Wanted in a hurry: Local Jerky (beef or otherwise)

My brother will be in town from Savannah this weekend and needs some jerky to sneak back to his adopted vegetarian household. Where is the good stuff in Chicago these days? Especially with local resonance, and something I can pick up personally anywhere in the city or west 'burbs on Thursday / Friday morning? Beef is the default, other animals are also welcome. This post will self-merge with the general beef jerky thread in 72 hours.

Many thanks!

You might want to give some of the better butcher shops a call. I'd start with Pulina Meats, Joseph's and Zier's and go from there. Possibly PQM or Butcher & Larder, too. I have no idea if any of them make jerky, but it's a place to start.

Edited to add places like Cabella's, Bass Pro Shop, etc. might be good places to look, too.

Yes, give a buzz to the massive sporting goods stores. Best jerky I've ever had was from a Gander Mountain (huge sports store) in Marquette, Michigan. They had at least 15 different local made jerky options. The stuff that I absolutely loved was more like stewy meat chunks than dried out leather.

Would wild venison summer sausage be of any interest to you?

The best jerky I've tried in the area is from Ream's Elburn Market, if you're willing to make the drive.

I agree, Reams make great jerky but so does The Wurst Kitchen in Aurora.

http://www.wurstkitchen.com/

This place might be a little out of the way but the jerky is awesome - make sure to call ahead to see what's available.

http://www.metropolisjerky.com/

JasonM wrote:This place might be a little out of the way but the jerky is awesome - make sure to call ahead to see what's available.

http://www.metropolisjerky.com/

14652 S. Avers Ave.
Midlothian, IL 60445
info@metropolisjerky.com
1-708-913-JERK
1-708-913-5375

Thanks to all for the recs. I'm currently hot on the trail of Wild Ophelia Beef Jerky chocolate bars:

http://www.wildophelia.com/index.html

and Gunslinger Beef Jerky:

http://www.gunslingerbeefjerky.com/

Ream's is a must-hit soon for the jerky (I've only had the fine, fine sausages and an occasional beef stick).

I actually am a big fan of Trader Joe's Turkey Jerky. It is not too tough, good smoked flavor, and not too expensive. Plus it is even a little better for you than beef varieties.

I know they also have Buffalo Jerky, but I've never had it.

Depending on how much time you have to track things down, it could be a very convenient option.

Santander wrote:Ream's is a must-hit soon for the jerky (I've only had the fine, fine sausages and an occasional beef stick).

One of my partners here at work is a huge fan of their biltong.

=R=

DClose wrote:I actually am a big fan of Trader Joe's Turkey Jerky. It is not too tough, good smoked flavor, and not too expensive. Plus it is even a little better for you than beef varieties.

I know they also have Buffalo Jerky, but I've never had it.

Depending on how much time you have to track things down, it could be a very convenient option.

I'll second that. I'm a huge fan of TJ's turkey jerky.

Don't know where you live, but Czimer's Meat Market on 159th Street just east of 355 is open until 5:00 I believe. They have it all, beef,venison,rabbit,elk. They are great. You can also drive north of the Wisconsin border and get wild game jerkys and slim jims,venison,elk,boar. etc. Good luck in your search.

Butcher & Larder has beef jerky today.

DClose wrote:I actually am a big fan of Trader Joe's Turkey Jerky. It is not too tough, good smoked flavor, and not too expensive. Plus it is even a little better for you than beef varieties.

I know they also have Buffalo Jerky, but I've never had it.

Depending on how much time you have to track things down, it could be a very convenient option.

The only jerky I've had from there is a spicy buffalo jerky which I liked.