Karl’s Deli

I’ve been coming to Karl’s Deli for many years — even before current ownership. Food was always pretty good but service isn’t so good anymore. The girl who works register appears to really not like her job. She never smiles or shows any pleasantness. Makes you feel like you’re a nuisance. The total atmosphere is unfriendly. Even owner seems to be tired of his business — unless you’re one of the ol’ German men who shows up.

Great sandwich, had a reuben, very authentic feel in the atmosphere and food, but the customer service was so bad I likely won’t be back.

I deliberately don’t get out to Centennial much — typically only when I have the self-​hating need to go to IKEA. Indeed, today my husband suggested we go there to buy him a new home office desk. So he mitigated my complaints by offering to take me to lunch «somewhere special.» Karl’s is in a nondescript strip mall but is worth a shot.
It’s authentically German with all the classics — bratwurst, deli meats, potato salad, sauerkraut, etc, and German beer. I wish the sauerkraut had been a little more sauer, but my grandmother’s is a tough act to follow. Service is pretty unfriendly, specifically the woman running the counter.
They have a little German market with hard-​to-​find items I’ve been craving. If they carried Gerolsteiner apfelschorle, I’d drive there every week.

I called at 1150 on a Wednesday to ask what soup was on the menu. The voice on the line responded, «I don’t know, I’m in the kitchen.» Click. The man hung up on me. I’ve been coming here for a few years and have dealt with their mediocre service because it’s the only place in the area that serves decent linsensuppe and schnitzel. I will not be returning.

Once I had consumed the cheese knacker I was hooked. Great German brawts and the owner is super chill.

T&e owners need to learn Customer service. really they do. Karls is not worth spending any money. if you want German meats go directly to the source, Continental Deli is so much better. Eric and the staff at Continental Deli will go out of their way to make sure everything is good. The new owners at Karls and the staff really needs to learn Customer servce! Heidi, the former owner and her staff were gems. Do not waste your time or money with Karls F.F. Deli.

The food is alright. I wish there were more German dish options. The Wurst is pretty good, but there are other places in town that have better. The staff is rude, there is no «hi» «hello» «servus» «how’s it going?», even when it’s slow. I would love to give it one star, but their Wurst is alright and their Kartoffelsalat is pretty good as well, so 3 stars it is.

If its a Saturday afternoon don’t bother going in, as the staff is far more concerned over preparing for their 3:00 P.M. closing than waiting on any patrons. We arrived just after 2:00 looking to have a tasty German beer on the patio, and immediately felt very unwelcome. The girl who took our money barely bothered to acknowledge us, and was very rude as we clearly interrupted her clean up routine. As we sat outside we watched many others walk in, only to turn right back around after getting a dose of the offensive attitude. Its too bad because this is obviously a unique place in a good location, and the beer and food have historically been good, but this is atleast the 2^nd or 3^rd time this has happened and I doubt we will ever go back.

Having been going to Karl’s off and on for more than 20 years. I will agree they have great potato salad. However I think they need to go back to the way it was when Karl owned it.
The employees were all German ladies, the portions were better and frankly the food was better. I went in today for the first time in a while and the menu has changed again and not for the better. The line use to be out the door at lunch but not today. Why do restaurants always change things that are not broken. Go back to the way it was and watch the customers triple.

Great authentic German. Their bratwurst was on point; the sauerkraut was tangy but not overpowering, and the cucumber salad was delicious and garlicky. Highly recommend if you’re in the mood for great German food.

Service was friendly, my wife had the Wiener schnitzel which was excellent. I had «Denvers Best Reuben»…it was good, but for $ 11.00 I’d expect more than just the sandwich (potato salad maybe?), and $ 9 for a basic ham sandwich (again, a alone on its plate) is pretty steep for lunch.

