Ream's Meat Market

Butcher shop · Elburn

Ream's Meat Market

Butcher shop · Elburn

1

250 S Main St, Elburn, IL 60119

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Ream's Meat Market by null
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Ream's Meat Market by null
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Ream's Meat Market by null
Ream's Meat Market by null
Ream's Meat Market by null
Ream's Meat Market by null
Ream's Meat Market by null
Ream's Meat Market by null
Ream's Meat Market by null
Ream's Meat Market by null
Ream's Meat Market by null
Ream's Meat Market by null
Ream's Meat Market by null
Ream's Meat Market by null
Ream's Meat Market by null
Ream's Meat Market by null
Ream's Meat Market by null
Ream's Meat Market by null
Ream's Meat Market by null
Ream's Meat Market by null
Ream's Meat Market by null
Ream's Meat Market by null
Ream's Meat Market by null
Ream's Meat Market by null
Ream's Meat Market by null
Ream's Meat Market by null
Ream's Meat Market by null
Ream's Meat Market by null
Ream's Meat Market by null
Ream's Meat Market by null
Ream's Meat Market by null
Ream's Meat Market by null
Ream's Meat Market by null
Ream's Meat Market by null
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Ream's Meat Market by null
Ream's Meat Market by null
Ream's Meat Market by null
Ream's Meat Market by null
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Highlights

Award-winning jerky, sausages, and fresh meats.  

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250 S Main St, Elburn, IL 60119 Get directions

reamsmeatmarket.com
@reamsmeatmarket

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250 S Main St, Elburn, IL 60119 Get directions

+1 630 365 6461
reamsmeatmarket.com
@reamsmeatmarket
𝕏
@reamsmeatmarket

$$

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Aug 8, 2025

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Best Bratwurst Sausages in Chicago | Eater Chicago

"Elburn is about an hour west from Chicago. Brat aficionados need to visit Ream’s Meat Market. Shoppers will discover the butcher’s National Grand Champion brats. The store describes them as having “a supremely balanced bouquet of flavor.” That might be selling them short, but it’s difficult to pinpoint the secret to what makes these pork sausages special. There are tons of variants, like a nacho cheese option." - Ashok Selvam

https://chicago.eater.com/maps/chicago-best-brat-bratwurst-sausage-please-retweet-kamala-harris-charli-xcx
View Postcard for Ream's Meat Market

K S

Google
Went here for the first time after reading about it online. Well worth the 50 min drive from the south suburbs. We told the staff we were new and knew nothing about smoked meats, jerky, etc , other than simply eating them before. We were given samples and advice based on our taste and preferences. It's a tight fit inside and was pretty crowded, which was understandable given it was a weekend. Great experience and we'll be back in a few months. Jerky dip is great but the meat sticks and jerky were the stars for us. It'll be real hard for me to go back to meat sticks and jerky you can buy at the grocery stores. These truly were fresh and unique flavors. Be sure to try the Wurst Wagen stationed behind the market.

Tim Allen

Google
Kids were crushing the jerky dip today… I suggest a 5 gallon bucket… Also got 2 boneless ribeyes today and reverse seared them to perfection… 12/10 flavor. Was my first visit to Ream’s- very impressed with their selection and quality of meat.

Kathy Schipma

Google
Great store for all your grilling and cooking needs. Awesome selection of steaks, sausages, cured meats, deli items, etc. Beers, wines, condiments and much more! Friendly staff.

Robert Baldyga

Google
This place is STUPID GOOD. Over the top. I have never been here before, and I've lived 20 minutes from this place for over a decade. Why didn't I go here sooner??? We received free bier meat sticks since we were first-timers. Now I know why they hand these out, because now we'll have to buy a truck load of them when we come back next week as they are insane good!! Amazing and very smart staff Amazing service Amazing customers who were also very happy to be there. Amazing beef sticks Amazing brats Amazing jerk chicken wings Amazing jerky dip Amazing bacon Amazing Pork Belly for the smoker There's something about this place that brings joy and a smile to EVERYONE there. Literally, EVERYONE was happy to be here because they KNEW they were at the best butcher shop in the entire Midwest. (I can't say the Chicago area because we are fortunately nice and far away from that terrible city). Keep up the amazing service, and we WILL be back next week to spend a couple hundred more dollars on meat!! This place will be our new routine shopping destination for meat!!!

