Why Chattanooga Locals Love Don’s Meat Shop in Hixson, TN

If you’re in Chattanooga and serious about quality meat, there’s a hidden gem just a short drive north in Hixson that locals have trusted since 1988—Don’s Meat Shop. Known for its exceptional selection, personalized service, and old-school butcher shop charm, Don’s is more than just a place to buy meat—it’s a local institution. Whether you’re a weekend griller, a seasoned home chef, or just someone who appreciates fresh, hand-cut meats, Don’s offers something you won’t find in big box stores: quality you can see, taste, and trust. From rare steak cuts to house-made sausages and stuffed pork chops, Don’s Meat Shop is where Chattanooga shops for serious flavor.

Contact Information:

Address: Located at 6408 Hixson Pike, Hixson, TN 37343.

Phone: 423-842-1256

Website: Donsmeatshop.com

A Trusted Butcher Since 1988

Don’s Meat Shop has been a cornerstone of the Hixson community since 1988, when Don and Sally Rains first opened the doors with a simple mission: to provide the highest quality meats with friendly, personalized service. What started as a humble neighborhood butcher shop quickly earned a reputation for consistency, craftsmanship, and an old-fashioned dedication to doing things the right way.

Over the years, Don’s became more than just a place to buy meat—it became a local staple where customers knew they could count on expert advice, custom cuts, and a level of care you just don’t find in chain stores.

Today, that legacy continues under the ownership of their son, Donnie Rains, who proudly carries forward the values his parents built the business on. With the same passion for quality and community, Donnie has not only preserved what makes Don’s special but expanded its offerings to meet the tastes of today’s customers—all while staying true to the shop’s roots.

Whether you're a longtime customer or visiting for the first time, you’ll still find the same welcoming service and commitment to excellence that Don and Sally started decades ago.

Custom Cuts, Just the Way You Want Them

One of the things that sets Don’s Meat Shop apart—especially for serious home cooks and grillmasters—is their commitment to custom cutting every piece of meat they offer. Whether you're looking for a thick-cut tomahawk ribeye, thin-sliced pork chops, or a perfectly portioned roast, the team at Don’s will cut it exactly how you like it—while you wait.

This level of service is increasingly rare, and it’s one of the many reasons Chattanooga locals are willing to make the short drive to Hixson. Donnie and his crew know their cuts inside and out, and they’re always happy to offer advice on preparation, seasoning, and cooking methods.

At Don’s, you’re not picking from a pre-packaged selection—you’re talking directly to the butcher, getting exactly what you need, and walking out with meat that’s been cut just for you. It’s the kind of personalized, quality-focused experience that keeps customers coming back again and again.

Rare and Premium Cuts You Won’t Find Many Other Places

Don’s Meat Shop isn’t just your everyday butcher—they specialize in offering a wide range of premium and hard-to-find cuts that are nearly impossible to locate at big-box grocery stores. Whether you're planning a weekend smoke, a special occasion dinner, or just want to try something new, Don’s has the selection and the expertise to elevate your meal.

Their beef selection includes both staple favorites and rare, specialty cuts like:

• 🥩 Tomahawk Ribeye – a dramatic, long-bone ribeye perfect for the grill

• 🥩 Picanha – a prized Brazilian cut known for its tender texture and rich flavor

• 🥩 Tri-Tip – a West Coast favorite, great for roasting or grilling

• 🥩 Hanger Steaks – a flavorful cut that’s often called the “butcher’s secret”

• 🥩 Wagyu Briskets – beautifully marbled for competition-level smoking

• 🥩 Beef Shank (Thor’s Hammer) – a massive, bone-in cut perfect for low-and-slow braises or smoking

• 🥩 Traditional Cuts – ribeyes, strips, filets, roasts, and more, all available to be custom cut to your liking

If you’re a steak lover or meat enthusiast, Don’s is the place to explore cuts you’ve only seen on cooking shows or high-end menus. And with custom cutting available on all of them, you’ll get the perfect portion every time.

Pork Perfection, Cut and Stuffed In-House

Don’s Meat Shop takes pork just as seriously as beef—and it shows. Their selection includes a wide variety of fresh cuts, all butchered in-house and available to be custom cut to your exact preference. Whether you're cooking up ribs for a backyard BBQ or looking for the perfect pork roast for Sunday dinner, Don’s has you covered.

One standout offering is their house-stuffed pork chops—thick, juicy chops filled with flavorful stuffing made right in the shop. These are a customer favorite, perfect for baking, grilling, or impressing at your next dinner gathering.

In addition to stuffed chops, Don’s offers an array of fresh pork cuts, including:

• 🍖 Bone-in and boneless pork chops

• 🍖 Pork tenderloins and loins

• 🍖 Baby back ribs

• 🍖 Pork shoulders and Boston butts (ideal for smoking or slow cooking)

• 🍖 Thick cut and thin cut pork chops

Each cut is handled with care by butchers who know the difference between good and great. Whether you're after a simple weeknight dinner or prepping for a big cookout, Don’s pork selection brings quality and flavor to the table—every single time.

