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B & B Meat & Fish Market in Columbia — Fresh Cuts and Local Seafood

What B & B Meat & Fish Market offers

B & B Meat & Fish Market is a full-service butcher and seafood counter in Columbia where you can buy fresh meat cut to order and daily seafood deliveries. The market handles custom cuts — steaks, roasts, ground meat, and butchered poultry — rather than pre-packaged options only. You walk in, tell the butcher what you need, and they cut it while you wait.

The seafood side rotates based on what arrives fresh each day. You'll find whole fish, fillets, shrimp, and seasonal catches. Staff can clean and fillet fish on request and often know which pieces work best for specific dishes. The market also stocks prepared items like marinated meats and house-made sausages.

B & B operates as a neighborhood shop rather than a supermarket chain, which means the staff know their inventory deeply and can answer questions about sourcing, cooking methods, and substitutions if something isn't in stock that day.

Key Takeaways

  • B & B cuts meat to order rather than selling only pre-packaged portions, so you can request specific thicknesses and sizes for steaks, roasts, and other cuts.
  • Fresh seafood arrives daily and changes based on what's available, so calling ahead or visiting regularly helps you catch what you want.
  • The butchers and fishmongers can answer questions about cooking methods, storage, and which cuts work for particular recipes.
  • The market also carries house-made sausages and prepared marinated meats if you want options beyond raw cuts.

How to order custom cuts

Walk in during business hours and describe what you need to the butcher at the counter. Tell them the cut, the thickness, and how many pieces. If you want a specific weight — say, two 8-ounce steaks instead of one large one — they'll cut it that way. They'll trim fat to your preference and can butterfly, debone, or cube meat on request.

For larger orders or special requests (whole animals, bulk quantities, specific breeds or sources), call ahead. This gives the butcher time to source what you want or set aside the best pieces from incoming deliveries. Many customers call the day before to reserve cuts for weekend cooking.

Seafood selection and availability

The seafood counter stocks what arrives fresh that day, so inventory changes. You might find local shrimp, flounder, grouper, snapper, or seasonal fish like mullet or speckled trout depending on the season and what's available from suppliers. Whole fish, fillets, and cleaned portions are all available.

If you have a specific fish in mind, call to ask whether it's in stock or when it might arrive. The staff can also suggest substitutions if your first choice isn't available — for instance, recommending a similar white fish if the one you wanted sold out. They'll clean and fillet fish on the spot if you prefer not to do it at home.

Prepared items and house specialties

Beyond raw cuts, B & B makes marinated meats, seasoned ground beef, and house-made sausages. These are ready to cook or grill and save time if you want flavor without the prep work. Flavors and varieties change, so ask what's available when you visit.

The prepared section also sometimes includes items like meatballs or pre-seasoned roasts. These are useful if you're planning a quick dinner or want to try a preparation style before making it yourself.

Location and hours

B & B Meat & Fish Market is located in Columbia. Hours vary by season and day, so call or check their current schedule before visiting, especially if you're making a trip specifically for a particular item. Many butcher shops close earlier on Sundays or Mondays.

The shop is small and can get busy during peak times (late afternoon, weekends), so arriving earlier in the day or calling ahead for large orders helps you avoid a wait.

Pricing and payment

Prices vary based on the cut, quality, and current market rates for meat and seafood. Custom cuts are typically priced per pound, and the butcher can estimate the cost before cutting. Prepared items and house-made sausages are usually priced individually or by the pound.

Most butcher shops accept cash and cards. Call ahead if you're planning a large purchase and want to confirm payment methods or discuss pricing for bulk orders.

Why shop at a butcher instead of a supermarket

A dedicated butcher gives you control over cut size and thickness that supermarket pre-packages don't offer. You also get direct conversation with someone who knows the meat — how to cook it, how long to age it, which cuts work for your recipe, and whether something is worth the price that day.

Butchers often have access to specialty items, local sources, and higher-quality meat than chain grocery stores. If you cook regularly or have specific preferences about sourcing, a neighborhood butcher is usually worth the visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order meat ahead of time?

Yes. Call B & B to place an order for a specific cut, quantity, or weight. This is especially useful for large orders, special requests, or if you want to ensure a particular cut is available for a specific date. They'll hold it for you to pick up.

Do you sell whole chickens or just parts?

B & B sells both whole poultry and individual cuts. Call to ask what's available that day, or visit and the butcher can break down a whole bird into the pieces you need.

What if I don't know how to cook a particular cut?

Ask the butcher. They can recommend cooking methods, suggest marinades, tell you how long to cook it, and answer questions about storage. This is part of what you're paying for at a full-service shop.

How fresh is the seafood?

Seafood arrives daily and is sold the same day or the next. Ask when it arrived when you're at the counter. If something doesn't look or smell fresh to you, don't buy it — a good fishmonger won't push old stock.

Do you deliver or ship orders?

Most local butcher shops don't ship, but some offer local delivery for large orders. Call to ask whether B & B delivers in your area or what options exist for bulk purchases.