Johnny G’s Butcher Block

Don’t get me wrong, I used to be a big fan of this place, been coming here off and on for about 6 years for the beef jerkey and the occasional cut of beef, or steak. Yesterday (after about 2 years of not coming here) i stopped on my way home to pick up a pound of chicken breast. The man behind the counter asks what i need, when I tell him that I needed a pound of chicken, he looks into the air almost like he is contemplating something, then looks back at me and says «I think I can help ya». He then goes to the back and after couple minutes comes back with a baggie full of meat. After weighing it, it comes to .88 lbs, as he looks at me I request for a little bit more, as my wife would kill me if I came back with less than she requested so I ask if I can get a little more, I dont mind if its a little over a pound. After a few minutes he comes back with an entirely different baggie of meat. This was a large piece of breast, and he jokes that he should have cut it in half. It was well over a pound so i pay and leave happy. Upon getting home the first thing my wife asks is «Where did you get this?» Upon inspection, there is a thin layer of «slime», also there are wierd bubbles underneath this layer. I then spent the next 20 minutes cutting off the slime. The chicken took longer than usual to cook (after i cut it up) and it just didnt taste or feel right. I’ve read online that certain establishments will inject poultry with salt water or brine to artificially enhance the size of the meat, and this process causes the meat to taste/​feel odd or wierd. I dont know if thats what Johnny Gs does, but there was something definitely off about that meat.

I live nearby and have bought some of my meat there at Johnny G’s. I have never had a poor experience and the product has always been great. I have also been taking my deer there for processing for the last three years and I will continue to go there. They have great pricing, packaging, and service. It seems to take about two weeks to get your venison back, which is not bad at all. Also, you are actually getting your own deer back and not someone else’s, which is how some deer processors operate. Going forward I plan on buying a lot more of their chicken and beef, even if getting it at the grocer is more convenient. I have never noticed any «bad smells» as some other reviewers have stated and the place always looks clean. Friendly staff and great service. 5 stars.

Wow, I will not being going back here. I went to Johnny G’s the other day and explained to the man at the counter that I had gotten a meat grinder attachment for my kitchenaid mixer for Christmas but that I knew nothing about what cuts of meats to buy for grinding. I explained to him that I had a meatball recipe that I wanted to try that called for 1 lb. ground beef, ½ lb ground pork, and ½ lb ground veal. First off, they had no veal of any type. They also had no pork really suitable for grinding, just tenderloin and lean pork chops and such. Ok. He brought out from the back what he claimed to be what they used for making their ground beef. It was a lump of scrap looking stuff. He told me they made ground beef for Hut’s hamburgers and Frank and Angie’s and that this is what they used. So I didn’t inspect it too carefully and bought 1.25 lbs of it. When I got home and unwrapped it, basically what he sold me was beef fat trimmings! It was almost all HUGE chucks of fat! After I separated the huge chucks of fat, still leaving a very reasonable amount of fat because i know that you want your meat a little on the fatty side for ground beef, I reweighed it on my kitchen scale and it was 0.30 lbs of meat. I threw away almost a pound of fat!!! If this is what they use to make ground beef for Hut’s and Frank and Angie’s, then I never want to eat there again! If you are looking for ⁸⁰⁄₂₀ ground beef then this is the place go… as long as it is 80% fat and 20% lean meat you want!
In addition to the excessively fatty beef they sold me, I was very disappointed in how knowledgeable the man working there seemed to be. I was expecting that even though they didn’t have the veal or pork that I needed, he could at least share his expertise in meat so I asked him what cuts of veal or pork I should be looking for, for grinding. He really didn’t seem to know and eventually just told me that «any type of meat can be run through a meat grinder». I know that technically you can grind any type of meat but there are certain cuts that are better than others based on their fattiness. I told him I was making meatballs. I figured he could tell a specific cut or two of meat that would be best. You don’t generally want to run a really lean cut of meat like tenderloin through a grinder. He just didn’t even seem very knowledgeable about meat at all. I will not waste my time driving out of my way to go here again.

This place rocks! I was even able to buy a whole ox tail. Oh my, what you can do with that! The pork tenderloins were beautiful, the lamb was beautiful, the tri tip is magnificent looking! The staff did everything they could to please me. There was no «odor» as some mentioned in the past. I was looking for a very special cut of beef rib that turns out that they do not have but it is very difficult to find anyway. We used to have land and cattle and it was easy then. I would just point and say that one! No worry about having any leftovers when you have ranch hands and their families over all at once. I am coming back with a larger cooler for the smoker that we have, now that we gave the land to relatives and we do not have to smoke or BBQ for 200 people at a time. One thing to note is that Unilocal shows that you get a discount coupon for checking in. The gentleman helping me said no, they don’t do that and that he has had a couple of other folks come by with the same thing. He said it is for someone else but the address and everything match. Myself, I could care less about the small discount, I was only interested in the meat. I think Unilocal screwed up on their end! I will be back. What a classy place! True skilled butchers! I would even pay an admission fee to watch their skillful work. These people are artists to be respected and listened to for their suggestions. I salute you!

