Highland Drive Butchery & Local Produce

As a bacon aficionado, I want to write a review and highlight the delicious, exquisite, craft bacon they have here. Oh. My. God. It’s to die for. I honestly don’t think I can buy bacon at a grocery store again. It has an amazing smoky flavour and the quality is top shelf. I bought a pound the other weekend, made breakfast a couple times, topped a salad and made twice baked potatoes a couple nights. I will be going to pick up more this weekend. It’s addictive. I swear, you won’t want to go back to the other stuff.
Aside from the bacon, I bought a couple sausages. They were also delicious, but the star of the show was the bacon.
It’s pretty small in here. I’m not a quick decision marker, couple that with a deep hatred of grocery shopping, and not being a huge chef, basically I want to be rich solely for the fact I want to pay someone to make all my meals… I was a little overwhelmed when placed in front of the meat counter. It felt like people were looking at me, judging me for not knowing exactly what I wanted. I’m sorry meat dudes, I don’t know what cut and the exact weight of meat I want.
If the damn bacon wasn’t heaven on earth, I probably wouldn’t go back. At least this weekend I can cruise in here with confidence knowing exactly what I’m there for. Also, the best part for me is they wrap the meat in paper. No styrofoam!

Finally found a butcher in halifax. Bought some steaks and some fresh mushrooms to go with it. Not the easiest place to find for a first time but I will go again now that I know it is there. Little pricey but understandable given it isn’t a box store.

I’ve had very pleasant experiences here in the past but now I’m wondering if what the recent sale of the business will mean for customers. I was made to feel a little stupid for asking for bacon on a Thursday. (They make it on Friday and it sells out on Saturday, don’t you know.) The exchange didn’t improve after that. I think I’ll shop elsewhere in future.

Outstanding experience, great service and above all else the produce was fantastic! I found exactly what I was looking for, with an extremely helpful staff that directed me to my wants. The sausage was breathtaking and the ground beef made my burgers jump with new flavours.

New ownership. Been in a few times recently. Still great selection of meats. The store has preserves now as well and a few veg to pick from as well.

What a fantastic little butcher shop!
The walls are lined with gorgeous dark wood shelves that I would love to steal for a library someday in the future. Until then, they may stay here, packed with cool mason jars and shirts that advertise the shop. I loved the designs, and I plan on stocking up when I next come in. Right now, there’s not much of what I like in season, but as that changes, it’s nice to know I can not only get cuts of beef, chicken, and pork here (along with loads more, but I didn’t have time to have much of a look on this visit) but that I can also get my produce too! On a lazy day you could just get your stewing meat and veggies at the same time and throw it all in a pot when you got home. What could be better than that?
Hmmm. what could be better than that?
Maybe I’ll be back there sooner than I realize…

Adorable. Charming.
I found the staff did not all share equal knowledge but that’s okay. Their prices are what I would expect for an independent local butcher in this location in the city: this isn’t costco (although costco steak is FANTASTIC, not hating) or sobey’s.
Though I do eat meat, I find purchasing cuts of meat from a butcher to be a little too «real» for me, so my experience here is based on accompanying a friend and witnessing transactions firsthand. A roast for 4 came to around $ 45 or 50.
Their fresh produce is beautiful and they have a sweet selection of cutely packaged preserves.

This review is long overdue! We used Highland Drive catering for our wedding in July. Upon our first meeting with Jessi we knew she would be the perfect fit for a wedding with many guests that were coming from out of town. I have a dairy allergy, and we knew that there were guests that were coming that were vegan or had gluten allergies.
Jessi put together an amazing menu that covered all of our needs and would leave our out of town guests with a true taste of Nova Scotia. We got to taste everything before hand and the BBQ chicken she came up with left me drooling for months. I did not think that was possible with chicken!
Jessi was a great liaison between us and our rental company to ensure we had everything we needed for the big day.
On top of a delicious meal, the Highland Drive catering team was not dressed in stuffy penguin costumes, instead cute dresses, red lipstick and pearls. It was the perfect touch for our venue.
Working with Jessi every step of the way was a pleasure and from a pricing perspective extremely competitive with other catering companies in the city. Thanks to Jessi we were able to serve our wedding guests a unique menu that was perfect for us.

