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Karl's Sausage Kitchen And European Market
Categories: Food Specialty Food Meat Shops Food Specialty Food Cheese Shops Meat Shops, Cheese Shops
142 BroadwaySaugus, MA 01906
(781) 233-3099
- Nearest Transit:
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Walnut St @ Saugus Plaza (429)
Saugus Plaza @ Kohls (429)
Saugus Plaza @ Modells (429)
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sat 9 am - 6 pm
Fri 9 am - 7 pm
Sun 11 am - 6 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
46 reviews for Karl's Sausage Kitchen And European Market
Review Highlights
"Some of my favs are Onion Bologna and Smoked Pork Chops."
(in 5 reviews)
"good assortment of homemade sausage and german deli treats."
(in 21 reviews)
"...are unfamiliar with German food, try the black forest ham."
(in 3 reviews)
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46 reviews in English
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Review from Stephanie L.
Boston, MA
1/25/2012 1 Check-in Here
Walking in the front door of Karl's is really like walking through a teleporter and emerging through the door into another country. Specifically, it is like being in Germany. The products on the shelf span just about all of the German specialties one would find in the "Supermarkt" & "Metzgerei" (Supermarket or butcher shop). And over half of the customers in the shop are speaking German to one another and to the staff.
There's a huge selection of German cookies, as well as candy and beverages. There's even the great seasoning packets where you just add water and meat to make schnitzel or currywurst. The convenience or not having to travel to Germany, however, comes at a steep cost. One packet of mix was about $3.40, compared to being able to pick them up in Deutschland for under a euro each. Not having to buy a transcontinental airfare? Worth the upcharge.
But, oh, the meat. The meat is what is the real hero here. My beloved Weisswurst, was the best I've encountered outside of Munich, and my breakfast cravings have finally been satiated. Their other meats are amazing as well, with a variety of sausages, slabs of bacon cut to order, and lovely lunchmeats. The cheese, equally great.
Yes, it is a small drive up to Saugus, but so worth it.
Oh Karl's, ich liebe dich! -
Review from Sean R.
Somerville, MA
1/23/2012
This place is a mecca for transplants to New England that gag at the thought of a Fenway Frank.
If you like your sausages and realize that there's more to them that frankfurters and bratwurst, this place is for you. Every sausage I've had here is delicious and I've tried more than a dozen.
They also have homemade bologna (which is a treat if you've only had oscar meyer).
I always look forward to may next trip. -
Review from Rick A.
Lexington, MA
1/17/2012
My book group is reading a book that took place in Germany in the 1930's. I'm hosting so I went to Yelp and did a search on "German food" or something like that. Luckily, Karl's showed up almost right away.
I went there today and am very happy I did. A young man helped me pick out some great German sausages and other foods such as sauerkraut, pretzels, apple strudel, pickles, and other items that are sure to make for a nice evening tonight.
While I was there several regular customers came in and clearly knew what they want. One of the men was in his 80's and came to the U.S. from Dresden in the late 1950's. He vouched for the quality of the food.
I'm delighted that there is a large enough market in the Boston area to support such a great specialty store.
I'm sure I'll go back to Karl's in the future. -
Review from Vito P.
Gloucester, MA
12/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great place fro REAL german food! I went for the candy!!
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Review from Bart S.
Hanscom AFB, MA
11/1/2011
Terrific butcher and specialty shop! Only problem we had was stopping ordering before we had spent too much. Delicious fresh and smoked sausages and meats, plus specialty german foods you just cannot find every day.
Plus, you can get a smoked sausage stick for the ride home so you dont have to wait to taste the meat. -
Review from wolf t.
Cambridge, MA
3/6/2011
There are only two things wrong with this place: (1) that it's in Saugus and (2) that it took me this long to discover it.
The main event is the homemade charcuterie and coldcuts. These are uniformly excellent, especially the landjaeger. Stocking hard-to-find favorites like Spaetzel and Zuckerhüte is a plus. Most charming, though, is the fact that the proprietor has established this place as a center of german culture. Want german easter cards? No problem. Der Spiegel? It's yours. I knew that I had hit authenticity when upon entering I heard two customers admonishing their child to behave auf Deutsch.
