On a mobile device? Try our mobile site, optimized for faster browsing.
Categories: Bakeries, Ethnic Food, Meat Shops [Edit]
Neighborhoods: Lincoln Square, RavenswoodWestern (Brown)
Loading...
I waited for this place for months. First, the place was covered with boards. They installed windows, then they put up paper. About a month ago, they took down the paper. Then the cruel bastards put the paper back up, hiding all the progress.
By mid-October, I had abandoned all hope. I was adrift in a sea of ennui in a dingy long ago christened the S.S. Despair. My First Mate? Misery.
Then it happened. The paper came down, the lights went on, and the doors flew open. And, WOW, was this place worth the wait!
First off, Gene's is huge. Two stories of delicacies. Yes, they have meat, including some dry-aged, special occasion stuff. But they have you covered for all your other snacking and drinking needs. Since this place opened, Gene's has provided several excellent meals, kept the Future Mrs. in snacks, and gotten me drunk several times. I haven't gotten to the cheeses yet, but with the holidays right around the corner, it's only a matter of time. And fair warning: Once I fly off the low-carb/low-glycemic wagon, I'll be fixing to destroy some of those pastries and breads the have on the first floor.
My only small complaint is the vegetable section, which is right next to the door and a little on the sorry side. Other than that, this place completely rocks and I have all the faith in the world that Gene's will soon offer a dazzling selection of heirloom this and organic that.
I have to say that despite my Polish and German origins (and the fact that I am from Alsace/Lorraine - France's top sausage-producing regions please) I am not a huge fan of encased meats - smoked or not.
So it was more out of mere curiosity that I pushed the door of that wonderful food palace yesterday....after reading rave reviews and listening to my friend gushing comments I had to check it out. Not because I am not trusting...no....just because I am damn prying, especially when sausages are involved.
Well peeps - it DOES look like a European grocery store....high end...and so delightful. I passed the delicatessen section (but not my hubby who bought some sort of foie gras mousse) and focused on the rest. As soon as I saw Kinder Chocolate products I was lost for all the rest........especially since they carry every single one of them!! Hurray!!
I also found some neat Nivea deodorant (I don't know what is my problem but my arm pits seem resilient to American fare) and fab Fa shower gel.....you don't understand how happy it made me feel.
For normal people out there there are galores of cheese, sausages (duh), grocery staples, pretzels, tons of wine and liquors and cute little employees everywhere....
Since they just opened they had all their congratulations bouquets on display....how adorable?!?!?
Super. Adorable.
Gene's is what I've been waiting for. I don't eat meat, so the fact that Gene's SAUSAGE shop has me so excited is a bit odd, but stay with me.
Groceries. Groceries on the walk home from the train. Sweet, sweet walkable groceries. Prior to Gene's opening I could pick up cheese, bread, or specialties from Provenence, or a few dry staples from Walgreens or a corner store. Now I have Gene's with a small but solid produce section, large dairy/egg selection with plenty of local pickings, more European sweets than I can shake a stick at, enormo liquor selection (3 varities of egg liquor???), staples like pasta, oil, vinegar, and all the specialties that others mention. If you're familiar with the Lincoln Square Tuesday farmers market, some of the same products are available at the same price.
I wasn't the only person to walk in and say (or think) 'this is amazing!' A lot of people seem to pause once they walk through the door. I think it's the pause of surprise at the size of Gene's, much larger than what I think of when I think sausage shop (which, admittedly isn't often). The size of the store is just right - bigger than specialty stores in the neighborhood, but smaller than megagrocery size.
Prices seem spot on. Gene's seems to stock products at a wide range of prices. You can buy a $12 jar of spaghetti sauce if that's your thing, but sitting right next to it is the $2.50 jar (bonus that it's not Ragu). I very much appreciate the range. Some days I may splurge and buy the $20 jar of the honey that Gene's wife makes, other days I'll only pony up enough for the plastic honey bear.
I'm German and I haven't felt so at home since I moved to a America last year.
They have Bionade. That's all I can say. Five stars from me. Back there next week.
Gene. You're changing my life. For the better.
On Saturday I walked into this place for the first time and nearly turned around thinking it was one of those crowded pricey specialty shops, but I'm SO glad my friend dragged me in. Uh Maz Ing. Meats, amazing and competitively priced. Booze, amazing and competitively priced. Imported deliciousness - very inexpensive compared to other import shops.
This place has such an amazing variety, such a great feel, kind helpful staff and pricing so good you can actually buy your groceries here, like, on a regular basis - not just special occassions, even though it seems like a special-occasion kind of place.
