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Jackson's Meat Deli
Category: Food Specialty Food Meat Shops Meat Shops [Edit]
2214 4th Ave WVancouver, BC V6K 1N8
Neighbourhood: Kitsilano
(604) 738-6328
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 9:30 am - 7 pm
Sun 10 am - 6 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
28 reviews for Jackson's Meat Deli
Review Highlights
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"it is the best butcher in town, bar none." In 9 reviews -
"We're so happy to have this family run business back in our..." In 3 reviews -
"Jackson's have a great selection of meats and knowledgeable..." In 3 reviews
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28 reviews in English
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Review from Stu C.
4/14/2012 2 Check-ins Here
If there's one food item I really like, it's meat. Most people are content with getting a standard cut of meat at their local chain grocery store and, most of the time, this thinking/practice is just fine and is usually driven by cost and ease of being at the grocery store. However, Jackson's Meat Deli is worth the trip, since if the prices at Jackson's are cheaper for the same cuts of meat and if they look like the same as a grocery store, the cut of meat will almost be certainly better than at a store. For this reason, Jackson's Meat Deli is a place not to be missed.
Jackson's is located on the East end of the 4th Ave shopping district of Kits. Where most shops are a bit narrower packed from floor to ceiling with products, Jackson's has the width of two stores and offers a lot products in a non-crowded space. When you first enter, you'll see a variety of shelves filled with rubs, spices, pastas, breads, etc that you can pick up. On the right hand side of the store, you'll see a see a open refrigerator case the has chilled spreads, dips, eggs, cheeses and other items which are made in-store or are from local farms or specialty food producers.
Just behind the refrigerator case is several freezer cases which house different pies (sweet and savory), other pre-made specialty foods, and cuts of meat made in-house or brought in from artisan or specialty food stores. I will be honest, I have not bought any of the freezer section items, but many of the items look wonderful. However, one of my friends from Britain and one from Australia have both bought their respective styles of meat pies to take home and bake. Both said it's one of the best pies they have had in Canada for reminding them of the food back in their respective countries. I thought this was pretty good that a Canadian store was able to make and/or stock items that are from two separated worldly places, and provide a pretty good representation of both.
The shining jewel of Jackson's is their meat section. If you want a type of meat, they have it: beef, chicken, lamb, goat, pork, bison, duck, and more. With that said, whatever cut of meat you want, they have it: shoulder, roast, steak, tenderloins, bacon, and so much more. For the "lazier" chef, they also have many per-marinated or stuffed meat items ready for cooking. For items such as chicken and beef, most of these meats are from local farms and/or organic sources. I grew up in the interior of BC, so meat from local ranchers' that let their cows of chickens run-free with no hormones and little-to-no additionally fed vitamins/supplements was readily available. Now that I live in the city, I realized I was spoiled. If you think that "standard" grocery store beef tastes the same as free-range, "additional chemical free" beef, than you probably haven't had a good fresh portion. Fresh "natural" beef or chicken is incredibly tender and flavourful, being cooked with spices can almost ruin in. By Jackson's using fresh, not frozen meat, and with it being properly cut and portioned, is wonderful. As a test, try buying a steak from Jackson's and one from a regular grocery store source and cook them the same way and find out which one you like more. I'd bet 9 times out of 10 you'll like go for the Jackson's meat.
Not everyone knows what type of meat they want, that's where Jackson's also stands out in compared to its' competitors. For example, if I want a steak, I used to just go to the store and buy the first steak I saw. When I first went to Jackson's I was asked what type of steak I wanted. By the stunned look on my face and long sound of "ummmmm", the staff member asked how I was planning to use and cook the steak and then explained to me all the types, as well as the benefits and detriments off all the types of steaks they had. I found the knowledge and friendliness of the staff member (and other staff members I have dealt with since) has been great. With this said, there may be another meat shop somewhere else in Vancouver that has just as good prices and a great meat selection, but the service I've gotten time and time again, has earned Jackson's my loyalty.
On the note of price, the nearest competitor is Market Meats about 3 streets up. 90%+ of the time, Jackson's Meat Deli is a few to several dollars less per kg of each meat and, many times, has traveled a farther distance than the meat found at Jackson's (however it still is fresh!). However, the selection of meat is a bit less than at Market Meats, as then Jackson's also has the freezer, shelves and deli sections.
