McKinnon's Meat Market

Butcher shop · Somerville

McKinnon's Meat Market

Butcher shop · Somerville

3

239 Elm St, Somerville, MA 02144

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McKinnon's Meat Market by null
McKinnon's Meat Market by null
McKinnon's Meat Market by null
McKinnon's Meat Market by null
McKinnon's Meat Market by null
McKinnon's Meat Market by null
McKinnon's Meat Market by null
McKinnon's Meat Market by null
McKinnon's Meat Market by null
McKinnon's Meat Market by null
McKinnon's Meat Market by null
McKinnon's Meat Market by null
McKinnon's Meat Market by null
McKinnon's Meat Market by null
McKinnon's Meat Market by null
McKinnon's Meat Market by null
McKinnon's Meat Market by null
McKinnon's Meat Market by null
McKinnon's Meat Market by null
McKinnon's Meat Market by null
McKinnon's Meat Market by null
McKinnon's Meat Market by null
McKinnon's Meat Market by null
McKinnon's Meat Market by null
McKinnon's Meat Market by null
McKinnon's Meat Market by null
McKinnon's Meat Market by null
McKinnon's Meat Market by null
McKinnon's Meat Market by null
McKinnon's Meat Market by null
McKinnon's Meat Market by null
McKinnon's Meat Market by null
McKinnon's Meat Market by null
McKinnon's Meat Market by null
McKinnon's Meat Market by null
McKinnon's Meat Market by null
McKinnon's Meat Market by null
McKinnon's Meat Market by null
McKinnon's Meat Market by null
McKinnon's Meat Market by null
McKinnon's Meat Market by null
McKinnon's Meat Market by null
McKinnon's Meat Market by null
McKinnon's Meat Market by null
McKinnon's Meat Market by null

Highlights

Huge meat selection, fresh produce, great prices, friendly service  

Featured in The Infatuation
Featured in Eater

239 Elm St, Somerville, MA 02144 Get directions

mckinnonsmeatmarket.com
@mckinnonsmeatmarket

$$

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239 Elm St, Somerville, MA 02144 Get directions

+1 617 666 0888
mckinnonsmeatmarket.com
@mckinnonsmeatmarket
𝕏
@wix

$$

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Last updated

Aug 21, 2025

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@infatuation

The Best Butcher Shops In Boston

"McKinnon’s proclaims itself as the “tenderloin of Davis Square,” but despite hours of Google searches, we’re still not sure what that means. In any case, there’s a good variety of meat and seafood to choose from here, all at a reasonable price - the porterhouse steak, for instance, is $11.99 a pound. One half of the store is also dedicated to fresh produce and prepared foods, so you can easily grab everything you need for dinner in one place. Convenience without high cost in the middle of Somerville? We’re all for it." - joel ang

https://www.theinfatuation.com/boston/guides/best-butcher-shops-boston
View Postcard for McKinnon's Meat Market
@infatuation

McKinnon's Meat Market - Review - Boston - The Infatuation

"McKinnon’s proclaims itself as the “tenderloin of Davis Square,” but despite hours of Google searches, we’re still not sure what that means. In any case, there’s a good variety of meat and seafood to choose from here, all at a reasonable price - the porterhouse steak, for instance, is $11.99 a pound. One half of the store is also dedicated to fresh produce and prepared foods, so you can easily grab everything you need for dinner in one place. Convenience without high cost in the middle of Somerville? We’re all for it. We haven’t been here yet, but want you to know this spot exists." - Team Infatuation

https://www.theinfatuation.com/boston/reviews/mc-kinnons-meat-market
View Postcard for McKinnon's Meat Market
@eater

Mike’s City Diner Temporarily Closes Due to Owner’s COVID-19 Diagnosis - Eater Boston

"The Danvers, Massachusetts, location of McKinnon’s Supermarket — a small local chain that is not connected to the McKinnon’s butcher shop in Somerville — is also closed temporarily due to positive COVID-19 tests of “some” employees." - Rachel Leah Blumenthal

https://boston.eater.com/2020/5/26/21270304/temporary-covid-19-closures-grocery-fundraisers-boston-news
View Postcard for McKinnon's Meat Market

Dylan Crew

Google
They will pretty much make anything or order anything you want. Wanted a lamb leg cut a specific way and a specific tripe selection ordered and they didn’t hesitate to make it happen. Awesome customer service.

