Brisket vs. Roast Beef

Last night at a work function one of my coworkers commented on how delicious the roast beef was. I would have second that sentiment; however, they were serving beef BRISKET not roast beef  Bless his heart…..

SO, that prompted me to write a blog about the differences between the two for those meat virgins out there. But, before I get into the meat of this (pun intended); I have to admit that I have never actually prepared either but hope to do so in the near future!


Brisket is a cut of meat from the breast or lower chest. While all meat animals have a ‘brisket’, the term is most often used to describe beef or veal. The beef brisket is one of the eight beef primal cuts. The other seven are as shown in the image below.


Marge’s Interpretation: Brisket reminds me of southern people with no teeth. I can’t say why it just does. I really enjoy brisket but probably wouldn’t say “hey, I feel like some brisket today”.


Roast beef is a cut of beef which is roasted in an oven. Roast beef is often served within sandwiches and sometimes is used to make hash.

Marge’s Interpretation: I would prefer to eat roast beef in a sandwich vs. sliced nicely on a plate. It reminds me of my mother making yummy French Dip sandwiches to dip in au jus! My friend Kim can’t pronounce au jus so it makes me chuckle whenever I eat this dish.