Jackson's is a great meat store that can give you great recommendations and great cuts of meat for great prices. Supporting local shops and having great food products of quality and known processing/origin, while being affordable is really nice to have. For these reasons, I'm a fan of Jackson's! -
Review from Dee B.
12/11/2011
Why I have not reviewed Jackson's yet, I don't know... I am here weekly.
These guys are da bomb. I buy everything from cold cuts to pork butts.
If you are novice at meat preparation, just ask one of the lovely butchers and he'll guide you in the right direction.
Try their meat pies in the frozen section. My husband had to go to rehab last year because he was eating a meat pie on a daily basis for about 3 weeks straight. Oddly, the man I married is not fat. That statement is irrelevant to this review.
GO TO JACKSON'S! -
Review from Chelsea S.
West Vancouver, BC
11/22/2011
I'm beginning to notice a trend...
Butchers are freaking HOT! MMMmm. I don't know if it actually has anything to do with the way they look, or how friendly they are... Something about a man, or woman, who can literally handle their meat is just so sexy.
Alright, enough about that... On to the review!!!
This is likely the hippest meat shop I've ever been in... Newly renovated I guess, as I was informed it is one of the oldest, family run meat shops in the city. They have a larger than usual selection of accompaniments, but not so much that it distracts from the meats.
I grabbed a deli treat to satiate the carnivorous beast that tries to convince me to spend a weeks wages on various cuts of prime beef every time I enter a butcher shop... It was a sandwich- pear, prosciutto, and brie - if I remember correctly. Delicious, but not enough to stop me from spending too much on steaks from their "private reserve".
Even though it's in a nice neighborhood, the prices seemed significantly lower that what I normally pay in West Van. That's a plus!
Yet another shop with a great selection of "exotic" meats, although mostly frozen... I can't wait to try them all.Listed in: A taste for blood... ok, fine…
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Review from Reena M.
2/18/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I could spend an hour in this store at least, if I didn't think the people working there thought I was weird. They have all sorts of great quality meats, both in the freezer case and cooler display, and tons of different spice rubs, salts, sauces, pastas, breads, and cheese. It's a food lover's dream come true!
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Review from Kate S.
Vancouver, BC
11/6/2011
I LOVE Jackson's!
Their customer service is always great and I love their chicken. I've been there about 4 times and chicken is the only thing I have tried so far because my freezer is already stocked with other meats - I do plan to go back once my freezer starts to empty a bit. Their chicken is the cheapest I have been able to find, so I'll definitely keep shopping there. I never buy any chicken that doesn't pass the organic, non-medicated, free range, grain fed test. Everywhere else I have seen anything close to their quality, the prices have been quite a bit higher, including across the street at Capers/Whole Foods. -
Review from Annabelke C.
Vancouver, BC
10/8/2011
Best butcher i have found since moving to vancouver. I'm Irish and they stock a few irish and english products which are all great quality.
The staff are so friendly personable. I love that Chris put up a picture of his new baby with a headline saying - 6th generation of jacksons! It's so nice that the biz is truly their life, and they share and celebrate personal details like that. Since i have been going there, they always welcome me and enjoy talking about any meat cooking advice or experiences.
Staff are so knowledgeable, they give you printed instructions for roasting your meat at thanksgiving & xmas, and if you're having trouble picking meat they will give you ideas on how to cook it to help you out, and will really encourage you to try something new. I have gone so far as to ring them when preparing meat at home with questions on what to do - and received noting but enthusiastic advice on the other end of the phone, and next visit a quiz on how it worked out.
There meat is always good quality, and prices are reasonable. Definitely worth a visit for your next meat shopping :) -
Review from Bronwyn G.
North Vancouver, BC
1/14/2012 1 Check-in Here
I really love this place. They make a lot of their own products (peperoni sticks, pate, etc), they have a good selection of dry goods and frozen products, and their staff seem to take a lot of pride in their work.
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Review from Larry L.
9/4/2011 2 photos
They have Pop Shoppe pop. That was the second thing I saw after seeing the Yelp sticker in the front.
