The Missouri Butcher Shop Where The Meat Is So Good Supermarket Cuts Barely Compare
A rolling meat truck started this story back in 1945. Today it has grown into a full butcher shop in Missouri with a loyal following.
A government inspector checks in every single day. How many grocery stores can promise that kind of attention?
The shop still makes landjaeger, a dried and smoked sausage, from the original recipes. Thousands of pounds of fresh sausage come out of the kitchen each week.
Then there is the deli counter, where fried chicken and stacked sandwiches tempt everyone in line. Who walks out with only one thing?
Union butchers will cut, trim, and season to order. They also handle catering, from wedding buffets to whole hog roasts.
So what makes this Missouri counter worth the drive? Grab a cooler and find out.
A Butcher Shop Story That Started On Wheels
Kenrick’s Meats & Catering began in 1945 with a man named Herb Kenrick. He ran a rolling meat market and delivered fresh meat around south St. Louis.
That’s a pretty humble start for what is now a huge Missouri landmark. Not many butcher shops can say they began on wheels.
The story picked up in 1975. Joe Weinmann, known as Joe the Butcher, bought the business when it was a small shop on Gravois Road in Affton.
It focused on sides and quarters of beef back then.
In 1980, the shop moved to Weber Road after Joe’s brother John joined in. Catering started in 1985 after a request to cater an employee’s wedding.
A wholesale division followed in 1992 and now serves over 100 local restaurants.
The current, larger building opened in 2004. So the place you visit today carries more than eighty years of butcher knowledge.
That history matters at the counter. The recipes and habits you taste were shaped by a long line of people who cared about meat.
Not bad for a business that started with a delivery route.
The Biggest Butcher Counter In St. Louis
Kenrick’s calls itself St. Louis’ Largest Butcher Shop. Once you see the meat case, the claim feels easy to believe.
The counter offers beef, pork, and chicken in plenty of cuts. Fresh cuts are available in any size, and the butchers can season them for you.
Some visitors even stumble onto odd finds. Pork brains and tuna steaks are on the list, along with the everyday favorites.
Ribeyes are a popular pick, and pork steaks and brats come up often too. Those are classic St. Louis cookout staples, so they fit right in.
The shop also sells steak samplers and family packs. Those packages make it simple to stock the freezer without guessing at amounts.
Here’s a handy tip. Tell the butcher how you plan to cook, then ask what fits.
A grill night and a slow roast call for different cuts, and a good butcher knows the difference.
The staff includes friendly Union butchers. They’re happy to help you choose, so ask away.
Why A USDA Inspector Makes You Feel Better
Food safety isn’t flashy, but it’s worth knowing about. Kenrick’s maintains USDA status, and a government inspector is on site daily.
That daily check adds a layer of trust. You can shop knowing someone is watching the quality of what goes into the case.
It also shows how seriously the shop treats its work. A big operation in Missouri needs strong habits, and this one has them built in.
The butchers are part of that story too. They work behind the counter every day and know their cuts well.
That know-how helps at the counter. If you’re unsure how thick to cut a steak, they can guide you.
A quick question can save a dinner. Ask about thickness, trimming, and seasoning before you leave the counter.
Fresh meat is the star here, and careful handling protects it. That’s why a trip to a real butcher can beat a grab from a cooler shelf.
Sausage Lovers Get To Meet Landjaeger
Landjaeger is a dried, cured, smoked sausage. Kenrick’s makes its own using Herb Kenrick’s traditional recipes.
That’s a neat link to the shop’s 1945 roots. A recipe that old is a tasty piece of history.
The shop reportedly makes around 5,000 pounds of sausage each week. That’s a lot of brats and links.
Bratwurst and hot dogs are made in house, and boudin is on the menu too. Ozark Grillers also come up as a popular topic.
Sausage is easy to cook. Brats go on the grill, and landjaeger works as a snack with cheese and bread.
For a cookout, grab a few kinds and let everyone pick. Variety keeps the table lively.
If you’re new to landjaeger, start small. One link will tell you whether it becomes a habit.
Lunch Counter Tempting You Before Dinner Plans
Good luck leaving without a sandwich. Kenrick’s has a deli and lunch counter, with fresh fried chicken and a range of deli sandwiches.
Sandwiches are the most talked-about topic here. The Kenrick’s Special and meatball sub both get mentions from happy customers.
Corned beef and turkey also show up in the chatter. Turkey is a holiday star as well, with whole cooked, deep-fried, and smoked options.
The K Cafe opens at 10 am daily. It offers prepared meals, and delivery is available through Uber Eats.
Prepared foods include homemade potato chips, meatloaf, and seasoned baked potatoes. Beef spedini, chicken spedini, pasta con broccoli, and mostaccioli round things out.
Seating is limited indoors. Some visitors mention a couple of tables inside and outdoor seating in nice weather.
So plan to eat your lunch outside on a sunny day. Then pick up dinner on your way out.
Rubs, Sauces, And A Cart Full Of Extras
The meat counter is only part of the story. The shop also sells proprietary spice rubs and barbecue sauces.
Those make a fast shortcut to flavor. Pair a rub with a pork steak and you’ve got a St. Louis cookout.
Fresh produce is on hand too. Asparagus, salads, and veggies help round out a meal.
Buns, chips, condiments, and sides line up with a cookout plan. That means one stop can handle the whole menu.
The store also carries cooking supplies. Frozen meats, seafood, and heat-and-eat meals add more choices.
Some products come from other local companies. That gives the shelves a hometown feel.
Make a list before you go. With so much to see, it’s easy to wander off plan.
Holiday Turkeys And Party-Ready Packages
Holiday cooking gets easier when the butcher helps. Kenrick’s offers whole cooked, deep-fried, and smoked turkeys.
That saves oven space and stress. Some families also pick up ham for Christmas dinner.
Meat packages are another handy option. Steak samplers and family packs help you plan ahead.
Shoppers have called the package pricing fair. A package can also help with a big weekend cookout.
Planning matters on busy days. July 3rd was busy, yet one shopper noted the staff kept things moving.
The holidays are the time to call ahead.
Ask about ordering so your meat is ready when you are.
A little planning goes a long way. Your dinner table will thank you.
Catering That Covers Weddings To Whole Hogs
Kenrick’s Meats & Catering started catering in 1985. The first job was an employee’s wedding.
Today the menu covers corporate events, private gatherings, wedding receptions, and holiday parties. Buffet, BBQ, party foods, and whole hog roasts are all options.
Breakfast, brunch, and boxed meals are also available. Themed menus include Mexican Fiesta, Taste of Italy, Bayou Joe, International Sausages, and Southern Fried Chicken.
The service includes delivery, setup, and cleanup. Party rentals are offered too.
That’s a nice thing for hosts. You can spend your time with guests instead of cleaning up.
The shop also offers fundraisers for local organizations. Community groups can ask about it.
Planning a party? Start with a theme you like and build from there.
Hours And The Weber Road Address To Save
You’ll find the shop at 4324 Weber Rd, St. Louis, MO 63123. It sits in south St. Louis, and one visitor even took a city bus to get there.
Hours run Monday through Friday from 9 am to 6 pm. Saturday is 8 am to 5 pm, and Sunday is 9 am to 4 pm.
The K Cafe opens at 10 am daily. Plan lunch after that.
Busy days can mean a line at the meat counter. One shopper described a crowd on July 3rd but said the staff kept things moving.
The store is large and spacious. Wide aisles make it easy to browse.
Prices lean toward quality over bargain hunting. That fits a shop focused on good meat.
Google lists a 4.7-star rating. For a Missouri butcher stop, that’s a strong score.