McCann's Local Meats: a new Rochester must

McCann's is an artisan butcher shop in Rochester's South Wedge neighborhood. It's a full-service butcher with several tables for eating on premises. They have a short, changing menu of sandwich specials (today was a Bulgogi sandwich); some standbys (a grown-up Sloppy Joe); and total willingness to put together a meal based on whatever they have on hand (burger; steak; pulled pork; BBQ brisket; etc.).

Their selections are top quality, with both standard and unusual items. I loved the sliced smoked beef heart -- dense, meaty, and rich without fattiness, with just enough smoke as not to overpower the meat. The Sloppy Joe was saucy without being too sweet, and a side of fries cooked in beef fat were crisp and delicious. Today's specials had were Korean, with a bulgogi sliced-meat sandwich with a nice slaw, with a side of japchae studded with thick coins of beef.

Beef jerky and chicharones are available for take-out snacking. Prepared salads, sauces, meat-cookery ingredients (marrow butter!), and more are also for sale.

The quality and selection rivaled 4505 Meats in San Francisco -- which is the highest praise I can imagine giving a butcher shop. My lunch today at McCann's was easily the best new spot I've found in a decade of regular visits to Rochester.

Note: closes 7 pm weekdays, 5 pm Saturday. Go for lunch or an early-bird dinner.

http://www.mccannslocalmeats.com/