Mr G

Google
Best place for real beef sticks, jalapeño n cheese d bomb. 2nd time always great service. From South Dakota to Illinois or any states stop n get Sum.. arrrgghhh

Nathan Zitko

Google
I grew up in the Elburn area, and Reams Meat Market has always been a go-to for my family. Whether it was brats for a summer BBQ or steaks for a special dinner, Reams was, and still is, the place we trust for top quality meat and friendly service. Decades later, it’s amazing how consistent they’ve remained. Their marinated cuts, house made sausages, and expert butchers set them apart. Every visit feels like coming home, same great quality, same welcoming atmosphere. If you’re in the area, don’t miss this local gem. Reams is the real deal.

Marsha Bryant

Google
Every type of meat from Ream's is exceptional. My husband particularly enjoyed the bacon wrapped pork loin. We stocked up for the 4th of July, and everyone raved about the brats and Italian sausage. And I will never eat a grocery store hot dog again!

Matthew Perri

Google
Ream's is always packed because they have the best meat around! Not just in town...it may be the best meat market in the state! Worth the trip.
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Avid H.

Yelp
I've been meaning to try this place for years. I wanted boudin made locally and other hard to find sausages. There was a bit smaller variety than I expected -did not see veal brats but I may have missed them. Anyway, the workers were helpful and nice. The place was clean. I bought some Toulouse sausage which I cooked on the stove with some onions. It was good quality but blander than I expected. The boudin smells great but have not tried yet. Also got Jamaican jerk brats, Texas style smoked sausage, chicken andouille (surprised no pork) and chaurice. I'm waiting until I can put them on the grill but I'm optimistic. They have great looking stuff, steaks, bacon, etc. . If you like butcher shops this one is excellent. 4 1/2 stars.
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Natasha M.

Yelp
I love this place so much! Best bier sticks or just meat sticks I've ever had. I love there bacon especially the Hungarian bacon. They have everything you can imagine there. From meats to hotdogs to Kiev and everything in between. They even have local baked goods inside and beers and whatnot from more local people. It can get really busy especially right before the holidays but in my opinion it just shows how good they are. The workers work smoothly and efficiently without being rude. They are really nice and are willing to help and answer your question. It take me close to an hour to come here but it's worth it.
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Donna F.

Yelp
This immaculately clean butcher shop offers an extensive selection of meats, freshly baked bread, a wide assortment of cheeses, flavorful sauces, pickled delicacies & some store brand merch. We are regular customers primarily because of their diverse range of bacon, beef jerky& succulent ribeye steak. Their prices are within acceptable range. The products are consistently fresh & exceptionally well-seasoned. Staff members are consistently courteous and helpful.
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Erik B.

Yelp
Have heard about Ream's for years now but was never able to make it out so I was happily surprised to come across it while taking the scenic route home from DeKalb this past weekend. Although the prices are definitely a step up from regular grocery store butchers I can see how the quality of the products and especially meat being offered justifies the expense. Even the ready made sandwiches in the deli case looked really good. The jerky in particular is a must try if you're a fan. We got the Bloody Mary, Biltong and Spicy and they all were delicious. You get the real sense that you're in a specialty grocer while walking around Reams. While you will find a few everyday options and brands that are available in pretty much any other store it's the large selection of in-house prepared frozen and fresh food options as well as items such as candies and pastries from third-party vendors that you'll probably be more drawn towards. The workers are friendly and efficient which is nice considering just how busy the store was and it is also worth noting that the interior is noticeably clean and well taken care of despite the heavy traffic.
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Miranda T.

Yelp
Everything you can need and more! I've heard of Ream's Meat Market from some old coworkers but never got a chance to visit before today. I loved the way the market was organized into sections so that it helped disperse the crowd so one doesn't wait too long. You can choose if they wanted prepackaged meats or fresh from the butcher. All prepackaged items had ingredients, price, and expiration date listed on it. Most products offered were by Ream's but they also had other local products from DeEtta's Bakery, Elburn Popcorn, etc. Items that intrigued me the most were their award winning jerky/bier sticks, (5) homemade bacons, endless sausage flavors, and specialty items like soups, sausage gravy, quiche and more! Prices were all very fair. There's a reason why so many people come out to Elburn for Ream's and why they have been in business since 1954!

Rick H.