So in we went.
On our shopping spree we found lots of goodies from the frozen pies to the amazing cuts of fresh meat for the BBQ.
We loved the selection at the back with all the variations of salt that was available. -
Review from J N.
Vancouver, BC
5/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Really friendly place. I've enjoyed everything I've purchased from here as everything seems to be quality driven.
Tried the turkey pepperoni today. Pretty good but I hope it's lower in fat than the regular as it wasn't as good as regular pepperoni. :) I enjoyed the sample outside, too, until I discovered it was lamb. I can only eat lamb at Vij's for some reason.
I deduct one star only for the price. I still prefer the ambiance and prices of Big Lou's, but Jackson's was convenient for me today.
So if you live close by and you want a special treat, try Jackson's. -
Review from Emma L.
2/28/2011
After I wandered around town in vain looking for some pork shoulder to make pulled pork with, my boyfriend called Jackson's and asked if they had any. They did. He asked about the price and it was totally reasonable, $3.03 per pound. They set some aside for us and it was ready to pick up when we arrived at 20 minutes later.
The staff member we dealt with was super friendly and helpful. He knew exactly what we were going to make based on the cut we requested and found us an appropriate size pork shoulder -- 6.66 pounds! I knew this was my meat shop when he made a joke about the mark of the devil being perfect for me.
My boyfriend has been trying to find duck blood for months to make Polish duck blood soup, and while Jackson's doesn't have it either, they had a really great conversation about it and the staff member explained why they don't carry it (no good ducks in BC, they get their ducks shipped in from Quebec and the States).
Screw buying meat in a grocery store. I'm coming here from now on! -
Review from Annika R.
Vancouver, BC
10/20/2010
Was on the hunt for venison shoulder for a tasty German 6 course meal I am preparing for my girlfriends. I actually walked by Jackson's by fluke and decided to check it out as I'd never been - I know sad considering I claim to be a foodie.
Service was excellent - and really apart from my shoulder they must have had another six different types of venison. All frozen though, so that is something to consider. We exchanged some suggestions around tenderizing the venison and cooking times. Also chatted about where to get some other interesting meats. I felt more like I am at a food mingler than at a butcher. Great!
Def. a place I would come back to and check out some of their other meat selections. Can't wait to get cooking....will check back in and let you know how it all went. -
Review from Peter S.
As I wandered through the Meat section in Costco this evening in search of a proper cut, I overheard one of the butchers talking about their Pork coming from Colorado.
It was at this moment that I snapped out of my trance and thought
"What the fuck am I doing in Costco buying meat?"
I am going to Jackson's first thing tomorrow to buy a free range non-medicated bird instead.
As the Newest Oldest Butcher Shop in town, they put most places to shame. Especially MM a few blocks away. No up-selling here, if anything, they'll throw in a hunk of fat or mushroom bits to ensure your roast and gravy turn out perfectly.
Oh, and they have gift certificates too.
Hint hint...Listed in: Organic is the way to go, Meat-atarian!
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Review from Natasha L.
10/3/2009 ROTD 10/19/2009
Although Jackson's meat is on the same zip code as Market's Meat (one of my favorites), their prices are pleasantly much more recession friendly. They have a good selection of quality cuts and although I have only tasted one of them, I am a pretty happy customer (so are my dogs, who love their bones).
Will update after I tasted more of their delicious, pocket friendly cuts. But so far, better than expected.Listed in: Dogs etc.
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Review from K S.
Burnaby, BC
4/1/2011
Offers excellent prime ribs and actually not expensive.
Extremely polite and helpful.
Always a first destination for great cook-in. -
Review from Crystal H.
Vancouver, BC
If only you could see my excitement when I walked through the new double doors of Jackson's this morning. Eyes open, big grin, a rumble in my tummy just from looking at selection.
This is a fully stocked meat shop, even bigger than Market Meats and is now home to: a deli, frozen food section, refrigerated dairy, eggs, sauces, soups, pantry fixings, and of course glorious, glorious meats! Organics included! Compared to the Jackson's on Granville that closed down a year ago (I think), this is the epitome of gourmet.
