Drewes Meats

ZERO STARS. I’m rating them as a UPS Access Point. They lied about being open and they lied about UPS deliveries. They are not reliable and not trustworthy. Lying isn’t good customer service. I gave them the benefit of the doubt when my package wasn’t available not once but twice. But, they lied. They wasted my time and my family’s time. Horrible experience.
I have to add that my son dropped his shoe from the stroller when I was in the store. And, instead of giving it to me when I came back for it, the guy working there THREW THE SHOE AWAY. That’s JERK behavior. The owner’s need to fire this person.
p. S. Dont’ be fooled by the 4 star reviews for them as a meat shop; there are tons of 1 star reviews as well. For their bad customer service, poor quality meat and deceitful practices!

Ordered 10 lbs of grass fed tri tip on Wednesday for Saturday pick up. Went to pick up the meat at 900 am when the Unilocal site says they open. They didn’t open till 930. I asked for my order. He told me that he didn’t have all of it. I asked how much he had he told me 8 lbs. I agreed to buy the meat. He wrapped it up and I gave him the cash it was 15.99/ lb, expensive! I went home and looked at the meat and I didn’t look close to 8lbs. I weighed the meat on my scale it was only 5 lbs. I called he remembered me and he was did not dispute any thing and agreed to bring 3lbs of meat to my house at 1 pm. He never showed up until 2pm and he gave me a 2.5lb piece of with half a pound of fat. Overall a horrible experience and it felt like a back ally deal… shady! Don’t waste you time or money here.

Drewes Meats is now E&J meat. Aside from the name change, there’s nothing different from the previous store. The only reason to shop here is to support a local neighborhood store (location, location, location!). You can get the same quality meat with around the same price (if not, cheaper) at other butchers /​organic supermarkets. Plus point for having organic Marin Sun eggs!

I’ve never made a big meat purchase here — always $ 30 or less — but they’ve been consistently kind to me and my dog (who stayed outside but they went out and gave him a treat) and the meat has been of high quality and freshness, and well priced. No complaints.

Just went to go pick up my bird at 11:40am and the place was dark, chains on the doors and no one answering the phone. Call before you go to make sure they open.

Convenient location. The service can be great at times and other times can be not depending on their mood that day. You can find different cuts of meat and they’ll provide a recommendation of what to get of you ask. The quality is pretty good too.

Now called E & J Fine Meats. At 29^th & Church Streets.
This is the best meat store and by far the cheapest. They have sustainably-​raised, organic meats, fowl, seafood, locally raised/​caught. The service is the best, they will cut it the way you want it, and help you get what you need with their personalized service.
This is a local shop, struggling to stay alive. They may be out of the way for you, but there is parking (on weekdays), and they will deliver to your house, after 8 pm. They are sometimes out of things, maybe because they are shorted by suppliers in favor of bigger customers, so call up in advance if you want something in particular and they will let you know if they have it in, can set it aside for you, or special order something. You can order by phone: 415−821−0515.
Small businesses make for a healthy local economy, so support this shop! They are helpful, knowledgeable, sell non-​toxic food, and have the best prices. Don’t give your money to Whole Foods or other chains, where the money leaves the community, and goes to support the Republicans etc. And where the workers are underpaid and prevented from collective bargaining. Lose/​lose.

I’ve been a customer since 2000. Lately it’s been going downhill. Fast. There seem to be fewer meats behind the counter these days. It’s a bit of a crap shoot that they will have what you want. Special orders are also a crap shoot. Twice now I’ve placed an order five days ahead of time for a special dinner party. The fact that it was written on a post it note was a concern. The day before i called to remind them of the order. They said no problem. The day I came to get the meat they claimed that the driver made a mistake. When a second special order meat item a few months later met with another excuse leaving me high and dry before the dinner party, that’s when I had to say goodbye.
ironically this weekend I bought two chicken breasts from the Noe Valley Farmers Market on Saturday, and low and behold they included the extra useless in between rib part on both breasts! Other butchers cut them off for what they are. Discard. And instead I get two! It was fate telling me that when they try to screw their farmers market customers, it’s time to move on.
The happy end of the story though. I discovered Guerra Meats in West Portal. Now THAT is what I call a real butcher.

The place to get meated in the City!
AKA E & J Fine Meats
For my time and money, it is their lamb that keeps me coming back. The service, these guys know their goods, doubtlessly, and you could not be better provisioned and serviced
The beef-​amazing!
The fowl-​so far more fine!
The sea-​Venus visits!
The pork-​piggie porn!
The rest-​lucky you, well shopped!
Enjoy!

