Butchers of Distinction - Toronto, Ontario

Kieran T.

Brilliant butchers, great product. However, their Irish breakfast sausage is unfortunately not what you're hoping for. Its too high quality and it has no rusk. You are better off getting the frozen stuff if you're looking for authentic flavour. Id love them to rise to the challenge to lovingly recreate the Supequinn OGs with a butchers twist.

Nicoleta L.

The store is very nice! They have a lot of products and they look fresh and good. The price is affordable from time to time. I bought a beef tenderloin for Christmas and it was amazing! So tender and smooth!

Gary M.

Fantastic butcher's, great quality produce, order online for easy pick up. Pay online and any difference in price while packing is refunded. Irish black pudding and breakfast sausage are very good.

Updated; stopped by again and the black pudding and sausages are still fantastic. Great to get a taste of Ireland. Please make some white pudding

Flavia L.

very good quality been my families go to since discovering this neighborhood gem a few months ago. Also to add the older gentleman who works there is very helpful and cheerful.

Abi P.

My go-to butcher shop!

Amazing quality, friendly service, and well-priced. What’s especially nice is that in addition to having classic meats, they also have pre-spiced or pre-marinated meats. There have also been times when I would walk in, be inspired by a meat, and ask the employees here how to cook it.

All in all, would highly recommend!

Elegant B.

Butchers of Distinction or I Do Not Dream of Brussel Sprouts

At one point in their late 80’s, my father and his best buddy were asked to name some accomplishment that gave them a strong sense of pride. We expected these survivors of The Great Depression, two wars and great social upheavals to reference successful kids, strong marriages, or even owning homes but they surprised us. As my Dad put it, the one thing he accomplished that neither his father nor his grandfather ever could was putting meat on his family’s dinner table every night.

Granted, during lean financial times, “meat” could be fried Spam or tinned corn beef, but during better days, “meat” to these old warriors meant the steaks and the chops for which it was worth putting in their dentures.

When I shared this moment with a group of friends - all carnivores, all in our 60’s and all with our own teeth - the nodding was unanimous. Each of us could think of moments we had journeyed great distances to reach some restaurant renowned for its meats. None of us had ever travelled for turnips. None of us, Dear Reader, had ever dreamed of brussel sprouts.

Meat – more than cheese, bread or even wine - had its own place in our personal mythologies and, fortunately, its own temples where we, the faithful, could gather. One such place, especially during these pestilential times, is Butchers of Distinction at 738 Queen Street East.

Why? Obviously, as the old Dominion Store jingle said, “it’s mainly because of the meat.” It’s all there, every imaginable cut, hormone free and sourced from farms known for ethical and sustainable practices. Butchers of Distinction also offers in-house prepared main dishes and sides, including the best meat pies and fried chicken thighs I’ve yet to find in Toronto. Still, other butcher shops offer wonderful things. What makes Butchers a safe “escape”, especially these days?

Simply put, the knowledgeable staff working there “get it”. They honour and work hard to preserve the comforting myth. Whether I am there for the holiday roast, the celebratory steak or the Friday night burger, something almost ritualistic is taking place. Cross-counter discussions of everything from preferred breed to best cooking method are commonplace.

The outside world – all of it – disappears. For a moment it’s only about the marbling or the marinade. Was the animal grain or grass fed? Should preparation be slow and low or fast and high?

I’ve always lived in cities. Getting groceries usually means simply crossing the street. Getting here, on the other hand, requires an hour long walk. The question then becomes, is the overall experience worth the extra mile and the extra buck? In the case of Butchers of Distinction, the answers are yes and yes. Cheers!

Shane L.

We are really luck to have Butchers of Distinction as our local butcher. Their steaks, chicken and pork roasts are all incredible... but their in house prepared sausages are the best in the city. Their green chorizo is a household favourite, however you can’t go wrong with any choice. Always fresh tasting, and packed with flavour. Their blueberry sausages sound like something that shouldn’t exist.. and they are absolutely delicious. If you find yourself around Queen and Broadview, Butchers of Distinction is a must visit.

Kirstie

CON - I find myself conflicted after realizing I was charged $9.00 for a dozen extra large eggs from Murray's Farm.

PRO- So I like coming here to get my fresh meats and I always like to support local businesses. With the emergency measures in place they have even done a great job keeping things clean and pleasant. Always pleasant and welcoming!

Don't ruin a good thing. At least your business is still up and running. Everyone else around you is unemployed, and some businesses have closed up shop permanently.