My choice for today: stuffed pork tenderloin (cranberries, brie and stuffing); but it was a hard choice between that and the stuffed turkey thigh that I was eying.
I can't dock them a star for this - but I will say they need to get into their customer service groove. I asked how I should cook the tenderloin I was eying - one clerk explained what to do (which was awesome) but then he just walked away. I waited, a little confused, for him to return, but he didn't. I caught the attention of another who helped me...but used his bare hand and then proceeded to ring in my order, handle cash etc. Since I'll be baking this glorious meal tonight, I'm not worried about germs, but if I was ordering up a sandwich to go - it would be a whole other story.
Catch me there, likely every weekend, buying something meaty for a Sunday dinner! -
Review from Daniel L.
11/25/2009 1 Check-in Here
Much more than your your standard meat store.... Seafood, cheese, veg, eggs deli meats, a few isles of condiments and of course a primo meat selection and a large organic choice as well..... I ordered a 22lb organic turkey that was locally grown and OMG did that please my huge crowd of friends.
The staff are super friendly, and I never get up-sold here like I do from the guy down the street... Jackson Meats has only been open a few months but its my favorite butcher when I jump off the vegetarian wagon.... -
Review from Pete S.
5/19/2010
HOLY EFF.
that's how i feel about this unbelievable butcher. i was bubbling with excitement as soon as i found out this place was opening in my neighborhood. i've always been disappointed by market meats and loved jackson's at their old location.
this place is SO great. their knowledge of all things carnivorous is unmatched, and their staff are super friendly and wonderful. i love making beef jerky and they are very accommodating taking a cheap cut of outside round and slicing it to the perfect jerky size for me at no extra cost.
their prices are more than reasonable. all of their chicken, pork and beef is on par with what you'd pay at a big grocery store and the quality is so so so much better. just because the place looks fancy doesn't mean the prices are sky-high.
i really can't say enough good things about jackson's. it is the best butcher in town, bar none. i am so lucky to live a block away.Listed in: kitsilano
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Review from Tom E.
Vancouver, BC
8/12/2010
Probably the best meat shop in town. Very helpful staff who will bend over backwards to help you out. Upon seeing that they had no ground veal, the butcher quickly offered to grind some up and within 3 minutes I had my fresh product (tasted great, btw) and was on my way. Their rib eye melts in your mouth and they have a great selection of made-on-premises sausage, including a British Banger that will certainly be on my plate soon enough. Oh, and the pancetta is awesome.
Couldn't recommend it more. -
Review from Fota G.
Vancouver, BC
1/11/2011
Jackson's have a great selection of meats and knowledgeable staff. I ordered a local free range organic turkey for Christmas and collected it on 23rd December. On preparing the bird I noticed the packed on date as 2010 Dec 07, meaning the Turkey had been previously frozen. I don't understand why you would order a frozen Turkey, the whole point about ordering before hand is to secure something fresh, not something that keeps for months. At $85 for a 17lb turkey and having ordered two weeks in advance I would have expected to have been told the bird was frozen. As you'd expect when cooked it was tough and not anything I had hoped for. Its the first and last time I have cooked a frozen Turkey and when I go back to Jacksons I will ask them to inform their customers that theTurkeys they are ordering have been frozen.
I am really disappointed and read the reviews here before deciding to purchase at Jackson's.I should have gone to Windsor Meats on Main St. One star for this poor service .. I'm sure the FRESH meat they serve is great. -
Review from Ysabelle R.
Vancouver, BC
6/20/2010
Love it.
Went here to pick up some duck breast and few steaks for the weekend. The shop is huge and not only do they carry meat, but there's also a good selection of cheeses, sauces, spices and others. They carry standard fare such as beef, chicken and pork, but there are also sausages, duck, boar, moose, etc. If you can hunt it, slice it and cook it, it's at Jackson's.
Their staff is also super knowledgeable and incredibly helpful. The first day we went in we encountered Jackson, who sang the praises of the wild boar bacon (I didn't enjoy it, but my boyfriend did), and he even introduced us to his extremely adorable baby. Small touches like this really makes Jackson's feel like a neighbourhood butcher.
