The Absolute Best Beef Jerky in Chicago [Updated 2023]

I've tried my fair share of jerkies over the years, and I'm excited to share my top picks with you. From spicy and smoky to sweet and savory, I've tasted them all. With 12 options on the chopping block, you can trust that I've left no stone unturned in my search for Chicago's best beef jerky. So, without further ado, let's dive into the meaty goodness and find out which jerkies reign supreme in the Windy City!

Paulina Market

Highlights
Great selection of house made sausages
Hard-to-find items like wild boar
Knowledgeable and friendly staff
Extensive product variety

First and foremost, let's talk about their beef jerky selection. From the moment I stepped in, I was blown away by the extensive product variety they had to offer. They had everything from classic flavors like original and teriyaki to unique ones like spicy ghost pepper and honey bourbon. The best part? All of their beef jerkies are made in-house, so you know you're getting a fresh and high-quality product.

Aside from their beef jerky selection, Paulina Market is also known for their great selection of house-made sausages. I couldn't resist trying some while I was there, and let me tell you - it did not disappoint! They even have hard-to-find items like wild boar sausage for the adventurous eaters out there.

What stood out to me most about Paulina Market, however, was their staff. Not only were they incredibly knowledgeable, but they were also some of the friendliest people I've ever met. They were more than happy to answer any questions I had about their products and even gave me some great recommendations.

Overall, if you're looking for high-quality beef jerky in Chicago (and let's be honest, who isn't?), then Paulina Market should definitely be on your list of places to visit. With their amazing selection of flavors and knowledgeable staff, it's not hard to see why they're one of the best butcher shops in the city!

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Publican Quality Meats

Highlights
Unique menu offerings
Expert head butcher
Great restaurant week

First off, let's talk about the unique menu offerings. I was pleasantly surprised when I saw that they had a variety of jerkies to choose from - not just your average beef jerky. They had pork jerky, turkey jerky, and even salmon jerky! As someone who loves trying new things, this was definitely a plus for me.

And let's not forget about their expert head butcher. This guy really knows his stuff when it comes to meat. He hand-selects all of the cuts used in their jerkies and you can tell that he takes pride in his work. The quality of the meat was outstanding and made for some of the best jerky I've ever tasted.

Finally, I visited during restaurant week and let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The service was impeccable and the atmosphere was top-notch.

Overall, if you're on the hunt for some delicious beef jerky in Chicago, Publican Quality Meats should definitely be on your list. With their unique menu offerings, expert head butcher, and great dining experience during restaurant week, it's no wonder they're considered one of the best in town.

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Top Butcher Market

Highlights
Cooking classes
Delicious food
Charcuterie board
Unique atmosphere
Friendly staff

Let me just start by saying, this place is a meat-lover's paradise. Upon entering, I was greeted by the friendly staff who immediately welcomed me and offered to show me around. The unique atmosphere was unlike any other butcher shop I've been to, with an open kitchen and a charcuterie board that looked almost too good to eat.

But let's get down to business - the beef jerky. I tried several flavors and each one was packed with flavor and had the perfect texture. It wasn't too tough or dry like some jerkies can be, but also not overly chewy either. It was just right.

What really impressed me about Top Butcher Market was their commitment to quality. They source their meat from local farms and use only the best ingredients in their products. They even offer cooking classes for those who want to learn how to make their own delicious meat dishes at home.

Overall, if you're looking for some of the best beef jerky in Chicago, look no further than Top Butcher Market. Their delicious food, unique atmosphere, and commitment to quality make it a must-visit spot for any meat enthusiast. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you later!

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Purely Meat Co.

Highlights
Delicious meats
Melt in your mouth
Exemplary quality
Great customer service

Firstly, I must say that the quality of beef jerky that Purely Meat Co. offers is truly exemplary. From the moment I stepped in, I could smell the delicious meats and my mouth started to water. As I tasted their beef jerky, it was like a flavor explosion in my mouth. It just melted in my mouth and every bite was pure bliss.

