Pros 
Cons Dry Aged Meat Co: A Rising Star in Hoppers Crossing's Butcher Scene
Dry Aged Meat Co, nestled at 6 Dunlop Rd, Hoppers Crossing, VIC 3029, has quickly become a local legend. Boasting a remarkable 4.7-star rating, this butcher shop consistently impresses with its premium quality meat and friendly service. Located in Hoppers Crossing, the shop is easily accessible with wheelchair accessible both the entrance and the parking lot, providing a comfortable experience for all. Their opening hours cater to various schedules: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 6 AM to 2 PM and 5 PM respectively, and Saturdays until 1 PM. Not only that, their staff can cater to last-minute requests. The ability to pay with credit and debit cards, plus NFC mobile payments, adds to the convenience. Situated some distance from Melbourne's CBD, Dry Aged Meat Co attracts customers like those from Sydney who travel to Pt Cook specifically to experience the difference.
Rave Reviews: Quality & Customer Service Shine Bright
The overwhelming sentiment from Dry Aged Meat Co's customers is one of enthusiastic praise. A recurring theme is the exceptional quality of the meat, with many claiming it's the best they've ever tasted. As one customer put it, "once you try and get used to it you won’t be shopping anywhere else as will be clearly distinguishing the quality." Several reviewers highlighted specific strengths:
- Dry-Aged Excellence: The "Dry Aged Meat Co" name is well-deserved, with users consistently raving about their dry-aged selections, particularly the Wagyu and Tomahawk steaks. The beef is described as being on another level.
- Custom Cuts are King: Need a specific thickness or cut of meat? Dry Aged Meat Co excels in fulfilling requests. Customers recount tales of the butchers going above and beyond, like cutting a 60mm scotch fillet on the bone when a tomahawk wasn’t available. This bespoke service caters perfectly to BBQ and smoking enthusiasts.
- Brisket Brilliance: For those seeking high-quality brisket, this butcher shop is a top recommendation. Customers praise the perfect trimming and smoking qualities of their brisket.
- Pork Perfection: The shop's commitment to free-range pork sets it apart. Patrons insist that they won’t buy pork anywhere else due to the noticeable difference in taste and quality.
- Friendly Faces: The team—Gary, Justine, Manny, and Paul—are consistently lauded for their exceptional customer service and genuine warmth. Customers appreciate their willingness to understand their needs and source specific cuts, even with a few days’ notice. They understand what customers are aiming to achieve and readily assist.
A Few Cautionary Tales: Addressing Concerns
While overwhelmingly positive, Dry Aged Meat Co isn’t without its detractors – a reflection of honest feedback that helps to balance the reviews. There are some consistent pieces of criticism that are worth noting:
- Pricing Discrepancies: One customer reported a significant price increase ($30) between the quoted price and the final bill for a marinated lamb and chicken order. This highlights the importance of carefully confirming prices before placing an order, especially for pre-marinated items.
- Marination Delays: The same customer also experienced a wait for the meat to be marinated, suggesting potential inconsistencies in preparation times.
- Quality Control Issues (Wagyu Burgers): A previous customer's experience with Wagyu burgers reveals a concerning potential for quality control lapses. Receiving patties high in fat, seemingly closer to sausage meat than premium Wagyu, is a serious complaint. The warning to “be careful what they serve you” underscores the need for vigilant quality checks. This breach in expectations seems to have shocked a returning customer.
| Concern | Details | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Errors | Significant price differences between quotes and bills. | Confirm final price before order fulfillment. |
| Marination Delays | Orders not ready as expected. | Inquire about preparation timelines during ordering. |
| Quality Fluctuations | Inconsistent quality of Wagyu burgers. | Carefully inspect products upon receipt; don’t hesitate to inquire about origin and preparation. |
Final Thoughts: Is Dry Aged Meat Co Worth the Trip?
Despite a few critiques, Dry Aged Meat Co undeniably offers something special. The consistent praise for meat quality, the willingness to cater to unique requests, and the genuinely friendly service create a rare and valuable experience. The accessibility features and variety of payment options are practical bonuses. While price discrepancies and inconsistent quality, as highlighted by some reviewers, are legitimate concerns, the majority of customers are overwhelmingly satisfied with their purchases. To truly experience what everyone is raving about, reaching out at +61 3 8360 3099 prior to visiting can potentially resolve any potential issues, and ensure a seamless and rewarding visit to this Hoppers Crossing gem. You'll likely find the difference in meat quality will far outweigh any minor inconveniences – and leave you eager to return for more premium provisions.