It's quirky, personal, and packed with quality meat products. And now I know where it is. Wunderschön! -
Review from Lindsay C.
Boston, MA
9/9/2010
Danke! Karl your kitchen makes me giggle with excitement. Your sausages are delicious! One day my husband and I were feeling frisky and wanting some Bratwurst and we said "Hell, why not!?" and drove from downtown Boston to Rt 1 to pickup for goodies from your shop!
Being a German in Boston isn't all too easy when it comes to finding cuisine and goodies that I'm super familiar with... So it's nice to have Karl's and a few places that offer up a little of that.
If you haven't been this place is worth a step in the door. -
Review from simon l.
11/7/2010
Went here for Oktoberfest sausages. Got the Weisswurst, the Bloodwurst and the Coarse Bratwurst. Also got some delicious moutarde and pumpernikle. I also took home some Keilbasa. Later that evening, I boiled the weisswurst and the coarse bratwurst in water and beer for a couple of minutes before I put them on the grill. Grilled them for a couple (if you've never cooked sausages before, you need to pierce the skin before boiling/grilling them so that they do not explode.) All the sausages are house made and very flavorful and spicy. The Wesisswurst certainly is made of minced veal and bacon, has some parsley and ginger.
I guess I didn't mention that all the saucissons were amazing. -
Review from Jeff D.
7/4/2010 1 Check-in Here
I can't believe I haven't reviewed Karl's. I grew up one town over and drove by it my entire life until I finally stopped in last year. Before Karl's I had no idea what bauernwurst was and now it has moved to the head of my list of greatest sausage's EVER. In the course of time I will try every single sausage and coldcut they make. This I vow to my fellow Voxers. If I have to run extra miles to burn off the calories, then let's lace them up baby!
To date I've had:
bauernwurst (you already know what I think of this one)
blook link (more meaty than an Irish blood sausage but still very tasty)
knockwurst
weisswurst (white brats)
keilbasa (smoked was better)
hot chorizo (fantastic, will be back for more)
so I still have a long and delicious road left to travel. If you live anywhere near Saugus you owe yourself a trip up Rt. 1 this summer to get some sausage for grilling. -
Review from Kerri O.
8/29/2008
Tune up the Oom-pah band, we're going to Karl's.
Yup, you can get authentic German food, if you are willing to truck your butt up to Saugus.
Schinken Speck! Ich liebe schinken speck! Karl's is triple smoked, which is un-frickin-believably good. (This is Bacon).
I think they carry about every wurst (sausage) that the German's make. I thrilled my Dad by giving him a hamper of stuff from Karl's on his birthday this year.
They have smoked pork chops, and if you haven't tried that yet, you are missing out on something special (though Blood Farm's are a little better, as they are bigger, and thicker).
And get the beerwurst. You'll thank me later.
Oh, and many pickled delights. (Carrie, you listening?)
If you know any German, use it. Trust me. I found extra goodies tucked in with what I ordered, when I got home. -
Review from Jessica M.
Rockport, MA
3/15/2008
Wow, I have such a crush on Karl's. The previous reviews pretty much tell it like it is... A few notes from me: Monday hours are only in effect during November and December. Wednesday morning is sausage-making day, so head in that afternoon or Thursday for the freshest selection. The beerwurst is so completely wonderful and will have you eating it with a slice of muenster and some Bavarian-style sweet mustard between two slices of rye at 2.30 in the morning... making you sad on Saturday night because you finished it off at some stupid hour the day before and won't be able to acquire more until Tuesday. It's bologna, but way more awesome. The liverwurst... I don't even -like- liverwurst! At least, I didn't think I did.
The counter people are super-nice and will give you samples of any of the meats to try. Of course, if you're anything like me you'll end up buying everything you try, so tread carefully.
Also: no preservatives or fillers! Triple-smoked bacon! Great selection of jams, honeys, fruit syrups, other imported goods. Spaetzle in a box! (note: I have no idea why this concept amuses me so) Chocolate and marzipan and licorice and and and ! There's a product list on their website; go take a gander and head up rt. 1. I promise it will be worth it.Listed in: Epicurean North Shore
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Review from Don W.
4/21/2009
Karl's was my last stop on a three day whirlwind of yelp-related fun, and it was the best way to end it. If you've never been to Karl's and you like good sausages, prepare yourself. Your life is about to change.
