Flicker Meats, Oakdale

Once inside Flicker Meat Company, it's easy to get lost in a daydream of backyard barbecues and summers spent around the grill. Aromas of smoked meats lead customers right up to the old-school butcher counter, where glass display cases look in on a wide selection of meat: steak, pork, chicken, and smoked-cheddar brats, just to name a few.

The butchers, too, follow an old-fashioned model of customer service. Not only do they explain the difference between various cuts, but they also recommend the best way to prepare each meat—assuming it's not already smoked, of course. To make the process even easier, the shop also stocks seasonings designed to complement its meats and knives with detailed instruction manuals.