Pros 
Cons A Melbourne Market Staple: Alec Watson & Son's Reputation
Alec Watson & Son Butchers, nestled within the bustling Meat & Fish Hall of Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Market, is a name frequently mentioned when discussing quality meat in the CBD. Located at Shop 41, 513 Elizabeth Street, the butcher shop enjoys a prime position attracting both locals and tourists alike. With a current rating of 4.3 out of 5, it's clear this isn't just a fleeting vendor; Alec Watson & Son has established a loyal customer base. Operating on Fridays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and weekends – notably closed Mondays and Wednesdays – their opening hours (9 AM – 3 PM most weekdays, 7 AM – 4 PM on Saturdays/Sundays) cater well to market visitors and busy schedules. Many customers, like one reviewer from the country, specifically return after trying alternatives, highlighting the superior quality and taste. It is understood the business has been operating for a long time with passion and a great range of options for those in a rush.
“It’s my second time buying some Rump steak from Alec Watson & Son Butchers and I absolutely love it! After the first time I tried another butcher out of conveniency and couldn’t compare so I went back!”
The shop boasts an impressive selection, encompassing everything from classic beef, pork, and lamb, to less common offal cuts, and an array of Italian-style sausages. Several reviews underscore the exceptional quality of their sausages and porchetta, with one claiming the latter to be "the BEST in Melbourne." The meat itself is often praised for its flavour and tenderness – even cooked a second time the next day, a testament to its quality. Pricing is also a recurring positive point, with many finding the cuts to be “very reasonably priced.” The range caters to diverse tastes and cooking needs, with options perfect for both last-minute dinners and festive gatherings, as demonstrated by one customer's long-standing tradition of using Alec Watson & Son’s porchetta for their family's Christmas celebrations. The shop itself accepts credit and debit cards, offering NFC mobile payments as another convenient option.
Shining Stars and Concerning Practices: A Review Breakdown
The reviews for Alec Watson & Son Butchers paint a picture of a business with both resounding praise and areas needing improvement. Here’s a breakdown of the recurring themes:
Positives:
- Exceptional Meat Quality: This is the dominant sentiment. Customers consistently rave about the flavour, tenderness, and overall quality of the beef (particularly the Rump steak), lamb chops, pork chops, and sausages. The aged beef options are also noted.
- Delicious Sausages & Porchetta: Special mention for their Italian-style sausages and, especially, the porchetta, consistently deemed top-tier in Melbourne.
- Fair Prices: Several reviewers highlight the competitive and reasonable pricing.
- Good Staff: Positive comments about the friendly and helpful staff are prevalent.
- Convenient Location: Situated at the entrance to the butcher's hall within Queen Victoria Market, easy to reach.
Negatives & Points of Concern:
- Hygiene Practices: This is the most significant and concerning criticism. One customer observed a staff member handling raw meat, eftpos machine, and sausages without gloves, and received a dismissive response when questioned. This raises serious questions about food safety and adherence to best practices.
- Freshness Issues: A separate reviewer unknowingly purchased liver past its expiration date, highlighting a potential lack of oversight in date checks. While potentially a one-off incident, it warrants attention.
- Inconsistent Experiences: While many speak highly of the business, the hygiene concern and the expired liver purchase prompts some hesitancy, with one customer stating they "will think about going back."
Deep Dive: Specific Products & Recommendations
Based on customer feedback, here's a breakdown of standout products and what reviewers recommend:
| Product | Customer Sentiment | Recommended Preparation | Price Range (Estimate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rump Steak | Excellent flavour and tenderness; can be cooked multiple times and still taste great. | Medium Rare, "Just Done" | $20 - $30 per kg |
| Lamb Chops | Fantastic flavour | Grill, BBQ | $18 - $25 per kg |
| Pork Chops | Fantastic flavour | Grill, Pan-fry | $15 - $22 per kg |
| Snags (Sausages) | Among the best ever tasted; very tasty. | BBQ, Grill | $10 - $15 per kg |
| Porchetta | The BEST in Melbourne; consistently high quality, a Christmas tradition. | Roasted, Sliced | $25 - $35 per kg |
| Liver | Potential freshness concerns; careful date checking required | Pan-fried, Pâté | $8 - $15 per kg |
Recommendations:
- For a Classic Steak Night: Order the Rump Steak - customers consistently praise its flavour and versatility.
- For a Festive Feast: Secure the Porchetta well in advance for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Don't Forget the Snags: Grab a selection of their sausages for a quick and delicious meal.
- Check Dates Carefully: Pay close attention to expiration dates, particularly on items like liver and offal.
Contact and Visiting Information
Planning a visit to Alec Watson & Son Butchers at Queen Victoria Market? Here’s what you need to know:
- Address: Queen Victoria Market, Shop 41, Meat & Fish Hall, 513 Elizabeth Street Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
- Phone: +61 412 356 322
- Opening Hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 9 AM–3 PM
- Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday: 9 AM–3 PM
- Friday: 9 AM–3 PM
- Saturday: 7 AM–4 PM
- Sunday: 7 AM–4 PM
- Payment Options: Credit cards, debit cards, NFC mobile payments.
- Location Notes: Easy to find near the entrance to the Meat & Fish Hall.
- Quick Visit: The shop’s designed for “quick visits”, offering a solution for those needing a meat fix in a hurry.
Important Note: Given the concerns raised regarding hygiene practices, potential customers may want to observe staff interactions to ensure adherence to appropriate food safety standards.