Bratwurst, chorizo, kielbasa, brats, franks, Italian sausage - just name it. They make it here and they make it fresh. No fillers, MSG, or anything that isn't supposed to be there This place is for real. I was hoping we'd be able to stop at Karl's so I brought a cooler to help keep everything fresh. The cooler was full when we left.
But there's more. This isn't just Karl's Sausage Kitchen. It's Karl's Sausage Kitchen AND European Market. There's candy, chocolate, about a hundred types of mustard and nearly as many types of sauerkraut. And then there's the bread, preserves, and sauces. There's more too, but I think I've made my point.
Finally, I've found a reason to go to Saugus. Karl's. -
Review from Dan G.
9/5/2009 1 Check-in Here
Ich fuhle dass ich eine Kritik auf Deutsch schreiben soll. Also, gebe Ich Karls 5 Sterne weil sie alles Deutsche verkaufen! Ja, stimmt dass es ein bisschen teuer ist, aber mir ist den Kauf wert!
Es geben Wuerste, Sosspaketen, Sauerkraut, Rotkraut, Senf, Schockolade (Ritter Sport und Milka sind lecker!!), das Brot, Schweizerbrezelbroetchen (Swiss Pretzel rolls! YUM Oh they are called Laugenbroetchen), Marmelade usw..you get the point right?
Ok so I love Karl's, the minute I walked in I felt like I was at the Metzgerei in Holzgerlingen. The smokey smell, the meat, the sausages...everything was nice. They also had a lot of samples out, about 5 kinds of cheese, 4 kinds of mustard and because of the sample I almost bought some mustard, but I didn't. Luckily I live close enough that I can just mosey on over.
I spoke with a woman who worked there and we spoke German of course, it was a lot of fun. She told me about the history of the store and that they make on site the Wurste (sausage), the Ausschnitte (coldcuts), they smoke their own meats. The prices weren't too bad for the meats but the imported goods were high, its worth it though because they have Ritter Sport chocolate in flavors that I have NEVER seen in america (unless its at a european store like Karl's). I also bought some cucumber salad which I haven't had in about 8 years and it brought me back to those fun times.
The home made cold cuts looked amazing and the sausages. Holy crap. It is small in there and can get busy so try to take your time and look around at everything and then make your way to the counter.
I can't wait to come back, wish they were open Sundays too. Bis bald! -
Review from Katherine I.
Boston, MA
4/26/2008
With modest encouragement, Karl's could persuade a Muslim to eat its epicurean banquet of pork specialties. Yeah Allah, their homemade goodies are that fantastic. You should try the beerwurst, smoked pork chops, landjaeger, schinken speck, smoked bacon, bauernwurst, and taste for yourself. Don't worry, your secret will be safe with me.
P.S. They don't ship, but only Mohammed could recognize you. No worries.Listed in: The Cure
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Review from Jane B.
Stoneham, MA
1/18/2009
Bring a pillow for your jaw because it will be on the floor when you walk in. Karl's wide assortment of homemade sausage delights and European goodies will make you very happy, unless you're a vegetarian or vegan.
From head cheese to churizo to imported sweets, there's something for everyone. We tried some head cheese, smoked Polish sausage, fresh Polish sausage and churizo. Hubby enjoyed the head cheese and we both were gobsmacked with the sausages, the chruizo were especially good with eggs.
Most definitely will return to further explore their sausage cornucopia as well as their other great looking meaty goodness, like bacon and meat cuts.
FYI- Just watch out as you leave the parking lot as it's difficult to see the cars coming over the crest of the hill on Rt.1. You want to get home in one piece to enjoy your tasty delights.Listed in: Just Eat It
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Review from Lyndsay B.
Columbus, OH
11/8/2006
I agree wholeheartedly with all of these reviews. My husband and I love German food and so we knew we had to stop by.
They have wonderful smoked pork chops, smoked bacon, sausages galore (duh!) and a really great German Potato Salad. They do all of the smoke curing themselves (just ask, if you don't believe me) and stuffing of the sausages.
Yummy! They also have unique European products (for example, I was able to find Swedish Lingonberry sauce which I have only seen in IKEA).
Great little treasure! -
Review from Manfred S.
