Where to Find the Best Beef Brisket in Toronto – A Meat Lover’s Guide

As a passionate meat eater and barbecue enthusiast living in Toronto, I’m always on the hunt for the most mouthwatering, melt-in-your-mouth beef brisket. When prepared with care and smoked to perfection, brisket is one of the most flavorful cuts of beef. The key is knowing where to source the highest quality brisket in Toronto for your cooking needs.

In this guide, I’ll share the top butcher shops, specialty stores, markets, and restaurants for getting your hands on amazing brisket We’ll cover everything from custom whole packer briskets to ready-to-eat sliced brisket sandwiches so you can experience Toronto’s best beef brisket. Let’s get started!

Understanding Beef Brisket

First, what exactly is beef brisket? It comes from the chest area of the cow and is known for its rich flavor from abundant marbling. Brisket needs long, slow cooking to break down the collagen and turn wonderfully tender.

The whole brisket has two sections – the flat cut and the point cut. I recommend seeking out quality packer briskets which contain both cuts together to give you options when cooking.

When shopping for brisket in Toronto, look for:

• Good marbling and fat cap
• Fresh, bright red color
• Packer brisket with both flat and point
• Properly butchered and trimmed

High standards matter when it comes to such a flavorful cut of beef! Now let’s explore the best places to find it.

Top Butcher Shops for Beef Brisket

For personalized service and custom brisket cuts, Toronto’s butcher shops are your best bet. My top recommendations include:

Cumbrae’s

With multiple Toronto locations, I rely on Cumbrae’s for their quality beef. They carry whole packer briskets from premium Ontario ranches. You can even request USDA Prime grade!

The Healthy Butcher

This local shop offers nitrate-free, ethically raised briskets. You can choose between lean flat cut or marbled point cut briskets.

Olliffe Butcher Shop

Olliffe’s is known for their house-aged brisket with beautiful marbling. Preorder your packer brisket for specialty occasions like holidays or a backyard barbecue.

Country Style Hungarian Meat Products

This Kensington Market butcher shop makes homemade sausages, cured meats and also stocks delicious briskets. Try their smoked brisket sandwich!

The Burnt Tongue

More a restaurant, The Burnt Tongue lets you buy their premium briskets used in-house for takehome dinners or your own cooking.

When visiting Toronto butchers, don’t be shy to ask for a peek at the brisket before purchasing to ensure freshness.

Specialty Shops Offering Quality Brisket

Beyond regular butchers, several specialty meat shops in Toronto also carry flavorful brisket:

Meatings Butcher Bar

Browse their selection of whole Wagyu briskets or grab brisket burnt ends by the pound for appetizers.

Hooked

This unique seafood-focused shop also sells smoked brisket sourced from local Ontario farms when available. Worth a call to check!

Feasty

Feasty’s “Butcher’s Block” section includes Certified Angus Beef brisket flats sealed for freshness. Order online for delivery.

All Things Barbecue

From smokers to rubs, this barbecue specialty store also stocks briskets. Grab a whole packer or just a flat cut.

Starsky Fine Foods

Starsky’s carries pre-sliced brisket deli meat for sandwiches, though check the sell-by date if planning to cook it.

The takeaway is don’t limit yourself to just standard butcher shops when brisket hunting in Toronto!

Grocery Stores and Markets

For convenience, some solid brisket options can be found at Toronto grocery stores like:

• Loblaws – Carries both whole briskets and sliced deli brisket when in stock.

• Longos – Good for brisket flat cuts or seasoned pre-cooked brisket.

• Rabba Fine Foods – Neighborhood chain with smoked brisket sandwich packs.

• Fiesta Farms – Special order whole briskets from this local meat market.

• St. Lawrence Market – Various vendors sell brisket depending on availability and season.

Check flyers and call ahead for availability as stocks fluctuate. Don’t expect the same quality as the butchers and specialty shops.

Where to Enjoy Brisket Sandwiches

If you just want to sit back and enjoy someone else’s cooking, hit up these Toronto spots for amazing brisket sandwiches:

Barque Smokehouse

House-smoked brisket piled high on bread, mouthwatering!

Allen’s

Their brisket sandwich with sliced meat and crispy edges is a local legend.

Beach Hill Smokehouse

Order the franken-brisket sandwich for a multi-meat delight.

Electric Mud BBQ

Juicy brisket loaded with pickles and slaw for the perfect brisket sandwich.

Banh Mi Boys

For a fun twist, try their signature Banh Mi brisket sandwich with Vietnamese flavors!

Next time a brisket craving hits, visit one of Toronto’s amazing eateries and restaurants to get your fix.

Key Tips for Toronto Brisket Success

To find and enjoy the best quality brisket in Toronto:

• Check with premium local butchers for availability and custom cuts.

• Don’t overlook specialty barbecue and meat shops for unique brisket products.

• Inspect brisket before purchasing – look for good marbling and color.

• For convenience, grocery stores and markets may have pre-packaged brisket options.

• Try brisket sandwiches around the city to leave the cooking to the experts!