The Herbivorous Butcher

I was there when they were at the 2015 Veg Fest. I was there for the grand opening weekend of the Herbivorous Butcher. I am madly in love with this place. I’m not a vegan but my bestfriend is, and everything we’ve had from here has been outstanding. I made vegan pizza with the spicy vegan italian sausage, vegan lentil soup with the regular vegan italian sausage, vegan paninis with the vegan pepperjack cheese, and then we had some vegan pepper beef jerky for snacking, as well as sea salt and caramel melts. All in all, it was all out of this world! Everything turned out amazing, and it was equal parts my cooking ability, and the amazing products from The Herbivorous Butcher. I can’t wait to try out some new dishes with some other amazing products from the world’s first, and only, vegan butcher shop.

First of all, I totally applaud any efforts that reduce meat and dairy consumption and offer consumers options. My rating is not so much a commentary on the quality of their products, as it is on the store and business model. Being somewhat new to this movement, I am curious of how things taste. There was no option for «cheese» samples, and only one «meat» option. While I understand the business doesn’t want to go broke giving away free samples, it would be a nice option to expose these products to those that are curious. I also would have been happy to pay for a small sample-​plate, but that wasn’t offered either. I was on travel from Washington DC, and wanted to buy something in support of the cause, but my only option was a large hunk of pre-​weighed cheese. Really more than I wanted, but no smaller portion available.
I also thought it was disingenuous to price some cheeses by the pound, and some by the quarter pound? Doing the math some cheeses are $ 28/​lb, yet the sign posted $ 6.99/ per ¼. Other cheese were listed by the pound. This struck me as sort of sneaky or trying to capitalize on those not strong in math.
The staff was very friendly, but not accommodating to smaller portion requests.

I wound up being out of town during the craziness that was, from what I’ve heard, the opening weekend of H.B. — but I’ve now visited twice — once on a Thursday evening and once on a Friday — and have not had to wait at all either time. Score!
So quick backstory: I became a pescatarian when I was something like 12 years old, developed lactose intolerance in my early 20s, and at this point in my life, many (though not *all*) of the meals I eat are vegan. Needless to say, I was excited to check out H.B. — especially for the cheeses — and they are a very welcome addition to the Minneapolis food scene!
I’ve now tried the Korean style ribs two different ways — once in ramen with veggies and another time baked and eaten alongside a toasted sesame + greens salad. My mom and stepdad also tried them (stepdad is trying to reduce his meat intake and has stopped eating all red meat and pork) but were not a big fan of the texture. I think vegans and vegetarians get used to this texture, but it’s definitely not a direct substitute if you’re looking for something that will fool your meat-​loving pals.
I also bought the roast beef which I thought was very good on sandwiches, thin-​cut and even had the appearance of fatty bits which was kind of weird but cool all at once. I was also finally able to try their Dill Havarti (they were completely out of cheese the first time i went, and running very low the second time) which I liked just fine, but it was expensive considering the quantity (compared to what you can buy at the co-​op or make yourself at home) so I’m holding out until I see the camembert or brie — those I would definitely shell out $ for. I mean, I’d prefer not to but I will. Lol.
I did also try the teriyaki jerky but it was similar to the other vegan jerky I’ve tried… not really all that similar to animal-​based jerky. Still, if I see a super spicy jerky option in the future, I’d probably try it.
So why only 4 stars? Well, I guess I’d like to see them incorporate healthier, more diverse ingredients. Wheat gluten is fine and all but it’s not exactly the healthiest and there are only so many ways you can present it — it still tastes like wheat gluten. I’d love to see some innovation — some unique ingredients that create new textures, not just meat-​imitating textures. I am most pumped about the vegan cheeses anyway, but I really do hope that as their business continues to develop, they consider different ways of serving the vegan (and non-​vegan) masses!
All in all, it’s a beautiful shop with interesting and quirky products. I think it’ll be fun to return once grilling season is in full swing — and I will continue to try different offerings here because I want to support them as a business! Also, I will continue to come back because one of these days, i am confident I will get my hands on the camembert or brie… please. Pretty, pretty please.