Medford, MA
7/15/2010
I got hit by a serious bout of depression when an über-eager customs official at Logan airport took away my home town sausages. (Okay, the custom fellow was actually doing his job correctly - almost the German way - but we still don't like it when it hits us.)
Then I found Karl's! Palate pleasure successfully treated depression. Beerwurst (cold cut) and Usinger (liver wurst spread) are my staples.
Occasionally, they also carry "quark" - a kind of sour creme (I think) that is perfect for blending with herbs or nuts or fruits.
Still missing though is Frankfurter Apfelwein to round out the perfect sentimental meal. Any one know an Apfelwein source around Boston? -
Review from Julie A.
Arlington, MA
4/30/2007
I can't believe I didn't review this earlier!
This place is AWESOME! I'd give them 5 stars for the kick ass sign alone! One day I finally went in and they had a crazy assortment of stuff. My husband's mom is a hardcore German, so he's a sausage snob, but this place passed with flying colors.
I'm not a fan of German style potato salad, but if you are this place has the best stuff! -
Review from Colleen C.
Marblehead, MA
3/24/2011
I love Yelp!!!! I was searching everywhere and asking everyone where I could find a German Butcher or Deli and I just am so glad I checked YELP. You are the best. I will visit Karl's ASAP... my four year old loves liverwurst and snitchel! I make a mean sourbraten and the rest of the family loves brats.... we moved here from Chicago where meat seems to rule.
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Review from Steve T.
Wakefield, MA
7/3/2009
There's nothing I can say about Karl's that hasn't been said before.
When I first came here, all I knew about sausage was Italian, kielbasa, chorizo, and hot dogs. Karl's has widened my sausage spectrum. Every time I come, I grab something new. I suggest you do the same.
A bonus is that you leave smelling a bit smokey and delicious! -
Review from Courtney N.
Gloucester, MA
5/8/2010
I read the reviews about Karl's on here, and figured my boyfriend and I would give it a chance. I was absolutely blown away by the selection (somehow fitting all of it in that small store is amazing!), the service, and the prices! You would never guess from the outside of Karl's that such food treasures await you just inside the doors!
We, of course, bought sausage. Several varieties; the prices were great, and with so many different kinds it was pretty hard to narrow it down to just a few. In fact, right next to us an Aussie was on the phone with his wife as he tried to make the agonizing decision of which flavor to purchase.
The candy section is incredible. They have all the old favorites (Milka and Ritter) but they also have numerous brands that you just don't see for sale anywhere around here. And, if you're searching for pure Marzipan, Marzipan candy, or even Marzipan cake mixes this is the place for you. The candy (and all of the food) is an eclectic mix from Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Holland, Norway and Finland. If you want to try a Finnish candy bar- good news! They have it, and in abundance.
They also have a section of regular food items. We bought some potato mixes and a blueberry soup mix. Finally, there's a large magazine section. You can read all of the tabloid news about the Swedish Royal Family in Swedish if that floats your boat.
The staff was very friendly. There were free samples all over the store. Note- free samples (except from Trader Joe's) rarely work on me, but we seriously considered several of the products being offered up as samples. And the store never felt cramped. It has a lot going on in a relatively tiny space, but everything has enough room for browsing, and even with 6 other people in the store it never felt like we were being elbowed away from a display or crowded.
The one drawback is the location. I didn't take away a star for this because there are ways to avoid the wicked Rt. 1 traffic. Go earlier in the day, or later. It's just awful if you try at rush hour (which we did actually). I don't think the location should stop anyone from giving Karl's a chance! I cannot wait to go back! -
Review from Alison D.
3/24/2010
Their smoked meats are awe inspiring, they really are. I went in just because I had never been there before and had heard such good things. We picked out quite a few things to try including smoked salmon and double smoked bacon that were both fabulous. We actually went in though for the sausage meat not in it's casing so my husband could make some kind of little british things traditional for christmas. I forget what they are called, but they were yummy.
It's the teeniest little place chock full of good things to try. It's fun even just looking around and seeing what other order from the counter. Just be careful not to drive by the place, it's easy to miss! -
Review from RJ K.
Boxford, MA
7/21/2009
Karl's is legendary for a reason. If you have spent any serious amount of time abroad in northern Europe, you will be amazed at the great snacks, meats, jams and other terrific Euro-comestibles here.
