A butcher counter in Minnesota where the sausage case might hold lemongrass links right next to wild rice ones? That got my attention fast.
This spot cuts meat to order, makes sausage by hand, and builds sandwiches that people plan whole afternoons around. Pastrami, roast beef, a pork sandwich, even a grilled cheese for the kids.
I like how one small shop manages to be a butcher, a deli, and a pantry all at once.
The setup stays modest, with just a few tables and a counter. Yet the menu reads like someone who truly loves food built it, one careful cut at a time.
I can’t imagine strolling by without grabbing at least one sandwich for the road. So what makes a neighborhood meat shop worth crossing town for?
The answer starts at the counter.
A Neighborhood Butcher Counter Worth Crossing The Cities For
Good butchers are getting harder to find, which makes Lowry Hill Meats feel like a lucky break. The shop sits right on Hennepin Avenue in the Lowry Hill neighborhood of Minneapolis.
Its official address is 1934 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403. That puts it within easy reach of downtown, Uptown, and plenty of bus routes.
At heart, Lowry Hill Meats is a butcher shop. Still, calling it only that undersells the place by a mile.
Shoppers can pick up fresh cuts, house-made sausage, and specialty pantry goods in one stop. Then there’s the sandwich counter, which might be the real reason many folks walk through the door.
The shop focuses on locally sourced meats, a point Minnesota cooks tend to appreciate. Knowing your dinner came from nearby farms adds a nice bit of hometown pride to the plate.
Big-city food halls often charge extra for that kind of story. Here, it simply comes with the territory.
Think of it as an old-school neighborhood butcher with a modern pantry attached. It’s the kind of shop Minnesotans love bragging about to friends from out of state.
Steaks Cut Exactly The Way You Want Them
Want a bone-in ribeye trimmed to your exact thickness? The folks behind the counter can typically make that happen.
Custom cutting is one of the shop’s quiet superpowers. Staff will often shape cuts to fit whatever recipe you have in mind.
Rib roast is a popular pick here, especially for holiday tables and big Sunday dinners. A well-marbled roast like that turns an ordinary weekend into an occasion.
Tri-tip is another standout, and it’s not always easy to find in the Twin Cities. Grillers who know the cut understand why that matters.
Ground beef rounds out the everyday options. Burgers made with fresh, local beef simply taste more like Minnesota summer.
Brisket may also show up for anyone planning a low-and-slow weekend project. Selection can shift, so calling ahead for specialty cuts is a smart move.
The butchers are known for being friendly and knowledgeable. Ask how to cook something, and you’ll likely leave with tips along with your package.
That kind of counter conversation feels refreshingly old-fashioned. It’s the opposite of grabbing a shrink-wrapped tray at a giant supermarket.
Sausage Links With A Distinctly Minnesota Accent
Lemongrass in a sausage might sound unexpected at first. At Lowry Hill Meats, it’s part of a lineup that celebrates the many flavors of Minnesota.
The shop makes its sausage by hand, from scratch. That craft shows in the variety tucked into the case on any given day.
A Hmong-style sausage made with lemongrass has been one of the standouts. It nods to the large Hmong community that has shaped Twin Cities food culture.
Then there’s wild rice sausage. Few ingredients say Minnesota louder than wild rice, and putting it in a link feels delightfully local.
Spicy Italian with basil may also appear for those who like a little heat. Breakfast sausage is another favorite for slow Saturday mornings at home.
Bratwurst fans won’t feel left out either. A good brat on the grill is practically a state tradition by now.
Flavors can rotate, so the case is worth a fresh look every visit. Half the fun is spotting something new and building dinner around it.
Honestly, this might be the tastiest way to tour Minnesota without leaving Hennepin Avenue.
The Sandwich Menu That Steals The Spotlight
For a butcher shop, the sandwich lineup gets an impressive amount of attention. Sandwiches are easily the most talked-about thing at Lowry Hill Meats.
That makes sense when the meat comes straight from the case behind the counter. Fresh ingredients don’t have far to travel.
The roast beef sandwich is a long-running favorite. A French dip-style option has also shown up, perfect for anyone who likes a little dunking.
Pastrami earns serious loyalty too. Some customers even buy it by the pound to build New York-style sandwiches at home.
A pork sandwich has its own fan club. It’s the kind of lunch that could fuel a long afternoon at the nearby lakes.
