The word deli comes from the German word Delikatessen which became popular in the 18th century and spread to the United States of America in the mid-19th century. A traditional German deli in the United States offers a variety of German dishes, sausages, sides, and condiments. These traditionally made dishes and cured foods carry authentic German seasonings and flavors that make for a quick snack, delicious ingredients, or even complete meals.
At a German deli in Chicago, you will see the workers’ craftsmanship and how they make sausages, cured meats, and smoked products with traditional flavors. You can find a number of German meat products at a German deli in Chicago, such as sliced meat, salami, sausage, mottled or marbled meat dishes, and more.
To help you locate the best German delis in Chicago, we have compiled a list of local favorite spots offering a wide range of German food items.
Here Are the Top German Delis in Chicago You Need to Check Out
8. Kolatek Baking Company
Kolatek Baking Company may not be as big as other locations on this list, but it is an exceptional establishment. It doesn’t have a large sign on the outside, so it can be difficult to guess what they might sell inside.
However, the Kolatek Baking Company is a well-designed, well-lit, modern European delicatessen on Rand Road in Chicago that you can visit for delicious German deli foods. You can find a large variety of German wursts at the deli, along with other German meats, baked goods, pastries, breads, and grocery products.
The eatery also offers Polish delicacies along with many types of flours, dry beans, sandwiches, deli plates, and salads. No matter if you are in for a quick bite to eat or are craving something sweet, you can visit this spot for a treat that will never disappoint.
Aside from the fantastic selection of German food, the staff at the eatery is friendly and courteous and can make suggestions depending on your preference. If you are looking for a cheaper deal, you should check out Tuesday deals since it tends to be a discount day.
7. Fresh Farms International Market
Fresh Farms International Market was established in Chicago in 1979 and serves some of the most authentic German products in the area. The Market was started as a way to introduce high-quality produce to Chicago locals with culture-specific food items they could enjoy from around the world. Their food items and ingredients are hand-picked by buyers to satisfy the community’s needs.
Although it is not an official requirement by the Fresh Farms International Market, almost 95% of the staff at the location speak two or more languages. This allows them to cater to different cultures of customers easily and provide them with excellent service.
Fresh Farms International Market also offers the chance to customers to explore a large variety of German goods. You can find authentic German products as well as quality ingredients for German-style dishes.
6. Schnitzel Platz
Schnitzel Platz is a German deli-style restaurant that was started in 1999. They have been sharing authentic German cuisine with Chicago locals for over 20 years. At the eatery, you can expect to find classic German dishes like schnitzel to amazing German beers.
You can come along to the spot with your friends or invite your family for a delicious meal at Schnitzel Platz. All dishes are prepared in-house with high-quality ingredients, including the potato pancakes, steaks, and more.
The Deutsche Haus Platter with pork schnitzel, delicious sauerkraut balls, 3 different types of sausages, German chop steak, and tasty sides are something you can look forward to when visiting Schnitzel Platz.
For dessert, it is recommended that you try the eatery’s fantastic dessert, Apple Strudel. The spot also offers great children’s food items on the menu, such as French fries and frankfurters. On the weekends, you can expect live entertainment acts with their house beer from an authentic German brewery.
You can even contact the owner, Chef Wolfgang, for bookings for special events and enjoy an amazing German dining experience.
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5. Eurofresh Market
Eurofresh Market offers a large selection of German products and ingredients to Chicago locals that can be bought fresh every day. Here you can find grocery items and an amazing range of delicious deli meats and baked goods featuring European treats and muffins made daily.
What’s so unique about this location is that you can shop for local everyday items and pick out imported and gourmet German goods at the same place. The deli at the location also offers catering, and you can choose from a range of dishes for your special occasions.
4. Little Europe Deli
Little Europe Deli is a fantastic location to try if you are looking for authentic and mouth-watering German cuisine. The deli offers fresh baked goods, and the quality of the pastries is exceptional. Aside from affordable and delicious German offerings, you can also find many Czech and Polish dishes at the deli.
The rye bread from Little Europe Deli is a must-try whenever you are in town!. For homemade delicacies, you can check out the premade section, which includes open sandwiches, stews, soups, salads, and Russian eggs.
The deli has excellent lunch options where you can enjoy an authentic German meal with sauerkraut. The German-style sausages and meats are another great reason to visit Little Europe Deli and enjoy their delicious food items.
Be sure to try the Gulasch soup and poppy seed streusel on your first visit. If you are in the mood for some dessert, ask the staff for a strudel made with authentic German flavors.
3. Thuringer Meats
Thuringer Meats was established in 1973 and started as a German butcher shop. Now, it has grown into a full-service meat market that offers fresh plain meat and seasoned and marinated delicacies. At Thuringer Meats, you can enjoy all types of sausages and request special cuts of meats as per your preference.
The staff is highly amicable, and everything is done on the premises to ensure high quality and freshness. They offer a wide variety of German sausages and meats at the location, which you can prepare at home. Aside from that, you can also choose something from their deli menu, which is prepared fresh and uses authentic ingredients.
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2. Paulina Market
Paulina Market is known by locals and frequent visitors as the best Meat Market north of the loop. They have a great selection of European products, mainly German, and you can purchase different kinds of smoked, cured, and seasoned products.
Paulina Market was originally established in 1949 and has been using old European butcher shop traditions and recipes. The standard of quality and freshness at Paulina Market is high, and they even have a website where they sell their gourmet offerings.
If you are looking for traditional flavors reminiscent of the past, be sure to visit Paulina Market. The staff is helpful and kind and can guide you to make the best choice, no matter what you may need.
1. Gene’s Sausage Shop
The best place you can visit for authentic German deli food in Chicago is Gene’s Sausage Shop. The shop was started in 1972 by two immigrant brothers who wanted to bring European cured meats and authentic dishes to Chicago.
They started with Polish sausages and delicacies but soon expanded to other European foods like German wursts and high-quality beer. As soon as you enter the store, you will know that it has an authenticity that just can’t be faked.
The best part about Gene’s Sausage Shop is that they make their own sausages and offer an extensive range of scrumptious European chocolates that are a must-try. The deli food section offers various German fare along with sides like hot mustard and sauerkraut. Their pastry and alcohol section also has great variety, and you must pick out something here whenever you visit to purchase wursts.
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MASSIVE German Feast at Edelweiss | Best German Food in Chicago
If you’re looking for great German food in Chicagoland, Edelweiss is a classic restaurant you don’t want to miss. It was recommended to us by one of our viewers, and it won’t be our last time there. The food is great, and the staff is awesome.
Summary
Although it may seem like it, authentic German food is not that challenging to find in Chicago. The German delis in Chicago may not exclusively serve German food and dishes, but they carry a range of original German products and German meals prepared using traditional recipes and techniques.
From bratwursts to beer and original German sandwiches, you can find a large variety of German food to try at the locations mentioned above. If you are in the mood for some authentic German food, be sure to visit the places in this article and see if their food can satisfy your cravings.
My name is Jay and I started this website to share my love of Deli Food. I am Jewish with Italian ancestry and grandparents who emigrated to the US from Poland, Russia and Turkey. This website is my celebration of the delicious flavors of international deli culture. Please feel free to send me your suggestions and feedback through the contact form.