Roberta Clarke

Google
I've just discovered my new butcher shop! For the longest time, I have been looking for a place just like McKinnon's. Great meat selection, carrying all sorts of meat items including many you will not find in a supermarket, and very good quality. Plus the service is wonderful.

Janine Cerdena

Google
I always get my meat here and I live around the neighborhood. I get fresh meat everytime I cook and they have the best fresh meat at the best prices. The only thing is, they always always close early! Since I work I come at around 6:55pm or 6:57pm, I know exactly what I want and won't take long. But today I came again and they already locked the door. The girl in the cashier waved her head no, and I just walked away. I wish they closed on time like it said in their Google profile, but just be aware that they always close 5-10 minutes early and not exactly 7 pm :(

emily buchanan

Google
In reality, I would give this 4/5, because (besides meat), the selection is extremely limited. However, their meat selection and the prices are strong enough to override any issues I have. Also, the staff are always so kind and nice. I love this place

bee straszheim

Google
While the meat looks delicious, I lost $10 of groceries due to them being smashed on the sidewalk when BOTH handles on BOTH of the cheap bags broke. Take your own bags.

Kathy Russo

Google
I have been purchasing meats from McKinnons for many years. Always best quality. Recently I saw spinach feta sausages that looked amazing. I cooked them still excited to try. First bite… fennel. Not a bad flavor but I am allergic. I pulled the package out of the trash to see ingredients. Funny I always look with regular sausages but it never occurred to me with this flavor pairing. PLEASE mark packages with larger print to avoid negative food reactions. This could have been a big one.

Gabby B

Google
Excellently priced meat & in such a convenient location

Matthew Joseph

Google
Class act. Watched a gentleman named Arturo take the time to open a door for the elderly woman with a cane. That type of customer service for a small market is very impressive.
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Yangsoo S.

Yelp
This is my go-to place for grabbing fresh meat with decent prices. They also carry pork bellies which other stores don't usually store. I like that they also have fresh cheese, veggies, and some misc items which are super helpful for last-minute bbq sessions. Hopefully they stay open as they always left me satisfied with their meat selections!
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Sharon P.

Yelp
First time at McKinnon's for a last minute purchase of ground beef and pork for meatballs. I left with not only that, but fresh green beans, pre-sliced onions and peppers, and makings for marinara. Nice selection of fresh and frozen meat, fresh produce and a small array of canned goods and condiments. Service was friendly and pricing reasonable.

Craig F.

Yelp
This place is an absolute staple for me during grilling season. Love the prepped meat on skewers. Just drop them on the grill and you're good to go, plus it taste delicious. I fed 10 people after porchfest for under $50. It would have cost me far more to buy the meat on my own, not to mention the amount of time for prep. Far and away the best deals out there!
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Christine S.

Yelp
Great selection of really quality meats at a good price. Been buying from them for years. Definitely recommend a trip.
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Kathleen K.

Yelp
I'm impressed by the improvements you've made to your layout, and expanded the produce! Always loved your fine meats and custom butchers. Very convenient!
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Ruben M.

Yelp
Great selection of meats. Reasonably priced. Friendly service. And you can pre-order your preferred meat during busy holiday season.
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Grace C.

Yelp
Our fresh turkey for thanksgiving meal was ready on arrival and it was probably one of the most delicious, moist and flavorful birds we've ever had! McKinnon's also had all the traditional sides available as ready-to-eat and a delightful variety of fresh herbs and veggies to accompany our meal. We'll be back!

John P.

Yelp
Great selection and food is yummy. Even the out of region items like jambalaya are good

Robert J.

Yelp
The smell of the store is very bad. I got grossed out and immediately left. The smell is of bleach and another very strange smell that I cannot describe. The meat they sell looks good, but my stomach probably cannot handle it.

Marina S.

Yelp
Fresh meat, good seafood, friendly service, and great prices. Went for the first time a few months ago and now I always come here to get meat and groceries! (Million times better than BFresh across the road!)
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R W.

Yelp
McKinnons likes to put a big old price tag over their crappy cuts of bad filet mignon. Luckily I'm a good cook and salvaged what I could. Going back to BJ's.

Julie T.