Fresh, Flavorful Ground Meats with Nothing Added

At Don’s Meat Shop, quality starts with the basics—and that includes their ground beef. Unlike grocery store blends that can include a mix of trimmings and additives, Don’s grinds their hamburger meat fresh in-house using only whole chuck roasts. That means no fillers, no preservatives, and nothing added—just 100% high-quality beef.

The result? Rich, beefy flavor and a perfect fat-to-lean ratio that delivers juicy, flavorful burgers every time. It’s the kind of difference you can taste from the very first bite.

If you’re looking for something a little extra, Don’s also offers their house-made bacon burger patties, featuring a bold blend of approximately 40% bacon mixed into the beef. These are a must-try for anyone who wants to level up their burger game with smoky, savory goodness built right in.

Whether you're making tacos, meatballs, or throwing patties on the grill, Don’s ground meat gives you the kind of quality and flavor that only comes from doing things the old-fashioned way—with care, integrity, and no shortcuts.

Hand-Stuffed, Marinated & High-Quality Chicken

Don’s Meat Shop takes pride in offering more than just the basics when it comes to chicken. Their hand-stuffed chicken breasts, made in-house, are a standout option for anyone looking to serve up a flavorful, ready-to-cook meal without all the prep. Each breast is filled with a carefully crafted stuffing, offering a convenient and delicious option for dinner any night of the week.

They also offer a variety of house-marinated chicken cuts, all marinated in-store by the Don’s team. These cuts are prepped fresh—never from a bag—and ready for the grill, oven, or stovetop. Whether you choose marinated or unseasoned, you can trust that every piece of chicken at Don’s is handled with care and attention to quality.

Their chicken breasts are sourced from small birds, which means you get boneless, skinless breasts that are naturally more tender and juicy than the oversized, often tough versions found in most grocery stores. That extra level of quality makes a noticeable difference, whether you're cooking them whole, sliced, or stuffed.

And for wing lovers, Don’s has you covered. They carry chicken wings in both marinated and non-marinated options, perfect for game days, gatherings, or backyard grilling.

From stuffed to marinated to the simple staples, Don’s chicken selection offers both quality and convenience, making it easy to serve something great.

Sausages Made In-House, Smoked to Perfection

One of the most impressive—and delicious—parts of Don’s Meat Shop is their extensive in-house sausage selection. Every sausage they sell is made right on-site and smoked in Don’s own smoker, giving each bite that signature, savory flavor you just can’t replicate with store-bought brands.

From everyday essentials to hard-to-find specialty links, Don’s offers a wide variety of handcrafted sausages, including:

• 🐖 Breakfast Sausage – a staple for any Southern breakfast

• 🔥 Kielbasa – great for grilling, pan-frying, or slicing into hearty meals

• 🌶️ Boudin – a Cajun favorite packed with seasoned pork and rice

• 🇬🇧 English Bangers – perfect for a classic bangers and mash

• 🇿🇦 South African Boerewors – a coiled sausage rich in spice and tradition

But the selection doesn’t stop there. Don’s carries many more varieties, including seasonal and rotating flavors that you won’t find anywhere else in the Chattanooga area. If you're looking for something unique or want to try a regional specialty, chances are Don’s has it—and they made it themselves.

In addition to fresh sausages, Don’s also offers house-made snack sticks and summer sausage—perfect for road trips, charcuterie boards, or just snacking throughout the week. Like everything else in the shop, these are crafted in small batches with real ingredients and smoked to just the right finish.

Whether you’re firing up the grill, stocking up for the week, or putting together a spread for guests, Don’s sausage selection delivers bold flavor, high quality, and unmatched variety—all made right there in Hixson.

Seafood, Sides & Merch – More Than Just a Butcher Shop

While Don’s Meat Shop has built its reputation on premium meats, they also offer a thoughtfully curated selection of frozen seafood, making it easy to stock your freezer with high-quality options. Whether you're planning a weeknight meal or a weekend feast, their seafood section has something for every cook.

Some of their specialty offerings include:

• 🐟 Alaskan Coho Salmon – prized for its rich flavor and firm texture

• 🍤 A variety of shrimp, including wild-caught shrimp for true seafood lovers

• 🦞 Crawfish – great for boils or Cajun-inspired dishes

• 🐠 An assortment of frozen fish, offering versatility for grilling, frying, or baking

All seafood is kept frozen to maintain peak freshness and flavor, and the staff is always happy to help you choose the best option for your recipe.

In addition to seafood, Don’s carries a selection of prepared sides to help complete your meal. These ready-to-cook or heat-and-serve items are perfect for busy families, last-minute dinners, or anyone looking to enjoy a full spread without the hassle of cooking everything from scratch.

And if you're a fan of Don’s (and who isn’t?), check out their branded merchandise. From t-shirts to hats, it’s a great way to support a beloved local business that’s been serving the Hixson and Chattanooga area with pride since 1988.

Don’s Meat Shop continues to be more than just a butcher—it’s a one-stop destination for top-quality meats, specialty items, and the kind of customer service that keeps people coming back for generations.