Isanti Retail Meats — Local services in Isanti

The last time I visited the meat market was on the recommendation of a neighbor in Zimmerman and that was nearly five years ago, until yesterday that is. After a long absence from the area I was really looking forward to some of the best beef sticks ever. However, I’m saddened to say that with the yesterday’s purchase of three different prepackaged sticks: cheddar, teriyaki, and original old beef sticks, (samples were no longer offered). I could hardly wait to get home and try them out. I would’ve tried them in the car but they were sealed and I was without scissors or a knife. I can honestly say that these were the worst sticks ever. The skins were nice and tight but the meat was grossly flaky for lack of a better word. Previous purchases were always excellent and firm and tasted as they should. When the hint of teriyaki is minimal, and the regular sticks were without flavor, the cheddar was crumbly, but at least had a taste of cheddar if nothing else. I guess it’s possible that the market changed hands, or the worker in charge of making the sticks changed hands...

Went here because it was recommended by a coworker. Brought my venison meat in that I had already butchered. Was told it would be 2-3 weeks. It was done in days; thats great.

When I went in to pick it up - I was met by a really rude female employee. I didnt wait long so there was no rush on my end. The woman was doing something prior to me so she had her cell phone with her. She slammed it on the counter, turned to me and said “can I help you” in one of those nasty “youre bothering me” tones.

I told her she could drop the attitude and she responded with “ can I get a name on the order”. I said my name and said she could drop the attitude and maybe be nice, pleasant and or smile. She responded with “I need a name to get the order”. I again said she didn't need to have an attitude with me. I just walked in 2 mins ago.

I will likely not go back to Isanti Meats after that encounter. Not if this is how they treat their customers. I paid my $140 for processing and left.

Not happy -...

I saw reviews that it is one of the top rated meat markets in the Metro so I wanted to see what they had for beef jerky. I walked in to 2 hardworking employees busily stocking cases. The display cases were full of great looking cuts of meat. This place must be crazy busy during grilling season! Anyway, I asked the one girl what varieties she had for beef jerky. They had at least 4 if not 5. But I zeroed in on the sweet and spicy and purchased some of that one. I would say that their jerky is what I call a medium cut, so still retains it's chewy meaty feel without being crispy like a potato chip. Tasty seasoning and tasted awesome. Gotta grab some more as soon as I am back...