Pros 
Cons , without any preamble.
Uppercuts: A Feast of Praises & Some Puzzling Policies
Uppercuts The Place to Meat, nestled in Bentleigh East, VIC, is clearly a divided topic amongst its customers. Boasting a solid 4.6-star rating across numerous reviews, there's abundant evidence of exceptional quality and service, tempered by some perplexing issues regarding pricing and customer interaction that merit a closer look. The shop’s convenient location at 767 Centre Rd is a plus, and with opening hours stretching from 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM most weekdays and 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Saturdays, many appreciate the accessibility. It’s particularly well-suited for those needing provisions after work or on weekends. The shop facilitates various shopping needs with options including no-contact delivery, regular delivery, in-store pickup, and in-store shopping, ensuring flexibility for customers. People looking for a quick visit will find it convenient as well. Payment options are well covered, accepting credit cards, debit cards, and likely NFC mobile payments. Accessibility is also a key consideration with wheelchair access to both the entrance and parking.
The Meat & The Magic: When Uppercuts Delivers
The overwhelming majority of reviews emphatically praise the quality of the meat at Uppercuts. Customers consistently describe the offerings as "amazing," "tasty," and "juicy." This isn't just about general quality; patrons highlight specific successes. A recurring theme is the success of holiday orders. One delighted customer recounted a fantastic Christmas experience:
“So happy with the quality of my Christmas order this year. I ran out of time to order from my regular place but managed to book a turkey breast and pork loin with Uppercuts and WOW! So impressed. Tasty, juicy and after years of trying, I was finally able to nail crackling by following their instructions 😮👍”
Beyond holiday feasts, the shop shines in providing ingredients for everyday cooking. The mince is frequently cited for its quality, specifically for crafting delicious ragu. Others rave about the bones and treats available for their dogs. Loyalty seems to be a key takeaway, with many stating they consistently choose Uppercuts over larger supermarkets like Coles and Woolworths. Furthermore, customers specifically call out dedicated team members for consistently knowing exactly what they need and having it on hand. And one lucky customer still reminisces about a perfectly cooked lamb spit rental, stating “It’s been a month and I’m still thinking about it. I think it's time for another... 🤤"
The Price of a Cut: Concerns Over Butchering Charges & Service
Despite the widespread adoration for the meat itself, a significant number of reviews express serious concerns about pricing and, crucially, customer service. The most jarring issue repeatedly raised is a $5 charge for cutting a whole chicken. This has led to considerable bewilderment and frustration, particularly as one customer described it as feeling like a "bonus" paid to staff, with the employees themselves seemingly unaware of the rationale.
Here’s a breakdown of the complaints:
- Butchering Fee: The $5 charge for cutting a whole chicken is causing considerable upset amongst customers.
- Unexplained Policy: Employees are reportedly uninformed about the reason for the fee.
- Refusal of Service: One customer was refused a chicken cut-up, and later also told their pork could not be butchered despite having over 90 minutes of shop opening time remaining.
- Staff Attitude: Comments consistently mention a perceived lack of attentiveness and a feeling of being an inconvenience to staff, i.e., “The staff need to learn how to treat customers… You need to say hi when your customers walk in."
- Overpricing: Several reviews simply state that Uppercuts is “overpriced” given the overall experience.
This inconsistent experience stands in stark contrast to the overwhelming praise for the meat's quality.
A Bright Spot & a Licence to Combine: The Upsides Beyond the Meat
Not all critiques are negative. Many customers appreciate the overall shop environment; describing it as "bright & airy" and noting the hygienic practices of the staff who consistently utilise hand protection. Selling wine appropriate for the meat alongside the cuts is another appreciated touch, turning a simple shopping trip into a more complete experience.
A few key positives highlighted include:
- Excellent Customer Service (for some): For customers who receive positive interactions, the service is described as "excellent."
- Comprehensive Display: The large display cabinets allow customers to easily assess the quality of available cuts.
- Hygienic Practices: Demonstrating care and professionalism with hand-protection and other clean handling practices.
- Combined Offering: The ability to purchase both quality meat and complementary wine sets Uppercuts apart.
- Quick Visit Friendly: Designed for shoppers needing only a few items.
The shop's unique approach – blending a traditional butcher's shop with a licensed liquor offering – is a refreshing and potentially winning combination, provided the service and pricing issues can be addressed to ensure a consistently positive experience for all customers.