Pros 
Cons 's response:
Hinterland Choice Meats: A Mixed Bag of Gold Coast Reviews
Hinterland Choice Meats, located in Nerang’s “My Centre” shopping complex at Shop 3/57 Station St, has garnered a solid 4.5-star rating. But what’s the story behind the high score? This butcher shop, reachable at +61 7 5578 3116, consistently appears in conversations about quality meat on the Gold Coast, though recent experiences have revealed some complexities. The shop’s opening hours are convenient, operating Monday to Friday from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM, Saturdays from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with Sundays closed. Accessibility is a clear positive, boasting both wheelchair accessible entrance and parking. They take credit cards, making transactions easy, and are a good option for a quick visit. But is it all sunshine and sizzling steaks? Let's dive into what customers are saying.
Rave Reviews: Quality & Generosity Shine Through
The overwhelming sentiment towards Hinterland Choice Meats is undeniably positive, especially concerning the quality of their products. Several customers highlight their mince as exceptionally good, mentioning it’s the “best mince meat” they’ve had in a long time and ideal for pets – boasting a low fat content and resembling human mince in quality. One customer even declared their pet mince is superior to that from other butchers they’ve tried.
Beyond the regular cuts, Hinterland Choice Meats’ rissoles have become a serious talking point. One enthusiastic reviewer suggests them for gourmet burgers, stating, "OMG they are amazing. Buy them, serve your friends and family in gourmet burgers and take the credit!" They've earned a reputation for incredible quality on their fresh meals and cuts.
Here’s a snapshot of the outstanding experiences shared:
- Rib Eye Roast: A whole, boned-out rib eye roast received high praise, described as "Absolutely Fabulous" and "melted in our mouths" when shared with a group of six. This speaks to the skill and quality control the butcher applies to larger cuts.
- Best T-Bones: One customer calls them “the best t-bones on the Gold Coast,” wishing they’d discovered the shop sooner.
- Community Support: The butcher displayed commendable generosity by readily donating a prize to a recent Pink Ribbon event hosted at the Nerang RSL, demonstrating a commitment to the local community. It's noted that this promptness and willingness to support charitable causes sets them apart.
- Consistent Quality: Long-time customers, having shopped there for “a few years,” consistently express happiness with the products, reinforcing the shop's reliability.
Areas for Improvement: Service and Product Consistency
While the product quality consistently receives accolades, customer experiences aren't uniformly positive. A significant point of concern revolves around customer service. One reviewer recounts an encounter where a staff member made comments that caused considerable discomfort to their friend, deeming the interaction "SO awkward" and ultimately prompting them to seek an alternative butcher. While acknowledging the possibility of a misunderstanding ("maybe he was trying to be funny"), this incident raises questions about staff training and the importance of maintaining a welcoming and respectful environment for all customers.
Furthermore, there are suggestions regarding product consistency. While most praise the quality and tenderness of the meat, one customer found their purchased sausages to be disappointing. Specifically, they described the beef and cracked pepper sausages as “full of fat & fell apart,” citing them as “the worst sausages I have ever had." This signals a possible need for more rigorous quality control checks across their entire product range and highlighting the need to return to basics.
Weighing the Value: Price and Quality Considerations
A recurring theme in customer feedback pertains to price. One reviewer notes, “The saying 'you get what you pay for' is very true. Prices are higher than the supermarket but the quality is superior." This is a common trade-off when opting for a butcher shop over a large supermarket – the increased cost reflects the higher quality of meat, the expertise of the butcher, and often, a better sourcing of produce. Customers willing to pay a premium for quality and attentive service to recognize this and the convenience of a local business are likely to find Hinterland Choice Meats a worthwhile investment. However, budget-conscious shoppers may need to factor this increased price point in accordingly. Ultimately, it's about aligning your values with your purchases – if quality and supporting a local business are paramount, Hinterland Choice Meats undoubtedly offers a compelling proposition.