Where To Find The Best Local Butcher Shops In MD Ahead Of Thanksgiving

For those who believe a turkey is a non-negotiable Thanksgiving dinner staple, a new survey has revealed which three independent butcher shops in Maryland are best known for delivering top-quality birds at prices that don’t break the holiday budget.

Ahead of Thanksgiving, finance website MarketBeat surveyed 3,008 people to find the best independent butchers in every state.

The survey revealed that even in an era of inflation and supermarket convenience, Americans still place deep trust in their neighborhood butchers.

"The map of the 'best independent butchers' isn’t just about meat – it’s a story of local loyalty, regional flavor and how small businesses keep traditions alive when prices keep climbing," MarketBeat wrote.

These were the top three independent butchers in Maryland, according to the survey:

Shuff’s Meat Market, Thurmont

What MarketBeat wrote: "Up in the foothills of northern Maryland, Shuff’s Meat Market has been serving Thurmont and Frederick County since 1917. Inside, the rhythm hasn’t changed much in a century — the clatter of knives, the smell of smoked hams, and the easy banter between butchers and longtime customers. Each November, families line up for their Thanksgiving orders, trusting the Shuff family to deliver fresh, perfectly trimmed turkeys and prime roasts. It’s an old-fashioned market with modern reliability, where the experience feels as comforting as the meal itself."

J.W. Treuth & Sons, Catonsville

What MarketBeat wrote: "Operating since 1919, J.W. Treuth & Sons is an enduring piece of Maryland history — one of the state’s oldest independent butchers, and a name synonymous with quality. Inside, the rhythm is steady and familiar: the thud of a cleaver, the low hum of conversation, the scent of fresh cuts prepared for loyal customers who’ve shopped here for generations. As Thanksgiving approaches, the counter fills with orders for turkeys, beef roasts and specialty game, each prepared with care by butchers who genuinely love their trade. For families across Baltimore County, this isn’t just a place to shop — it’s a holiday tradition, one rooted in skill, trust and the satisfaction of feeding loved ones well."

Hemp’s Meats, Jefferson

Family-run since 1849, Hemp’s Meats is one of Maryland’s oldest and most respected butcheries. The Jefferson shop serves everything from custom-cut beef and pork to locally raised poultry, and every order still gets the kind of care you’d expect in a small town. As Thanksgiving approaches, the shop fills with customers reserving fresh turkeys and roasts, guided by a staff who know how to match portion sizes to family gatherings. Hemp’s is a true slice of Maryland heritage — honest, neighborly and essential for anyone who believes the holidays start with quality ingredients.

See the full survey here.

A September outlook report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimated that wholesale frozen turkey prices will be $1.32 per pound this year, a 40 percent increase from 2024’s average price of 94 cents per pound.

According to the report, the spike is likely due to outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza in late 2024 and early 2025 that depleted flocks and led to egg shortages. Eight outbreaks in North and South Dakota affected over 400,000 birds.