Hello all,

I am wondering if anyone else shops at both Randalls and HEB? (I shop specifically by the Fry Road and I-10 locations) If so, does anyone else also notice that while cheaper, HEB beef products like skirt steak and ribeye steaks are much lower quality than Randall's? I thought the price difference was just due to Randalls being a nicer grocery store, but after a few years of purchasing steaks from both locations, I feel like there is a definite difference in the quality of meat. HEB Prime ribeye steaks are not even as good as Randall's choice ribeye steaks when it comes to tenderness. And honestly, I feel like I even get close to the quality of a steakhouse such as Pappa's steak house when I cook from Randall's prime.

Just last week, I bought skirt steak from Randall's and cooked it up nicely. It was delicious and tender. So good that I wanted to enjoy it again in the same week! But this time I went to HEB. Well, for a whole 2 dollars cheaper a pound, I got a skirt steak that was so tough to chew that my GF couldn't even finish her meal. It felt like I was chewing gum. After 30 seconds of chewing, you just give up and swallow a piece that you couldn't even chew down to size. I am not sure how it is even possible to get such differences in tenderization. Does Randall's dry age their skirt steaks???

I have attempted to smoke brisket 3 times now and they never come out all that great. I am starting to think it is because I am purchasing the briskets from HEB...

Anyways, please post your preferred grocer for meat products! and if you know of a high quality local butcher that is not outrageously expensive, let me know!