Pros 
Cons A Closer Look at Lidcombe Meat Mart: What Customers Are Saying
Lidcombe Meat Mart, located at 8 Joseph St, Lidcombe NSW 2141, is a butcher shop attracting a range of opinions from customers. With a current rating of 3.1 out of 5, it's clear that experiences are varied. The shop operates with consistent opening hours, Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 7 PM, Saturday from 9 AM to 7 PM, and Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM. For those with accessibility needs, Lidcombe Meat Mart offers both wheelchair accessible entrance and parking, making it accessible for a wider range of shoppers. The shop also caters to those needing a quick visit and accepts both credit cards and NFC mobile payments, adding to its convenience. Let's delve into the details of what customers are saying about this Lidcombe establishment.
The Good, the Great, and the Korean BBQ Ready
Many positive reviews highlight the quality of the meat, particularly for BBQ enthusiasts and those seeking authentic Korean flavours. Here's a breakdown of the highlights:
- Quality Meats: Several customers praise the overall meat quality, specifically mentioning suitability "for Korean people" and "good quality meat for BBQ." A commenter highlighted the "outstanding" nature of the meat itself, suggesting a focus on sourcing and preparation.
- Korean BBQ Recommendation: A notable recommendation points towards Lidcombe Meat Mart being a great choice for those new to Korean BBQ. It implies their selection caters well to this cuisine style.
- Pleasant Service: The helpfulness of the counter staff is frequently mentioned, with one customer specifically noting the "pleasant" demeanor. This is a crucial element in a local business setting.
- Acceptance of Amex (with a Catch): The shop does accept American Express, a bonus for some. However, this acceptance comes with a minimum purchase of $20 and a 50c surcharge, a detail customers should be aware of.
A curious aspect emerges from one user's purchase: marinated beef weighing approximately 800g (including the marinade) cost $18.50, and 6 marinated beef ribs around $31. While seemingly reasonable in some contexts, it's a price point that some reviewers consider on the higher end considering it's a butcher shop not a restaurant.
Areas for Improvement: Value and Freshness Concerns
Despite the positive aspects, a significant number of reviews raise concerns about value for money and, more worryingly, freshness. Here’s a categorized view:
- Price vs. Value: The recurring sentiment is that the prices are “bit expensive.” While quality is important, customers feel the cost doesn't always justify the value relative to other butcher shops and even restaurant pricing.
- Issues with Chicken Wings – A Major Red Flag: One customer had a particularly negative experience with chicken wings. Despite requesting (and paying for) a specific cut and being told it had been done, the initial portion was incorrect. When brought back to the attention of the staff, the correction was made, but upon returning home, the wings emitted a "bad smell" and were deemed "out of date," leading to near-vomiting - a serious food safety concern.
- Quality Concerns: A direct statement claims that the shop offers "low quality meats high price," a broad and concerning assessment that highlights a potential inconsistency in product quality.
| Concern | Details | Potential Impact |
|---|---|---|
| High Prices | Cost perceived as higher than justified | Reduced repeat business, negative word-of-mouth |
| Chicken Freshness | Wings were out of date and smelled bad | Serious health risk; loss of customer trust |
| Inconsistent Cutting | Initial wing cut was incorrect, requiring a return visit | Frustrating customer experience; perception of inattentiveness |
Accessibility, Payments, and Planning Your Visit
Beyond the meat itself, Lidcombe Meat Mart offers certain conveniences that contribute to a smoother shopping experience.
- Accessibility: The shop is well-equipped for accessibility. Wheelchair users can easily access the store and its parking facilities, making it inclusive for all customers.
- Payment Options: Customers benefit from a range of payment options, including credit cards and NFC mobile payments (contactless), simplifying the checkout process. The acceptance of Amex, albeit with conditions ($20 minimum, 50c surcharge), provides an additional option.
- Visit Planning: The shop caters well to quick visits, so customers can pop in and out quickly, convenient for those with busy schedules.
- Contact Information: You can reach Lidcombe Meat Mart by phone at +61 2 9749 4112.
It seems Lidcombe Meat Mart has the potential to be a great local butcher, particularly for specific culinary needs. However, addressing the concerns regarding price, quality (especially freshness), and consistency in service will be crucial to improving the overall customer experience and achieving a higher rating.