T’was a meaty wonderland! Everything I asked for, they had… right down to the bones, literally. We got lucky and got the freezer pack that guy was currently assembling. One item was missing but he let us choose a comparable item and the price didn’t change. I was so excited to get home with my box of meat that I didn’t even stop to ask for the guy’s name who helped us!
Speaking of price, I would say it was between HEB and Whole Foods but for what you get, which is fresh butchery goodness, its worth it. We didn’t get any cheese or jerky this visit but we will be making a trip back soon.
It’s definitely meat party time.

Best kept secret in south Austin! Met the owners of the place and they are the nicest people. 60% of their business is from restaurants and their business hours are not the normal «business hours» but worth the visit. Their ground meat is great, their free range chicken eggs are the bomb, their chicken is the bomb, their beef jerky is smoky and soft yet super flavorful… I can keep going, best place to get all your meats and cheeses.
They also have some awesome seasoning, the best one is called «the good shit» I have also tried «chicken shit» both awesome. Next is chupacabra and then Aw shit. And yes I’m not kidding these are the real names :)
Never going to HEB for meat or eggs ever again. Do yourself a favor if you live in south Austin and pay this place a visit.

I have used Johnny G’s a few times now for both hog and deer sausage processing. The spicy smoked sausage is great. I also had some breakfast sausage done that is amazing. I have been very pleased with everything we’ve had done there. The guys in the back are friendly and helpful. They also have everything done in a reasonable amount of time and prices are reasonable.

We purchase all of our meat from here and I have to say these folks are top notch! Great local chicken, killer steaks, ribs, and I especially love the fact that I can purchase picanha roasts here which in my option is the best cut of meat available.
Highly recommend! Prices are very reasonable and comparable to the HEB down the street but with better meat.

Best discovery for great meat yet! We have been looking for a meat market with fresh, reliable products and Johnny Gs meat market DELIVERED! First place I could finally find my andouille sausage! This will defiantly be our go to spot for our meat in the future. And, the staff and owner were extremely friendly, and very helpful. Thank you Johnny Gs!

Ever since we discovered Johnny G’s has Sam Kane beef, we have been frequent customers, scooping up the juicy strips, the tender sirloins, and the mouth-​watering ribeyes.
I recently tried their jalapeño smoked sausage, which was flavorful and juicy. A whole ring will leave some leftover for another meal.
The strips are thicker than the average wrist. Your teeth will sink right into them.
The sirloins are thinner but huge in length.
And those ribeyes… mmm, mmm, good.
A+ for quality meat and service. Every time.

Always good meat. I’ve never noticed any kind of bad smell on any of the (10+) trips I’ve made here.
Prices aren’t always the best, but reasonable for what you’re getting. We buy a lot of tri tip, ribeyes, filets, and bacon here and haven’t ever been disappointed.
I’d come here a lot more if they’d extend their hours just a wee bit so I can make it here after the afternoon commute.

I have received this message from the owner:
Your Review
«We appreciate you letting us know via the web that there was a smell. If sausage is being made or a wild game is being processed the smell is unusual. I come each day and make sure the shop is kept clean to the state standards. We have even had people bring in their garbage and stick it on can by the register that stinks.
I think it best for you to go another place to purchase you meat and bones and will let my staff know. Usually I try and work things out, however I believe you would be happier somewhere else.»
Thank you Jill S****“
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is a place to let others know about peoples’ experiences. If I had mentioned the smell to the guy behind the counter, no one else would know my experience. I was not the first person on Unilocal to mention the smell and I’m sure I will not be the last. Furthermore, I don’t know what to say about a business owner telling me I would be happier elsewhere, basically telling me not to come back and that she will let her employees know. I have had no other interactions with this business owner prior to this message. Rest assured, I will never go here again. I have found a much nicer and bad smell free butcher in East Austin.

I can’t believe no one has mentioned the HORRIBLE STENCH that hits you in the face as soon as you walk in. No way in hell was I going to eat anything from that place. Disgusting!!!