Yelp
Fast Service good selection of lots of food stuff you will not find at other butcher shops, great meats and fast service at both the meat counter and deli. Found a good bottle of Wine for $10 to go with our Thanksgiving Dinner. Would give them five stars... but prices seem a little high but I guess who food prices now days are not high!
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Amanda G.

Yelp
Went for the first time today I drive by often and always want to stop. They have an amazing selection. So many choices. They seem to make all their own products. We got brats and sausage to try this time. Next time we will grab other items as we had not planned on stopping. I will take some pictures and send after we cook them
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Adriana F.

Yelp
Well... finally we made it to Ream's and, even though is a good market with a great variety of deli meats and other items, homemade quiches, and an impressive butcher area, we were disappointed because they do not carry grass fed beef. We left disheartened and stopped by the Wheaton Meat Company for our regular prime cut bone-in ribeye and top sirloin.
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Don B.

Yelp
"THE" place to go for meats and more. I drive an hour to go here and stock up often. High quality meats and great premade meals. Always busy and when you walk in it becomes obvious why.

Desiree O.

Yelp
Love every product I buy from this store. Beef sticks, bacon, sandwiches, jerky dip, chili, pop corn and their chicken. Live about 15 minutes away but always make the drive for the meat! The jerky dip is a big crowd pleaser for parties.
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Mark K.

Yelp
We are lucky to have a meat market like Reams. The highest quality products. Their hams are outstanding. But tonight it was bone in rib eye.

C R.

Yelp
We were here on a random Sunday morning around 10:30 in mid October This place was packed with a steady stream of people coming in. Lots of meats to choose from, I wish there were more pasta or other sides to choose from & the check out line moved very quickly Prices for all their packaged meals & Mac n cheese are WAY high Meat & fish are a little high but that to be expected at a meat market
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John W.

Yelp
Best meat market in Illinois . Not just beef sausages variety and quality is great. Bring an empty cooler as it will be full when you leave

Paul S.

Yelp
I bought a bacon and cheese quiche at Reem's today on October 30, 2024. I brought it home and heated it up and after the first bite both my husband and I said this is too salty to even try and eat. Previously at the store I bought an egg Salad sandwich to eat on my way home and I could not eat it because it was so salty. Please stop using so much salt. I ended up throwing away a $22 quiche. I should add that my husband loves to use salt. The fact that it was so salty he wouldn't eat. It says they must've used a ton of salt on it.

NV B.

Yelp
Great food choices, fresh meat, chicken. Bit pricey for some items. Service can be challenging as far as an attitude here or there but overall great spot for meats.

Karin R.

Yelp
Picked up a sandwich - it was $10 - bread was hard - barely any condiments on - totally not worth $10! Sticking to just sticks there

Richard H.

Yelp
It is a drive out to Elburn from where we live .. but it's a nice drive with the greatest little store / Butcher shop this side of Sublett. They have steak and chicken shish kabobs that are awesome as is the Steaks and deli counter. They also sell a nice selection of Beers and Whiskey and a little gem of a House Sauce they sell " Flatlander sauce "give them a try
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Rick R.

Yelp
They have great food. We buy Smoked Salmon, Steaks, Sausages and breads. It's is worth the ride to the best fresh meats and salads. I highly recommend visiting and trying their food.

Jest D.

Yelp
Love everything at Reams. Sandwiches however have finally become overpriced, with less lunch meat.
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Jake T.

Yelp
Love reams. I go to reams at least once a month. Great beef sticks and Jerky. They have a bunch of flavors and about everything meat wise you can think of. From there burgers,steaks, butter,bacon etc I would recommend it all. Most of the meat and products sold is local. The jerky is on the tougher side but it's flavor is great. Service is always good and helpful and they do a great job at keeping things moving fast for how packed it is.
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Josue J.

Yelp
BEST BEEF JERKY EVER. I traveled from Niles to Ream's based on a friends recommendations for their beef jerky. He was spot on, this was the freshest best tasting beef jerky sticks I have ever had. They basically have a whole deli counter for their beef jerky alone. I really had to stock up since it is such a far drive, but the drive was definitely worth it. I'm already planning my next trip.
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Matthew W.

Yelp
My go to butcher shop. The jerky and sausage sticks are the best in the area. Stopped by the other day and got kabobs and the marinated tri tip for the holiday. Both were exceptionally marinated, and I loved that all I had to do was grill them. A must stop if you are in the area.

