Whole Packers in Chicago NW suburbs

[BadInfBob]

Any suggestions on where to find whole packers in the northwest or west Chicago burbs? Our local Sam's and Costco's only have flats. The local butcher near me doesn't stock them, and when I order from him I'm stuck with whatever he gets. I'm willing to take a reasonable drive and I'm trying to avoid on line orders and the associated shipping costs.

 

[Ron_L]

Restaurant Depot in Lombard is the most consistent. You can get a day pass with a KCBS membership.

Imboden's in Dekalb can order them. I'm sure that Ream's in Elburn can, too but I haven't checked.

 

[BadInfBob]

Thanks

Thanks Ron. I've been using Ream's for the past 2 years. Nice guys, but very limited selection of whole briskets thus far. I'll give Restaurant Depot a try. I need to go there anyway for some other stuff.

 

[cmohr74]

As a competitor searching high and low for packers...best selection...Restaurant Depot. Not the most consistent, but you do get selection vs. ordering from someone where you are stuck with what you order.

 

[SCSmoke]

There is http://www.rwhittinghammeats.com/ in Alsip. I would call first, but they usually have at least a dozen, also have primes most times. Then there is http://www.ellengeemarket.com/ on the northwest side. They don't have a display area but the guy will bring down a case or 2 for you to look through. But like they said above restaurant depot is still probably the best source as far as amount to pick through.

 

[BadInfBob]

Thanks

Thx Andrew. I met u in Rockford at Smoke Hunters on Fri night. Congrats on ur cook.

 

[billm]

There is http://www.rwhittinghammeats.com/ in Alsip. I would call first, but they usually have at least a dozen, also have primes most times. Then there is http://www.ellengeemarket.com/ on the northwest side. They don't have a display area but the guy will bring down a case or 2 for you to look through. But like they said above restaurant depot is still probably the best source as far as amount to pick through.

I get my whole chickens through ellengee. Always happy with their product