I’m a local who believes in supporting the small/​local business. This Little Butcher Shop is Awesome! If you’re looking for frills, this is not your place… but when it comes to Quality Products and Impressive Customer Service, well, this is where you want to come and believe me, you’ll be be a regular… like me!
Jill (one of the owners) is a Sweetheart, she knows what you’re looking for… just ask her, she’ll set you on the right course! They have Fresh Chicken wings (wait til you see them) that will make your day. Their jerky is exceptional. All of their cuts of meat are impressive. I especially like their ribeye steaks. If there’s something you don’t see… ask, Jill or one of the Butcher’s will be more than Happy to give you what you’re seeking. if it’s possible.
Thank you Johnny’s G’s for being in the neighborhood!
Jim Palladino
CWO3 US Navy Retired

I tried the 1 flavor of jerky this place has and it was hard and dry, and not to mention expensive. I wouldn’t recommend this butcher shop’s jerky to anyone.

if it were possible to give a review of NEGATIVE 5 stars I would do it.
* I went here with my deer on recomendation from an aquaintance– dropped of my deer with my order for processing. Well, when I got the call several MONTHS later that it was ready, I had my girlfriend pick it up, and she unpacked it and put it in the freezer.
* I discovered that evening when I got home and tried the sausage that it was inedible. The smoke flavor was so intense that it tasted like chewing on coals from a campfire– 25 pounds of my animal– wasted–
* It actually took me another couple months to make the NEXT terrible discovery– part of my order had been for 10 lbs of it ground with bacon mixed in– I was planning a nice pot of chili– only to find that I had never even recieved the ground venison… but I sure as hell PAID for it, along with the pork they were to mix into it.
now Im wondering about the ham steaks Ive been eating– was this even my animal? If the orders are this mismanaged how do I even know this is the animal I stalked and killed– how do I know if it was handled properly by Johnny G’s at all?
I will NEVER go back– and I will steer people away from them until my dying breath.

Update: I’ve learned they include MSG, which promotes weight gain. I’m told some people bring in a deer with their own spices. Jill is the owner; I intend to discuss with her making batch of sausage for me without MSG.
Buy the dried sausage. Regular or jalapeño, it’s delicious, reasonably-​priced, and vacuum-​sealed. If you eat healthy (no sugars, only non-​starchy vegetable carbs), having high-​quality protein and fat handy without requiring refrigeration makes everything so easy. This is the *perfect food*. I called in an order for 10 pounds, which I’m still working my way through; best food purchase ever.
I go to my share of stupid potlucks, and no one ever brings any protein. A few times now, I’ve just grabbed three packs of this stuff, sliced it up, and put it in a bowl. It’s always been the first item to run out, because everyone else brings brownies, cupcakes, and cookies. People know actual food when they see it.

wish I would have started going sooner. the people are super nice, the meat we got for our bbq was really good, reasonable prices and love that they are local. it’s a little bit of a drive for me but we only rarely buy meat so it works for me.
the selection was really impressive and will definitely come back again and again.

I know, it’s a pain to drive to another place for your meat– but one trip to this place and you will know why it’s worth it. SERVICE. I eat less meat, but BETTER meat. and it makes a huge difference.
So many times i have been burned by Supermarket and the new wave of «natural» markets, etc. with their crappy knowledge of meat, cuts and telling me «NO» when i wanted it thin or a cut that’s not one of the 4 settings in the HEB employee manual. No More.
Johnny rocks. Fantastic meat that wasn’t made in a factory. Juicy marbling — that ADDS to the flavor instead of just causing a gristle fire.
Meat from Johnny cooks different-​ground beef that doesn’t render down into it’s own puddle of tasteless water.
That says a lot. Taste and texture actually taste like beef (pork and chickies here too) and i’ll never buy grocery store meat again.

Ok. Me and Johnny go way back. Back to when the shop was located off of Ben White. My Grandpa managed the Mrs. Bairds next door and we used to be able to go back and forth to Johnny G’s through the back. This was cool when I was a kid.
My family always goes to Johnny G’s for the Beef Jerky. It’s ALWAYS a stop for us when in Austin and we usually buy 4 – 5 lbs.
Johnny G’s always has a great selection of all cuts of meat and even good Deer when in season. I remember one time Johnny G’s made some Deer Jerky and Sausage for my dad when I was a kid. I still remember how good it was.
Even though Manchaca Rd is a bit further, we still look forward to stopping by.

Like Ashley F. said I also «love having a butcher». And my Pup loves that Mommy has a local butcher because she gets lots of raw bones to chew on.
In addition to the freshest choice grade beef, pork and chicken they also have deli meats and Boarhead cheese. And the grocery side of the shop has everything you need to cook your meat (BBQ Sauces, Hot Sauces, Rubs, Salsas, Marinades, Grilling Planks and Charcoal) and a small selection of produce (potatoes, tomatoes, onions.) that are typical Meat side dishes.
They make their own Peppered Jerky on sight and the smell permeates the shop in a very good way. If you like Beef Jerky I highly recommend theirs.
They also sell Kinky Friedman’s Salsa!