Reagan's Meat Market in Northfield

Based on Ronnie Surburban's recommendation on E-Gullet, I went to this small store this weekend. This is a new branch of a market apparently in Glenview. It's located on the south side of Willow Road, just east of the Edens. There was another small store there that closed and it recently reopened.

The whole focus is the meat section. I purchased some marinated skirt steaks for about $9 a pound, and they were absolutely delicious. I noticed for future visits that they make their own Italian sausage, bratwurst and both beef and turkey jerkies. They have the small but basic selection of most meats, but I can't report on any of those. The prices seemed reasonable for the area; about the same as you'd pay in Sunset Foods.

I'm not sure how much surburban readership there is on this Board, but for those in the area, I recommend trying and supporting this new meat store.

Jonah

Reagan Meats
1855 Waukegan Road
Glenview, IL 60025
847-724-0243

Reagan Meats
1652 Willow Road
Northfield, IL
847/446-2270

There were two meat markets in Highland Park, one which closed recently. The other is for the Kosher market, so it is nice to know of other sources.

Cathy, are you referring to Harper's Prime Meats in Highland Park as the spot that closed? If so, that would be a shame.

Lately I've been going to the Reagan #1 location (which Cathy listed) on Waukegan Road. The selection is a little better there because it's the HQ (larger shop) and the primal cuts start out at that location. But it's all the same stock at both locations.

Last weekend, I wanted a rib roast. Unfortunately, the Northfield location had just cut their last one down to "cowboy" steaks. So, we cruised over the the Glenview location and purchased a spectacular, truly Prime, rib roast. I ended up doing it in my smoker over hickory and the results were really great.

Edit to add: Jonah, I'm glad you enjoyed it.

=R=

Ron,

You are correct. It is Harper Meats which bit the dust a few months ago.

Regards,

Reagan's is our destination of choice when we are looking for marinated brisket for oven roasting. It's in the freezer in back and goes by Mrs. Kaufman's (or something like that) brisket. It comes in varying sizes and is ready to go in aluminum pans so all you have to do is pop it in the oven, though be prepared for 6-7 hour cook times. By the time it gets done, the marinade/jus is pretty incredibly tasty. We usually add baby carrots and baby red or yukon potatos to it the last hour. At any rate, it's a top notch hearty winter dinner for family or even for company.

I hate to be the one to rain on this parade,but, I tried the Reagan's on Waukegan several times and I was not impressed. Skirt steaks and ribeyes barely had any marbling---making me question whether or not this was even Choice meat, let alone Prime. I took the clerk's word for it and bought it anyway----Bad mistake. End result was that both varieties were somewhat tough and dry.

The meat market that I am patronizing these days is Dorfler's in Buffalo Grove. Ribeyes are terrific / Skirt steaks are outstanding ( They will skin and trim them to your specs while you wait---I always request that they leave a good bit of fat on them for flavor and I have enjoyed every one of them.)

Dorflers Meat Market Inc
1159 North Arlington Heights Road
Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
847-459-3060

I've been to the Northfield location a few times. I've purchased flank steak, which I thought was fine, not spectacular, but I am not an expert on flank steak. I've also purchased their sweet Italian sausage, which I thought was by far the best quality meat I've had in an Italian sausage, but was missing something in the spicing and was a bit bland. The butcher there told me when I was inquiring about some veal that the Glenview store had a wider selection of products, but I haven't been there to check it out.

rickster wrote:I've been to the Northfield location a few times. I've purchased flank steak, which I thought was fine, not spectacular, but I am not an expert on flank steak. I've also purchased their sweet Italian sausage, which I thought was by far the best quality meat I've had in an Italian sausage, but was missing something in the spicing and was a bit bland. The butcher there told me when I was inquiring about some veal that the Glenview store had a wider selection of products, but I haven't been there to check it out.

The first-cut, prime veal chops at Reagan's are phenomenal but very pricey at almost $17/#. As for their Italian sausage, I agree with your assessment, Rickster -- good quality but missing something.

=R=

When Harper's closed we started going to Poeta's and have been very happy. They dry age their beef and while I do not think it is prime it is well marbled and a good deal to boot. They are very, very friendly there and sell homemade pastas as a nice bonus. It always feels good to support the small family owned business as well. Check it out, but please leave the super thick steaks for me!

BTW, just ordered a packer cut brisket for some slow and low smoking next week. My first attempt at the packer cut, so I am excited and optimistic.

Poeta's Food MKT 520 Green Bay Road Highwood, IL
60040 847-432-3037

oh yeah, they also make their own sausage. I really enjoyed the hot italian from there I grilled this weekend.

I'm very seriously considering renting the 3BR apt above the Willow Rd Reagans.

Pros include, price is amazing, 3BR, CAC, back deck with gas grill already in place, gourmet butcher shop downstairs.

Cons include, long commute for kids (but they get to go to Nationally ranked school) and I'm right upstairs from gourmet butcher shop so all cost savings in rent will be gone down my gullet:)

cito wrote:The meat market that I am patronizing these days is Dorfler's in Buffalo Grove. Ribeyes are terrific / Skirt steaks are outstanding ( They will skin and trim them to your specs while you wait---I always request that they leave a good bit of fat on them for flavor and I have enjoyed every one of them.)

I just made it into Dorfler's for the first time today -- and what a treat. Beautiful, aged, prime meat, fresh fish daily, fresh poultry (including lots of it already in marinade), Boar's Head deli products, Nueske bacon in slabs, lots of delightful salads, sandwich bar, and a tremendously helpful, friendly staff. Being a bit farther west and north than some of the recommended places, I was delighted to discover that this spot was as wonderful as reported -- and better.

If you live out this way, you definitely want to check Dorfler's out. And prices aren't bad, for what you're getting -- $14.99/lb for prime, aged rib-eye just doesn't strike me as being all that unreasonable. And the marbling is lovely. (And if you want the prime for yourself and choice for the kids' sloppy joes, they have the lower grades available, too).

Great place.

The Willow Rd. Reagans' Meats is closing; their last day is June 9th. Grocery stuff is on sale, meats are full price.

Anyone looking for a storefront in a good location PM me!