Prime N Tender Meats, Hinsdale

The family behind Prime "N" Tender Meats likes to think of themselves as friendly neighbors—ones who can slice a piece of roast beef to perfection. Regular customers know the men behind the shop's counter, Dan Sr. and Dan Jr. The butchers have been at it since 1985, helping shoppers select the perfect rib eye steak, cut of veal, sirloin burger, or other type of beef, all of which is graded USDA Prime. Their glass display case also showcases Perdue poultry, Iowa pork, Boar's Head deli meats, and oven-ready items such as stuffed chicken breasts and filet mignon stroganoff. Beyond that, they keep their shop stocked with gourmet grocery items, including many specialty sauces that go great with meat or a salad made of potato-chip crumbs from the bottom of the bag.

However, the Dans don't make their customers wait til dinnertime to sate their appetites. They also serve housemade salads and stuff their gourmet meats into custom deli sandwiches, which come crowned in toppings such as smoked gouda.