Daily Grind

While fantastic, I believe Rick’s Daily Grind closed this location. Does anyone know if he has opened in another location?

We found this place, on a side street just off the little historic downtown in Lake Bluff, while we were on a long bike ride on the local trails. A quick spin through Lake Bluff yielded not only a stop for refreshments, but the discovery of a local meat market. We’re a military household, and honestly, buy most of our meat at the Great Lakes Commissary, whose prices simply can’t be beaten at any civilian market, but the meats in the case at the Daily Grind beckoned. It hearkened back to a small German butcher in our hometown area that does divine sausages, so we were especially interested in the specialty sausages offered. As a small-​town girl, I really like the feel of a small neighborhood shop with personal service. I am okay with paying a premium for fresh butcher shop meat… it’s not an everyday expenditure, but fine on occasion.
Since we were on bikes, we just browsed, and told the enthusiastic gentleman behind the counter that we’d be back in a bit in our vehicle. When we returned about an hour later, he didn’t appear to remember us from our earlier stop, which was a little surprising, as it was had a few patrons, but was not exactly mobbed, but whatever. We selected the Sicilian Italian sausage, and some frankfurters, which we brought home to immediately grill up. They were good, better than mass-​produced, for sure, but not as seasoned/​flavorful as anticipated. I will definitely go back and sample some of the other offerings; the salads in the salad case looked amazing, as well. Neat shop, for sure. I’m not a big seafood person, but my husband was pretty interested in their salmon and shellfish.

Not cool. A month ago I stopped in for first time and found this place smokes meat upon request. Excited being offered smoked chicken and duck, I left my number to call when ready for pickup. Never got the call so stopped back in and was just laughed at saying «oh yeah, not here.» Asked if they can try again and told «sorry really busy, give me until after the holiday.» Seriously, that’s what is said after falling thru on first commitment? I’d give this place ZERO stars for horrible impression of never wanting to come back… Jerks.

Rick’s Daily Grind is amazing. Been buying chicken, beef, fish, pork from Rick for over 3 years now and every time NEVER disappointed. Plus, the service is great. Kudo’s to Rick’s Daily Grind !!

Fabulous! Fabulous! Fabulous! Ditto all of the 5 star reviews of this incredible place, nestled in lovely downtown Lake Bluff. Rich at The Daily Grind takes pride in his butcher shop and makes it a priority to see that his customers are satisfied. If you want delicious appetizers that are crowd pleasing and unique, he will make platters that will keep your guests hovering around your table. This meat and fish is fresh and delicious. I hear that you can sign up to get an email for daily made to order sandwiches. I have to look into this. It’s worth your time to visit the Daily Grind. He might be a little more expensive than chain stores, but the quality is priceless – and my family is worth it.

Ok, as if the ½ lb of scallops weren’t good enough, the 5 slices o’ bacon to wrap them in was simply amazing! Love having a quality butcher in the hood! You guys rock!

If you value good quality meat, this is the place the go. Sure the prices are slightly more expensive than your local Walmart or Dominick’s, but that is the price of good food and of supporting local businesses.
Their coffee pork chops are amazing, as is their chimichurri flank steak. Rick is always a great guy to talk to and more than willing to order something in for you if you want a special type of meat.

A hidden gem in Lake Bluff.
The Daily Grind looks like your good ol’ average meat market when you walk in. Now slow down and take a long look around.
High quality meats. Many specialty items including seasoned boneless country style ribs, marinated flank stark, different pre-​made burgers, including mushroom and blue cheese. Great steaks, seasoned or unseasoned pork chops.
They have special, cooked to order sandwiches daily – just ask what it is – Friday is always the rib eye sandwich. Yummy.
Look in the salad case. Fresh, homemade potato salad, cole slaw, broccoli salad, grilled veggies, to name a few. We had their homemade chilled cucumber soup this week, which was awesome. In another cooler there are homemade dips including Rick’s Famous Smoked Salmon Dip. Oh my. And the home made brownies are excellent.
As I said, a hidden gem, so please don’t go there. It would get too crowded.

One of the great things about Lake Bluff is the small local businesses. Around the corner from one of my favorite places, Lake Bluff Brewery, is The Daily Grind, a local butcher and market shop. The meat and fish selection is excellent, fresh daily, and Rick is always cooking up a daily lunch and dinner menu that is perfect for picking up on the way back from work. Their vegetarian lasagna is outstanding, as well as the signature salmon dip, and tomato bisque. Friendly atmosphere, always spotless. Also, they have house coffee beans and homemade bakery items that are fantastic.