Editors’ Choice
The Modern Butcher, Newburyport
In some ways, The Modern Butcher defies its name: It’s a bit of a throwback—as in way, way, back—in its approach, favoring whole-animal butchery and locally sourced, pasture-raised meats. In that way, it’s a place that your great-great-great-grandparents might have recognized. But these days that “old-fashioned” approach is thoroughly forward-looking, and besides, the provisions at The Modern Butcher are certainly not your grandparents’ meat and potatoes. Instead, expect to find delicious house-made sausages in flavors like street taco and chicken and waffles; an ever-changing lineup of sandwiches of the day; dry-aged burgers; gorgeously marbled beef; an in-house charcuterie program; and lots more. 226 Merrimac St., Newburyport, 978-465-6500, facebook.com/themodernbutchershop
Readers’ Choice
Butcher Boy, North Andover
You can’t go wrong at Butcher Boy, a reliable stop for favorite and tough-to-find meats at its 60-foot, full-service meat counter staffed by expert butchers. Stop in for your BBQ or Sunday roast needs, not to mention grocery items, wine, and beer. 1077 Osgood St., North Andover, 978-688-1511, butcherboymarket.com