I heart it. Crowds and all.
OMG - you have all gotten me so excited that I am stopping by tonight. Have been out of town the month of November and am so excited to check it out! Will post me review later today.
OK - I get the hype. This was sorely needed in the neighborhood. I was impressed with the wine selection until I actually looked at it and then unfortunately for me tried several bottles - major disappointment on the wine, but that's ok. The rest of it is worth it.
You can't not give this place five stars, simply because it's so damn freaking adorable. I spent a long time walking around, and that was on a bad hangover! Imagine if I was feeling good!
Prices are surprisingly reasonable. Beer and alcohol sections are cool. Lots of gifty items good for xmas shopping. I wasn't that impressed with the small produce section. I will say that most food items here could be found at Treasure Island. But the reason to go here is because it's a little event in your day. Walking around will make you happy, I swear.
I haven't been to the original Gene's Sausage Shop, but no need to after this one opened today!!
Aesthetically this place is gorgeous inside and out. I have walked by almost every day since the construction started and have been waiting for this day.
Not only do they specialize in sausage, pirogi, butcher meats but they have a great selection of cheeses, beer, wine, specialty items, candy, chocolate, prepared food, milk, yogurts, and some fruits and vegetables. Most of their items are imported from Europe (eastern and western europe). They even have some home cleaning and bathroom products.
Can't wait to do my shopping there!
Boy, it was weird walking into this Gene's. It's a totally different experience from the original, which I've been going to since I was a child. They are both good, but this location is wonderful. Everything is spanking new. The sausage is even better than at the other location. It's super fresh and delicious. There's a wonderful selection of cookies, and the cheese is cheap! I love it. I'll be back as soon as I can get there. Yum!
Our long wait is over! And boy, was it worth the wait. This store seems to have anything I might need for last minute entertaining (or just to avoid making dinner from scratch on weeknights). This is a great addition to the list of culinary highlights in Lincoln Square.
Contrary to Richie's review, there are plenty of options for non-sausage eaters. The deli case has prepared salads, potato pancakes, blintzes (I think) and the second floor has a wide variety of pasta and soup options.
I was pleasantly surprised by the range of products and the lower-than-expected prices. The friendly staff stayed open long past the handwritten closing time on the door, but that's probably because people kept streaming in. I will enjoy spending more time researching all their goodies!
Return of Delicatessen Meyer? Not quite, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. Because, wow they did an incredible job of renovating the space, multiple levels and even sporting the old Meyer sign on the inside. I predict I will be routinely turning over a lot of money to Gene's. All sorts of imported specialty items to make my gullet happy. Mostly German, but also Polish and others.
Had to exercise some restraint so I didn't just start picking up more than I could carry (or use), but I will be back ASAP to stock up - and to add more detail to my review.
Did I mention they have five kinds of headcheese in their deli case? Five kinds folks. Outstanding.
GENES SAUSAGE SHOP RULES!!!!
They have great sausage and a large assortment of sides!!
Chicken and Pork pates were excellent and cheap at 3.99 per pound.
They also have a great selection of liquor and beer!
I was thrilled to find a huge selection of hungarian food and sausage as well!!
I was just there yesterday and I had mixed feelings since I missed the old Meyer Deli but I have to say I'm won over by the beauty of this store. The staff is really friendly too. Actually, I'm so impressed with this store that I'm glad I didn't leave the area. With the Subway down the street I'm grateful that the hood is keeping some of it's ethnic charm in tact.
I also have multiple food allergies and I still manage to find some goodies there like ostrich. I just reviewed Gene's in my blog for ChicagoNow, Chicago Eats Allergy Free.
http://www.chicagonow....
This place is incredible. Whether it's the homemade sausages, fresh bread, stuffed cabbage, fresh pretzels, or fantastic beer selection you're in for a delicious experience. The staff is great and very knowledgeable. Definitely check it out.
I'm glad that others on Yelp have discovered this long-awaited asset to Lincoln Square. In a Talk thread I mentioned their great rice salad that's available in the deli. It was so nice to find this long-neglected side dish once again. My only complaint is that with all the wonderful "traditional" and "alternative" items available in the store, a well-made pasta salad would be a welcome addition to the deli.
Another good thing - public restrooms on the second level. But instead of "men" and "women" the doors were identified with cooking utensils. I had no idea which meant what and fortunately was not in a condition where I really had to know! Did anyone figure it out?
