When you walk into Drewes Brothers Meats and see the post office boxes across from the meat counter, you'll think you're walking into a butcher shop from days gone by.
Not exactly. Though the store may be the oldest operating butcher shop in California (since 1889) it's a thoroughly modern establishment well in tune with the food needs of San Franciscans. The brothers Drewe are really Josh and Isaac Epple, who worked in the shop as teens and took over the store from the previous owners when it closed in 1989.
Drewes sells hormone and antibiotic-free Niman Ranch meats, Willie Bird turkey, high quality cold cuts, locally caught seafood and one-pound bags of ground lamb and beef for dog food.
Arrange to get your knives sharpened or purchase a refurbished knife. While you're waiting, listen to the Giants and read the hilarious meat-centric cartoons taped to the counter.
Drewes is convenient. You can pick up some cheese to go along with your antibiotic-free ground beef, grab the buns and a couple of potatoes. On your way out, add a half-gallon of milk, a dozen cage-free eggs and nitrite-free bacon for the morning. Don't forget to pre-order your holiday turkey.
• Drewes Brothers Meats
I have a real problem with Drewe's. It's adorable and quaint, and the sustainable meat is fine (even though it's precisely the same stuff you'll get at Whole Paycheck).
But, to me, being "butcher" implies more than just being the proprietor of a shop selling meat. Example: We went here a few months back in search of a specific cut of meat for a recipe -- top round... not exactly exotic, eh? The guy behind the counter gave us a sneer and said "we don't really, uh, sell top round."
Frankly, you forfeit the right to call yourself a butcher if you buy your meat in shrinkwrapped plastic chunks.
A nitpick: how exactly do post boxes remind one of old school butcher shops? Now, a calf's head in a case, the sausage grinder, a big knife--that says "old school meat-cutting practiced on site." Post boxes say "we get written up in the press and people say we are good." Which as Anita points out, are two different things.
Somebody woke up on the wrong side of the barbeque.
Drewes may not be perfect but they do provide a delightful experience and another opportunity to purchase fully traceable product. We are lucky to have so many places to get meat that won't turn us into incubators of mad cow disease.
Drewes is fantastic. They carry a good selection of meats & fish, will provide a recipe to go with upon request, and will give your dog a meaty treat while you are ordering. Everyone who has helped me there has been friendly, patient and funny. They also carry a selection of basics to go with your meat or fish--lemons, garlic, onions, ginger and potatoes. And lately they have had out free pastry samples.