The Best Lunches In Nebraska Are Tucked Inside This Unassuming Meat Market
By Delana Lefevers|Published August 31, 2022
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Delana Lefevers
Author
As a lifelong Nebraskan, Delana loves discovering the many hidden treasures of her state. She has worked as a writer and editor since 2007. Delana's work has been featured on more than a dozen websites and in Nebraska Life Magazine.
The western Nebraska city of Bridgeport is pretty small at just 1400 people, but it’s got plenty of character. It’s also got a meat market that people flock to, not only for its premium cuts of meat but for prepared lunches and even gifts. This unusual business is the type of place that could only exist in Nebraska, and we think you’ll want to check it out.
385 Meat Market is located, appropriately, just off Hwy 385 in Bridgeport. It looks like your typical small-town business, but inside, it's full of treats of all types.
There's a lot packed into this relatively small space. There's the butcher's counter in the back, and the sides of the shop are lined with fresh and packaged foods.
If you're a meat lover, there's something here for you. There are house-made sausages, expertly butchered cuts of beef, succulent pork, and even seafood.
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Customers rave about the cuts of raw meat, which are the store's bread and butter, so to speak. But you can also order sliced, prepared meats to take home for deli-style sandwiches.
Jerky is another highly-rated product. Made from the store's own meats, this chewy snack is some of the best in western Nebraska. If you're on a road trip, we highly recommend picking up a pack - it's the perfect road snack.
What most people talk about, though, is the market's freshly prepared meals. They're made in-house and specials rotate daily. If you're lucky, you may get to try one of the incredibly popular beef and cabbage rolls - but hurry because they tend to sell out quickly.
The lunch special could be anything from cheeseburgers to chili to taco salad to French dip sandwiches. No matter what happens to be cooking that day, you won't regret popping in on your lunch break.
Prepared foods are also in the coolers, so if you don't have time to wait for an order or you're just in the mood for a grab-and-go sandwich and dessert, this meat market has got you covered. Both the fresh and prepared sandwiches have been called some of the best sandwiches in Nebraska, and we can't disagree.
The gift shop's focus is on items made in Nebraska and the surrounding region, but its selection certainly isn't limited. Find jams and jellies, salsa, candles, fresh seasonings, and tons of housewares and kitchenware that make perfect gifts...even if you're buying a gift from yourself, to yourself.
Whether you’re looking for ingredients for dinner tonight, a quick and hearty lunch, or a special item to surprise a loved one, you’ll want to give this small-town gem a visit. Take a look at 385 Meat Market’s Facebook page to keep up on daily specials and news.
Want to check out another hidden gem near Bridgeport? Courthouse and Jail Rocks certainly aren’t a secret to folks to live in the area, but visitors always seem surprised to see these large rock formations.
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