Whether you’re hosting an epic Big Game watch party at home or planning a backyard cook-out with family and friends, nothing beats great meat on the grill. Fortunately, McAllen is home to a fantastic lineup of local meat markets — perfect for everything from juicy briskets and fajitas to marinated chops and house-made sausages.
Here’s your guide to the best butcher shops and meat markets to stock up for game day:
🥩 Top Picks for Premium Meat Cuts
🔹 Aguilar’s Meat Market – Serving the region since 1984, Aguilar’s is family-owned and operated with a huge selection of meats and great weekly deals. Classic choice for fajitas, burgers, and everything in between.
👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aguilarsmeatmkt
🔹 Bob Starks Beef Shop – A local classic with fresh, high-quality cuts and a loyal following. Whether it’s steaks, ribs, or specialty meats, Bob Starks has what you need to impress guests on game day.
👉 Check them out: https://bobstarksbeefshop.com/ | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bobstarksmcallen
🔹 Zarah’s Meat Market Inc – A highly rated butcher shop with a great range of quality cuts and friendly service — ideal for your grill prep.
👉 Website: https://zarahsmeatmarket.com/
🌮 More Local Favorites Worth Stopping By
🔹 El Rodeo Meat Market – A neighborhood staple with great pricing on classic grilling meats. Their wings and bacon-wrapped jalapeños are fan favorites for game food!
👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElRodeoMeatMarketRGV#
🔹 El Torito Meat Market – Great option for fresh cuts and traditional carnicería choices to spice up the grill — perfect for tacos and fajitas.
👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElToritoMeatMkt
🔹 Jessies Meat Market – A long-time favorite butcher shop with solid reviews and wide open hours, perfect for last-minute game day shopping.
👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063931396257
🍖 Specialty & Ready-to-Enjoy Options
🍷 La Ganadera Gourmet Meat Market – Not just great cuts — they also cook for you! If you want premium meats ready for the grill or you want them ready to serve, La Ganadera has seasoned and cooked options that make hosting easy.
👉 https://laganaderatx.com/ | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laganaderagourmetmeatmarket
🛒 Ruben’s Grocery – A local institution! A family-owned grocery and specialty food store with great selections to go with your grilled meats — sauces, sides, snacks, and more. Right now, Ruben’s is featuring a fajita sale with USDA PRIME 100% BLACK ANGUS Fajita from Creekstone Farms for only $9.99 lb.!
👉 https://www.rubensgrocery.com/
🏈 Tips for Your Big Game Cook-out
🔥 Plan ahead: Popular markets get busy on game day weekends — try to shop earlier in the week or off-peak hours.
🍔 Mix it up: Combine classic cuts (steaks, ribs) with crowd-pleasers like fajitas or marinated kebabs.
🍻 Pair with sides: Grab local sides and spices from these spots — it elevates your grill game and keeps guests happy.