Yelp
I have been patronizing McKinnon's, recently. It began so I don't have to go to Porter Square Star Market. I don't like Star whatsoever. Honestly, for a myriad reasons. If I happen to go, I do have to, I psyche myself and I always expect the worst. McKinnon's is my 1st choice for meat and fish. I don't expect to do a weeks worth of groceries. For most of my groceries I do shop elsewhere. Occasionally, I will purchase meat that's on a great sale price. But, the bulk of meat and fish is done at McKinnon's. I'm just updating my 1st post. For the past year I've been shopping there without any problems!
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Cindy H.

Yelp
I FREAKING LOVE THIS PLACE. I am a crazy carnivore who can't help myself here. In fact, today I got a marinated steak, buffalo chicken tenders, AND pork chops for myself for dinner... even though I only ended up eating one (it took me a long time to choose)... SO MUCH MEAT!!! Nicely organized and packaged, ready to go into your oven, toaster, mouth, or pan. I love to marinate my own meat, but the concoctions they use here are delicious and are definitely worth extra for both the taste and convenience. And don't let their name/specialty deceive you.. this place has a great selection of groceries to go with your meat. They have frozen and prepared sides, fresh produce, sauces, spices, pasta, cheese, fruit... and the quality is so much better than that of B Fresh and Star Market around the area. To my delight, they even sell some hard-to-find greens like watercress! The quality is top-notch and prices amazingly low, and the guys running the store are always super friendly. I come to Davis at least once a week just to swing by.
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Daysi M.

Yelp
Went here trying to find a small pork leg/shoulder (pernil) for my latin xmass dinner. To my surprise I did find out what I was looking for AND was amazed by the freshness, variety and prices of the meet. Para los latinos aquí: pueden ir a este lugar si están buscando cortes de carne específicos! Muy frescos y buenos precios. Highly recommended
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Myan T.

Yelp
The most unbeatable prices you will find on meat! Literally broke our necks as the flyers on the window grabbed our attention. There were such unbelievable chicken deals advertised, as well as steak/pork cuts - by the pound, .49cent drums, .99cent chicken breast, 2.99 bottom roast etc.. Who could resist?!? If I had an extra freezer storage I would've indisputably filled my cart. This location is quite compact compared to the one I frequent in Everett. I noticed some of the sale items were not fully stocked. They do offer an extensive variety of marinated items, which I have yet to purchase. Kind of skeptical with how fresh it is prepared and packaged...

Andrea K.

Yelp
I love going to Market. I always get what I need for dinner or a bbq. Steak tips are awesome
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Z F.

Yelp
Great selection of meats at very reasonable prices. They also have some selection of produce in case you need anything to round up the meal. Prices are cheaper than at Star Market while the quality of meat is also pretty high. Highly recommend!
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David G.

Yelp
Felt scard and McKinnon's on in Davis Square the guy was standing above me with a screwdriver it's here and looking at me
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Jessica L.

Yelp
In the past month we've placed two large orders over the phone and both times McKinnon's had it bagged and brought directly to our car for curbside pickup. We've loved and shopped at this store for years - and the customer service has always been wonderful. We appreciate them even more now!
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John D.

Yelp
After frequenting the butcher on Prospect Street (Cambridge) and getting consistently underwhelming cuts, I'm glad my quest for better cuts of GOAT meat led me here. I've been a customer for many years. Now that I've moved to Quincy, getting to Davis Square isn't as easy as before. However, it took all of a two trips to the butcher on Washington Street (Quincy) to make me realize how much I love McKinnon's. Yes, they have a lot more than just goat meat. I've tried the quahogs, and the ground meat and the gizzards and the hearts and the livers and the steaks and the tips and the thighs and the breasts (chicken, of course ;-) and pork chops and the marinades and the rubs, and there's still a lot more to try out here. My only gripe: I wish they sold gizzards + chicken hearts + chicken livers as a single package. They are sold individually, so whenever I have to make my Mom's recipe that calls for all three in small portions, I have to buy one of each (luckily they aren't too expensive). I hope they stay a successful business for years to come. I hope I'm supporting local businesses!
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Jeff M.

