Leena Eats, Gourmet Communication ... Food, Travel, Gastronomy

Welcome to Paulina Meat Market, Chicago’s Disneyland of Meat!

Once upon a time in early 2007, I decided to start writing a little food blog. One of the first places I covered? Paulina Meat Market, a true Disneyland of Meat. (It’s a bit rough, but you can read that first post here.) Now, as I am preparing to leave this great cold city of Chicago, I felt it was time to do a proper post of my favorite butcher in the city. And maybe eat a few pounds of smoked meats. You know, in honor.

The carnivore mecca of Chicago. Genuflect now, please, or you will anger the gods of porkdom.

So when you first walk in to Paulina, you will be greeted by a pig head. Take a number from him. Because even if you don’t plan on buying anything when you enter, trust me, you will before you leave, and there is always a long line. Towards the front of the store are cold cases with popular smoked meats and dishes they are promoting that week, like beef stew or enchildas.

The cold case in front: full of meaty goodness and champagne bottle-shaped salami. Holla.

Then there are several aisles of frozen delicacies. This is pretty much the only frozen food section you will ever find me in. Their shredded bbq beef is amazing, as is their brisket.

Aisles of frozen meat goodness.

One of my favorite parts about the store, and perhaps the most random fact–they have an entire aisle of mustards. Every single kind of mustard you can imagine, from all around the world. One of my favorite parts of this store. I like the Inglehopf Stone Ground Full Strength myself.

Mustards as far as the eye can see!

But of course, let us not forget about the meat. There are steaks and various cuts of beef and lamb and chicken, of course.

Their wall of steaks–definitely not for vegetarians or Hindus.

They have a huge case filled with housemade sausages, everything from curry veal to fresh andouille to smoked polish and straight up brats.

Just a portion of Paulina’s extensive housemade sausage selection.

And then my ultimate favorite section, their deli and smoked meats counter. SO good.

Get yer homemade beef jerky/sausage sticks/tasso ham here!

Paulina is not cheap, so I tend to come here for the occasional smoked meat or seasoned steak burger. When I want to splurge, I order a whole leg of lamb, boned and butterfied to smoke on the grill, and have them cut the bone into pieces so I can use them to make stock. MMMMM. SO there you have it–Leena Eats’ rec for the best damn butcher in Chicago. You are so welcome. ~LTG! *************** Paulina Meat Market 3501 N Lincoln Ave Chicago, IL 60657 (773) 248-6272 www.paulinameatmarket.com