I’ve been reading the reviews and I’m amazed that nobody has mentioned the butchery’s pies. They make wonderful pies! I’ve had the chicken vegetable, the tortierre, and also the individual pork pies. All were delicious. The current one available is the shepherd’s pie and it’s delicious as well — has garlic and carrots in it with nice gravy, and it’s topped with scrumptious, creamy potatoes. Mine easily served three people and I added cauliflower (also purchased here) with cheese sauce as a side dish. You could serve it with a salad, or just on its own — and all this for $ 8! What a great meal. Somebody wrote that they found the prices a wee bit high. Well, this isn’t the kind of meat you buy at a chain store. This is all local and fresh! Last weekend I saw a beautiful blade roast, and to be quite honest, it was the best one I’ve ever seen. Often in the chain stores, this cut is so marbled that it’s more fat than meat so I’ve never bought one. I had pork tenderloin the week before last and it was great — so tender that I could have cut it with a fork. I’ve also used their stew beef. Now, this was a sight to see. I used every scrap of it instead of cutting a quarter of it off because it was too fatty. The owner, Jessi, asked me if I’d like some beef stock to go with it. Of course I said «yes,» and it was tasty, thick and delicious with onions in it. I made such a big pot of stew that I had enough left to give my niece for her family of four — and all this for $ 8! In the summer, the butchery had the greatest array of hamburgers that I’ve ever seen, about six or eight varieties and all very flavourful and different. Each patty was so large that when cooked, it made a good meal for anyone. Sausages are something else that the butchery excels in making and there’s every kind you could possibly imagine. When you walk into the store, you’re greeted by a long table filled with fresh, seasonal vegetables and the wonderful, friendly staff who accommodate all your needs. Outside the door sits a bowl filled with water for neighbours walking their dogs and there’s also a jar of dog biscuits on the front window shelf. What can possibly be more neighbourly than that? If you haven’t yet been to the Highland Drive Storehouse Butchery, you’re in for a treat. Please take a walk inside if only to look around to tickle your senses. It will be difficult to leave empty handed.
–
Dorothy M
F

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS PLACE!
the best stocks I’ve ever tasted. The staff and Jess are just sweet people. I have a weekly order they do up for me so I never run out of Chicken Stock, Gluten Free, sulfite free sausages and Yummy marrow butter.
Don’t ever leave us guiz. We love you.
***UPDATE***
More amazing stuff @ Highland Drive. I ordered ½ a lb of Sodium sulfite free bacon. It looked «fatty“but after I cooked it, I bit into the most complete, most delicious, crispy piece of bacon I have ever tasted! I’m making Split Pea and Bacon Soup tomorrow, using Highland drive stock and that amazing, incredible bacon. Yuuuummmmyyy.
By the way…*someone* was whinging about the beans… look, I just had a L of their baked beans and there was NO tomatoes in it… just delishousness. If you like old fashioned, the-​way-​mom made Baked beans Highland Drive is your go-​to. Just call & make sure they have some in stock, they sell quick!!!

Ok, I’ll admit it… I generally buy my meat from the Superstore (because it is 5 steps away from my apartment). But on the occasion that I’m in the Hydrostone, I will happily spend my hard-​earned dollars on this butchery’s products. One of the great things about this place is that in addition to the meat products that you expect a butchery to carry, they also have some seasonable fruits and veggies for sale, along with a great assortment of jams and preserves (which make great little gifts). I received very friendly service and excellent quality products. Highland Drive is definitely going on my list of Hydrostone faves.

What a great addition to Halifax’s food scene!
The shop has a great vibe to it, very tastefully decorated, in a country kitchen kind of way. The big butcher block table in the centre, full of local produce, is very inviting. There’s also the cute little retro fridge with local cheeses and eggs.
But really… it’s about the meat.
Jessi and her staff are really knowledgeable about the products they sell. Don’t hesitate to ask if you don’t see what you want as it’s likely they have it in the back. As nice as the meats are though, for me the stars are the products they make there, like the bacon, guanciale (wow!) and especially the sausages.
I’ve tried the chipotle, the Moroccan, the cajun boudin and they all were amazing, with a great texture.
A great feature for me was their offer of marinating a nice piece of flank steak for me. Scott did a great job with the marinade and it was wonderful. You don’t get this kind of service at your supermarket!

**Obligatory ‘vegetarian reviewing a butcher’ warning.**
After a couple attempts to find the place by car, I finally made it over to the Hydrostone on foot to find Highland Drive once and for all. For your reference, it’s right next to the furniture store and Starbucks, it’s just tough to see any signage until you’re right on top of it!
Aesthetically, it’s a nice looking shop with a great retro flare. It definitely feels nicer than your average meat shop with big cuts of cow are your first welcome into the space. While they’ve got the meat department covered, it’s behind the counter a bit further in. Meanwhile, a big communal table in the middle shows off bright and fresh local veggies and a side wall boasts a selection of pickled veggies, jams and spreads for the masses.
We didn’t quite have time to wait to ask a few questions (staff really care about service here so it takes a bit longer to get service) and I wasn’t able to find any cheeses (although they may have been past the line up front by the meats), so I still have to pop back in for round two!

Stopped by a few times; once to check it the wares and the second time to actually buy stuff.
Both times, was greeted by friendly staff. I asked a few questions and they answered and vigor.
Having hauled freshly skinned sides of beef, pork to the cold room in my youth (how else do you explain my chiselled physique?), I do know what good cuts of meat look like. And that is something you notice right away; the cuts do look great, no dyes or other tricks, the meat is the color it should be after being cut and aged accordingly.
I picked up some drumsticks & thighs (2 lbs), lamb burgers (2 patties) and sausages (2) on my second visit.
The sausages had some Garrison Raspberry wheat beer infused, and it’s made old school style. It was lean, tasty and easy to cook, just like it’s supposed to be. Put that on a bun with some Tancook krout and you’ll thank me.
The chicken was simply amazing (drumstick & thighs) lots of meat, thighs were enormous.
And the lamb burger was stuffed with a variety of fancy veggies like fennel and other stuff. For those who avoid lamb… don’t; the sourced lamb here is amazing and I have no problem putting up my BBQ lamb burger with a Sobey’s bun and cheese against one of the fancy burger joints in town, BRING IT!
The one downside is that the above cost me almost 30 $. Some would balk at that price, but the quality trumps anything you find at the major grocery chains.
Stop by and pick up a few things for your next BBQ.

