The Yummiest Meat Shops in Santa Ana

Buy Ranch Direct

★★★★☆ 4.4 (27) • $$

"I was buying meat from Belcampo so often until I found this place. Amazing grassfed and finished meats and I will usually place the order early in the week and pick it up Sunday at the Long Beach Farmers market. I have gotten their 25lb beef freezer filler which was absolutely awesome and lasted me such a long time. I've grilled their meats, smoked them, put them into stews and soups, you name it. The quality cannot be beat. Give them a try!"

Imperial Restaurant and Market

★★★★★ 4.8 (102) • $

"Hubby and I live close by, and have come by before COVID and during COVID for either their restaurant items (which we'd take to-go) or something quick from their market area. Regarding the market area, I feel like they cater more to the restaurants close by in case the restaurants run out of ingredients. For example, the ground beef has around a 25% markup if you purchase here versus going to a chain super market. Since it's more of a "emergency" price, I completely understand and would pay the premium if I'm being too lazy to drive out to a nearby supermarket.Regarding the restaurant menu, we've had a good chunk of their menu by now, and have noted that they're pretty consistent. In the past, during a Tamales Fest, we'd honestly go here to order some items to go. Of course, anytime there's a Tamale Fest, EVERY restaurant (with some exceptions) will be extremely busy with a long wait time. Otherwise, on a normal day-to-day, we can probably receive our goods in around 15 minutes or less. Piping hot straight from the stove and into the to-go containers!Prices are decent. For the flavor, quantity, and how it tastes like it's catered to be authentic cuisine, I'd pay the price for their meals versus going to El Farolito. There's a parking lot closer to the train tracks, or behind the Q Tortas. Please don't park in any red areas, unless you don't mind your car being dinged up as large cars/trucks try to get past your car. Would come back again!"

El Faro Meat Market

★★★★★ 4.6 (27) • $$

"This place is very clean and their customer service is great. Their meat options are fresh and delicious. Recommend the taco meat, they will season for you in just a few minutes if you'd like. This little place is a convenient market with great authentic products. They are our go-to for any special occasion or for a spontaneous family bbq. It's a one-stop shop and again, can't emphasize enough how friendly and professional the owner and the staff are. Love businesses that care for their customers and provide quality products and good pricing like El Faro Meat Market. Thank you!"

Garden Fresh Beef Jerky

★★★★★ 4.8 (16)

"Who knew there was a local supplier and manufacturer of beef jerky right in Garden Grove? Currently each bag is $12. There is a deal for buy two get one free. If you live far away, Fred's not. Purchase beef jerky on the website or on Amazon prime. There are 20 beef jerky flavors to choose from including spicy two ones inspired by various cuisines to kid friendly fruity options. This is also where the tray fusion grill is located so you can get various BBQ combos and platters ranging from $12-$15 a pop. EBT is excepted here and there is parking right outside the strip mall."

CAB Meat Market

★★★★★ 4.8 (83) • $

"This place is awesome! Can't believe we got 6 rib eyes for $33 . Good quality too . They even ask if you want more marble in the meat or leaner . Owner super nice . Will definitely be recommending this place to our friends and family."

Mucho Mucho Market

★★★★☆ 4.4 (46)

"This Mexican market has all kinds of fruit, vegetables, meat and service is fantastic.They also have Mexican bread and bakery items.I love it here, everything is so fresh."

Greg & Jim's Meat Market

★★★★☆ 4.4 (48) • $$

"Good slabs of meat! Fresh cut T bones and porterhouse. Also picked up some beef ribs for next week that will be frozen. I really liked that he asked when we were planning on eating everything and he packed up my ribs so they will be fresh and delicious when we eat them next week"

Carniceria El Toro Neza

★★★★☆ 4.3 (7) • $

"This is a little store that sells meat and a few other groceries.We come here strictly to get our dogs ham. For some reason they will only eat the ham that is sold here.It is a small shop, but they are quite busy everyday.Butchers are nice and help with what you need."

La Tapatia Meat Market

★★★★☆ 3.6 (5)

"It appears to be more of a convenient shop, to grab a few items and go. Otherwise, the meat dept. looks loaded with fresh clean smelling meat. That is with no bad odor of old blood. It is a over all a clean shop but prices are ridiculous. The smallest can of Jalapenos is over $1.65 well for that, I can do better at the 99 cent store. Again, this is a good stop, if you, forgot something, but not per, say grocery shopping. Parking lot is the size of my armpit. The butchers appear to be well spoken in Spanish. Then the cashier speaks, "other" with acceptable English. They seemed "nice" until, I asked for the price of the can of Jalapenos. He just gave me a verbal price. Nothing is labeled in almost in the entire shop. It was almost kindov, weird that I felt compelled to ask "what are the prices?" that is for the other items as in canned goods or condiments. Obviously the meat has the set prices labelled that I can see. But looking at my picture you can clearly see no labels of prices are at ease found."

