The Best Places to Buy Wagyu Beef in Charlotte, NC

As a foodie living in Charlotte I’m always on the hunt for the best ingredients to cook with at home. And when it comes to beef nothing beats the rich, buttery flavor of wagyu. This Japanese beef is renowned for its extensive marbling, which results in an incredibly tender, mouthwatering steak that melts in your mouth.

I’ve made it my mission to track down all the spots in Charlotte where I can get my hands on this premium beef. Though it comes with a hefty price tag, the unparalleled eating experience is worth every penny in my book. From butcher shops to high-end grocery stores, here are the places I’ve discovered where you can buy wagyu beef in Charlotte, NC.

Local Butcher Shops

The Butcher’s Market

This locally-owned butcher shop offers several cuts of American wagyu beef from a farm in North Carolina. While not as marbled as Japanese wagyu, the ribeyes and other steaks still contain that signature rich fat that provides so much flavor. Give them a call ahead to check on availability and pricing. They typically have whole subprimals in stock from which they can cut you individual steaks.

Address: 201 E Kingston Ave, Charlotte, NC 28203

Bac’s Meat Market

Specializing in premium meats Bac’s meat market carries a selection of Japanese wagyu beef. They have a case where you can personally view thick marbled wagyu ribeye steaks along with tenderloins and other hard-to-find cuts. The knowledgeable butchers here can recommend the best ways to cook each piece of wagyu to maximize flavor. Keep in mind that Japanese wagyu is significantly more expensive per pound than other types of beef.

Address 1924 South Blvd Charlotte, NC 28203

Grocery Stores

Whole Foods

The Whole Foods butcher counter occasionally gets shipments of American wagyu beef raised without antibiotics or hormones. While supplies last, they offer ribeye steaks along with ground wagyu beef. Just ask the butchers when their next delivery is scheduled to arrive so you can plan accordingly. The wagyu often sells out fast once word gets around.

Locations:

• 6610 Fairview Rd, Charlotte, NC 28210
• 8300 University City Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28213

Earth Fare

This organic grocer sells wagyu beef sourced from small family farms. While the selection varies, they typically carry wagyu ground beef along with some steak cuts like ribeye and New York strip. The wagyu is usually from American cattle with genetics traced back to Japan. For an occasional splurge, it’s a high-quality product without the ultra-high price tag. Check the meat department for current availability.

Locations:

• 12235 Elm Ln, Charlotte, NC 28277
• 7108 Fairview Rd, Charlotte, NC 28210

Fresh Market

You can find premium wagyu beef at Fresh Market’s full-service meat counter. They carry ribeye steaks and tenderloinfilets from American wagyu cattle with genetics linking back to Japan. The extensive marbling makes these cuts remarkably tender and flavorful. The knowledgeable butchers at Fresh Market can portion and trim the steaks to your preferences. Call your nearest location to check on pricing and selection.

Locations:

• 16032 John J Delaney Dr, Charlotte, NC 28277
• 7810 Pineville Matthews Rd, Charlotte, NC 28226
• 12610 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC 28277

Publix

Publix occasionally gets special shipments of wagyu beef that they promote in their weekly ad circulars. While supplies last, you can get your hands on boneless ribeye steaks and ground wagyu. The product details state it’s from American cattle crossbred with Japanese wagyu genetics. So while not as luxe as 100% Japanese wagyu, it’s still an excellent quality product for a lower price point. Check Publix ads and talk to the butcher counter to stay updated on wagyu availability.

Locations throughout Charlotte area

Butcher Box

This online meat delivery service sources artisan cuts of beef from small farms. Their wagyu offerings include ground beef and sirloin burgers along with fillets and ribeyes from American wagyu cattle. The beef is free of antibiotics and added hormones for a high-quality eating experience. Butcher Box ships the vacuum-sealed wagyu packed in insulated boxes with ice packs to ensure it stays frozen during transport. It’s a convenient way to get wagyu beef delivered straight to your door in Charlotte.

Website: www.butcherbox.com

Online Retailers

Snake River Farms

This specialty purveyor sells American wagyu beef rated on a marbling scale from well-marbled to the ultra-luxe A5 grade. You can order individual cuts like ribeye steaks, roasts, and ground wagyu shipped overnight to your door. Snake River Farms processes the beef from their own herd in Idaho and dry ages each cut for 14-21 days. It’s on the pricier side but their wagyu gets rave reviews for quality and flavor.

Website: www.snakeriverfarms.com

Lobel’s

Lobel’s offers authentic Japanese wagyu beef with unparalleled marbling. They carry the full range from A5 down to A2 and source from the finest producers in Japan. Order exactly what you want from ribeyes, filet mignons, boneless short ribs, and more. Their extensive dry aging program enhances tenderness and flavor. The portions come vacuum sealed and delivered chilled or frozen. Just prepare to spend a premium for this top-of-the-line authentic Japanese wagyu.

Website: www.lobels.com

Crowd Cow

This online marketplace partners with independent farms and ranchers to provide high-quality craft beef. Their wagyu offerings include ground beef, burgers, steaks like ribeye and New York strip, and other cuts from American wagyu cattle. Everything is fresh, never frozen and ships directly to you. I’ve personally ordered from Crowd Cow and enjoyed both their customer service and high-end wagyu beef selection.

Website: www.crowdcow.com

Best Places to Dine on Wagyu in Charlotte Restaurants

If you want to experience phenomenal wagyu beef in Charlotte without having to cook it yourself at home, there are several steakhouse restaurants in town that serve up this luxurious ingredient in style. Here are some of my top dining picks for savoring wagyu on a menu in Charlotte:

BLT Steak

This upscale steakhouse located in the downtown Ritz-Carlton sources ultra-premium Japanese wagyu graded A5, the highest rating available. It’s an investment at $40 per ounce, but the intricate marbling and buttery texture make it a once-in-a-lifetime splurge. Their expert chefs cook the wagyu to melt-in-your-mouth perfection.

Address: 201 E Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28202

Capital Grille

For special occasions, Capital Grille offers a Japanese wagyu strip steak on their menu. It’s sliced and grilled to order, then drizzled with a soy ginger marinade. Expect to pay around $55 for a 5-6 ounce cut, but it’s worth it for the exceptionally rich and tender wagyu flavor. This upscale steak chain really does it right.

Address: 201 N Tryon St Suite 100, Charlotte, NC 28202

Eddie V’s Prime Seafood

The sleek nautical-themed Eddie V’s downtown gets in prized Miyazaki A5 wagyu from Japan. Their expert chefs recommend searing these precious cuts over a hot oak grill and then finishing by basting in butter. At $40 per ounce, this huge splurge is one to share and savor slowly with a fine wine. An incredible and unforgettable dining experience.

Address: 214 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202

The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar

For a creative take on wagyu, check out the specialty burgers at this “burgasian” eatery. Their Zen Burger features an American wagyu beef patty with premium toppings like crab salad, tamari mayo, applewood bacon, and fried onions between two Asian-style bao buns. A gourmet treat for under $20.

Locations:

• 4310 Sharon Rd #102, Charlotte, NC 28211
• 8021 Ardrey Kell Rd, Charlotte, NC 28277

So there you have it, the intel on all the best spots to source and savor wagyu beef in Charlotte,