Yelp
Butchers with white coats stocking the shelves while still covered in lamb's blood? Awesome! Pretend for a moment the year is once again 1950 and you're whisked away to your local butcher, whom you know by first name and he remembers who you are as well. You both greet each other warmly, discussing the slow April start of the Redsox while he lets you in on a little "secret" that some filets have just arrived and they are at a door buster price of just $2 per lb. Alright, that's pretty much McKinnon's in a nutshell.....even if the filet mignon is NEVER $2 a lb anymore. :) But I did just pay $10 for two decently sized steaks for dinner, the larger grocery store chains could never compete with this. It's small and cramped and I've noticed myself get flustered at other customers who don't notice you are near them and all you want to do is walk around to check out another section of muscle. It's all sorted nicely for you, as you walk down the left hand side you're met with lamb cutlets and then on to the incredible cow section. As you turn to the right you'll see every part of the chicken you've ever wanted but were secretly afraid to ask for and then the final part of your journey leads you to the pork products. Wait, what is that? Seafood in the middle too?? Yep, McKinnon's has it ALL and more.... So you've filled the basket in your hands to the brim with every animal on Noah's Ark and now you've wandered to the "other side" of the store. Great, now I've got to load up on super cheap veggies. "Another basket please!" as you call out to your significant other who can't keep up the ghastly pace when it comes to the food hoarding you've grown accustomed to here. Geesh, and deli products now too? Garlic cheese, seriously?? Where do they come up with this stuff? Stop N Get Robbed doesn't deserve my hard earned cash, the murderous McKinnon's butchers in the back do......and they deserve yours as well so forget the big chains when it comes to your homemade proteins and only focus on ONE location, this bad boy.
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Nikolai K.

Yelp
This is a fantastic place to get meat. I tried to cook last summer, and I usually hate cooking. Naturally McKinnon's didn't make cooking any more fun, because the meat cooks like any other meat (as expected). Advantages of McKinnon's: 1. It's close to my house (I guess that's only an advantage to me and Davis Square people). 2. It's cheap, especially for marinated meats - you can get them here at prices that rival those at supermarkets for regular meat. 3. Variety, again especially in the marinates that they provide. 4. Good for research purposes. My friend and I needed some sausage casing to serve as a model for a certain type of human membrane, and the McKinnon's people gave us 3 feet for only $1! If you're looking for animal parts for various medical projects, McKinnon's should be your go-to store. Disadvantages of McKinnon's: The selection of vegetables and other things are limited. But McKinnon's is primarily a butcher shop, so it seems silly to see that as a negative. Rather, it's pretty amazing that they also have some other stuff in case you forgot to get it at Shaw's.
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Damien S.

Yelp
It's soup season! A kind and conversational elder who lives extremely close to McKinnon's brings in vats of homemade soup, stews and chowders for sale at the deli counter. There's no menu, rhyme or reason to his varieties - he just makes whatever he wants and sells it to the freezing grateful for practically nothing. Today, I got hefty pint of whitefish chowder for $1.50, frozen bone-in goat for curry and... holy shit. I just re-read my original review and realized that after almost FOUR YEARS, the prices for everything have remained unchanged. The only thing that's different is the recent addition of a pre-made foods hot and cold box. Plus, the same guy is whipping those soups up, which means they definitely have anti-aging effects. McKinnon's is a time warp, a roadside Mystery Spot that defies definition and creates its own gravity. It encourages exploration with outrageously gratifying results. Not sure about those neon purple Chinese style sausages? Eh, what the hell, they're only $2. Flash forward to you sitting down in the corner of your kitchen, double fisting half-eaten hot dog buns with mustard smeared lips and a purple meat grin stretched from ear to ear.
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Ayatt A.

Yelp
McKinnon's has a fantastic selection of all kinds of meat. You can really get anything you want here and the prices are absolutely unbeatable. It always feels better buying your meat from a local butcher rather than a chain grocery store. It's nice to know where your meat comes from too.
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Cha Cha W.

Yelp
Walk slow or you'll miss it! Back up, back up....there it is. That's right, it's the pseudo mini-mart with a little funky smell to it and here you're reading this wondering: "Uh, and why should I buy my meat here?!" It's the marinade. They need to patent the stuff and license the recipe to Paul Newman. Teriyaki, you have to pick up the teriyaki beef tips. So tender, so juicy...I'm already coming up with excuses to invite friends over for another BBQ ;)
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Luke H.

Yelp
The best meat at the best prices in the greater Boston area. (PERIOD) I've been a regular for over 3 years and I can't get enough. Whether you live in Cambridge, Somerville, Boston, Arlington or one of the other suburbs you've probably heard about the awesome meat selection at Mckinnons and even more about the unbelievable prices. A skeptic by nature I didn't believe until I saw it. Wow! I can now say confidently that these guys know what their doing - from brisket, to ribs, to chicken, to fish no one beats their freshness or prices! Beyond the quality and the prices what really takes Mckinnons to the next level for me is the people. From management down to the cashiers I've had nothing but pleasant experiences. Pro Tip: Produce + deli selection and prices are just as impressive as the meat section.
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Matt G.

