ABC's of Edmonton food: A is for Acme Meat Market

A is for Acme Meat Market

I thought it would be fun to blog about Edmonton food stores, restaurants, and locally made goods in an alphabetical order.  Well, maybe not in order - but close enough.  If anyone out there knows a good food item/place in Edmonton or area that starts with a letter Q or X - let me know.  I'm having trouble finding something for those letters.

My first post on the ABC's of Edmonton Food is the letter A for Acme Meat Market.

Located in the Ritchie neighbourhood (9531 - 76 Avenue) is Acme, our favourite butcher shop. We go there at least once a week. They are in a small strip mall and have free parking on the street. Acme will be moving next year, right across the street from the current location, into the new Ritchie Market. I really can't wait to see the new establishment. (I'll blog about that new market later)

There is something special with going to a butcher and getting cuts that are not available at the standard grocery store. Butchers used to be an honourable trade. It's sad that everything these days have been so commercialized for high revenue return, with giving consumers only a few cents on savings and loss of quality. 

Years ago, consumers use to go to multiple places to purchase their food - the butcher, the baker and the corner produce market (you thought I'd say candle stick maker...). I think we lost touch with where our food comes from, and we're getting accustomed to the lack of service.

I asked my husband why he likes Acme - his words: "They are an old school butcher and are community based business. You can trust them with quality products they would serve their own family." I agree.

I like the place because it's open, and you can see them working on different meats.  There is nothing to hide.  If you don't see something that is not displayed - just ask. If you have the bones removed from a roast - they'll do it.  They'll even ask if we want to keep the bones for the dog (which is a bonus).  Our dog, Elvis has gotten really nice beef bones from Acme.

Acme has been around since 1921. It's great to see a business be around for so long - they must be doing something right.  The current owners are a husband and wife team - Corey and Amanda Meyer.  They've been running the place since 2008.  Corey is a second generation butcher.  Corey, Amanda and their staff are very friendly, have pride on what they do and always remember customer faces.  This is why I like local stores!

Here are more reasons why we shop at ACME MEAT MARKET:

• Fresh, locally raised products that are hormone and antibiotic free.

• They support local farmers and ranchers.

• A specialty meat market. They sell the regular: beef, pork, chicken, turkey and and other items like boar and alpaca. 

• They sell deli meats and cheeses.

• They also carry meat rubs, spices, condiments and locally made food products.  I've bought tortilla chips that are locally made here in Edmonton.

• Freezer packs.  Great for families.

• Conscience butchering.  I don't need to say more.

• Acme sells The Local Omnivore bacon.  REALLY GOOD! See the picture below.

• They make the BEST sausages! Freshly made every Friday and Saturday. Their breakfast sausage called the Ultimate is the best (it has maple bacon).  They make amazing Bratwursts too.

• Dry aged steaks! When you go to a high end steak house, normally the menu lists how many days the steak was dry aged (28 days to 75 days)  The longer they dry age, the better. These steak melts in your mouth. Delish! You will have to check on their availability - since these are not a regular stock item.  (Hint: Follow Acme on Twitter)

Dry aged, 107 day old Rib Steak (yes, 107 days... amazing)

The steak after.

As you can see, their meats are really good.  Their prices are actually reasonable for the quality you get.  Local Alberta meat and cut to your specifications.  

Beef ribs before...

Acme is the place we go for our BBQ needs throughout the year.  My hubby is a big BBQ enthusiast. 

We used a blackening spice on the ribs and roast it for 8 hours (long and slow).  The meat fell of the bones and the crust was really good.  It looks burnt, but it's not - it's really tasty.  

Beef Ribs 8 hours later (yum!)

These are the ultimate sausages.  Best breakfast items since bacon...
Not greasy, well seasoned and there IS bacon inside.  A two in one side for your eggs.

And speaking of bacon, Acme sells the Local Omnivore bacon.  This is the best bacon we've ever eaten. They are tiny strips (great for sandwiches) but a nice thickness. I highly recommend you picking up this when you go to Acme (along with their rib steaks of course).  Warning - this item is does sell out quick.

A is for Acme, as well as for Awesome place to visit.

Here is the general info about ACME:


Phone: (780) 433-1812
Email: acme.meatmarket@gmail.com
Website: www.acmemeatmarket.ca
Twitter: @ACMEMeatMarket
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ACMEMeatMarket

Address: 9531 - 76 Avenue
Landmarks: Ritchie neighbourhood, Millcreek Ravine Park and the Blue Chair Restaurant.

Hours:  Tuesday to Friday 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, Saturday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm.  
Closed Sunday and Monday.

Parking:  Free street parking, some stalls out front.
Buses: Routes 81, 87, 880, and 894. Stop numbers: 2344 and 2132.