The World’s 100 Best Butchers · 2026

The Best Butchers in North America

39 of the 100 butcher shops in The World’s 100 Best Butchers 2026 are in North America, in 2 countries. The highest placed is Thielen Meats of Pierz in Pierz, United States, at number 5 in the world. Harts Meat Market in Brooksville, United States (number 7) and Smitty's Meat Market in Tomball, United States (number 10) follow.

Minnesota meat markets

Thielen Meats of Pierz, Minnesota, sells bacon, sausages, beef sticks and jerky alongside fresh cuts and smoked fish, and it processes deer and other game. Schmidt's Meat Market in Nicollet, Minnesota, has a counter of fresh cuts, smoked meats and summer sausage. Shoppers drive in from the Twin Cities and farther for its beef sticks and sausage. Cathy Mackenthun's Meats in St. Bonifacius, Minnesota, makes breakfast burritos, sandwiches and pot pies in-house, and its deli serves a daily lunch special.

Cajun boudin and cracklins

Bergeron's Boudin & Cajun Meats in Shreveport, Louisiana, sells boudin, cracklins, gumbo and smoked meats. Its stuffed chicken, steak skewers and boudin are sold hot and frozen. Kartchner's Specialty Meats in Scott, Louisiana, sits off I-10. Boudin balls and links, cracklins and frozen meats sell alongside hot plate lunches at the counter.

Polish and Slovenian sausage

Raddell's Sausage Shop in Cleveland's Collinwood area is known for Slovenian sausage and smokies, and its counter makes sandwiches to order. One family has run the shop for generations. Kowalonek's Kielbasy Shop in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, is a Polish deli that sells smoked and fresh kielbasa and pierogies. Customers drive in from out of state.