Yelp
My father was a loyal customer who would spend close to $100 a week there. Easter weekend they labeled my dads pork for beef and would not give him the difference in price back the week after. They are not good people to do business with. The owner gave my father a bunch of nonsene. Needless to say my father who gave them business will never go back there. The owner can go shove his pork up his ass. A year later new ownership took over and reached out to me I gave them another shot and Charlie and Rico took care of us they now how to handle customers. I couldn't have been happier. They have the best meat with extremely good prices. Needless to say we will be back every weekend!
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B S.

Yelp
Caveat emptor peeps: I like to give my business to independent business whenever I can. ................ but .................. come ON . I imagine a place like this in Appalachia. this place is .......... filthy. Red flag. I am going to put the stuff from here in my mouth and eat it. Check out the first impression picture at the entrance I just posted. The shopping baskets I think used to be cobalt blue - I couldn't tell through the dirt. The produce was hit or miss: some was wrapped in plastic with a beautiful specimen of fuzzy mold growing. Nothing was date stamped. The asparagus $3.99/lb and cilantro I got = very good. I bought MahiMahi that looked fine, but when I got it home and opened it was way beyond bad . This is how I imagine a rotting dead body to smell . I had to return (to a very apologetic and nce guy) the next day. It was wrapped in plastic, so most likely it was the way it was packaged and not the quality of the fish - i dont know The other reviews love the red meat which seems to be the thing to get here. I'm not a red meat fan so I have no reason to go back. I just like to shop someplace that looks clean and sanitary. AM I ASKING TOO MUCH? I just couldn't wonder what's the back like? eeeeeeew.
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Jeremy K.

Yelp
It was not until I went to a BBQ at a friend's house and found out that the meat and sausages were from McKinnon's that I decided to check it out. Up until that point, I used to get my meat at WholeFoods and although I knew about McKinnon's, the exterior was enough to discourage me from entering and checking it out. Sadly, I was mistaken and should have given it a chance. Recently, I decided to make some veal schnitzel and after seeing the prices of the veal at WholeFoods, I calculated that the amount I needed was going to cost me $35+ there. Instead, I went to McKinnon's and got the same quantity for just under $10. And the veal was great. Although the place is modest in terms of decor, the place packs quite a bit of meat. It's pretty much any meat lover's wet dream to enter this place and walk around. They are very well organized and the meats are separated and sorted by type: pork, beef, chicken. They seemed to have all kinds of things but I was on a mission and just needed veal. I didn't really have a quick glance but will be returning in future to see what else they have to offer. So this old school place is great, conveniently located, there's easy street parking, the service is quick, the prices are incredible and the meat is fresh. I have nothing negative to say about this place and will be returning as a customer.

Art W.

Yelp
McKinnon's has been my go-to butcher for my annual standing prime rib roast every Thanksgiving celebrated in Boston. I spend the holiday with my daughter who's been there a few years for her undergrad and the McKinnon roast is something we look forward to. The quality is excellent and their service has always been wonderful.
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Abby N.

Yelp
We have purchased several beef briskets from McKinnon's, chicken wings for stock, and other products. The quality is always great and very fresh. So much so, that I have started buying all of my meats here (in person or through Mercato app)!

Marcus S.

Yelp
I go here strictly for the lamb chops, this place cannot be beat as far as pricing quality, and hard to find unusual cuts and pieces of meats! The cuts of fish and the pre-seasonsed meats are also a plus esp the firecracker pre-seasoned bone-in chicken breast.

Amanda T.

Yelp
Im so glad I found this place! The meat is reasonably priced and so fresh. The deli has the best chicken salad and pepporoni Ive ever bought, it even stands up to my picky eater son, he loves it. This place makes meal planning and eating well on a budget so much easier for me. The staff are nice too and its always clean and has good music playing. I definately enjoy my trip there while running my errands. In a sea of over priced Star Markets I'm so happy there's Mckinnons.

Dean H.