I’m so disappointed in this new butchery. I’m always looking for places to buy cuts of fresh, local meat but this will definitely not be my go-​to.
Firstly, no signage. We wandered up and down the main strip in Hydrostone and couldn’t find it. We searched for it on Unilocal and learned it was on Kaye Street. After driving past it at least twice, we ended up back near the Hydrostone Café, where we finally spotted a street-​level sign that had «STOREHOUSE» in huge letters and «Highland Drive» in such a tiny font that we simply couldn’t read it.
Secondly, no service. Upon entering there was a boisterous group of people sitting on what appeared to be a bench near the front of the store. An older woman said «hello,» then resumed chatting with her group. A basket of last season’s apples is the first thing you see upon entering, then a few bags of lettuce and a wall of pickled vegetables. If you like pickled veggies, this is the place for you. At the display counter, two people were socializing with one customer and completely ignored us as we stared at unidentified cuts of pork.
Thirdly, no useful list of prices or cuts. The «list» of meats behind the counter is useless. It names some meats (chicken, beef, pork, then «Everything», that’s literally what it says) with no cuts and I don’t recall seeing any prices. There are, however, prices for the pickled stuff on another wall. The meat in the teeny-​tiny display counter is not labelled. Other than the bacon I had no idea what I was looking at, other than it all appeared to be the driest-​looking pork I’ve ever seen. Like it had been on display a few days too long.
Fourthly, no selection. As mentioned, it all appeared to be pork. Lots of bacon. I guess if you’re a big bacon fan this is the place for you. No chicken or turkey.
It took only a few minutes for us to decide to leave without buying anything. The same woman said «See you soon» as we left. No, we will not be returning. Thank goodness for the Farmers Market.

Tara and I love our North End neighbourhood. We waited with anticipation for the Highland Drive Storehouse and Butchery to open. We walked by for weeks and peeked through the tears in the brown paper on the windows to see how things were progressing… and finally — this weekend it was open!
Jessi and the crew at Highland Drive were worth waiting for. Our first visit on Saturday (April ²⁸⁄₁₂) was really to explore and make our game plan for delicious meals to come. We sampled a complimentary gingerbread with whipped herb marrow butter and when Jessi heard that Tara and I eat paleo she gave us a brown paper back of crackins’ to sample. (that’s fried pork skin/​fat which is quite the treat).
We bought a jar of Apple Maple Butter and a jar of pickled beets to take home. Receipts are old school, just like the butchers you remember, and Jessi asked our names. Felt like top quality customer service to me.
The Storehouse is a perfect addition to the Hydrostone, fresh local veggies, cheese, eggs and all of the meat of my dreams, plus preserves and delights on the shelves. Not to mention it seems Jessi and the crew at Highland Drive love to integrate their talents with the goodness already in the Hydrostone Market. Today (April 29.12) Tara and I walked by Liquid Gold and Jessi was exhibiting her salad making skills and how her greens pair well with some of the oils and vinegars for sale. Plus giving away homemade chocolate chip cookies. Heaven!
I love the vintage style with modern flair. Even the clean cut and patterned uniforms that Jessi and team wear with vintage buttons add to the charm. Tara and I have every intention of being regulars around here.

I live in the Hydrostone…
(try to not get all crazy and hunt me down).
For the past few weeks I’ve walked past what would become the store front window of the newly opened Highland Drive Butchery. Every day looking longingly in anticipation of them opening and finding out what Jessi would be bringing to my neck of the woods.
Hello neighbor!!!
The day they opened the door, we were there to see what glorious goodness the shelves held and what what kind of meats we would be getting our hot little hands on just a stone’s throw away from our front door.
I was not disappointed.
Local farm grown veggies (i.e. what’s in season and not mass produced) are the first thing your eyes catch but it won’t be the only thing you’ll be wanting to get. Jars of Apple Maple Butter, pickled beets and carrots, bags of bread flour and the cutest little refrigerator full of local cheeses and free range eggs makes the Highland Drive one of my new local favorites.
When you finally make your way to the meat display you’re gonna start wondering if you’re going to need a second job in order to pay for all the delicious cuts of meats they have to offer. And please don’t get me started on the marrow butter…
Okay you can get me started on the marrow butter; delish!
Jessi (the owner) was super friendly even in all the chaos of it being the first day open. We mentioned that we were paleo eaters and she sent us home with a sample of the pork cracklin (YUM!)…
Welcome to the neighborhood Jessi, we’re super excited for you!