I have tried 10 of their products and all are great and full of flavor. As a vegetarian, this is a way to have healthy protein with new tastes and textures. Members of my meat– eating family like them, too, making cooking meals easier. The products freeze well. They work well in any recipe I have tried and are delicious on pizza and appetizers, too. The service at the shop is very friendly, so ask questions… they have good knowledge and ideas on how to use products.
A great gift idea. take a friend, have an outing, and cook together.

Appreciate the concept, but wheat gluten isn’t that innovative in terms of meat replacers and it surely isn’t the tastiest or healthiest (not a complete protein). I’m a vegetarian and I’d rather just keep eating veggies. Product isn’t quite there yet. Overall: meh.

Finally checked out this place after much anticipation — love it! So proud to live in the city that has the first vegan butcher shop! So far I have tried the deli ham and ribs. The «ham» is great for sandwiches, and the ribs were smoky and delicious! Great «meaty» texture. I will be back for more ribs this summer to slather with bbq sauce and throw ‘em on the grill!

I had tried to test some of the Herbivorous Butcher’s wares when they were still just doing pop-​up shops and farmer’s markets… but the line was always really long, and their items were often sold out online. I can see why, having visited their new brick and mortar shop today! WOW. As a vegan I am thrilled to have such an awesome business in Minneapolis. I tried both the Korean ribs and the pepperjack cheese (my favorite cheese in pre-​veg days)…and both were great. The cheese is melty and natural, not plasticky like some cheese substitutes can be. The ribs were almost TOO close to the real thing. Seriously. I can’t wait to try the rest of their items. Also, the staff at the store were really helpful but not *too* pushy or in your face. The prices aren’t super cheap, but keep in mind you’re supporting a locally owned vegan business!
#4 bus stops right outside their door.

This is a must try for anyone regardless of whether you are a Veggie-​saurus or a Meat-​a-​saurus. I was impressed with variety of no-​meat meats and no-​cheese cheeses! The cookies are delightful and I devoured the treats I brought home with me– Camembert and pepper jack «cheese» we’re my top favorites. The pepper jack «cheese» melts nicely, by the way. Perfect for cheesy toast when you need a quick and zesty nibble. I’m already looking forward to my bet visit.

I made the mistake of attempting to check out this new addition to our community on the weekend of their grand opening. Lines stretched around the block. Wait time just to get into the store were 45 to 60 minutes. Yuck.
I went today again — a week after the opening — and arrived 10 minutes before opening time. I was first in line. Maybe a dozen were behind me. That’s good news for those of us who want to be customers but don’t want any hassle.
The butcher shop was inviting, the staff super friendly and knowledgeable, and the selection quite interesting. Ribs, sausage, steak, cheese… all vegan and all delicious looking. Nothing was inexpensive but no one buys began to economize.
I’m not a vegan or even a vegetarian but one of my family members is so lactose intolerant that I joke we can’t drive through Wisconsin as it is the dairy state.
I asked for cheese which would melt when cooked and taste good. The guy at the counter got a big smile and said all of their cheeses melt and taste great. You could tell he wasn’t just being sincere. He felt passion for what he sold. He was right.
Will I be back? Hell ya.

AMAZING! I have been vegetarian for a long time and this is by far the best quality meatless meat yet! The pastrami is awesome, even my meat loving husband thought it was good! I have yet to try a lot of the food I wanted to try since they ran out on opening day but will definitely be back to try them! Awesome idea, adorable sister-​brother team, amazing food! So fortunate that they decided to open up the first vegan shop in Minneapolis!!!
OOh one more thing, I definitely LOVE cheese, but their veg options, pepper jack and havarti I believe is what I was able to sample, were delish! Also, I bought the vegan marshmallows they sell, and I hope they continue to sell them because they are MUCH BETTER than the non veg jet puff marshmallows! They are heavenly and great in hot chocolate!