Apart from the flavor, what really impressed me about Purely Meat Co. was their customer service. The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable about their products. They took time to explain to me how they make their beef jerky and even gave me some samples to try before purchasing.

What sets Purely Meat Co. apart is their commitment to using only high-quality ingredients with no artificial flavors or preservatives. You can really taste the difference in every bite.

Overall, if you are looking for a unique and delicious beef jerky experience, then Purely Meat Co. is definitely worth checking out! With its exemplary quality and great customer service, you won't be disappointed!

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El Che Meat & Provisions

The first thing that caught my attention was the enticing aroma of beef jerky. The store had an extensive selection of flavors, including spicy, sweet and savory options. I tried a few different kinds and was blown away by the tender texture and bold flavor combinations.

What sets El Che Meat & Provisions apart is their commitment to using high-quality meats and traditional Argentine techniques. They dry their beef jerky in-house for an authentic taste that you won't find anywhere else.

Overall, El Che Meat & Provisions is a must-visit spot for beef jerky lovers in Chicago. Just be warned, you may end up leaving with more than just a bag of jerky - their other meat offerings are equally tempting!

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Variety Meat Co

Highlights
Quality meat
Great customer service
Hilarious staff

Firstly, I was blown away by the quality of meat they used in their beef jerky. Every bite was filled with tender and juicy meat that melted in my mouth.

But what really stood out to me was their great customer service. The staff welcomed me with open arms and made me feel right at home. They were knowledgeable about their products and even gave me some tips on how to make my own beef jerky at home.

To top it off, the staff at Variety Meat Co were hilarious! Their witty banter had me chuckling throughout my visit. It's not often you find a place that not only provides excellent products but also has a fun atmosphere.

Overall, I highly recommend checking out Variety Meat Co for their delicious beef jerky, great customer service, and hilarious staff. If you're looking for a quality beef jerky experience in Chicago, this is definitely the place to be!

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PREVAIL Jerky - 100% Grass Fed Beef Jerky

Highlights
Top notch quality
Great taste and texture
Organic ingredients
Excellent customer service

First off, I was blown away by the top notch quality of the beef jerky. It's obvious that PREVAIL Jerky takes great pride in their product and sources only the best ingredients. Speaking of ingredients, I was thrilled to learn that everything is organic - no weird chemicals or preservatives here!

But let's get to what really matters: the taste and texture. And boy, did PREVAIL Jerky deliver! The beef had a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, with just enough spice to keep things interesting. The texture was spot on - not too tough, not too soft - just right.

And can we talk about customer service? I was greeted with a warm smile from the moment I walked in the door. The staff was incredibly helpful and knowledgeable about their products. They even gave me some great suggestions on which flavors to try next time.

In conclusion, if you're looking for high quality beef jerky in Chicago that tastes amazing, has organic ingredients and comes with excellent customer service, then look no further than PREVAIL Jerky - 100% Grass Fed Beef Jerky.

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Peoria Packing Butcher Shop

Highlights
Incredible selection
Great quality cuts
Affordable prices
Unique meat variety
Cold storage facility

This place is a carnivore's dream come true! I mean, wow, the selection of meat here is just incredible. And when it comes to beef jerky, they definitely know what they're doing. The cuts are of great quality, and you can taste the difference compared to other places I've tried.

Now, let's talk about the prices. You won't have to break the bank to enjoy some delicious beef jerky here. This place offers affordable prices that won't make you feel like you're sacrificing quality for cost.

One thing that sets Peoria Packing Butcher Shop apart from other shops in Chicago is their unique meat variety. They offer an array of meats that you may not find at other locations, such as elk and ostrich (yes, ostrich!). If you're feeling adventurous or just want to switch things up a bit, this is your spot.

And if you're worried about storage for your precious beef jerky, don't fret. Peoria Packing Butcher Shop has a cold storage facility where they keep all their meats fresh and ready for purchase.

