Lee's Meat Market

Ok, wow. Based on the reviews and my searching for a decent butcher shop, I stopped by Lee's Market. First, this place is definitely NOT a "gem". More of a conundrum. Vert tiny and austere. The pics of the guys sitting at the counter...there is no counter any more. I was there on a Friday at around 1:30. There are no meats displayed. None. The glass display case had some stuff in it but the glass is dark and it's hard to tell exactly what is in there. Mystery food. I ordered a rib eye and a NY strip. I asked that they each be around a pound. The girl said "we don't do weights we do by thickness". Hmm. So I ordered each at 1 1/4" think, which she said was standard. Then you sit and wait. No selecting, you just take what they bring out. I also ordered a tenderloin sandwich, as many people have given this rave reviews. She said "no sandwiches". None. When I asked why, she mumbled something and pointed towards the kitchen. When I asked when they will have sandwiches available, she said "after the first of the year". It's December 15th! Not really sure what this place is about, but it's definitely not on my good vibes wavelength. Not even close. So, the search for a good butcher shop in Austin continues. In the meantime I'll need to be content with Central Market and the crowds.

This place is a hidden gem in Austin! I will not go anywhere else for my steaks. They also have tasty sandwiches that rival any in Austin. Check them out!

A hidden gem in central Austin!If you're looking for prime meats or handmade casseroles with the attention of a careful hand, look no further. Lee's is the kind of place that has lots of regulars -- and that's not by accident.What brought me here today was a coworker's recommendation for the "Cooper's cheesesteak" sandwich.While I can't say that it's a good "cheesesteak", it's an amazing steak sandwich with cheese! Definitely one of the better things I've eaten in recent memory. The cheesesteak is made of actual legit cuts of steak which are seared and then cheesed up with peppers and onions. I added jalapeños to mine because I'm good like that.The only disappointment was the bun it was served on. The "sourdough" was very, very sweet. Almost to the point that it should have been called a Hawaiian roll. Had it been served on a crusty roll that can stand up to the meat, it would have changed the game.Anyway I love that places like Lee's exist because they're fill a void which the "big box grocery stores" leave open. When you want something good or something special, go to Lee's.Definitely check them out if you get the chance.

Went back to try 'Cooper's Cheesesteak Sandwich'. I don't know who Cooper is, but he's a very happy man. While completely different than a Philly Cheesesteak, this may actually outshine most incarnations. Instead of an Amoroso roll, the house sourdough is a soft, doughy pillow cradling strips of tenderloin steak with onions, peppers and melted provolone. This is a must-try if you visit this hidden gem of a place!Check out my earlier review re: seating and times to visit.This place retains its score of a 5 out of 5 on the 'CTJ Scale', as noted below.5 out of 5 stars: Come-to-Jesus good. Would be OK passing away after finishing a plate here.4 out of 5 stars: Come-to-Mary good. Would be OK being seen eating here by Mother Mary.3 out of 5 stars: Come-to-Joseph good. Would be OK having a beer here with Jesus' Dad.2 out of 5 stars: Come-to-the-Apostles good. Meh. Wouldn't have my last supper here.1 out of 5 stars: Come-to-Nobody good. I wouldn't have my penultimate supper here, either.

Wish I could give zero stars for horrible customer service. Do not purchase catering or party trays. They do not feed 12-15 people. You are better off just buying from their case. Their food is good but not good enough for us to go back after trying to give them a chance to make things right. So disappointing.

Seriously the only place in town you can find veal cutlets or scallopini. No other place in town has it they only have ground veal we stopped in never been here before. Staff was amazing, A local quaint set up. We were able to grab a decent little bottle of wine some deviled eggs and broccoli salad which were both amazing and veal cutlets for our dinner tomorrow night. Thank you Lee's meat market for saving the day and coming through with what we needed!

My friends and I have been coming here since I moved to Austin, ~2 years ago and have never had any complaints until today. We walked in the other day and the chef winked at my friend, and stared her down the entire time she was in line/ordering. It made us both incredibly uncomfortable, and it felt like he was trying to frighten us (when we left and got back to the car, she was shaking). We called to speak with the owner, who was female. We wanted her to know that we felt creeped out by his behavior, so much so that we don't feel comfortable returning. The owner defended his behavior though (!!!), and tried to tell us he was just looking out the window, and she'll be sure to tell him not to do that only more. She essentially told us we were wrong for feeling uncomfortable, which was frustrating, but her attitude was incredibly passive aggressive.I think it's important to note that when we've visited with men in our group, the chef never does this. It happened today when it was just girls.I don't want to bash Lee's Market. I love the food - but the way the we were treated today outweighs all the things I love about this place. I hope no other women have to experience this

This venue is such a fabulous Austin treasure - phenomenal foods, amazing service, family-owned, local and amazingly affordable. We love Lee's and HIGHLY recommend everything on the menu - best beef tenderloin on the planet that melts in your mouth, and their roasted veggie platter is seriously a work of art. Wishing I could give them ten stars!

This venue is such a fabulous Austin treasure - phenomenal foods, amazing service, family-owned, local and amazingly affordable. We love Lee's and HIGHLY recommend everything on the menu - best beef tenderloin on the planet that melts in your mouth, and their roasted veggie platter is seriously a work of art. Wishing I could give them ten stars!

I paid over $110 for a fried turkey from Lee's Meat Market in Austin. It was the driest turkey ever. No one would eat it. When I called to share my views, Courtney, the manager, just said she would share my comments. Don't waste your money the next time you need a fried turkey. Even if you can't cook, you would do a BETTER job. Trust me.