So, yeah, I eat things with faces. You know, with eyes, a nose, a mouth, legs, sometimes multiple legs. I am certainly not a food discriminator.
However, about 70% of my meals in a week are vegetarian. I’ve attempted vegan meals, but found vegetarian was easier. Which is why I am super excited about HB.
I avoided grand opening weekend. I heard the line was wrapped around the block. I’m not that brave. Well… at one point in my life I waited outside in MN winters to get into clubs, and yes, I was THAT girl with no coat on. I’m older now, which means the cold hurts me to my bones.
I visited during the weekday, and although still busy, there wasn’t a wait outside. I love the décor of the place. It’s got a modern, updated, butcher feel, and it «smelled» clean like a brand new car. The handle on the entry door was a meat cleaver, and that seemed to be a theme inside as well. I’ve never seen that anywhere before, little details like that are ultra cool. Inside was also very natural. Lots of wood, exposed beams, but also with an industrial feel. The kitchen was designed cleanly with white subway tiles, and stainless steel. You can see everyone at work.
So, I get in and there is a line. What was really cool was there was a family behind me talking about how they were going to pack their purchases in their luggage for their flight home. Whaaaat? This brother and sister duo has out of towners in here flying their «meats» home already?! That’s baller status right there, well done Aubry and Kale, well done.
Once inside, you start at the meat counter, then go to cheese, then pay, then get your ass out of there so they can continue moving their line.
I picked up a maple sage breakfast sausage, some pastrami, a sriracha brat, pepperoni, and Cajun jerky. I was disappointed they were out of dill cheese, so no cheese for me this visit.
I asked about nutritional information, which they said was coming soon to their website. However, they had a binder with all the ingredients and calorie info they let me read. Awesome. Ask to see it if you’re a label reader like me. By the way, everyone working was more than friendly, and happy to answer questions. Makes it a lot less stressful when you’re venturing into a domain you know nothing about.
As soon as I got home, I did what any normal person does with their new purchases. I tried a little bit of everything. My favorites were the pastrami, breakfast sausage, and jerky. I was blown away by the amount of flavor it had and how substantial it was.
Was it EXACTLY like meat? No… well the pastrami would have fooled me… but that’s not the point. I also didn’t see anything anywhere claiming it’s the same as meat. I am sure there are a lot of haters out there asking why even bother then. The point is you are putting something in your body that is healthy for you and for the environment. Oh, and it taste pretty damn good too.
I’m not giving up meat completely. I can’t, I love it too much. Call me weak, I won’t deny it. However, having HB helps me to eat even less meat on a weekly basis, and that’s certainly a good thing.

The future of food is here, right here in Minneapolis with the unveiling of The Herbivorous Butcher’s (THB) brick and mortar store. For the uninitiated, THB started very small at the Minneapolis Farmers Market a couple of years ago. In 2014, they had a super successful «vegan» Kickstarter campaign to help fund the country’s first vegan butcher shop which had its grand opening on January 23^rd, 2016.
The owners (sibling duo Aubry and Kale) are the most amazingly friendly people in the world. All of their products are prepared with utmost care and love using natural ingredients. They have Italian Sausage, Smoky House BBQ Ribs, Pepperoni, Bacon, Porterhouse Steak, Sriracha Brats, Koren Ribs, Ham, Turkey, Pepperjack, Dill Havarti, Herb Smoked Cheddar and a whole list of healthy, cruelty-​free, and super delicious meat and cheese alternatives. These products are not only better for our health but also reduce the negative impacts of animal agriculture on the environment, natural resources and the lives of billions of animals.
This is a great place to order your favorite meat-​free and guilt-​free meat without causing any harm to any other living being. By eating such products, we’ll be able to provide food to millions of starving people around the world because we don’t have to feed the billions of artificially produced animals raised for human consumption.

