Pros 
Cons Baghdad Butchery: A Liverpool Local's Perspective
Baghdad Butchery, nestled at 243 Northumberland St, Liverpool NSW 2170, has become a familiar face for many in the area. With a solid 4.1-star rating, it's clearly done something right to earn that recognition. Opening its doors six days a week, from Monday to Friday and Saturday, and Sunday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, it provides a convenient option for those seeking butcher-fresh meat. The shop offers a friendly, in-store shopping experience geared for quick visits. Payment options are plentiful, accepting credit cards, debit cards, and even NFC mobile payments for ease of transaction. Its location in Liverpool makes it accessible, but the mix of praise and concern – particularly regarding quality consistency – is worth exploring. Let's dive deeper into what customers are saying.
The Good: Value, Service, and Standout Specials
Several reviews repeatedly highlight the positive aspects of Baghdad Butchery. The most significant praise revolves around two key areas: affordability and customer service.
- Economical Pricing: A recurring theme is the shop's competitive pricing compared to other butcheries in the Liverpool region. Customers appreciate the good value they receive, making it an attractive option for families and budget-conscious shoppers. As one reviewer noted, “The cost of meat in this shop is economical compared to others in the area.”
- Exceptional Customer Service: The owner consistently receives praise for his warm smile, helpfulness, and professionalism. Customers describe him as “very humble” and report feeling respected, even when struggling to choose the right cuts. He’s celebrated for not being overly generous with extra meat, fostering trust and transparency in transactions. One customer shared a particularly positive experience: “The owner is super nice and respectful when I was struggling to decide which cuts I wanted.”
- Specific Product Highlights: While overall quality sees some fluctuations (more on that below), certain items consistently receive admiration.
- Baby Goat: Several reviewers rave about the fresh and delicious baby goat, praising its ease of cooking and beautiful meat. "Fresh and nice baby goat and when I cooked it was easy and beautiful meat. Highly recommend this shop."
- General Freshness (at times): Many long-time customers mention consistently receiving quality meat over the years, emphasizing a reliable baseline for freshness. “I have been buying meat here since last atleast 6 year's, they sale quality meat with very reasonable price and good service…”
- "Best Meat in the Area": A few customers outright declare Baghdad Butchery to have the "best meat in the area," highlighting the potential for exceptional quality when it’s on point.
Concerns and Complaints: Quality Control & Hygiene
Despite the strong positives, a significant number of negative reviews centre around inconsistent meat quality and a serious concern about hygiene. These are issues that could potentially impact the shop’s overall reputation and customer loyalty.
- Quality Fluctuations: The most recurring complaint outside of the hygiene issues involves the variable nature of the meat quality. While many sing the praises of fresh produce, others have experienced significantly disappointing results.
- Spoiled Steak: One customer sadly recounted purchasing steak that turned green and emitted an off odour within just a few days. "I purchased steak from this butcher on Saturday, kept it in the fridge until Monday to have for dinner - took it out and it was green & smelt off!! Never had this issue before. Very disappointed.”
- Badly Defrosted Duck: A particularly alarming review described a frozen duck that smelled and felt “slimy” after defrosting, forcing the customer to discard it. “i bought 2 duck last friday it was a frozen duck! when i did at home defrost the duck it was very bad off smell and slimy! i need to throw in the bin, wasting of money never go again very bad quality product…” This raises serious concerns about proper storage and handling of frozen meats.
- Hygiene Concerns: The most frequently stated area needing immediate improvement is hygiene. Several reviewers have explicitly mentioned this, underscoring the importance of addressing these issues promptly. "One thing to improve is hygiene!!!!" Details of the hygiene concerns are sparse, but given the seriousness of the complaints, a thorough review of practices is essential. Table below outlining potential areas of improvement:
| Area of Hygiene | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Meat Display Surfaces | Regular cleaning and sanitization |
| Cutting Surfaces | Dedicated cutting boards for different meats, thorough cleaning between uses |
| Refrigerator Temperatures | Consistent monitoring and adherence to food safety guidelines |
| Employee Hygiene Practices | Strict adherence to handwashing protocols, use of gloves |
| General Shop Cleanliness | Frequent sweeping, mopping, and garbage disposal |
Contact Details and What to Expect
If you're considering visiting Baghdad Butchery, here's what you need to know:
- Phone: +61 420 883 885
- Address: 243 Northumberland St, Liverpool NSW 2170, Australia
- Opening Hours: Consistent operation from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday to Saturday. Sunday is also open 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Payment Options: Credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments are accepted.
- What to Expect: A likely friendly greeting from the owner and competitive pricing. Be prepared for the possibility of finding exceptional quality, or, as some reviews suggest, experiencing inconsistencies. Given the hygiene concerns raised, it's wise to carefully observe the shop's cleanliness and ask questions about their practices.
Phone: +61 420 883 885