Tula Market

★★★★☆ 3.9 (189) • $

"Tula has 'Market' in its name but a good number of people, myself included, comes here to buy ready-to-eat authentic Mexican food. Be sure to take a number if you are here to buy food then wait for your number being called. There is no place to eat inside the market but there are several tables and chairs just outside the doors.From my experience, it's a 50-50 chance whether the person behind the counter can speak English or not, so today I had to use the point method to order. Truth be told, I suspect her English is better than my Spanish, just saying.My favorite item here is chicharron salsa ranchers. But they have pozole and other guisados (soups) and menudo on weekends, plus tacos, burritos, tortas, quesadillas, and combo plates too. It does have specials of the day Mondays through Fridays so look them over.Today I discovered there is another Tula (#1) at the corner of El Toro & Muirlands, which is closer to me. What a pleasant find."

La Carniceria Wagyu

★★★★★ 4.6 (238) • $$$

"Sandwich shop, butcher shop/carniceria, purveyor of high end goods - this place is located in a strip mall off a busy street in Brea. An 'if you blink, you might miss it' type of place. Inside, it feels like a mom/ pop, family owned/operated type spot. It's clean and the folks here are friendly and helpful. The place is not large, but it has lots of quality, high end meats and a great selection relative to the size. If you want wagyu tomahawks, sausages, and even high quality burgers, etc,, they have all that here. I can't remember when or why exactly it was on my list/radar, but I think it had to be because of the sandwiches. There was a week where I had to go back and forth from City of Industry and Anaheim, so I thought it was a perfect chance to check this place out. I ordered the smoked wagyu pastrami, which is served on a toasted marbled rye bread with swiss cheese, mayo, and some pepperoncini. Not cheap, but didn't feel super expensive when thinking about what you got. It also comes with chips and a drink. This was an excellent sandwich. Great flavors and textures. Nice crunch with each bite. I would just note, however, that the meat was sliced thin side and it was layered vs. the thicker cut Jewish style deli pastrami. There are also other items for sale like salsas and tortillas. Just a really cool spot with great food and great people. I'm a big fan."

El Farol Meat Market

★★★★☆ 4 (4) • $

"The place is super clean,if your looking for some marinade carne asada that is ready to be bbq then this is the place,I drive from corona to get this meat! It's well worth the drive.owner of this place have been in the area for year and are well known to the community.Highly recommend visiting this spot,I give 10 stars!"

International Meat & Deli

★★★★★ 4.6 (141) • $

"Great cooked Romanian dishes that you can eat there or take to go. Mititei and sarmale are my favorite. Their Langos is absolutely amazing. Have been here at least a half dozen times and the food is always consistently good. The deli next door has Romanian imports at a decent price. The people that work here are always helpful and offer great advice and service."

Sotelo's Market

★★★★★ 5 (6) • $

"Hidden gem!!!!! So glad I found this place. It's a nice little local market. Fresh produce, good beer selection. Hot food and fresh drinks. Juice was made right in front of me. Small seating area to eat. Very clean, great customer service."

Tortilleria Flor De Mexicali

★★★★☆ 3.7 (87) • $

"Great tortillas and carnitas by the pound. I love coming here for lunch (feed the crew) but you need to plan ahead. Frequently you'll find a line and could be a little wait. Worth it. Besides carnitas you can get your tortillas by the pack as well as salsa. They also have refrigerated items in the corner such as drinks, etc....I'm mostly here for the carnitas but if you know, you know the tortillas are great tasting. Made on the spot."