Yelp
Love this place, we will travel all the way from Bellingham, MA. Just to go shopping here. Great value and the quality of the meat is excellent. The meat is clearly fresh, it looks red how meat should not gray like prepackaged supermarket meat does. It also tests of meat, there is a difference even expensive Wholefoods meat is not as good as this. Wish it was closer.
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Punketta D.

Yelp
This place has a huge selection of meats and cuts (from the usual suspects like chicken, beef, pork to more unusual items like rabbit and goat) all at absolutely incredible prices (like $3.99/lb for rabbit, everywhere else it''s almost $6. I was like a kid in a candy store, except add 30 years and it's all about meat not candy. I purchased some sausages which I plan to try this weekend, and some marinated lamb tips that were GREAT! super tender and delicious. They also have a carb section (dry pastas and bread/buns/roills), a deli which I didn't try, and a small fruits and veggies section which would do in a pinch, I suppose I tend to stick with the main offering when I go to a new place rather than order "off the menu". Anyway, they have a butcher in every day of the week, (they leave early on Saturday and Sunday, but I'm sure if you call before then they can prep what you were looking for), the area is nice and realtively easy to park, and there's an online special page so you can s\check prices before you go.
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Meredith A.

Yelp
Great deals on meats, plus a very good selection of other groceries. I just tried their frozen pancakes- yummy!
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Diana N.

Yelp
McKinnon's always hooks it up with some cheap ass (and fresh) chicken!!! $1 - 3 dollars/pound tops with none of that elbowing that goes down in the chicken aisle at Market Basket. Their chicken has that fresh looking sheen on it; you know they get new stuff regularly. I know they're pumping antibiotics and chemicals in their animals to get them so fat, but I don't care because it's cheap, and I can't tell the difference between it and Whole Foods expensive ass $6/pound air dried chicken. Shout out to the cashier lady who is always on the phone.
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Lyn J.

Yelp
I am giving a 5 star rating because I have been shopping here for over 20 yrs and for the last 12 Julio has been my deli guy. He is the BEST!! He is always very professional and his Customer Service skills are exceptional......always greeting you with a smile and takes care of you the samy way. I have over 25 yrs experience in the Customer Service field and he sets the bar high. Thank you Julio for such great service!!! Lyn
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Louis M.

Yelp
I've been going to McKinnon's for years. Great prices and excellent ground beef, and roasts. Consistent and nice people.
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Jonathan S.

Yelp
Like any red blooded, American dude, I like my meat. I like it grilled, baked, fried, and sauteed. I like it salted, seasoned, sauced, and plain. I like it early, often, and as the foundation of my most flavorful meals. I like it any way except for overpriced, so I want one thing, and one thing only when I hit a local meat market: a large selection of cheap, and high quality meats I can find no where else. I had already done a price comparison between local supermarkets, and settled on one particular chain as being cheaper than others. I was reasonably satisfied with that. I had heard legends of cheaper meat, but never witnessed it my self. I thought that I was doing OK until a friend referred me to McKinnon's. I was determined to investigate, and see if the rumors were true. I went one day after work, and could only peer longingly through the glass at a large, and prominent meat case as soon as you enter the store. They close at 700p, and I arrived at 715p, dang. You had better arrive with a purpose after work, folks, because good meat deals wait for no man. I probably could have saved a trip, if I were the kind of guy to find out about businesses ahead of time. If only there were some central site where people could write, and read reviews of where they shop! Alas! where to find such a place! Armed with new knowledge that I probably could have read online, I returned a few days later during open hours. My point of comparison was boneless chicken breast: $1.79 versus the $2.50 I was paying. I checked a few other things I commonly buy just to be sure: chicken thighs, $1.39 versus $1.50, and McKinnon's even sells them deboned. Canned goods, eggs, and produce, are no cheaper at McKinnon's than any other supermarket, but that is not why you are here. You want to meet people who sell meat, and meat accessories, and that is exactly what McKinnon's is. Get your meat fix, and save a few dollars while you are at it.
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Stefani A.

Yelp
McKinnon's have unbeatable prices for absolutely DELICIOUS meats! I spent close to $100 on JUST meat, chicken and fish & for the amount I got, I would have EASILY spent way more at Stop n Shop or even Market Basket. McKinnon's is fresh, flavorful and a great deal! I really don't understand some of the negative reviews on here, but hey - to each his own I guess, right? I will definitely be buying my meat/chicken/fish here from only here from now on.
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Jay J.

