I'm not sure there's a right -- or better -- answer here. I send a few gifts a year out from Allen Brothers (for work) because I think their quality is very good and until recently, they were locally owned. I've ordered for myself from Lobels and thought the steaks were very good but not extraordinary, stand-out or memorable. Clearly, both are better choices than Omaha Steaks or something on that level.
Have you talked to a local butcher you like about this? I know my butcher Zier's in Wilmette can handle this type of business and they have terrific steaks that are actually dry-aged in house. I sent some steaks to a discerning friend a couple years ago and he still talks about how great they were. Maybe Butcher & Larder or Joseph's could do this as well.
=R=
Zier's Prime Meats (thread)
813 Ridge Rd
Wilmette, IL 60091-2445
(847) 251-4000
The Butcher & Larder (thread)
1026 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60642
(773) 687-8280
Joseph's Finest Meats (thread)
7101 W Addison St
Chicago, IL 60634-3623
(773) 736-3766
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