Ole Timey Meats in Columbia — What to Expect and How to Order

What Ole Timey Meats offers

Ole Timey Meats is a butcher shop in Columbia that specializes in custom cuts and whole animals. The shop focuses on sourcing quality meat and working directly with customers on what they want — whether that's a specific cut, a bulk order, or advice on how to cook what you're buying. You can walk in to browse and ask questions, or call ahead to place an order for pickup.

The shop carries beef, pork, chicken, and often lamb or specialty proteins depending on what's in stock. Unlike a supermarket meat counter, Ole Timey Meats can break down a whole animal to your specifications, grind custom blends, or hold meat for you if you need it on a particular date. Many customers use the shop for holiday meals, restaurant supply, or regular weekly purchases.

Key Takeaways

• Ole Timey Meats cuts meat to order rather than selling only pre-packaged options, so you can request the exact thickness, size, or style you need.
• Calling ahead with your order gives the butchers time to prepare and often ensures better availability, especially for larger cuts or whole animals.
• The shop can advise on cooking methods and meat selection, which is useful if you're trying a cut or recipe for the first time.
• Prices and inventory vary by what's available that week, so visiting or calling helps you understand current options and costs.

How to place an order

Call the shop directly to describe what you need. Tell the butchers the type of meat, the cut, how much, and when you need it. They'll let you know if they have it in stock, how long it will take to prepare, and the price. For common items like ground beef or chicken breasts, you may be able to pick up the same day. For larger orders, whole animals, or specialty cuts, a few days' notice is typical.

You can also visit in person to see what's available and talk through options with the staff. This works well if you're not sure exactly what you want or if you'd like to see the quality and size of cuts before deciding. Many customers combine a phone order with a visit to pick up and browse at the same time.

What to bring and know before you go

Bring cash or a card — check ahead if you have a payment preference, as some butcher shops have different policies. If you're ordering a large quantity or whole animal, ask about deposit or payment terms when you call. Bring a cooler or insulated bag if you're buying a significant amount, especially in warm weather, since meat should stay cold on the drive home.

Know roughly what you're cooking and how many people you're feeding. The butchers can help you figure out portion sizes and suggest cuts that work for your meal. If you're new to a particular cut, ask how to cook it — butchers often have strong opinions and practical advice on temperature, timing, and technique.

Custom cuts and bulk orders

If you need meat cut a specific way — thicker steaks, thin-sliced for stir-fry, boneless versus bone-in, or a particular weight — Ole Timey Meats can do that. This is one of the main reasons people choose a butcher shop over a grocery store. Describe what you're making and how you plan to cook it, and the butchers will cut accordingly.

For bulk orders — buying a quarter or half animal, stocking up for a large event, or supplying a restaurant or catering business — call well in advance. These orders often need a few days to a week to prepare, and the shop may need a deposit. Bulk pricing is usually better than buying individual cuts, and the butchers can walk you through what you're getting and how to store it.

Storage and handling at home

Meat from a butcher shop is often fresher than supermarket meat because it's cut closer to the time you buy it. Store it in the coldest part of your refrigerator and use it within a few days, or freeze it for later. If you're freezing, wrap it tightly in butcher paper or plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. Label it with the cut and date so you know what you have.

If you buy a large quantity, you may want to freeze portions individually so you can thaw only what you need. Ask the butchers for advice on how long different cuts keep frozen — ground meat typically lasts three to four months, while steaks and roasts can last longer.

Why choose a butcher shop over a supermarket

A butcher shop gives you control over the cut, size, and quality in ways a supermarket counter often cannot. You're buying from someone who knows the meat, knows the animals it came from, and can talk you through cooking it. Prices may be higher per pound than a chain grocery store, but you're paying for freshness, customization, and expertise.

Many people also prefer supporting a local business over a large chain. If you cook regularly or buy meat in bulk, a relationship with a butcher shop can save you money over time and improve the quality of what you cook. It's worth visiting once to see whether the shop, the prices, and the service match what you're looking for.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order meat online or do I have to call?

Most butcher shops, including Ole Timey Meats, take orders by phone. Call to describe what you need, confirm availability and price, and arrange a pickup time. Some shops may have online ordering or email options — ask when you call.

What if I don't know what cut to buy for a recipe?

Tell the butchers what you're cooking and how many people you're serving. They can recommend a cut that works, tell you how much to buy, and explain how to prepare it. This is one of the main reasons people visit a butcher shop instead of guessing at the supermarket.

Do you sell meat by the pound or by the piece?

Most butcher shops sell both ways. You can buy individual steaks or chops, or you can buy by weight — a two-pound roast, for example. Call to ask about pricing and what's available that day.

How far in advance do I need to order a whole animal or half animal?

This varies depending on the shop's schedule and current demand. Call to ask — typically a week or two is standard, but during holidays or busy seasons you may need more time. The butchers will tell you what they can do and when they can have it ready.

What's the difference between a butcher shop and a grocery store meat counter?

A butcher shop cuts meat fresh to order and can customize cuts to your needs. A grocery store counter usually sells pre-packaged meat and may have limited options for custom work. Butcher shops also tend to have more variety and can source specialty items or whole animals.