Aurora's Chorizo

★★★★★ 4.7 (35) • $

"If you are still buying chorizo from store brands such as Cacique and El Mexicano, just stop. Stop hurting your body and come to Aurora's Chorizo because they make great tasting quality chorizo!I may not know the true difference between authentic versus non-authentic chorizo, but having had the best tasting chorizo from a wedding I attended in Guadalajara, Mexico, none of the chorizo at the supermarkets comes close. Have you ever cooked chorizo where it's a pool of orange oil and the chorizo still looks wet and mushy where you can't tell if it's cooked or not? Well, not with Aurora's! Aurora's Chorizo is leaner and retains its shape and locks in the flavor of the seasonings so much better than any chorizo I've worked with. You can't go wrong with any of their chorizo options here, but I recommend Chorizo Picoso which is the spiciest one they offer and the Chorizo Verde. Chorizo Verde is unique to me and honestly, the green is scary, yet intriguing. The Verde is comprised of green herbs and chilies (serrano and jalapeno) and it is the most fragrant/flavorful chorizo! My hubby and I loved this one! Chorizo here is so fragrant that on the ride home, our car was filled with the smell of the seasoning even though we kept it in cooler with ice and locked away in the trunk. Keep in mind they don't use preservatives so it's best to cook within a day or two or freeze it. See my photos for pricing!The lady who helped us was super sweet and friendly. She took the time to explain every option to us. I also picked up a Salsa Roja and Oaxaca cheese. Both were housemade and they are good! If you're in the market for Oaxaca cheese, try this one - it's fresh, texture is perfect, and the flavor is on point! $9.99/pound of Oaxaca cheese is a bit pricey to me, but it is so good compared to the ones from the market.I cannot recommend this place enough! I will only come to Aurora's for my chorizo needs from now on!"

Carniceria El Chivito

★★★★★ 4.7 (3)

"Asada 4/5Chicken 4/5Casera 4/5 Red 4/5Green 4/5I like trying butcher shops that set up taco stands. This one was very good. Highly recommend."

Sections Fine Meats

★★★★★ 4.8 (112)

"This is our one stop shop for everything you need to make a complete organic, non-processed, clean family meal. We frequent sections several times a week. It feels good shopping at a local butcher and bringing home meat to be cooked the same evening. Customer service, in my opinion, is outstanding. What more can you ask for in a local specialty shop/butcher?!"

La Carniceria Meat Market

★★★★☆ 4.4 (14)

"We have been going to the one in Anaheim, but so happy one opened up in Santa Ana (it's actually on the border of Santa Ana/Costa Mesa and not too far from South Coast Plaza). The interior looks exactly like the Anaheim location. It's clean , modern, and organized with very helpful employees and lots of quality meat. We ordered some picanha and carne asada for tacos. They also have charcoal, spices, tortillas, etc. here. It's awesome here."

Puerto Madero

★★★★★ 4.6 (255) • $

"A definite hole-in-the-wall. It looks small from the outside but it's spacious on the inside. Upon entering, you see seating on the right hand side and the meat shop to the left hand side. Walking straight into the establishment, you'll see where to order. You order the food, you are handed your receipt and pay after. To pay is the rotating table you see at a grocery store, and it's near the point of entry.You don't wait too long for the food. My friend is vegetarian, so she ordered 3 Espinaca (spinach) empanadas.I had ordered one Carne (beef) empanada and one Espinaca (spinach) empanada. We ordered it with spicy chimichurri. It's not that spicy but there's a nice gentle kick to the palate. Trust me when I say I am sensitive to spicy foods. So this passes the spice test. Also, disclaimer to the chimichurri sauce, it is oily, so be careful. We asked for a spoon so we can add it into our empanadas. It was my first time here and the empanadas were so delicious and thick. I only could handle two.The people that sat near our table had ordered the turkey sandwich and it was massive. The pictures on the menu don't do the size of the sandwich justice. I'm definitely trying their sandwiches next time."

Brees' Meats

★★★★★ 4.5 (242) • $$

"Top notch quality meats. I am very impressed with this place. I go to get my rib eyes from them."

Don Peter’s Carniceria

★★★★★ 4.7 (9)

"I've said this before but I'm hard on my city! I really do expect nothing but the best especially from new business.They definitely provided friendly service, it's clean, smaller than expected.Nothing is priced along the wall. Maybe I didn't look good enough but I picked up 3 different items nothing priced!The wall consists of hard chicharron, chamoy goodies, chips, tortillas...They had about 5-6 different choices, ceviche, shrimp. It not much of a variety.It is priceyyyyyyy! Whew! To each their own!I know everything is pricey! But yikes!I ordered 3 lbs of costillas priced $7.99 lbs.My costillas were already in bag when the girl switch the price and said "oh prices are wrong!".My costillas were $14.99 a pound!!Um nope! I'm sorry but I need that priced honored. It didn't happen.The lady in front of me was also lost in the confusion!! I just walked out! I'm sure the meat is good but so is other markets in the area.Probably won't return."

Prime Meat Market

★★★★☆ 3.7 (31) • $$$

"Boy 2013 must have been a bad year for me. HahaCustomer service has improved....or maybe im just used to him now. Haha.Just take the meat and run. Dont forget the free sides!!Either way, their organic prime brisket is still sogood. Actually Im sure its gotten better. I have some ooold photos and they dont look as nicely marbled as the last couple of years.Before the fat was more chunky which isnt bad but my mom has a hard time eating them.Also they are the only ones that survived the past few years around here...So its my go-to place now.Honestly price has been ok esp compared to the nearby markets as well.Also theyre open on holidays so its super convenient."

