In LA, few things remind us of the old days. A city that loves to change restaurants and clubs faster than you can blink your eyes or go back for a second drink, and considers a fifty year old building ready for tear down rarely looks on history with a favorable eye.  But we think even the land of the Prius and plastic surgery should have the types of businesses that made this country great. So when a friend of ours asked us if there were any real, old-school style butchers left in the city, we knew we there had to be at least one.

Harvey’s Guss Butcher Shop

This one is for the pro or close to it. This place is full of history, great meats and a sometimes-business, sometimes-friendly guy named Harvey. Harvey’s has long been one of LA chef’s best kept secrets and the reason is obvious. The meat is AMAZING, dry aged, and reasonably priced for the quality you’re getting. Be forewarned though, this place is meant for chefs. That means no fancy store, no holding of hands and 24 to 36 hour advanced order. Know what you want before you call, and be prepared to pay cash. But if you’ve eaten a steak at almost any of the best local steakhouses, you’ve found out what all the fuss is about. The real deal.

Marconda’s

Another one of the pro’s favorites is tucked into LA’s famous Farmer’s Market. This place has amazing ribeyes, tri-tip, lamb and made-on-site sausages. Some may say the guys behind the counter are a little cold, but we’re at the butcher’s people! Embrace the old school vibe and if they give you a little attitude, give em’ some back, but with a smile. Also, their homemade meat loaf will convert even the most fervent opposition.

Huntington Meats

Just a short walk from Marconda’s in the Farmer’s Market, this place may just take the cake as our favorite. Dan and Jim behind the counter are great, both willing to take some time to answer questions and when applicable, give out some samples. If you want a little hand-holding and a bit of an education, this is the place to go. We were glad to hear these guys love Harris Ranch cuts, a trusted name for great sustainable hormone-free prime meat. In addition, Huntington has great pork, ham, lamb and even suckling pig. Another major plus of this place are the great sausages made in dizzying variety (think Apple Cinnamon Chicken and Pepper and Onion) and some great jerky. If all this isn’t enough, their own line of sauces and chutneys are ridiculous, especially the Chipotle Lime BBQ and the Mango Chutney.

The Farms

If you’re on or near the Westside, this is a great place to go. The people are friendly, the hours are good and after 35 years in the same place, you know you can trust them. Unlike Harvey’s, feel free to walk in anytime from 8 a.m to 8 p.m during the week or until seven on the weekend, and cut it up (pun intended) with the guys behind the counter before placing your order. Near the holidays, give ‘em a few days notice. This place also has fresh organic produce and some great wines.

Above we have given you the closest to a real butcher we have here in Hollywood (Harvey’s is 100% legit). We know we’ve left a few great mom and pop markets like Bel Air Prime Meats off the list and a ton of great carnicerias in deeper LA but for convenience, you not getting shot, and avoiding huge mark ups, we think the list above will do. If you happen to live in a place that has nothing even close to these, Whole Foods has a great butcher department at almost every store with dry-aging available at most. The above endorsed establishments are everything that is great about food. Personal relationships, getting an education, and supporting the best and most ethical farmers should be on the top of your list when you’re feeding yourself. Spend some time at a few of these places and we know you gain some knowledge, some confidence, and what the hell, maybe even a few pounds.