hard to find products that is rarely found elsewhere in Vancouver. Dry aged beef and dry aged steaks, rare yet beloved by meat connoisseurs is one of our specialties.
We specialize in premium beef that is raised without added hormones and antibiotics for uncompromising product integrity and an exceptional tasting experience. The beef we carry are fed a wholesome diet of forages and rolled barley. No hormones, additives, antibiotics, or steroids are ever added. Our suppliers treat the animals with care and compassion.
Looking to add extra flavour to your cooking? We've got you covered with these regularly stocked items that will take your recipes to the next level! Our ready made stocks will give your cooking extra flavour and save you the mess and time required to make your own stocks. Now you're more likely to try those time consuming recipes that require stocks.
Best wishes from the staff and happy customers at Windsor Quality meats. There is no animal meat products in the animal feed and no growth hormones are used in growing the pork. Gelderman Farms is a small family owned operation that supports the 100 mile diet. Their animals are bedded on sawdust in spacious pens with natural lighting and ventilation and have a constant supply of fresh liquid and feed.
Reviews (27)
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!!
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!
Carole Bosworth
Apr 12, 2020
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Adele C.
Feb 07, 2020
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This has always been my go to meat store. Something has changed. Management?? I bought a bone in leg of lamb and had to return it as it was more than off. I did get my money back but what a debacle for my Monday night dinner. Eight people waiting for food. Thank heavens for Market Meats on 4st Ave. Scott saved my bacon. Will not go back to Windsor Meats
Imma M.
Feb 04, 2020
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Great experience at Windsor Meats. The bearded staff person who helped me (didn't catch his name) was knowledgeable about different cuts, friendly, and extremely helpful.
I waited until after I cooked my meat to review. I bought a stew blend that included chuck, brisket, etc. The mix of fattier meats vs. those with more connective tissue made a thick, rich stew. The double smoked thick bacon was pretty hard to resist snacking on before it went in the stew, and we're looking forward to eating the remaining half of the packet of bacon for breakfast. Definitely worth the price difference
I waited until after I cooked my meat to review. I bought a stew blend that included chuck, brisket, etc. The mix of fattier meats vs. those with more connective tissue made a thick, rich stew. The double smoked thick bacon was pretty hard to resist snacking on before it went in the stew, and we're looking forward to eating the remaining half of the packet of bacon for breakfast. Definitely worth the price difference
Stephanie Hendy
Dec 23, 2019
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Pamela Beyer
Dec 21, 2019
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Can someone explain how Windsor manages to hire an entire staff of helpful, polite young men that are knowledgeable and seem genuinely happy to work there? I'm serious. My teenaged son and his friends are… basically jerks and yet somehow every guy at this place is a courteous young gentleman? It blows my mind. Also the meat is good.
Sara A.
Dec 20, 2019
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Great place for bone broth, farm eggs and just overall fresh antibiotic-free and free range meat. We picked up an organic turkey here a couple of year ago it was definitely outstanding compared to frozen turkeys. I also like their ground meats as well as other items. Today, I picked up a bag of organic made in Italy pasta. They have broth made and in the fridge, frozen pies and of course house made sausages.
The service here is always incredible. If there is something I need and can't find in the front, they will also look in the back or accommodate me with something closest to what I am
The service here is always incredible. If there is something I need and can't find in the front, they will also look in the back or accommodate me with something closest to what I am
Kyle H.
Dec 01, 2019
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EASILY the BEST butcher shop In Vancouver maybe all of the world.
The guys that work in the shop are all amazing dudes. They always give me great deals when I come by and the quality of the meats is second to none.
I can't say enough about the service this place has. The staff is just amazing. It's been my go to spot now for years and I will continue to come here for as long as I am in Vancouver.
HIGHLY recommend this spot to wveryb
The guys that work in the shop are all amazing dudes. They always give me great deals when I come by and the quality of the meats is second to none.
I can't say enough about the service this place has. The staff is just amazing. It's been my go to spot now for years and I will continue to come here for as long as I am in Vancouver.
