Pros 
Cons A Mixed Grill of Experiences: What Customers Are Saying About O'Connell's Meats
O’Connell’s Meats, situated at GR47-49/44-60 Gouger St, Adelaide SA 5000, has garnered a rating of 3.7 out of 5, sparking a flurry of opinions from shoppers. This butcher shop, open late into the evening on Fridays (until 9 PM) and reliably throughout the week (7 AM - 5:30 PM except Sundays), offers a diverse range of meats and a convenient location near the Central Market. But is it all sizzle and no steak? Let’s dive into the detailed feedback, painting a clear picture of what you can expect. Accessibility is a plus, with a wheelchair-accessible entrance, and quick visits are easily accommodated. Payments are readily accepted with credit and debit cards, alongside the ease of NFC mobile payments. However, some patrons have noted a lack of easy options for those preferring contactless payments. The customer experiences on display here demonstrate a shop clearly loved by some and intensely disliked by others.
The "Bloody Beautiful" Moments: High Praise for Quality & Deals
Many reviewers highlight the quality of the meat on offer at O’Connell's Meats, frequently praising the difference they perceive compared to supermarket offerings. Positive reviews often focus on specific products and experiences:
- Excellent Value: Several customers have been delighted by the pricing, with one mentioning a haul of chicken, beef schnitzel, kangaroo, and chicken burgers for under $50. The mention of “awesome meat deals, especially with their chicken packs” suggests a focus on budget-friendly offerings.
- Superior Cuts: Accounts repeatedly emphasise the freshness and quality of the meat. One reviewer specifically noted the diced chicken, stating it was “bloody beautiful” and free from the "watery crap" often found elsewhere. The Scotch steak, cryovac'd for campers, also received rave reviews, described as "excellent."
- Friendly Service – Sometimes: While service inconsistencies are noted (see the ‘Gripes & Concerns’ section below), several customers highlight a particularly helpful and friendly younger employee. This individual is consistently praised for going "above and beyond" and providing a genuinely pleasant experience. The lamb koftas are also frequently singled out for their freshness and flavour.
- Convenience & Cryovac Services: The ability to have meat cryovac'd in individual portions (as experienced by a camper) is a significant selling point for those with limited refrigeration space.
Gripes & Concerns: A Sour Note in the Meat Tray
Despite the positive feedback, the reviews for O’Connell's Meats aren’t uniformly glowing. A significant number of complaints revolve around concerning customer service and food safety issues. Here's a breakdown:
- Unprofessional Behaviour: Several customers detailed distressing encounters with staff. One particularly alarming account described a male employee yelling at a child for inadvertently touching sausages while assisting his mother at a Central Market stall. Another reviewer experienced rude teasing from a staff member after spending a considerable sum ($60), which they found unprofessional and off-putting. This highlights a clear lack of consistency in the customer service provided.
- Potential Food Poisoning: A deeply concerning review reported a severe case of food poisoning after consuming lamb souvlaki skewers purchased from O'Connell's Meats. The reviewer strongly believes this resulted from either poor meat quality or inadequate food handling practices and plans to report the incident to the Adelaide City Council. This is a critical issue that demands immediate attention and investigation.
- Inconsistent Staff Friendliness: While some praise the younger employee, others have faced negativity, raising questions about staff training and a potential lack of standardised customer service protocols.
- Limited Payment Options: Although credit and debit cards are accepted, the lack of direct mention of compatibility with payment platforms like Apple Pay is a missed opportunity, especially given the prevalence of contactless payments.
| Issue | Description | Severity (1-5, 5 being Highest) |
|---|---|---|
| Rude Staff | Teasing, dismissive behaviour, yelling at children | 4 |
| Food Poisoning | Severe illness following meat consumption | 5 |
| Inconsistent Service | Varying levels of friendliness and helpfulness | 3 |
| Limited Payment Options | Lack of all contactless payment methods | 2 |
Weighing Up the Options: Should You Visit O'Connell’s Meats?
O’Connell’s Meats presents a somewhat paradoxical picture. Many customers genuinely appreciate the quality and price of the meat, praising specific items like the lamb koftas and chicken packs. However, the serious concerns surrounding customer service and potential food safety issues cannot be ignored.
Here’s a summary to help you decide:
- Consider visiting if: You prioritize value and a wide selection of meat cuts, especially if you’re looking for deals on chicken. Be particularly interested in sourcing native meats like kangaroo.
- Exercise caution if: You are sensitive to potentially rude or dismissive service. Be mindful of recent reviews mentioning food safety concerns and consider carefully what items you purchase.
- Recommendations: O’Connell’s Meats should implement a more standardised customer service training program to address the inconsistencies highlighted in the reviews. A thorough review of food handling practices – and potentially an independent audit – would be prudent in light of the food poisoning report. Prominently displaying food safety certifications and routinely inspecting preparation and storage areas can help reassure customers. Finally, expanding payment options to accommodate modern contactless methods would be a welcome update.