Ole Timey Meat Market in Beaufort: Custom Cuts and Whole Animal Orders

What Ole Timey Meat Market offers

Ole Timey Meat Market in Beaufort specializes in custom butchering and whole animal sales, working directly with local farms and regional suppliers. You can walk in for individual cuts—steaks, ground beef, pork chops, chicken—or place orders for whole animals or half-animals if you're buying in bulk for a family, restaurant, or event. The shop handles the breakdown and packaging to your specifications, which means you can request specific cuts, thickness, or trim levels that supermarket meat cases don't offer.

The market also carries prepared items like sausages, bacon, and marinated cuts ready to cook. Staff can advise on cooking methods for less common cuts and will often hold special orders if you call ahead. This is a working butcher shop, not a self-service case, so expect to talk directly with the person behind the counter about what you need.

Key Takeaways

• Ole Timey Meat Market cuts meat to order, so you can specify thickness, trim, and portion size rather than buying what's pre-packaged.
• The shop sources from local farms and regional suppliers, giving you options beyond commodity beef and pork.
• Whole and half-animal purchases are available for customers buying in volume or stocking a freezer.
• Calling ahead with special requests or large orders ensures the cut you want is ready when you arrive.
• The staff can recommend cooking methods and cuts suited to specific dishes or dietary preferences.

How to order custom cuts

Walk in during business hours and describe what you're cooking and how many people you're feeding. The butcher will recommend a cut, thickness, and weight. If you want something specific—a two-inch ribeye, ground chuck at 85/15, or pork shoulder butterflied for a roulade—tell them. They'll cut it while you wait or prepare it for pickup the same day if the order is large.

For whole animals or half-animals, call ahead. You'll discuss the animal type (beef, pork, lamb, chicken), approximate weight, and how you want it broken down—whether you want everything in steaks and roasts, ground meat, or a mix. The butcher will give you a price estimate and a timeline. Most whole-animal orders take a few days to a week, depending on the shop's current workload.

Sourcing and what's in stock

Ole Timey sources from local Lowcountry farms when possible and fills gaps with regional suppliers from the Carolinas and Southeast. This means the beef, pork, and poultry rotate with the season and farm availability. During certain times of year, grass-fed beef or heritage pork breeds may be available; at other times, the selection is more conventional. The shop can tell you the origin of an animal if you ask.

Regular stock includes beef (chuck, rib, loin, round), pork (shoulder, loin, belly, ribs), chicken, and sometimes lamb or specialty meats. Prepared items like house-made sausages, bacon, and marinated cuts are usually on hand. If something isn't in stock, the butcher can often source it within a few days if you place an order.

Pricing and payment

Prices vary by cut and sourcing. Custom cuts are typically priced per pound at the counter. Whole-animal orders are quoted as a total based on the animal's weight and your breakdown preferences. Bulk purchases usually offer better per-pound pricing than individual cuts. The shop accepts cash and card.

Ask about pricing before ordering if you're buying a large quantity or an unfamiliar cut. The butcher can explain why a premium cut costs more or suggest a less expensive alternative that will work for your recipe.

Location and hours

Ole Timey Meat Market is located in Beaufort. Hours and exact address are best confirmed by calling ahead, as butcher shops sometimes adjust hours seasonally or for special events. The shop is typically closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Calling before your first visit also gives you a chance to ask whether they have a particular cut or animal type in stock, or to reserve items for a specific day when you plan to pick up.

When to call ahead

Call if you're ordering a whole or half animal, need a large quantity of a specific cut, want to confirm a specialty item is in stock, or are planning a big meal and want the butcher to reserve cuts for you. For everyday single purchases—a pound of ground beef, a couple of steaks—you can usually walk in and order on the spot.

Calling also lets you ask questions about cooking methods or get recommendations for cuts suited to a dish you're planning. The butcher's knowledge is part of what you're paying for, and most are happy to spend time on the phone discussing your needs before you visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get meat ground to a specific fat ratio?

Yes. Tell the butcher what ratio you want—85/15, 80/20, 90/10—and they'll grind it fresh. This is one of the main advantages of a custom butcher over a supermarket case, where you're limited to whatever they've pre-ground that day.

Do you sell meat for dog food or pet diets?

Many butchers do sell trim, organs, and cuts suitable for raw pet diets. Call Ole Timey to ask what they have available and whether they can set aside bones or organ meat for you regularly.

What's the best way to store a whole-animal order?

The butcher will wrap and label everything. Most people freeze what they won't use within a few days. Ask the shop for storage and freezing tips when you pick up your order—they can advise on how long different cuts keep frozen and the best way to thaw them.

Can I return meat if I'm not satisfied?

Return policies vary by shop. Ask when you purchase. Most butchers will replace meat that's genuinely defective or not cut to your specifications, especially if you call within a day or two of purchase.

Do you offer bulk discounts for restaurants or catering?

Many butcher shops work with restaurants and caterers on standing orders and pricing. Call to discuss your needs and see what arrangements they can make.