Michele P.

Yelp
Deliciousness!! Beef jerky, beef jerky dip, hot dogs, brats, cheddar dogs and steaks!! You pay for what you get. NY strip steaks n filet are melt in your mouth tender. Plus a good variety of wine and cheese. Definitely worth the trip to this little gem of a butcher shop. They have easy parking too.
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Linda C.

Yelp
5+ I absolutely LOVE REAMS. Best quality of meats and deli! Nothing, nowhere beats their meat sticks and jerky!-- any flavor imaginable!!!! Fresh, good ingredients and every single thing they sell is labeled with every ingredient!! The quiche, bbq beef and sloppy Joes are delicious, also try their in house made dips, yum !!! I can go on and on ... but I won't! Please believe me, excellent fresh meats!!!! Please try it out! As you pull in the lot you can smell their deliciousness! Moderately priced, well worth every dime!!!! LC

Tuefel H.

Yelp
Amazing place excellent food. I love the sausage with the white wine in it. You won't regret it.
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Rich P.

Yelp
Ream's is Amazing! Everything is outstanding. I've been shopping here for butcher meats for years. Everything is super high quality and fresh. They also make most of their sausages and bratwurst in-house. Their homemade beef jerky and beef sticks are great as well. I recently tried their in-house made lunch meats/cold cuts, wow, amazing, better than Boars Head which I always thought was the best. Located in Elburn it's off the beaten path for many but well worth the drive.
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Sid G.

Yelp
Been going here for so long I don't remember.....they used to butcher deer I'd bring in. Not anymore, sadly. The meat sticks shouldn't be passed up, along with their homemade pimento spread and Jerky dip, top notch! Fresh meats, frozen chicken (all sooo good), wines, sauces....ohhh the list goes on. Customer service is awesome and the deli counter with samples to try, this is a gem in the far west suburbs! This is worth the travel!!! Stop by, you won't be disappointed.

Erica I.

Yelp
Best meat market around! I live in Streamwood and will drive the drive to get good quality meat.
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Kia K.

Yelp
This place is smoked meat heaven. The beef jerky is delicious. The beef summer sausage sticks are delicious. My semi picky kid couldn't get enough of the beef sticks. They have a fun selection of jerky's and sticks. They have smoked bacon, pork chops, so many brats and sausages. We picked up some taco and gyro brats, Bloody Mary jerky, Midwest jerky, kabobs, chicken andouille, preseasoned chicken breasts (which were absolutely phenomenal grilled), we bought some over priced flatbread (will not make that mistake again), and some other items. We spent $180, but got a decent amount of meat. Can't wait to try all the goodies. I can't wait to visit again to try some other items.

Will T.

Yelp
The best selection of meat in the area. Never bought something I didn't like. Employees are very helpful and nice. Get all my meat there.

Philip S.

Yelp
The food here is outstanding. I would recommend it to anyone. Unless you're vegetarian or vegan.

Tom H.

Yelp
What a great store! Great selection of cheeses, meats, even craft beers! Staff is friendly and fun! Looking forward to my next visit!
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Nika W.

Yelp
Worth the drive for great selection of meats if that's what your taste buds like. I recommend Hungarian sticks and Hungarian bacon strips which once cooked taste like candied bacon.
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Michaelene G.

Yelp
Everything we got here was amazing! Excellent random find so happy we stopped! Get any sausage I promise u wont b disappointed!!
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Tom K.

Yelp
If there was a Disneyland for meat, this place would be on the cover, hands down! When I find myself passing through Elburn it's a must stop. From house made jerky, snack sausages, lunch meats, bacon, to the fresh cuts of meat, nothing has ever disappointed me here. Very high quality products at decent pricing, sure the meat may be cheaper at Jewell, but you get what you pay for here at Ream's. Grab a basket, you'll wind up filling it up anyways! -Cheers
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Jerry E.

Yelp
If there was a 6 star option I would choose it. This butcher shop is amazing. The store is spotless. The selection is great. The staff is always helpful and attentive. Everything from large cuts to jerky to subs. Huge selection of prepared foods. Not cheap but you get what you pay for. Well worth it.
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Shannon M.