From an interior designer's point of view, this place is excellently space planned (2 floors with lots of room for lots of food) and easy to maneuver. From a Lithuanian's point of view - I satisfied memories of mom's home cooking with purchases of fresh liver sausage, jars of cold beet soup and fresh potato pancakes. Best chocolate eclaires (filled with real custard and eaten on the drive home) in town. Whole wheat noodles and flax seed for my inner health foodie too!
O-M-G! I am happy to proclaim that Gene's Sausage Shop has renewed Lincoln Square's Bohemian neighborhood charm! Gosh, even the adorable life-sized cow that reigns Lincoln Ave adds a little something to the neighborhood...just not sure exactly what. Step inside and enter a food-lovers paradise (and vegetarian/vegan's worst nightmare!). Gene's has two floors with a huge selection of European products (not just German and Polish) and some local items. Just to lightly skim on the options they have: wines, beers, teas (both loose and bagged), mustards, fruits/vegetables, dairy products, chocolates and much, muuuch more! The deli portion has fresh delicacies of pierogies, dumplings, potato pancakes, salads (beets, sauerkraut, pickles, etc), cheeses, pastries, oh and did I mention sausages (thick potato, turkey, pork, lamb, spiced, smoked...It's all here)?! Best part is everything is kept at reasonable prices!
I can't forget to mention that the business is family owned and full of tradition. Back in 1972 two Polish immigrant brothers named John and Gene opened up a small neighborhood deli along West Roscoe. Due to the popularity of their smoked sausage and Polish specialties, they had to relocate to Belmont Avenue. Now celebrating their 37th anniversary with a bang, Gene's Sausage Shop starts a new chapter in their family history in the space which was the 57 year old Meyer Delicatessen. They kept the space ultra modern with tons of glass and beautiful wood interior yet embraced the old Meyer's neon sign which hangs in the mezzanine.
I'm positive that Gene's has already been accepted with open arms by the Lincoln Square neighbors. For me, it'll make grocery shopping enjoyable!
This place is truly amazing. First off, it's beautiful inside. I could literally spend all day in the place, and I would leave spending less money then if I was in Dominick's for 20 minutes. Every employee I encountered seemed to really love being there as well. I am going to say a couple words here as a gift to whoever is reading this. Pork Meatballs. Potato Pancakes. Pierogi. It's all magic. Can I get one in Bucktown please?
Well paradise is back in Lincoln Square. I can not thank Gene's enough for coming to the neighborhood and building such a tribute to the wonderful past. Lincoln Square is NOT Lincoln Square without a deli and Gene's is deli paradise. Fresh flowers to purchase as you come in, that wonderful smell of smoked meats (sorry veges), options galour on almost every type of :food: there is and to top it off the place is beautiful and to adorn the stairway with the old meyers sign is just CLASSY. I love the cow outside. I saw so many people smiling and talking with each other last wednesday when I was there..the joy of tradition.Take time to explore Gene's and come home with a bag filled with good food from good people; the simple joys of a deli. Thank You.
This is seriously going to be a gold mine for the owners of this business. They did a fantastic job of renovating the space and opening up what will be perhaps the most valuable source of fantastic food in the area. Their deli case was (as others have said) very reasonably priced for the high quality food they are selling. They also rock a Peach Lambic beer for just $9.99 (cheaper than Trader Joes!!) and the staff is very nice. 5 stars fo sho
YESSSSSSSSSSS! Fantastic addition to the neighborhood! I have not been to the original and was expecting it to simply be a sausage shop. But I just went this morning, and it is way more! It is kind of a specialty grocery store with delcious snacks from around the world (lots of European chocolate snacks!), excellent selection of sausages and cheeses, half a floor dedicated to wine and beer, and even some fresh produce. The prices are very good, some things were priced lower than what you would find at a standard grocery shop. I am stoked this place is finally open and is just a couple blocks from our place! :)
Excellent addition to Lincoln Square and bravo to the owners for investing in the city even during this down economy. Their prices seemed very reasonable and I am hopeful they sustain them. Twelve dollars and change equated to three full lunches consisting of kielbasa, potato and cheese pierogies with a nice half pound of Swiss and a half loaf of fresh rye. I am hopeful that the owners will work to keep this an everyday shop vs. a specialty shop which I consider Paulina Meat Market to be. Nice work folks.
This place is fantastic! Completely renovated and well-stocked with fun European items. With its new owners, it hasn't lost the feeling of the old Gene's, it's just better! And, I thought it was super sweet that they kept some of the old stuff to commemorate the original deli.
I have moved to the Ravenswood neighborhood and am…
In case you are just bored of going out and want…