I’m sure many of you know me as a ravenous meat-​eater. Ok yeah, I’m carnivorous AF. BUT, what you might not know is I was pescatarian for almost a year in college, I try to avoid buying factory-​farmed meat, and I am even very healthy conscious at home. So I followed The Herbivorous Butcher, a local brother-​sister power team, wishing I had a resource like this in college.
The brand new brick and mortar is jam packed with vegan substitutes from eggs, meat, cheese, to condiments. The space is modern, with wood a high wood-​beamed ceiling (restored originals), bright subway tile, and organized displays. But onto the good stuff… the meat-​less meats and cheese-​less cheeses I bought that have already fooled my loved ones…
— Porterhouse Steak: Both Aubry and Kale (the owners, head butchers, who are SWEETHEARTS) said this is one of their faves, and I have to agree. It’s thick, «meaty», juicy, and filling. Goes great with smokey seasoning, steak sauce, and/​or a tapenade.
— Korean BBQ ribs: Another favorite. Great texture and flavor! Seems indulgent but it’s good and good for you.
— Pastrami: I pan fried it with some caramelized onions to make a sammie w mustard and both my meat-​crazed boyfriend and I LOVED it.
— Chorizo sausage: I really like the texture of this one, and it is well-​seasoned.
— Havarti Dill Cheese: So creamy and packed with fresh dill flavor. A personal favorite
— Pepperjack Cheese: fresh and colorful! On the spicy side, but balanced by the creaminess.
I also picked up a locally made sauerkraut and salsa — both were great and complimented the vegan meals I made! I did it, guys! And it wasn’t hard!

The Herbivorous Butcher family has come a long way to get their own shop and I am happy to say that it is beautiful and perfect.
Many people do not understand why a vegan «butcher shop» exists and many probably will never understand. The sheer fact that it does exist, however, is enough to bring together hundreds of Minnesotans to wait in line for hours. These guys are getting international recognition for what they’ve created and it’s not hard to see why.
What began on Kickstarter has developed into a fully functioning storefront! I’m not sure if they’re done with the finishing touches (décor, etc). Inside there are exposed pipes and wood all over so the feel is very industrial. I’ve never been to a butcher shop before so I’m not too sure how it fares against the real deal but I attended their opening day and despite the long wait everything went smoothly. One counter to order your «meats», one for «cheese» and another to check out. We’ll see if the set up will change at all after normal hours begin. (I can’t imagine that it will)
I have tried a handful of their homemade proteins. We attended Vegfest and got to try the Sriracha brat which was very tasty. (However, if you know me and my reviews I can’t stand spice and that’s why I also haven’t tried the Pepper Jack Cheese. Brother Butcher Kale agreed with me! But others said it was amazing, of course).
I also had the teriyaki jerky and it was in the category of best meatless jerkys. Granted, I’ve only tried two varieties… but this actually tasted like a beef stick. Thick, meaty and perfectly flavored. Sadly, they were sold out at the grand opening so I couldn’t get more (not surprised!).
Yesterday, I purchased the Korean Ribs (my partner couldn’t resist the look of the gooey goodness), Deli Turkey, Maple Bacon, Maple Sage Breakfast Sausage (which we sampled and it is to die for even though no body did to make it. See what I did there?), Dill Havarti, Mozzarella and the Garlic Pepper Havarti.
Obviously, I haven’t had time to try all of our new favorites but my partner had a piece of the turkey and said it was good. As I mentioned above, we got to sample the sage sausage cold and it was melt in your mouth delicious.
The cheeses are extremely spreadable and creamy. The dill is very subtle in the Havarti but I would have no idea that what I’m eating is not cheese.
The were sadly sold out of cheddar so I’ll have to go back.
I also apparently have to try the pastrami. I’ve never been a pastrami person but everyone was raving about it and I heard that it has been rated the best meatless meat over countless others.
(I’ll update my review as we devour our goodies).
Above everything is the attitude of these people. What every vegan aspires to be and what every person should be trying to be; compassionate.
Congratulations again, Herbivorous Butcher family. I can’t wait to see what else you will do.

I have been buying their products since they first started selling at the Minneapolis farmers market. They have a wide range of hand made goodies substituting plant based for meat. One word sums them up. Yummy! You will be amazed with the familiar texture and flavors and love the fact they come without any saturated and artery clogging fats.
I am looking forward to visit their new brick and mortar location opening today. I am most excited to try the vegan cheeses made from cashews and hot food as well and will give an update on that soon.

Wow! What a terrific opening day. I have a feeling this place is going to do very well.
We showed up a little late to the party. Just after 3:00 pm, and waited in line for about an hour and a half. While we waited, we had some good conversation with fellow waiters-​in-​line and got to sample some amazing faux meats and cheeses. I left with a bag full of goodies that I cannot wait to try.
P. S. My husband thinks I am absolutely nuts for waiting so long-​partly in the cold-​for imitation meat… but he knew I was a weirdo when he met me.