Meat source poll

[FLBentRider]

2 votes per person - 1 beef, 1 pork (if different)

[La Quinta]

I do all three so I can't vote.  It depends on which have the best sale on the best quality of meat.  I typically try to stay with choice.  Costco will ususally be cheaper on choice but don't carry whole packer briskets or pork belly.  Those I have to get from butcher shops or grocery stores.

[Smoking Duck]

I go where the meat is.  For pulled pork, always Sams.  You don't need the best meat there, so why pay more for it?  For brisket, I like going to a butcher.  For ribs, usually the supermarket will do.

I'm an equal opportunity smoker, I guess.

[Wildcat]

Did not vote since I too do all three.

[pensrock]

We do not have a Sam's or Costco near us and I never heard of a BJ's. So for smoking I always buy from a local butcher. If grilling or using the stove/oven I use from the grocery or butcher shop depends on the pricing.
pens

[West Coast Sausage Maker]

Support your local butcher  ;D.  as for a BJ,  Im all for it. 

[La Quinta]

Dear God...

[Smoking Duck]

Hey, I didn't say it................. ??? ;D

[La Quinta]

I know...but you would have if TBS didn't do it first!!! :)

[Scotty-G]

Grandpa was a butcher  :)  Got his favorite knife from back in the day.

Wish I could find a reputable butcher in my area but unlucky so far

[iceman]

There is a small butcher shop at one of the markets up here in Wasilla that treats me very good. I'm also lucky that a friend of mine runs the meat department at Costco in Anchorage. Both places give me a heads up when good prices and cuts are coming up.

[bullhead]

 I buy from local farm and butcher my self, that way I know how the meat was handled.

[Consiglieri]

Out where I am, Costco has phenomenal beef-- I think beef is graded choice or better.  I have not had a bad cut.  Come to think of it, their pork (butt, loin, and ribs) is pretty good too. 

I've had good luck working with the butchers at the grocery store too.  If he doesn't have it, he'll get it.  If there's something I want done a particular way, he'll do it.   We're pretty lucky out here: for the most part service has not gone out of style. 

[Smoking Duck]

We're pretty lucky out here: for the most part service has not gone out of style. 

Wow.......from where I live, it sounds like you live in Neverland.  Wish I could find a local store where service is king.   :(  You're pretty lucky.  In fact, I went with my brother in law to Sams to buy some more pork to smoke.  He wanted me to do one more pulled pork for him.  He didn't want that much....about a 6.5 pounder.  One time I went there and they split a cryovac case for me.  This time I go there and the chucklehead says we can't do it and the guy that did it for me last time should have gotten in trouble for doing so.  I promptly thanked him for all his help ::) and made a mental note of finding a different place to buy it next time.  I may be getting crankier in my old age but I get tired of the take it or leave it attitude these days.

[Consiglieri]

Signor Duck:  See if you can find a mom and pop grocer.  Those guys live or die by service because the larger grocers can out price them.  Might be a little more expensive, but those relationships are worth every penny, particularly if you need something on the fly.  In North Beach, San Francisco, they still have some old school mom and pop offerings: a butcher shop, a green grocer, several specialty bakeries.  Those were great merchants to get to know because they've been there for years and liked to know someone appreciated what they did.  I'm out in California's central valley now, and my town still has the small town mentality, although it has grown to close to 70k population.  People have been here for generations; the old salts are still referred to as So and So's kid. 

Never asked Costco to split items cuz I figure the volume is how they can offer the price.  I'll vacuum seal unused, or more likely, smoke it all and have a party.