Yelp
My Dearest McKinnon's, Ever since we met I cannot get you out of my head. Some nights I wake up in a cold sweat and reach over for you but you are not there. I catch myself daydreaming about you, and I think others are starting to notice too. Maybe its because everytime I think about you, MMM, I catch myself saying "mmm" aloud. I've tried seeing other meat markets, but they just remind me that they are not you. Sure, I can get fillet mignon almost anywhere, but not for $7.99 a pound. Sure, I can get steak tips at Stop & Shop, but you have so many varieties of pre-marinated meats that it makes my heart stop. My doctor claims that is due to my arteries hardening from eating your delicious bounty 3 meals a day, but what does he know? If this is what true love feels like, then I don't want it to stop. Even if my heart stops. My friends always tell me about your flaws but they just don't know you like I do. They say you have surly employees and other nonsense, and while maybe they are right, I can look past it. You see, McKinnon's, you are the perfect meat market for me. I'm a one meat market kind of guy. I just wish you were a one customer kind of meat market. Your True Love, -Jason J.
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Silent S.

Yelp
Sometimes there's livers. Sometimes there's not. Sometimes there's cornish game hens. Sometimes there's not. Sometimes there's frozen octopus. Sometimes there's not. Sometime's there's chickens' feet. Sometime's there's not. You never know what there's going to be, but the weirdo stuff that you can get regular without much hassle down at Market Basket occasionally pops up at McKinnon's. It's always a surprise, not something you can plan your meal around. Maybe you'll walk in, see a precious little calf's liver, and be inspired to change your dinner menu - but if you know in advance that you'll need that wee calf's protein synthesizer tonight, McKinnon's might not have it and Market Basket is a better bet. Enjoy the parking lot, sucka! Also - the fish selection is totally unpredictable and the frozen stuff is, well, it's frozen, so don't expect much. But McKinnon's is great for the staples: beef and chicken and pork (most pork products, anyway...sometimes they wouldn't have a proper butt or shoulder). Always a little lamb, too: ground lamb and lamb chops. The stuff people want. The availability of different cuts of steak can be a little erratic, but again, they usually had the stuff people want...just maybe not what YOU want on a particular day. But McKinnon's is all about the bizarrely low prices. The prices at McKinnon's always kinda freaked me out (I don't live around here anymore; McKinnon's is in the top ten list of things we miss). It's not simply that their prices are lower than every other grocer in the area. It's that they are SO much lower, it's creepy. At first it was "this place might have connections to the mob" creepy. Then it was like "this might be really old unsafe meat" creepy.* Then it was like "this might be a Dr. Who episode where there's a twelve-foot spider from another planet just behind the back doors and it's using cheap meat to lull us into a cocoon-like state in order to subdue and destroy the human race, and it might actually kill a few of us before the Doctor gets here so let's not stand too close to the back doors, but darnit that's where the ground beef is and also sometimes calf's liver" creepy. But the reality is probably something much more mundane and yet somehow more terrifying, not in a "this is creepy" way but in a Lovecraftian cosmic staring-into-the-abyss-as-it-stares-back-at-you kind of way: McKinnon's might have long ago paid off its David Square mortgage, probably back in the days of Slummerville, and now it operates on pure profit (after taxes). That doesn't explain the price of meat to my satisfaction, but there it is. *I mention the quality of the meat: we shopped at McKinnon's for almost eight years and never ever purchased a bad (I mean "make you sick" bad, not "this is not the finest cut of meat I've ever purchased" bad) cut of meat. I never purchased a truly mind-blowing cut of meat there, either, but at these prices who's complaining? Advice: their beef, particularly the ground beef but also the various cuts of steak, tends to go south after a couple days (it doesn't go rotten or dangerous, it just dramatically loses its aura of freshness), so buy-and-burn or buy-and-freeze. Don't leave it in the fridge of six days. It won't taste good.
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John C.

