MEET YOUR MEAT: The Valley’s Favorite Places to Buy Meat

here’s what readers said in our 2020 ‘Best Of’ poll

Tom Giffey, photos by Andrea Paulseth

Rump's Butcher Shoppe in Altoona.
Rump's Butcher Shoppe in Altoona.

1st Place: Rump’s Butcher Shoppe

When we published the results of our 2020 Best of the Chippewa Valley Reader Poll earlier this year, it was no surprise that Rump’s (1411 Lynn Ave., Altoona) rose to the top as the Best Place to Buy Meat. Readers (and eaters!) have given that honor to Rumps’ for five straight years. Shoppers rave about Rump’s knowledgeable staff and wide-selection of mouth-watering cuts, including many sourced from local farmers. In addition to locally raised beef, Rump’s is a purveyor of fresh pork, chicken, and lamb, as well as their own hand-crafted brats, sausages, hot dogs, snack sticks, and more. And fortunately, despite our current pandemic lockdown, Rump’s remains open because as a grocery story it is considered an essential business.

2nd Place: Sokup’s Market

Sokup’s Market (624 N. Bridge St., Chippewa Falls) has been a family-owned institution in Chippewa Falls for 129 years, nearly all of them in the same spot, just kitty-corner from the Chippewa County Courthouse on the city’s beautiful main street. And while stepping into Sokup’s may be a trip back in time, what you’ll find at the meat counter is sure to be fresh. Check out the extra-lean ground beef, –choice steaks, homemade sausages, and other meaty specialties. And Sokup’s burgers are also available as some local eateries (at least when we’re not under quarantine).

3rd Place: Blaeser Farms

Located in rural Chippewa Falls, Blaeser Farms is a family-owned business focusing on sustainably raised, grass-fed beef, raising breeds including Simental, Holstein, Angus, and Highland. The Blaesers know their animals by name, so you can be sure that they are well cared-for and produce quality cuts. You can find the Blaeser family selling their meats at farmers markets around the Chippewa Valley as well as online at blaeserfarms.com.