HIGHLY recommend this spot to wveryb
Cesc S.
Nov 06, 2019
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No nonsense butcher with range of frozen, fresh and rarer items like suet. Very reasonable pricing. Sausages are tasty. Grass fed steaks great price.
On more than one occasion I've left only to realize that one item I'd ordered was missing. But was never a problem and was quickly rectified. Appreciated.
Some blood sausage would be nice but hey I'm content.
I wish I lived closer. Thanks, lads
On more than one occasion I've left only to realize that one item I'd ordered was missing. But was never a problem and was quickly rectified. Appreciated.
Some blood sausage would be nice but hey I'm content.
I wish I lived closer. Thanks, lads
Happy Camper W.
Sep 29, 2019
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Excellent selection and quality. Some caring and sharing (own recipes) staff
Also treats: duck fat; on site made BEST mince pies at christmas time and...did I mention the stuffing? Bolognese meat mixture, frozen for domestic goddess cheating. De-boning thighs.....
And, at times, great music, which they'll not shy away from scribbling down details of for an old bag who can then down load on iTunes.
Honestly, I should have written a review for their wonderfulness years' back, but Jubel, Klingande Ultra Deep House just started playing on Paddy, and I was transported, and grateful for
Also treats: duck fat; on site made BEST mince pies at christmas time and...did I mention the stuffing? Bolognese meat mixture, frozen for domestic goddess cheating. De-boning thighs.....
And, at times, great music, which they'll not shy away from scribbling down details of for an old bag who can then down load on iTunes.
Honestly, I should have written a review for their wonderfulness years' back, but Jubel, Klingande Ultra Deep House just started playing on Paddy, and I was transported, and grateful for
Doug B.
Sep 15, 2019
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I felt like some extra high quality steaks so I came here thinking a neighbourhood butcher is the place to go. Spent $60 on 3 steaks and they weren't as good as what I buy at the grocery store. None of us bothered to finish them.
Also, unless you live in the neighbourhood and can walk, getting there on the weekend is a nightmare. Zero parking and absolute gridlock on the streets all around.
Lastly, the guy I dealt was abrupt and borderline rude. Made me feel like he thought it was a privilege just to do business with them. Failed experiment - won't be back.
Also, unless you live in the neighbourhood and can walk, getting there on the weekend is a nightmare. Zero parking and absolute gridlock on the streets all around.
Lastly, the guy I dealt was abrupt and borderline rude. Made me feel like he thought it was a privilege just to do business with them. Failed experiment - won't be back.
M. C. V.
Apr 28, 2019
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Absolutely the best butcher in town. Every time we go there, we are treated like we are in a home town butcher where the guys are easygoing and super nice, yet very professional.
We are part of the meat club where we order a 1/4 of a beef, they will cut it, age it, render your fat, make you brisket, and give ya all the bones etc. We prefer to keep our food local and this is the most sustainable for us and it fills our freezer for months, for WAY less than buying it at whole foods. If you're willing to drop 900-1000 at once, it will fit into about a 3 cubic foot deep freeze. We've done
We are part of the meat club where we order a 1/4 of a beef, they will cut it, age it, render your fat, make you brisket, and give ya all the bones etc. We prefer to keep our food local and this is the most sustainable for us and it fills our freezer for months, for WAY less than buying it at whole foods. If you're willing to drop 900-1000 at once, it will fit into about a 3 cubic foot deep freeze. We've done
Merrin Marklinger
Dec 13, 2018
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JudyLee Juli Marshall
Oct 07, 2018
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Shelley P.
Sep 30, 2018
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Jen B.
Aug 11, 2018
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They have everything. I always forget to check this butcher out. It's located at 25th and Main. Parking is not the greatest but it's definitely doable.
The store is very clean, the coolers well laid out and there isn't that weird meat smell that most butcher shops have.
The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable and are able to offer suggestions if you ask.
