Gepperth's Meat Market has served Lincoln Park in Chicago since 1906, more than a century on Halsted. Otto Demke and his wife Dianna bought the shop from the Gepperth family in 1981 and still run it with the same focus on honest cuts and friendly counter service. We are family-owned, and we treat regulars and first-time visitors like neighbors.
A Family Affair since 1906
Our Philosophy
Who We Are
Here at Gepperth's we focus on solid product and straight answers at the counter. Our crew brings decades of butchering experience together, so you get practical tips on cooking times, rests, and simple prep. Complimentary suggestions come with every visit, along with the kind of plain talk you expect from a neighborhood shop.
If you need an unusual roast, off-cut, or special order, ask. We either stock it, can source it, or will tell you honestly what works instead. We like talking meat, so bring your questions.
The Halsted counter today
Today the market operates from 1964 North Halsted, blocks from where the family started. Walk in for beef, pork, poultry, game, deli items, and sausage made downstairs. Same phone as the website footer if you want to check on a cut before you drive over.
Gepperth's in the early days
Otto Demke
Owner / Head Butcher
Over 50 years butchering experience with 35 years here at Gepperth's, and counting... Never seen without his iconic mustache, Otto's knowledge of the meat industry is unrivaled. And with as much as 300 pounds of sausage production each week he has earned the apt title of Sausage King.
Dianna Demke
Co-owner
With experience in countless restaurants across Chicagoland and 35+ years here at Gepperth's, Dianna can answer any question you have for making a delicious meal. Or, even-better, try one of her many amazing homemade dishes.
Don McCormick
Butcher
A man of many faces, Don's 15 years experience with 13 years here at Gepperth's have offered much needed comedic relief. Prepare for a joke (or three) between his helpful suggestions.
Family Affair
Brigette, Owen, and Peter
Gepperth's has been family owned and operated since it's inception in 1906. Come in any day and expect to see the faces of Otto and Dianna's three children helping out at the market during their free time. And don't forget, this is where Otto and Dianna first met.
Our Products
We make sausage in-house, from Moroccan-style spice profiles to classic German, Thai-inspired recipes, and South African varieties. Otto has been producing sausage since 1967. Ask what is fresh that week or taste a sample when we have them out.
This homemade mentality is taken one step further here. We offer homemade stocks and gravies, full meals, appetizer trays, or even a rotisserie-cooked chicken served hot.
We only sell USDA Choice and Prime meats, and Grade A poultry. We know where our meat is sourced and even our ground beef is comprised of prime steak trimmings. Quality and service are not spared a single expense here, come in or give us a call to see for yourself.
Our Story
It began in 1906 when Frank Gepperth Sr. opened a small shop at Armitage and Halsted. He built the business until his four sons took over in the late 1920s. Frank Jr., Joe, Emil, and Tony became the public face of Gepperth's and grew the store into a Lincoln Park staple and one of the city's best-known meat markets.
It wasn't till 1981 that Otto and Dianna took over the meat market and made it what it is today. Otto and Dianna have now owned and operated Gepperth's for 35 years, taking the store into an astonishing 109 years serving the Lincoln Park and greater Chicagoland areas.