Yelp
I love my dad. Yeah, that's loved in the past tense. But I still love him, cause his memory will live on with me for a long time. I got every bit of my goofball persona from him. I even threatened to crack one of his dirty jokes at the luncheon after his funeral, but I figured the joke police in the sky were watching scornfully. Dad was way more successful than I'll ever be. From the depression ravaged streets of industrial Indiana, he rose to be an airborne WW2 hero, a football champ, a loving husband and father of three, a not too shabby bowler, a terrible but avid golfer, and a hard working insurance adjuster who would go on to wear the corporate crown in Big Chi-Cah-Go. And he made a mean steak. Every Saturday nite was steak in our household, cause you could do that then without committing high financial crimes on Wall Street. Tenderized with Kitchen Bouquet, seared to perfection on the Sears gas grill in the back yard, and served with baked potatoes, fresh corn on the cob, sauteed mushrooms, and English muffins for dipping in the steak juice. So when I want that steak - that Mr. C Steak that Dad use to carve off bits of for the dog before slapping it on the grill - I head to McKinnon's Meat Market in Davis Square. A butcher shop from the days when men were men, and beef was what's for dinner. If it moos, clucks, oinks, gobbles, or whatever, they've got it here, fresh and cheap. Delmonicos, rib eyes, Porterhouses, steak tips, they've got 'em all, red and marbley, and ready to go for under $10/lb. And chicken tenders at $1.99/lb or boneless center cut pork chops at $2.99 make for a cheap and tasty stovetop concoction with your favorite marinade. Veggies and stuff - ehh, if you need 'em, they've got 'em, but that's what farmers markets are for. Okay, there's those allegations in the news about bleaching the chicken. Yah. I don't smell any bleach. And I know what bleach smells like. It smells like the pool at Hell High School, Indiana, with Bernie Whip Krackenstein the evil gym overlord conducting first period cryogenic chemical experiments on pimply teenage boys. (No, I did not inherit my Dad's love for sports) So put on your parking spot vulching goggles, head to Davis and check out McKinnon's the next time you want to get in touch with your inner carnivore. I did this afternoon, and those steaks brought back memories from days I keep forgetting to remember. Here's to you, Dad. I looseneth my belt and belcheth in your honor.
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Amy B.

Yelp
Fantastic place to pick up hot chicks . . . oh wait, it's the other kind of meat market? McKinnon's is small, grungy, and cramped, but I love anyplace where I can walk out with 2 filet mignons, a package of pork ribs, approximately 6 lbs. of chicken thighs, and one whole chicken for twenty large. The prices are crazy low yet the meat is really good quality and fresh. It's good enough that I toted a big bag o' raw meat on the T back to Back Bay, and not for the first time. (Side note: sorry about the big bag o' raw meat, fellow T passengers!)
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Eva K.

Yelp
It could be great... I went to this place after seeing the good Yelp reviews. I am trying to shop locally and improve my eating habits in general. Perhaps this is silly of me, but I expected a local business near Davis Square to carry at least some grass-fed and free-range options for meat. Instead, they have nothing, zero, zip. On the plus side, the prices and selection is very good. Unfortunately, I am not going to be back until they begin carrying some earth-friendly options.
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Angie G.

Yelp
Pop a seat and let me tell you about McKinnon's. McKinnon's is your traditional meat market. I'm talking about you want Filet Mignon, they got it. You want pork chops, they got it. Yo, chicken heart? Son, they got that, too! This place makes me so excited. Their meat is SO %$*#ing fresh and it's MADD CHEAP. I know, I know, Angie doesn't usually get ghetto with reviews but, honestly, when a place is as awesome as this, I kinda get ghetto. .. w/e. Don't judge me! This is how awesome McKinnon's is: I live in Coolidge Corner and I trek out there to get meat. When I lived in Forest Hills I trekked out to McKinnon's. If you haven't bought meat from there, you need to get it on. NOW!
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Erica S.

Yelp
It's a meat market. It smells like meat. The meat is fresh, the meat is plentiful, the meat is dirt cheap. The place is always crowded with meat-lovers wheeling around shopping carts FILLED with meat. Where do they keep all that meat? Do these people have special meat freezers in their houses?? I buy veggies here. It's not a bad veggie selection, for a meat market. I guess I'm a wierdo? The only place that rivals this meat market is The Joshua Tree, up the street. FRAT PARTY!
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Scott B.

Yelp
A carnivore's dream. Every meat that Americans would consume can be found here in this little shop. I've never cooked rabbit, nor have I asked myself, "Hmmm, where might I buy rabbit meat?" McKinnon has rabbit... whole rabbit, about the size of an average chicken. You can also get goat, lamb, and deeply disturbing parts of chickens... trays of chicken hearts, livers, etc. Besides the meat, there is a cute corner dedicated to fresh veggies, as well as a deli counter. The staff has always been friendly... and it feels good to shop locally and support the community.