Killer killer place. Called around to some well known higher profile butchers. fatted calf, 4505, Guerra, Golden Gate, none of them could help me.
Called this place, «hey how can i help you» Me, I need to order some goat meat. Them, sure how much ya want? Then to top it off, I said, can i pick it up on the 26^th, December 26^th that is. Sure, come on in. I get there and the sign says they are closed. Oh Shit! i look inside and dude comes over opens the door. He said, goat, yeah, ive been waiting for you. Boom, getting my Birria on tomorrow.

I was shocked that Drewe’s got anything less than 4 stars so I browsed some of the reviews. Normally I don’t give 5 stars to anyone but I feel I have to offset some of the misinformed folks who also reviewed here.
So let’s start with why Drewe’s is good.
It’s a butcher, they have quality cuts of meat, sourced locally when possible. That’s what they do. I come in all the time a pick up what’s for dinner. We love the steak (try the cowboy or the pre-​rubbed hangar), their meatloaf is tasty and ready to go and they always have plenty of free range chicken bits. The crab cakes are great too– but come early because they run out. I’ve never had any trouble getting special requests. They put up with all my weird requests (I like my bacon in 4 pieces and wrapped separately so we can freeze it– for example) and they’re always friendly and helpful when we come in.
Now let’s talk about some of the other reviews.
Thanksgiving is a mess. If that’s the only time you come to Drewe’s you’d think they were idiots. I will readily admit that they need to figure out a better system– if this was your only impression you probably hated it– you should come by one one of the other 364 days of the year. However, I brave the line every year because I prefer the level of quality I get from these guys. Pro Tip: grab a number and then walk to Delores Corner for a couple beers the line is almost always and hour and a half.
They do «butcher sandwiches» which– if you like those (I do) are excellent– however it’s meat and cheese on a roll and they take time, which if it’s busy can be tough. Pro Tip: buy the sandwich and take it home and add your own veggies!
I wouldn’t say this is the place to buy sports drinks. Pro tip: There’s a convenience store a block and half down church that takes credit cards.
I don’t know where all of the «these guys were grumpy and gruff» stuff comes from. Maybe because I’m in all the time and they know me they treat me different but I’ve also watched them interact with other customers and I’ve never seen any attitude. Pro tip: People are nice to nice poeple
I like my local butcher and I’m delighted that they’re just around the corner.

Terrible establishment. I took out money and paid his insane 3 $ arm fee for a Gatorade. He then rolled his eyes when I handed him my 20 $ from his ATM. either use the future, which is credit and continue to become irrelevant and die to better, newer, markets or treat all customers with money, esp when they pay with 20 $ from your ATM, with respect. Cheers to 5 $ Gatorades.

You don’t need to throw down the paper that you were using to handle the meat so that you can use your bare hands and show me that you’re angry at me for wanting a different piece of steak. Also, don’t give me crap when I ask you to slice the meat. I don’t even remember if the steak was any good. Nothing memorable clearly.
I want to support small businesses, hence the extra second star. However, if you’re not a people person you shouldn’t be interacting with people all day. I sit behind a computer monitor all day. You’re all welcome.
And that’s my review. Deal with that.
Unilocal is shady.

I have shopped here several times and was not really impressed overall. In the Bay Area we have few and far between butchers overall and a good one is hard to find. Forget this place, they sold me a bone in NY/​Cowboy steak and two hangers two weeks ago and I took them on a camping trip. It was more than a disappointment, for $ 44 USD I got the worst meat I think I have tried to eat in years. Stay away, and the place smells on top of it. Don’t be fooled by the reviews, most people have no clue what good meat is like that is obvious from the reviews. Good down and see Chris at Golden Gate in the Ferry building and try his French cut pork chops and rubs you will like the price and all of his meat is fresh and expertly cut. FYI the service at Drew is not the best and smily $ 12 chicken, give me a break.

Very impressed with the warm service I received; very professional! Excellent quality in a ‘homey’ atmosphere. I’m coming back for the ducks’ eggs next time I go up north; I think my dad will love them! :)
Also, although I only had a credit card on hand, the owner was very accommodating. I’m happy to make certain I have cash from here on out!