The Chori-Man

★★★★★ 4.5 (639) • $$

"Been coming here for years... Every time I come visit my sister's fam in San Pedro we come here for the breakfast burrito. I get the red breakfast burrito. Always fresh, filling and tasting. Get your eggs runny! They have little plastic stools to seat on but we usually take it to go. Service is friendly and fast. It's located right in a quiet neighborhood right beside a cute bakery."

West Coast Prime Meats

★★★★★ 5 (4)

"They're the local distributor for brands like Niman Ranch. We got the Yakiniku Japanese BBQ pack and it was excellent. Very nice marbling. Some of the best I've had. Paired with our Snow Peak grill, we had great BBQ experience."

La Bodega Market

★★★★★ 4.5 (132) • $

"This is my favorite spot to get taco meat!Close to home, friendly staff, and great prices!Also accepts apple pay."

La Mexicana Meat Market

★★★☆☆ 3.2 (17) • $

"Customer service was questionable but our asada burrito and a side of green chile HIT THE SPOT!! Yummerz!!!!!! Decent selection of fresh meats to buy and cook/grill/marinate and eat!! Small market but looked like it has the essentials of fruits and veggies and spices. Other simple household items available, too. They lost a star with the customer service. ------if you want to order food, you have to order at the register."

La Primavera Carniceria Y Taqueria

★★★★☆ 4.4 (29) • $$$$

"Best beans n rice ever! I'm going back now to get more... possibly get some of the meat to see how the rest of the food taste."

Carniceria El Vaquero

★★★★☆ 4 (4)

"A very nice experience everytime I visit this place. Meat quality and clean environment, great service. Highly recommended"

La Favorita Ranch Market

★★★★☆ 3.6 (14) • $

"Super convenient little market when you need last minute ingredients. Its literally small and cramped but they seem to have everything. They also have a carneceria and they cook chicharones there every day it smells soooooo good."

La Venadita Meat Market

★★★★☆ 3.5 (94) • $

"The store is a neighborhood gem and well maintained. You'll find ones here that you sing find anywhere else. The meats at the carniceria are fresh, well seasoned, and reasonable priced. The staff is friendly, exceptional, and very attentive. I love that this store is close by!!"

The Butchery Quality Meats

★★★★★ 4.5 (153) • $$$

"Pros:- Their filet mignon burger, in the hands of the right cook (or brother who likes to cook) is a formidable alternative to any burger at a fancy restaurant, which would cost $20+- The staff are friendly and eager to share their knowledge. Seriously, they will spend ten minutes helping pick out just the right cheese to pair with your filet mignon burger- Bumping soundtrack of pop rock hits from the 90's and early 2000's- Impressive selection of drinks and snacks to go with your meatsCons:- Far, unless you live in Newport Coast- Parking in this center has gotten progressively more challenging over the years"

Kai Wagyu

★★★★★ 4.9 (78) • $$$

"Found this lovely gem of a place to buy some yummy steaks for my hubby for Valentine's Day! Was greeted by a nice gentleman who was welcoming and knew the different cuts of meat and suggested cuts that I should buy. I ended up buying the Australian ebony ribeye, Australian wagyu picanha and organic grass fed ribeye. All the meats were so good! We really enjoyed the picanha which I got on sale so that was a steal. Also bought flakey salt which I enjoyed with my steak too. All of the meats are of good quality and I thought that the price was fair. Definitely a great place to check out and it's clean and nice looking inside. Something you would expect the place to look like when you walk into a butcher shop. Thank you again to the gentlemen who helped me this past Monday 2/12! Will definitely be back!"

El Pollotote Fresh Chicken

★★★★☆ 3.9 (35) • $$

"Man oh man, I found my new chicken spot!! It's about 11.35$ per signature brown chicken but it's so good!! I make chicken broth and also steam the chicken to make pho and it's so tasty . Steam with ginger and onion in bottom and add sugar with salt on the skin and it's nice!!They close early but these ladies keep the store nice and clean! Thanks Ellen for nice service ."

La Carniceria Wagyu

★★★★☆ 4.4 (126)

"Delicious! One of the best burgers we've ever had. So juicy! The steak bowl is also a great option with lots of flavor. Could do with a tortilla or something to be a little more filling but it tastes sooo good. Tamales are seasonal but also a top notch item. Best quality meat in all the dishes! Everyone recommends getting something with pastrami, but if it's not your thing, it still won't be your thing. It's like a beef version of bacon. Too salty for me but that's a personal preference. Everyone there is super nice. Place is pretty small with three two-seater tables inside and another three outside."