The price is very reasonable. We compared it to the price of the butcher's at Safeway on Vine, and there really wasn't much of a difference. I found the NY strip we bought at Jackson's to be superior to the one we'd bought at Safeway a week prior.
They have a wonderful staff, wonderful selection, and wonderful quality. Plus, it's a local shop owned by a local boy, and I always like to have the option of supporting a local business.Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Jasmine T.
Burnaby, BC
9/13/2010
After escaping from Granville Island, I wanted a snack... lo and behold the deli I always want to go to is open!
We chose the grilled club sandwich. For some odd reason, I thought they would make it right there rather than reaching into the glass case for it. We wander the racks looking at things to buy while waiting for the sandwich. Their prices are considerably higher than my favourite deli...
We grabbed some drinks and took our sandwich and sat in the courtyard outside of Whole Foods... sshhhh.. don't tell... the sandwich was thin... it was okay. I think the meat (not sure if it was chicken or turkey) was processed. The bacon was okay, not crispy at all. The amount of mayo and tomato was nice... Umm, I don't like grilled lettuce. Any lettuce that was hanging off the sides was now wilted and not a good texture.
Meh. Next time, I think I will stick to raw meat... do they have beef shanks? I tried looking, but I might have missed them. -
Review from Stephen Y.
Vancouver, BC
7/26/2010
Been going to the old Jackson's on Granville St and this location for years... Disappointed that they closed down...However, very excited about this new "old" Jackson !
Very tastefully designed... but how was the meat ?! Damn good ! The steaks have been consistently good... and the sausages !? The bangers were famous and haven't changed at all ! Even has the old Finocchio.... But I miss the old Boudin Blanc... and the rice- filled sausage of old... Has all sorts of carnivore's delight such as pork pies.... yummmmm
What's new is the sandwich stand - Highly recommend the steak sandwich... so yummy w sweet onion and that special sauce....
This is a real butcher shop run by real butchers.... welcome back Jackson's ! -
Review from Stacy C.
Vancouver, BC
3/26/2011
I was very sad when the original Jackson's on 4th closed down. Apparently people didn't like the smell (raw meat) and business was poor. Although new Jacksons is completely lacking in character and atmosphere I'm pleased it is still family run. The service is great, the butchers are friendly and super helpful and I can always get what I want. The Irish Ham in the deli is the best and they also sell organic eggs at the best price in the neighborhood.
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Review from Luisa D.
3/7/2010
We're so happy to have this family run business back in our neighbourhood. Yesterday we decided that steaks on the BBQ were required so we wandered up to Jacksons. While we were hemming and hawing over which cut to get (boneless Rib Eye, NY strip loin, T-bone, marinated Bison steaks) Chris Jackson came to our rescue. He suggested we share one thick cut strip loin (although he did rave about the marinated Bison steaks). I believe Chris is the grandson of the original owners and this kid must make his family proud. His handsome smile and warm, friendly, knowledgeable service must create regular customers out of every first timer. We really appreciated his advice - the steak was absolutely delicious!
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Review from Brad H.
Vancouver, BC
1/28/2010
Simple, if you need meats, cheese or some specialty items then you come here... the cuts are supreme and the prices are good.
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Review from Michael C.
Vancouver, BC
4/30/2010
Bought breakfast sausages here and wasn't impressed. Maybe this is not what they do well.
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Review from Tina H.
3/14/2010
I like this place for affordable chicken. I like how they try to source naturally. The steak still doesn't get me though, it's not really natural tasting. I go for the chicken because it's affordable and not bad. They also give free fat with purchase, which I am a fan of. "At Jackson's, the fat is free!" they told me. I get free chunks of fat and make beef tallow out of it. It's an alternative to butter and is quite good if you're into the taste of beef. I use it on my cast iron pan. Friendly service, decent chicken, free fat... I try to shop there regularly whenever I need chicken.
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Review from Jeff M.
Vancouver, BC
11/11/2009
i had a sandwich which was either lamb or steak. meat was good. their mayo or condiment that they put i was excellent. the only thing i didn't like was that it was a "hot" sandwich, but i think the caramelized onions were cold. price of the sandwich was somewhat pricey for what I got, but then again it is in kits.