The carry fresh items, large meat packs, goose fat along with many frozen offerings. Beef bones, sweet breads, venison and much more. They really have everything. I'll be shopping there again for sure.
The store is very clean, the coolers well laid out and there isn't that weird meat smell that most butcher shops have.
The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable and are able to offer suggestions if you ask.
The carry fresh items, large meat packs, goose fat along with many frozen offerings. Beef bones, sweet breads, venison and much more. They really have everything. I'll be shopping there again for sure.
Kevin B.
May 30, 2018
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Great neighborhood butcher. Too bad that it's not in my local neighborhood. But this place is worth traveling to. I'm on a health kick and teething to avoid cooking with non saturated fats and oils. So, I was looking for beef tallow or pork fat to use for cooking instead of the default (unhealthy) canola oil. Windsor Meats had it all, plus the traditional high quality meats. Definitely, worth the trip!
V. L.
Mar 01, 2018
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I've been going to Windsor off and on over the years and my last few experiences here haven't been stellar. While the quality of meat here is good, sometimes the guys behind the counter are almost to the point of being condescending towards me. Look, I know what cuts I want, I'll buy what I want and I will chose how I want to cook my cuts of meat. I really don't need to hear "that's not something I would do but alright" from the butcher when I have been cooking for over 15 years. I won't be coming back here as the prices have gone up considerably as well
Thomas F.
Dec 29, 2017
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These guys are great.
I Order a turkey here each Christmas. They scratch your name on a little card (low tech reservation system) which makes me nervous but every year they come through with a beatiful/tasty bird as promised.
Staff is efficient & knowledgeable.
Hope you can stay in my neighbourhood for years to come Windsor.
I Order a turkey here each Christmas. They scratch your name on a little card (low tech reservation system) which makes me nervous but every year they come through with a beatiful/tasty bird as promised.
Staff is efficient & knowledgeable.
Hope you can stay in my neighbourhood for years to come Windsor.
Jr J. J.
Sep 21, 2017
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Steve V.
Sep 09, 2017
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Windsor meats gets high points all around. The staff will go out of their way to explain butchery, cooking, and serve you efficiently.
It also is just like some hipster tried to make it look old school,.. but it actually is old so its just awesome and inviting organically!
The quality of the meat is fantastic, a bit pricey, but not stupid pricey, and you get what you pay for. It was here that i bought some beef and upon cooking it realized that good restaurants must not use what is sold in Safeway,.. this is real meat.
You will see people come in here that look like they have come here for
It also is just like some hipster tried to make it look old school,.. but it actually is old so its just awesome and inviting organically!
The quality of the meat is fantastic, a bit pricey, but not stupid pricey, and you get what you pay for. It was here that i bought some beef and upon cooking it realized that good restaurants must not use what is sold in Safeway,.. this is real meat.
You will see people come in here that look like they have come here for
Katie C.
Jul 18, 2017
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Great attentive service and staff are willing to answer questions.
Looking at the prices for their steaks, it is quite competitive and not that much more expensive than what you'd find at your local supermarket. Everything is wrapped up nicely and they give you a bag.
They also sell some exotic meats if you are feeling adventurous.
Come support a local business and cook up some quality meats :)
Looking at the prices for their steaks, it is quite competitive and not that much more expensive than what you'd find at your local supermarket. Everything is wrapped up nicely and they give you a bag.
They also sell some exotic meats if you are feeling adventurous.
Come support a local business and cook up some quality meats :)
Simon K.
Aug 20, 2014
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This place has become my 'go-to' for sausages, after two BBQ's eating their meat in a tube I can say that they have some of the best sausages. If you get here early enough you will see a variety of tubed meat... but if you get here later... well tough luck if there is no selection, there is a reason why! The first time I was here, I came around lunch, and this place had more than 6 varieties of sausage, anywhere from lamb, beef, chorizo, pesto chicken, spicy italian, turkey, and even beets and chicken, just to name the ones that I have seen here... haven't tried them all yet