I'm always able to find favorite items from Sweden, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, Denmark and other places where I have lived or visted at Karl's. The quality is excellent and the service is friendly and helpful. They seem to do a good job stocking what their customers want and they can also special order items for you.
I know many people who shop here exclusively prior to the holidays, especially Christmas and Easter, as I used to. Now, I realize that it is important to support a great specialized local business like this in order to ensure that they stay going strong and available as a rare resource year 'round. -
Review from richard r.
Woburn, MA
3/11/2010
Karl's has a Facebook page now to keep you updated on sausage news:
http://www.facebook.co...
Some of my favs are Onion Bologna and Smoked Pork Chops. They have Korv too. -
Review from Grimace M.
Cambridge, MA
3/22/2010
Oh man, this place is fantastic. It's worth it for the beerwurst alone, I have half a mind to just go in and clean them out every time my supply is gone. Others have said what I have to say, they've got a lot of sausage, it is yummy, it is fresh. They smoke their own stuff, everything is awesome. Go here.
Couple of things to note:
- They now have a facebook & twitter, which they use to communicate when things are hot off the press. Use this to plan your trips. Actually, don't, so I can have a better chance of getting the good stuff.
- On any given day they might be out of what you're looking for. This is one reason to follow point #1. It is always worth asking if they have any in the freezer
- Saturdays are super crowded due to them being closed sundays & mondays. The store is trying to clear stock and people are trying to obtain stock. Get here early.
- I'd tell you that the smoked bratwurst is heavenly but I'd be afraid you'd buy it and prevent me from getting some. -
Review from Lauren B.
Boston, MA
10/23/2009
Karl's Sausage makes me happy, but then who wouldn't want his sausage? Wait, what?
Despite being on the lovely Route 1 (I know, its so scenic you take Sunday drives), Karl's is an awesome spot! The outside looks like a shady 70's motel where one might take a hooker or two, but I assure you the inside is nice, clean, and smells like the Hofbrauhaus. So many different fresh sausages, tons of German goodies and specialties, and a super friendly older man who knows his meat. Although, the only thing they were missing was authentic German men.......sexy... Anyways..
We bought four sausages, two different Brats; one kind was white-ish in color and the other was darker. Both were excellent and tasted real. Nothing like the nasty ass sausages you get from dirty old Italians in the North End.
auerordentlich!
Prime German real estate I tell ya. Yo Karl, CALL MEEEE! -
Review from Brian D.
8/14/2010
What to do during the tax free weekend madness? Buy meat. Of course. Buy holy, immaculate, home made cured meats. How the hell have I never been to Karl's? I have sinned against all things good and dead and cured with smokey love. This is probably the one and only store that should be open on Rte 1. Close the rest. Sorry Kowloon. Sorry Bernie & Phyl's sorry Square 1 Mall. Expand Karl's. Make it 10 stories tall and full of every nasty little meat snack that Germany and to hell with it, the rest of the world have to offer. Just visit their website to get the full details on what they sell. I can tell you that I did one of these things at the counter 'Ok I'll have 2 of those and 2 of these things and um yeah no make that 3 of these and 4 of those....'. Go. Have fun. Or don't. More sausage for me.
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Review from Stephen Y.
Cambridge, MA
8/16/2009
One of the few things I've missed in Boston is really good German and Polish sausage. I just didn't find any for years, and would instead take a day trip to NYC when I needed to get my fix. Fortunately, a friend pointed me towards Karl's, and I now have a local sausage source.
The weisswurst, knockwurst, kielbasa, and other cured or smoked meats at Karl's are second to none. In addition to the meat, they have a fine selection of imported mustards, cheeses, and other sundries. I was particularly happy that they leave out a sample platter of mustards, because the size of the selection there was a bit daunting. The samples helped me pick out a strong, yet flavorful mustard that'snow one of my favorite condiments. -
Review from Philipp Z.
North Reading, MA
7/19/2008
Just FYI they don't just sell sausages, but also a great deal of German & European foods, such as fruit jams, pickles, cookies, chocolate, cheese, syrup, baking ingredients, bread, german magazines, and much more.
