Better ingredients make better food
Today is the first day
of the rest of our lives.
Katy the Butcher is OPEN!
Dry-aged Ribeyes • Flank Steaks • New York Strip • Hangar Steaks • Chuck Roast • Tenderloin / Filets • Bavettes (like a skirt steak, but better) • Coulattes / Picana (like a tritip, but better) • Cherry Wood Bacon • Fresh Ricotta • Whole Amish Chicken • Chicken Breasts • Fresh Bread • Lake Superior Whitefish • Trout • Pork Rib Chops from Jake's • Eggs • Beans • Rubs • Condiments • Charcoal
Meet Katy
Katy Wilhelmi, known as “Katy the Butcher,” brings a rich family legacy and deep passion to her craft. Descended from butchers—including a great-grandmother and a grandfather who owned Joliet Meats—she transitioned from a vegetarian upbringing to mastering butchery. Trained at the University of Arizona (as the first woman in their meat-cutting program), she worked ranches, labs, and markets like Al’s Meat Market.
Now opening her own shop in Highland Park, Katy is committed to transparency, quality, and ethically sourced meats—products she knows from field to finish, where she can trace the origins and support responsible farming. Her approach honors tradition while building community through honest, soulful food.
As seen in:
The Collection
Dry-Aged Meats
Deeply flavorful cuts aged to perfection in our custom cooler for ultimate tenderness.
Amish Poultry
Time-honored preparation and free-range farming for poultry in a class of its own.
Local Cheeses
Locally crafted with care and quality, discover cheeses of exceptional flavor and character.
Seasonal Produce
Enjoy local harvests ranging from crisp spring greens to vibrant, sun-ripened crops.
Aged to Perfection
Our signature process for unparalleled flavor
Classes
COMING THIS FALL: Sausage making; How to buy meats, Pork cutting 101; Lamb cutting 101; Cooking for a party, and more!
Quarter & Sides
Invest in superior taste and value with our quarter cow options—100% single-source beef. A deposit secures your order.
Buy-In Program
Support local farmers and secure premium cuts through our buy-in program, designed for families who value quality.
Custom Cutting
From specific thicknesses to specialized butchering styles, our experts provide custom cutting services to meet your culinary needs.
Find us in the heart of the village
1954 1st St.
Highland Park, IL 60035
847-256-0070
Hours:
Sunday: 11:00AM - 3:00PM
Monday: 9:30AM - 6:00PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wed - Sat: 9:30AM - 6:00PM