Overall, my experience at Peoria Packing Butcher Shop was fantastic! I highly recommend this place if you're looking for high-quality beef jerky with plenty of options and affordable prices.

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Mario's Butcher Shop & Food

Highlights
Top quality meat
Friendly service
Diverse selection

As soon as I walked in, I was greeted with a warm smile and a friendly welcome from the staff. The shop had an authentic and cozy feel to it that made me feel right at home.

But let's talk about the important stuff: the beef jerky. Mario's Butcher Shop & Food offers top quality meat that is carefully selected and flavorful. Their beef jerky is thick cut, perfectly seasoned, and not too tough to chew on. You can tell that they take pride in their products.

What I loved most about Mario's Butcher Shop & Food was their diverse selection of beef jerkies. From spicy to sweet, they had it all! And if you're feeling adventurous like me, they even have exotic flavors like elk and bison.

Overall, my experience at Mario's Butcher Shop & Food was phenomenal. The top quality meat, friendly service, and diverse selection make it stand out from other shops in Chicago. If you're a beef jerky lover like me, this is definitely a place you don't want to miss!

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Jerky Jerk

Highlights
Impressive food
Impeccable service
Fair portion sizes
Tasty and juicy meats
Delightful customer experience

The moment I stepped into Jerky Jerk, I was greeted with an aroma that made my taste buds tingle with excitement. The decor of the place was inviting and the staff were incredibly welcoming. The impeccable service added to my delightful customer experience.

The menu offers a wide variety of beef jerkies, but what stood out for me was the tasty and juicy meats. Every bite felt like a burst of flavor in my mouth. The portion sizes were also quite generous, making it a filling snack on-the-go.

What impressed me the most was their attention to detail in preparing each dish. They take pride in using only high-quality ingredients which is evident from the impressive food they serve.

Overall, Jerky Jerk is definitely one of the best places to get your beef jerky fix in Chicago. Their exceptional flavors and cheerful atmosphere make it an enjoyable experience for all jerky lovers out there!

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Joseph's Finest Meats

Highlights
Exceptional meat quality
Old school helpful staff
Outstanding customer service
Compassionate and accommodating team

First and foremost, the meat quality at Joseph's is truly exceptional. Their beef jerky is made from 100% USDA prime beef, without any fillers or preservatives. I was blown away by the tenderness, flavor, and aroma of their jerky.

Additionally, the staff at Joseph's are old-school helpful. They were more than happy to answer all my questions about their products and even recommended some of their favorite flavors for me to try. I appreciated their outstanding customer service and how they genuinely cared about my satisfaction.

What stood out to me the most was how compassionate and accommodating the team was towards customers with special dietary needs or restrictions. They offer a variety of gluten-free options as well as halal and kosher certified products.

Overall, if you're looking for high-quality beef jerky in Chicago, Joseph's Finest Meats should be at the top of your list. Trust me; you won't regret it!

Halsted Packing House

Highlights
Quality meat cuts
Clean store
Friendly staff
Reasonable prices
Loyal customer base

First, the quality of the meat cuts used for their beef jerky is simply outstanding. The taste and texture of each bite is a testament to the quality of the meat. I could tell they use only the finest cuts of beef.

Second, I was impressed with how clean and well-maintained the store was. It's always a good sign when a store takes pride in their appearance as it shows they take their business seriously.

Third, I couldn't help but notice how friendly and accommodating the staff were. They were eager to answer my questions about their different products and even offered up some recommendations based on my preferences.

Fourth, considering the high quality of their jerky, I found the prices at Halsted Packing House to be quite reasonable. It's refreshing to find a place that values their customers by offering fair prices.

Finally, it was clear that Halsted Packing House has developed quite a loyal customer base. As I chatted with other patrons in line, many told me they come back time and time again because they're never disappointed with what they get.

Overall, my experience at Halsted Packing House was an absolute delight! If you're searching for exceptional beef jerky in Chicago, look no further than this gem of a store.