Paulina Market (Chicago) Named the State’s Top Independent Butcher Ahead of Thanksgiving.

• Poll of 3,008 respondents.
• Interactive map included.
• Content produced by humans

For many American families, buying a turkey for Thanksgiving is a non-negotiable – it’s a tradition as sacred as the holiday itself. But with food prices still high across much of the country, shoppers are more conscious than ever about getting value without sacrificing quality. MarketBeat, a financial media company, surveyed 3,008 respondents to find the best independent butcher in Illinois – the local favorite known for delivering top-quality turkey at prices that don’t break the holiday budget.

Illinoisans’ top choice was:

Paulina Market, Chicago
For generations, Chicago families have trusted Paulina Market when it’s time to plan a serious holiday meal. This North Side institution has been hand-cutting meat since 1949, and the butchers behind the counter treat every order like a conversation. In the weeks before Thanksgiving, regulars come to reserve turkeys, rib roasts, and smoked hams, knowing everything will be trimmed and packed with care. The shop has that rare mix of tradition and warmth — the kind where you feel like part of the story every time you stop in.

Across the country, other highlights were…

Texans chose Deep Cuts Dallas as their top butcher. Deep Cuts has carved out a reputation for caring craftsmanship and no-waste butchery. They stock Texas Wagyu, Black Angus, heritage pork, and even wild game, all cut precisely to order. As the holiday season ramps up, customers line up to reserve turkeys, roasts, or specialty cuts – and the staff walk them through portion sizes, cooking windows, and pairing ideas. The shop feels part butcher, part classroom, with respect for the whole animal and neighborly service you don’t often find in a big city.

Over in the Bluegrass State, Frank’s Meat and Produce emerged in top spot. It has been serving families for more than half a century, earning a reputation for its consistency, quality, and hometown hospitality. The cases are filled with fresh, hand-cut meats and locally sourced poultry, and around Thanksgiving, the shop comes alive with the chatter of regulars placing orders and swapping recipes. The butchers take time to offer cooking advice and portion suggestions, ensuring every family walks away with confidence for the big meal. Frank’s is more than a butcher – it’s a trusted part of Louisville’s holiday tradition.

Olde Towne Butcher in historic Fredericksburg emerged as the top pick among Virginians. This is where tradition and quality meet behind the counter. The shop carries sustainable, humane meats and offers full custom cutting and special orders. As November arrives, the display cases fill, and local families stop by to reserve their turkeys, roasts, or specialty sides. The butchers take time for each order – adjusting for crowd size, oven space, or seasonal pairings – so you leave confident the centerpiece will shine. In a town built on history, Olde Towne adds flavor to every new tradition.

Ohioans voted for House of Meats in Toledo as their go-to for top quality meat ahead of Thanksgiving. Serving Northwest Ohio since 1972, House of Meats operates several locations in Toledo, Maumee, and Point Place. What began as a small butcher shop has grown into a respected regional purveyor while keeping its customer-first values intact. During the Thanksgiving season, the counters bustle as families place orders for turkeys, hams, and specialty cuts. The staff handles trimming, seasoning, and advice on oven timing with the same personal touch they’ve offered for decades. For many in Lucas and Wood counties, House of Meats is the place where holiday preparation feels supported and familiar.

In Angier, roughly mid-way between Fayetteville and Raleigh, North Carolinians chose Carolina Butcher Shop as their favorite independent butchers. The owners are both butchers and chefs, offering daily fresh cuts, smoked meats, and large holiday orders. In the weeks before Thanksgiving, the counter buzzes with families placing orders for turkeys, roasts, and curried or glazed options. The staff takes the time to ask what your oven can handle or how many guests you’ll host and guides trimming or seasoning decisions accordingly. If you want your holiday centerpiece sourced, trimmed, and timed just right, Carolina Butcher Shop is a reliable pick in this part of North Carolina.

In Columbia, South Carolina, Ole Timey Meat Market brings an old Southern sensibility to quality butchery. With several locations (Irmo, South Congaree, Lexington), this shop emphasizes fresh, never-frozen meats of all kinds: beef, pork, poultry, and even exotic cuts. As Thanksgiving approaches, the counters are lined with families reserving turkeys, prime roasts, and custom orders. The butchers take time to discuss cooking methods, leftover strategies, and trimming preferences, making every transaction feel thoughtful. For many across the Midlands, Ole Timey is the go-to butcher that turns holiday prep into something you look forward to.

Interactive map showing the top independent butchers in each state ahead of Thanksgiving (click on ’embed’ to host on your site)

“Thanksgiving dinner is one of those rare traditions that still brings every generation to the same table – and for most families, the turkey is non-negotiable”, says Matt Paulson, founder of MarketBeat.com. “But with prices running high this year, people are being more thoughtful about where they buy it. What we found is that independent butchers across the country are quietly keeping that tradition alive – offering great quality at fair prices and proving that small local businesses still make the holidays special.”