Yelp
A friend gave me two chicken cordon bleus that he had bought here and thawed but wouldn't be able to cook in time, so lucky me! They came with cooking instructions on the label, and since they were quite plump I hoped that they wouldn't be dry by the time they were cooked through, but nope! Do line your pan with foil, though, as the cheese leaked from both of them...still, they came out very tasty. The person I shared dinner with proclaimed that they "chicken cordon blew his mind," haha. The friend who gifted me the chicken also said that the bratwurst here is phenomenal. Would try other items from here if I was in the Elburn area!
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Rhonda M.

Yelp
Excellent market providing a wide variety of locally processed meats. A must visit location to purchase your protein for that next cookout. Also, you can't go wrong with a fresh deli made sandwich.
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Adam L.

Yelp
I liked the old Reams out here in Elburn which used to be housed in an old building downtown. I wasn't the only one who liked them as they have lived long and prospered, and now moved to a larger standalone building a few blocks away. The new space is laid out well with the fresh meats in a case with butchers in back, cases in the middle with frizen items, and the jerky and sausage sticks up front. My hunt was strictly front of store taking away some beer sticks and Elburner jerky. Meats are top quality, store is clean and the service is fast. I'd really like a store like this back home, but I'm sure my cardiologist would not approve.
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Dan F.

Yelp
Excellent meats & big selection of jerky! Pretty pricey! But if your looking for quality meat & your in that area that's the place!!! Also have soups & lots of other items!
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Dan N.

Yelp
Is there anything not to love about Reams. I think not! If this place was in Chicago it would be as revered as much a place like Zimmermans is in Ann Arbor is. I also think part of the charm is their in Elburn and how cool for that town to have something like that. First off its not a huge palace, but they are efficient, even when its crowded they get you in and out and the meat counter guys are the best. The products are all amazing, everything I have ever gotten, the Beef sticks are legendary, the awesome jerky, the meat and looking for a special assuage, this is your place. It Disneyland for food. We love there their prepared chicken dishes, the Chicken with wild rice stuffing is to die for. We got a Quiche the last time we were there...the best I have ever had. You would think all this greatness come at a price, well they prices are on par or lower then the major grocery stores. Plus your supporting a place that actually cares about what there serving you. If you have never been, get there NOW! plus its a cool little town that has some other fun shops to visit
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Jimmy V.

Yelp
The Best Meats and Selections anywhere Bar None... prices are fitting for the Quality!!!
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Vince A.

Yelp
Thought I died and gone to heaven. From jerky to sausage to brats to beef to chicken to pork. Just a meat-a-poolza. Priced like a meat market I still walked out with bags and bags of stuff and will go back. Even during the pandemic they are limiting the number of folks in store and cleaning religiously.

Antonio A.

Yelp
Love Reams. All the steaks are top notch quality. Jerky's are always awesome. Just sucks that I asked the kid for 3 biggest pieces of short ribs and got this. Had to go some where closer to me on the spot to make sure I had enough for my cook.
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Ashley H.

Yelp
I love this place !!! I have never had anything I didn't like the lunch meat out of this world the beef sticks and jerky are amazing,I have to stock up! Also the staff is awe always friendly and always asking if I need anything I LOVE IT !!
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Allen T.

Yelp
Magnificent. What else can be said about a butcher shop that one drives 45 minutes one way to. Their beef is superior, lunch meat magnificent, sausages fabulous. On entry the smell rakes me back to my childhood when my Mom or Grandmother would take me to the butcher shop when I was growing up.
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Food Physicist D.

Yelp
The best of the best of everything you would ever want in a meat market. An endless selection of: sausage, jerky, smoked meats, burgers, steaks, chicken, roasts, wieners....Too many to list. The customer service at their two counters should be taught to other businesses....It was so impressive how efficiently their business is run. Great location.. especially because it's right next to the ice cream shop. So much fun to visit during the July 4rth holiday!!

Ryan R.

Yelp
Easily the BEST meat market within a wide radius. This place makes it easy to support a small business. The jerkey dip is amazing. Fresh high quality meats. Also a lot of good frozen stuff to choose from if you don't plan on cooking right away. The beef sticks and pre-made sandwiches are great as well. Can't say enough good things and makes me not want to buy meat from a supermarket again.

Dawn S.

Yelp
Friendly and helpful, large variety of quality meat. Clean environment Quick service no waiting