I was hoping for a great experience since I read all the great Unilocal.I was greatly disappointed by the service and the quality of the meat.
There was no one in the store and the selection was limited. With all the high quality butcher shops that are opening in the city, I will not be going back…

Thought I would re-​iterate my review after reading a few of the negative reviews below. Seriously, this place doesn’t pretend to be anything it’s not — it is a butcher that sells great meat and fish (and now beer and wine!). Don’t expect them to act like ‘service people’, don’t ask for meat from happy cows, and really if you want a sandwich maybe don’t go to a butcher shop.
In more than 10 years going to this place every week I have never had a bad experience, nor have seen them be rude to anyone. On the contrary, the guys are all great. Sure Josh can be gruff, but deal with it people.

LOVE this place! Meat is the finest quality and the selection is terrific. Also, they let you know that they will custom order anything you do not see in the shop. Such a friendly and helpful staff. Truly a neighborhood gem in Noe Valley!
I came in last week and got a couple hanger steaks. I asked for some guidance with cooking time and they came out perfect!!! My boyfriend said it was the best steak he’s ever eaten at home — whoa, that’s serious! They also carry and order sushi grade fish.
I’ll definitely be back, thanks!

Am upgrading to five stars because the handsome bald guy/​owner finally smiled his killer smile at me and I got the most delicious $ 12 free-​range chicken. It really does taste like chicken! Worth every penny. Not like the factory manufactured, bland toxic birds from Safeway. For just one night with him, Hot Baldy could serve up my own liver with Fffava beans and a nice Chianti and I wouldn’t care. Their stuffed pork chops are also to die for. Serve with pan gravy, mashed potatoes, and you’ll be in porcine heaven. But in a really perfect world, we’d be cellmates. I’d squeal like a… well, you know.
Just read reviews before finishing my update. Josh clearly has a social skills/​customer service problem and has received much serious criticism here to the detriment of his business. Josh, not everyone wants your meat if it comes (pun intended) with a bad attitude.
Sometimes you make your customers feel unpretty. Not everyone is a rich, complaining, trophy-​wife from Noe Valley with perfect fingernails. You don’t have to be phoney. Just try a little compassion. You remind me of the Soup Nazi from Seinfeld. This customer is rooting for you as hard as he does for the Giants. Well, almost. You probably don’t understand how your behavior impacts some of your best customers. But it does. Sorry if you might have had a bad childhood. But Molly Stone’s is just a few minutes away. You seem to have issues with people. Get help, and I do not mean that as a sarcastic insult or to imply that you are some sort of mutant butcher. Personally, I could never work with the general public and sharp knives at the same time. But that’s your job.
Personal change is hard. But next time I read about how you are struggling to stay in business and yet I still feel intimidated over buying a stupid piece of meat and you won’t step up to the plate to treat your customers unlike cattle, I won’t be there for support.
Good luck, Josh.

I wrote the following letter to Drewes Meats with no response, so here it is public. Looks like the worker who flipped me off is actually one of the owners, Josh Epple. Whahh? I really can’t believe this place is still in business from the verbal assault I received from this guy.
«Dear Manager/​Owner at Drewes Meats,
I just got back home from one of the worst experiences I’ve ever had with an employee in any restaurant or store in my 16 years in San Francisco.
After telling the guy behind the counter (bald, with beard and labret piercing) that I wasn’t a meat eater, but wanted to buy some really good ground beef from happy cows to make a hamburger, he immediately had an attitude. I asked what Niman Ranch beef was and he told me about the fat and goodness of it. When I clarified that what made a good hamburger in my mind was that it was from a cow that was really well taken care of. He gave me a grunt and clenched his jaw.
I realized I didn’t want my grandmother’s last meal to be from a service person that was so rude, so I said, „That’s OK,“ and walked out. No rudeness nor stink eye on my part.
As I was walking out of your store, he very audibly said something like, „And that’s why you don’t eat meat.“
I went back in and said I had heard him and that his comment was uncalled for. He said, „You walked out in a huff b/​c you don’t eat meat!“ and I said that me walking out was no reason to say anything rude b/​c he was a service person and should be helping me out.
I asked his name and he snarled, „I am your worst asshole!!“ and flipped me off with both hands. I asked him his name several times and he refused to give it to me. He finally handed me a card, and I asked if his name was ‘Joey.’ All the while, he was staring me down, not being contrite in the least.
I live in the neighborhood and have had good experiences in your shop buying fish. I like to frequent local shops, but will not go in to your shop again if he is working there. And will tell all my friends how horribly I was treated there.
Please let me know how you are taking care of this matter.
thank you!»

Best meat market in the city! We come here for dinner stuff and special occasions.
Josh and his band of merry men are always friendly and are willing to share cooking tips! I would I highly recommend Drews to any one.