I usually buy the great Black Forest Ham (kind of like Prosciutto, but better!) and the Emmentaler Swiss cheese.
Prices for the deli items are very competitive.
On weekends they give out a lot of freebies to try and for Christmas and Easter they have a wide assortment of seasonal foods that you can buy for gifts. -
Review from Fred A.
Methuen, MA
1/6/2011
I have to echo many of the superior compliments and ratings others have given. We have lived in the region for two years and I was finally able to get to Karl's on a weekday, and I was not disappointed. In addition to what others have noted, they are now cold smoking their own WILD salmon, and this is a delicacy not to be missed. Plus they have the European version of innumerable packaged products such as Knorr, Dr Oetker and others. If they don't have it, they'll try to order it for you.
Best part - they are now open on Sundays! Hurrah! -
Review from Bill U.
Lynn, MA
7/27/2006
It is the most authentic German meat shop in the Boston area; not much more needs to be said about Karl's. Even if you are unfamiliar with German food, try the black forest ham. Cured and smokey, it is more like an Italian Prosciutto than anything you may have had from a deli counter. Brats sell out fast during the summer grilling season so you may want to call in an order ahead of time. The shop is not open on Sunday.
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Review from steve n.
Haverhill, MA
8/16/2007
truly amazing stuff, stuffed into hog casing.
can be a language barrier mid-week.
go. -
Review from Jim S.
Lynnfield, MA
10/23/2006
This place is a must visit for anyone who enjoys grilling... The assortment of meat products is simply out of this world. A tailgater's heaven...
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Review from Paul S.
Newton, MA
7/23/2008
Planning a Quality Cookout? This is the place to get your meat from. Their Brats are not from this planet......
Listed in: Top Business Servies
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Review from Arik C.
Arlington, MA
8/3/2005 2 photos
A Route 1 landmark that offers plenty for the curious meat eater. They specialize in German meat products such as landejaeger, liverwurst, smoked pork chops, head cheese, you name it. The smell of the store alone makes you want to light your grill. Plenty of offerings from German gummi candy, chocolate, sauerkraut, delicious pickles and bread. A must visit when you want to great a masterpiece on the grill!
Listed in: Where to shop for the dinner…
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Review from Heidi M.
Pembroke, MA
8/31/2005
You have to go here. They have the best authentic German food around. You can not go wrong with anything you get here. My top picks are the knockwurst, liverwurst, head cheese, and schicken. Also try the hanutas and duplos..great chocolate snack. I can not raive enough about this place.
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Review from Sugartime X.
Boston, MA
12/9/2008
Its the real deal yummy
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Review from Peter W.
Boston, MA
4/5/2010
Fresh sausages? Would there be a difference to make it worth the trip from Boston to Saugus? Well, I went in late in the day and grabbed all the fresh sausages I could find to try out. Polish, bratwurst, liverwurst, and a couple of other ones. Grilled them all up on this beautiful weekend and found that they taste great, taste clean, and taste diffferent for different people. I will be back to get more and to have more taste testings. I also got the double and triple smoked bacon which I need to try later this week.
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Review from Jemima T.
Saugus, MA
4/2/2009
Karl's is so odd to me: a German store on Route 1 in Saugus? I wouldn't have gone in but a friend told me that he loves it, so I had to explore. The store doesn't have a huge variety of products- mostly some jams and tinned goods- but the deli case... ohmygod! Lots of different brats and sausages, cheeses, bacon... and all very good- well seasoned, not too greasy (for sausage.) And the people who work there are very helpful and friendly. A great place for people who like their sausages!
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Review from Brian M.
Sterling, MA
7/31/2009 6 photos
Karl's is the best place for REAL german cold cuts, sausages, and frankfurters, hands down. In Germany there are places like Karl's in every town. Even though I live over an hour away, I still try go to Karl's once every 2-3 months. Just the smell of that place is heavenly. I buy the cold cuts (try the biershinken, it's awesome), knockwurst, bratwurst, liverwurst, and of course my favorite the frankfurters. Their franks are unlike anything bought in the supermarket. Their franks are soo tasty, smokey, & fresh it's amazing. I buy the small soft rolls or rye bread and eat them cold on the way home. Karl's is a bit on the pricey side, but you get what you pay for and then some.