Other choices have included a meatball sandwich, a muffaletta, and a BLT. Menus can change, so check what’s on the board that day.
Bread tends to arrive nicely toasted, which matters more than people admit. A good crunch holds everything together.
Big-city delis would be proud of a lineup like this. Minneapolis just happens to tuck it behind a butcher counter.
Grilled Cheese For The Kids, Jerky For The Road
Kids rarely get excited about a butcher shop. A golden grilled cheese changes that equation pretty quickly.
The grilled cheese here has a loyal following among younger diners. Grown-ups sneak bites too, which surprises exactly nobody.
Having a simple, kid-friendly option makes Lowry Hill Meats an easy family stop. Parents get a great sandwich, and little ones stay happy.
Now, about that beef jerky. It’s often praised for hitting the sweet spot between too dry and too greasy.
A bag of jerky makes a smart snack for a drive up north. It also tends to disappear long before the car reaches the cabin.
House-made stock is another useful find on the shelves. Soup season in Minnesota lasts a while, after all.
Fresh eggs have been part of the selection as well. Pair them with breakfast sausage, and weekend brunch basically plans itself.
These smaller items show the shop’s range beyond steaks and sandwiches. Families can stock up on a full meal and a snack drawer in one visit.
Shelves Packed With Cheese, Bread, And Gift-Worthy Goodies
Cheese lovers, take note. The cases hold a solid selection of specialty cheeses to pair with whatever meat goes home.
Beyond that, the shelves stretch into pantry territory. Condiments, sauces, sodas, and fresh bread round out the mix.
The shop expanded its grocery and pantry items in recent years. That turned it into a handy one-stop spot for a complete dinner.
Artisan bread makes sandwiches at home feel restaurant-worthy. Add a jar of good mustard, and lunch suddenly gets fancy.
Many of these goods also make great gifts. A curated bundle of sauces and cheese beats another scented candle any day.
Hosting a party? Grabbing a few specialty items here can make a simple spread look carefully planned.
The variety of sodas offers something fun for the drive home. Kids especially seem to enjoy picking out a bottle.
It’s a small space, so the selection feels thoughtfully chosen rather than overwhelming. Every shelf seems to earn its spot.
For Minnesotans who love a good local shop, this pantry corner is a quiet bonus worth exploring.
A Cozy Counter With A Friendly Crew
Seating is limited, and honestly, that’s part of the charm. A few tables and a counter give diners a spot to eat right there.
Prefer to skip the wait? Ordering ahead for pickup is often an option, which helps on busy lunch hours.
The staff gets plenty of credit for their warmth. They’re frequently described as friendly, helpful, and genuinely knowledgeable about what they sell.
That expertise matters when choosing a cut you’ve never cooked. A quick question at the counter can save dinner.
The atmosphere leans neighborly rather than fussy. Folks stop in for a sandwich and end up chatting about recipes.
Espresso drinks have been available too, which pairs nicely with a midday sandwich break. Selections may vary, so ask at the counter.
The shop has also hosted classes, events, catering, and pop-up dinners with local chefs. Check current offerings, since these can change over time.
It’s a place that suits curious home cooks, hungry lunch crowds, and families alike. Everyone seems to find their own reason to come back.
Why This Shop Belongs On Your Minneapolis Route
Quality meat, hand-made sausage, and a stacked sandwich all under one roof. That’s a strong case for a detour.
Lowry Hill Meats proves a neighborhood butcher can hold its own against any big-city deli. Minnesota keeps winning these matchups.
Planning a trip is easy thanks to the Hennepin Avenue location. Bus service runs nearby, which helps if parking feels tight.
Hours can shift, so check before heading over. Calling ahead also helps for special cuts like rib roast or tri-tip.
Prices reflect locally sourced, carefully handled meat. Many shoppers feel the quality makes it worth the spend.
Pair a visit with a stroll around the nearby lakes or downtown. A sandwich in hand makes any Minneapolis afternoon better.
Out-of-towners heading up north can stock their coolers here first. Brats and jerky make excellent road-trip fuel.
For locals, it’s the kind of shop that turns into a weekly habit. Recipes suddenly become excuses to stop by.
Tag the friend who never skips a good sandwich. Then plan the drive to Lowry Hill Meats together.
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