At the Counter

Practical notes for the Halsted counter at 1964 N. Halsted: ordering steaks and roasts to thickness, chops, poultry, house sausage, game when it runs, deli slices, and large holiday trays.

Choosing beef. Ask what is in the case that day and how thick you want steaks cut. Ribeyes, strips, filets, and skirt steaks move fast on weekends. Prime and choice both rotate through depending on the week. If you need a roast for Sunday, ordering a day ahead helps during busy stretches.

Pork and lamb. Chops come bone-in or trimmed to your preference. Rack of lamb can be Frenched here. Pork shoulder is often stocked for roasting and pulls well when you need a crowd-sized piece.

Chicken and poultry. Bone-in parts and whole birds suit roasting and grilling. Boneless breasts can be trimmed for sautés or stuffing. Whole birds sometimes need ordering ahead during holidays.

House sausage. Brats and specialty links change with the season. Say how you plan to cook them so the counter can steer you toward milder or bolder blends.

Questions that help. How many people, how thick you want each portion, preferred doneness style, whether you sear or smoke, and any marinade timing all affect how thick we cut meat. Frozen storage plans matter too.

Game and deli add-ons

Venison and other game vary by season and week. Call before you visit if you need a particular roast or stew meat so we can confirm what came in.

The deli case carries sliced meats and cheeses that pair with raw cuts from the butcher side. Tell us how you cook at home and we will suggest sandwiches or boards that match.

Holiday and large trays

Whole turkeys, spiral hams, racks, and platter cuts often need advance notice around Thanksgiving and Christmas. Phone or email via our Find Us page.

Hot days and carryout

On hot days, bring an insulated bag for ground beef, sausage, and thin steaks that warm quickly in the car. For longer trips across the city, ask the staff if they can add a cold pack next to your bag. That keeps food safe without changing how you cook it at home.

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