Most born or raised Texans have a respect and appreciation for premium cut meats. In the Coastal Bend, this affection finds its perfect match amid an array of exceptional meat markets and butcher shops, creating a haven for any carnivore enthusiast.
Take, for instance, Boarri Craft Butchery, a relative newcomer to the scene but already earning its stripes over the past few years. Here, discerning meat lovers revel in a selection of cuts that boast quality and affordability.
Continuing our meat odyssey, we encounter a longstanding institution: Moody’s Quality Meats. Moody’s is a whirlwind of energy, with staff buzzing around to cater to a constant stream of customers. While the multitude of choices might seem overwhelming, rest assured — there are no wrong picks here, especially with the guidance of the knowledgeable team.
Lastly, with an original location in Callalen and a newer market in Corpus Christi, Champs Meat Market is a great option. Here, high-quality cuts of meat are enclosed in vitrine-like refrigerators waiting for patrons to purchase. If Jeff Koons were a butcher, he would likely showcase his work in a similar fashion. In addition to the vacuum-sealed, regionally sourced cuts of beef, pork, chicken and turkey, Champs offers a variety of pantry items, spices and dried meats.
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But for those craving a true farm-to-table experience, look no further than Turkey Hollow Farm and Edelen Farms. The Kellers of Turkey Hollow Farm were driven by a simple desire for unadulterated food, leading them to raise their own animals for meat — and share the bounty with others. Similarly, the Edelen family of Edelen Farms is committed to promoting healthy agriculture and local foods through sustainable practices. Together, these options offer an extensive array of beef, pork, chicken and lamb, ensuring every cookout, date night or Sunday dinner can be an unforgettable experience. No Bullshit Beef’s 100% natural, grass-fed and grass-finished beef and Flying A Farms’ pasture-raised poultry, beef and pork are also great options. You can catch these local farms at various farmers’ markets around the Coastal Bend.
In the Coastal Bend, meat isn’t just sustenance; it’s a celebration of flavor, tradition and community. So, whether you’re exploring the bustling markets or savoring the fruits of local farms’ labor, let your taste buds guide you on a carnivorous adventure unlike any other.
1915 Farm’s Sustainable Commitment
In a world where industrialized farming often prioritizes quantity over quality, 1915 Farm emerges as a testament to the importance of sustainable, ethical agriculture for the future of food production. Founded on principles deeply rooted in stewardship and integrity, the family behind 1915 Farm endeavors to revolutionize how we perceive meat, shifting it from a mere commodity to a symbol of conscientious consumption.
Rejecting the use of hormones and antibiotics, they prioritize the well-being of their livestock, ensuring each animal lives a life of contentment and health. This dedication to ethical practices guarantees superior-quality meat and resonates deeply with the consumer seeking to make informed food choices.
Beyond its commitment to animal welfare, 1915 Farm distinguishes itself through its unwavering dedication to customer engagement. Through ample documentation and behind-the-scenes glimpses into farm life, it forges meaningful connections with its audience, inviting them to be part of the journey from pasture to plate. Leveraging the power of social media and online platforms, employees seamlessly blend traditional holistic farming with modern technology, making it easier for customers to access their products and engage with the farm community.
1915 Farm has a slew of offerings ranging from pasture-raised chicken and pork to a Grassroots Meat Club providing subscription boxes across the country to body and home products like tallow-made soaps, candles and balm — all easily accessible through its website, 1915farm.com, where there is plenty to peruse while learning more about the history of this family and their life on the farm.
Paul’s Seafood
Paul’s Seafood has offered a wide variety of wild-caught seafood from the Gulf straight to its display cases for 60 years now. It promises fresh seafood daily to satiate any craving. 9810 S. Padre Island Dr. | 108 S. Alister St.
Fisherman’s Bait and Seafood Market
Fisherman’s Bait and Seafood Market offers a variety of fresh and frozen seafood plus live bait—and also incredible seasonal dishes from crawfish boils to gumbo. 1101 Laguna Shores Road
Flower’s Shrimp Market
A family-run business specializing in fresh shrimp and wonderful customer service, Flower’s also provides a variety of frozen items from grouper to Vietnamese spring rolls. 1119 S. Church St., Rockport
Jane’s L-Head Seafood Market
In over 35 years, Jane’s L-Head Seafood Market has gone from a bait stand to providing fresh seafood options like crab and oysters. It will also clean your catch should you have a good day of fishing. 90 Coopers Alley
Saltwater Valet
Saltwater Valet specializes in wholesaling the finest quality frozen food to distributors, restaurants, caterers — and now, directly to the public. It provides “quality and consistency at a great price for frozen food needs.” 260 McBride Lane
Morgan Street Seafood’s First-Grade Fish
“Freshness comes in only one grade — first-grade, and that’s it.” This quote from Mikhail Bulgakov’s novel The Master and Margarita rebuked the less-than-desirable concept of “second-grade fresh sturgeon” as a political critique of the Soviet Union during the mid-1900s … but it might as well be the modern motto of Morgan Street Seafood — a beacon of freshness and quality in the Coastal Bend for over six decades.
Today, owner Charlie Alegria proudly carries the torch, honoring his family’s legacy while charting a course for the future. The business’ evolution is a testament to the family’s adaptability and entrepreneurial spirit, as what began as a wholesale market on 44th Street expanded into four dynamic mobile kitchens located in the Hamlin Shopping Center, a collection referred to as the “fourplex.” There is Choppa Bait Stand for crawfish enthusiasts, and the Seven Seas, an homage to the original Fish Market Alegria’s family opened in 1960 before becoming Morgan Street Seafood, along with Alegria Seafood Truck and Lonestar Fish Truck, working together to ensure customers enjoy a delicious and quick meal. The fourplex is not limited to seafood, but offers fried chicken variations and burgers to satiate anyone’s cravings.
Morgan Street Seafood is defined by its unwavering commitment to the community. You can still go to its location on 4002 Weber Road to pick up fresh fish, or take your catch of the day to get cleaned and even enjoy a meal while you wait. Here, diners aren’t just customers; they’re family. Whether you are a lifelong resident or a first-time visitor, Alegria and his team welcome you with open arms, inviting you to share in the warmth and camaraderie that define Corpus Christi’s seafood scene.
