I keep reading all these posts about people buying prime grade beef there, sometimes at ridiculously low prices. Is that something that they carry on a regular basis or is it more of a luck of the draw thing where they just happened to have it when you were there?
Also, do you have to buy a warehouse amount of it or can you buy just a few steaks or a single brisket? We don't have a Costco in my town, nearest one is about 20 miles away but it might be worth the drive if I can go there and pick up prime grade beef like going to the grocery store.
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It's a regular thing here in Parker, CO. They have a dedicated Prime cooler. You can buy whole packers, flats, roasts, usually a few steaks in a package, etc. Prices are WAY lower than at the few local grocers that even offer prime beef.
Originally my Costco here in Torrance, Ca only had USDA Prime grade beef occasionally. Now... They always have it. Last time I was there they had a new display of just USDA Prime beef that you could tell the clerk how much you wanted.
It's well worth a trip to check it out. They are MUCH, MUCH less per pound than my local grocery stores.
In our Costco's here, in Anchorage, it's usually hit and miss on Prime. They almost always have good Choice cuts, however. I'm speaking primals here, not finished steaks and roasts.
I'm in southeast Wisconsin. When I go to the site of the nearest Costco (Pleasant Prairie) it shows up as a warehouse outlet, kind of like a Sam's Club where things are only sold in bulk. Are there different kinds of Costco's that are more grocery store like?
ribeyeguy , the Costco in Grafton has always had Prime quality whole packer, as well as some choice flats in the cooler when i go. The last whole packer, prime grade, that i purchased was just under $4.00 a lb, compared to most "butcher" shops that are 6.99 and up.
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I am not a Costco member, but based on the conversations that I've seen on this site, I went to the nearest Costco (Orlando, FL) on a recon mission. I did not see any prime briskets, and those that they had (full packer, choice) were about $1.30 higher than the local Restaurant Depot, and $1.50 higher than Wally (when he has choice). The only other thing I remember comparing was pork shoulder, about $0.60 higher than other local places. I chose to skip the "pay to buy" membership. Maybe I missed something?
Costco in San Antonio has the prime cuts in the meat section right along with the other cuts. No bulk buy required. In other words, you can buy a single brisket, shoulder, package of 2-3 steaks, etc.
Tucson Costcos typically have Prime cuts--rib eyes, filets (not worth paying Prime prices for IMO), briskets, NY Strip, plus they usually have whole pork belly. Not a guarantee for any particular cut, but usually a safe bet. Lately I've seen a lot of Prime deckle from rib eyes.--that runs around $17 a pound and just seems to fatty for my tastes. Their normal Choice selections are always satisfying.
ribeyeguy In southern Michigan I was getting Prime packers for $3.79/lb as of 2 months ago. some times you had to ask the butcher as they only carried a few cases at a time. They were sold individual and not by the case as most choice grades could be bought at a better price by the case or individual. Prime rib eye and other prime steaks were hit and miss. They also carried pork belly and I have an 80 mile drive to a costco but I think its worth it.
I was just at my local Costco in Rochester NY and everything was prime except the brisket which was choice. They only had flats and the butchers were gone for the day so I couldn't ask. I'm getting ready to do my first brisket in a couple of weeks and I'm doing a prime full packer regardless of where I get it. We have a butcher that sells all grass fed locally raised beef but that might not be enough fat but I'm not sure. I have to talk to him about it.
Talk to the meat manager & ask him to stock some prime beef. If he says no call the 800 # & soon they will start to carry the prime beef. If it sells they will continue to carry it.
We also have Prime out here in Kapolei, HI. Just steaks and Tri-Tip. During Xmas I think they had some prime rib roasts. You don'y have to buy tons, reasonable amounts.
ribeyeguy, The next COSCO I go into Eric will be my first one! It is located 8 Mi SE of me in the Shopping Center part of town part of town! Google Maps says it is a 16 min trip one way. I guarantee you better have a Tow Wrecker reserved, a hand full of Cash, Paid Up Insurance if You are going to try to try to drive amongst those Cell Phone toting Mamas texting if you try a 16 min trip! My Mama didn't raise NO FOOL! Dan
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