Been coming to Karls since mid 80’s. Only place in town i have found where i can get my fix of authentic german meats. Its changed a lot over the years but still a great place for lunch with specials of the day taking me back to the authentic german quisine of my youth

I am not German, but I did live in Bavaria for two years. Karl’s lunch specials are the closest to the food I ate there since I left Germany. I believe the current owner is from Austria. Some of the highlights are: they have an excellent rotation of daily specials, an adequate deli, a small market (for your German homecooking needs), outdoor seating (beer garden), and a small selection of German beers on tap. Really the only negatives I can think of are: I wish they were open later (but probably can’t due to low demand at that time) and I think they are a bit expensive. Give them a try and you’ll probably be pleasantly surprised.

We went to check out the deli to see if we could buy some sausage to go. They sell them in packages and if you ask they will also sell individual links. We bought the hungarian bratwurst which was flavorful and generous with the paprika with a good snap to the casing. The other sausage we tried was their swiss kriener which was also delicious and had a good snap when you bite into. Snap is a qulity that is appreciated by those who love sausage. I can say wholeheartedly that they know how to make good sausage. They have a cute section with imported german products such as gummies and ritter chocolate bars. They even had mozart kuglen although it was pretty expensive at 1.99 a ball. Great place… will have to come back for the specials.

I’m not super familiar with authentic German food but I do like sauerkraut and brats so tried this place & went with a daily special; it was so good that I have been back many times and always go with one of the specials. I saw a note somewhere that labeled their potato salad as «Colorado’s best potato salad,» and I would have to highly agree with that statement. The setting is cozy and clean, and they have a great patio to enjoy a sunny lunch break on. I’ve only been in for lunch where the set up is that you order from the counter, pay the cashier, get your food and seat yourself.
First time today, picked up a sandwich for a friend and was surprised to find out that the price of the sandwich does not include a side. They had a little sign on the deli counter that said if you paid with cash, you got a bag of chips for free but it is up to you to notice that and ask. Prior to noticing the sign, as I was checking out & questioning the side situation, the girl at the check out didn’t offer it up when I asked about the sandwich not coming with a side, & when I looked back at the board to see where it said this, I happened to notice the little sign about the chips & happened to have cash to pay.
My friend said the sandwich bread was fresh, the sandwich tasted good, along with being a good sized sandwich, but he didn’t think it was better than some other specialty sandwich deli’s where it was cheaper for a sandwich, side & drink in comparison.
So maybe stick to the plate specials and definitely get the potato salad!

Excellent, hot, fresh food. And you can’t beat the German beer. The music is kitschy but great. I’ll be back.

I’ve heard great things about this place, but I was pretty disappointed by the food. It’s set up kind of cafeteria style, grab a tray and get bowls/​plates as you go. I ordered a half turkey sandwich and a cup of Potato Leek Soup. The sandwich was pretty good, but nothing to rave about. Could have made it at home. The soup was like a broth… which is not something I’ve ever experience with potato leek soup, which should be creamy and a little rich. Don’t think I’ll be going back for lunch. Especially considering the $ 9 bill for a half sandwich and cup of soup.
They do have a small market in the back, which might be good for picking up specialty items.

We were excited by the reviews posted earlier, but ended up rather disappointed.
The «Denver’s best Reuben» isn’t. We’ve had a much better Reuben at McCabe’s Irish Bistro and Pub. The meat portion is barely adequate and comes with NO sides. For $ 11, one would expect kraut and potato salad with your Reuben, especially at an establishment known for its German food.
We also had the frankfurter plate which was on special that day. The kraut was very good. It was very much like what my German mother makes. The potato salad was disappointing. It seemed to have a mayo base and was served cold, neither of which is in line with what I know about German potato salad.
The service was not good. The two counter staff took our food orders and proceeded on down the line. We weren’t able to get our drink orders until we were at the cashier’s. In fact, one girl behind the counter told me she couldn’t pour our beer. We could at least have been enjoying our beer while waiting on the Reuben to finish. We had to wait 5 – 10 minutes for the backup of sandwiches being toasted before our Reuben was ready. Meanwhile, my frankfurter plate was sitting there getting cold. There seemed to be little flow or organization back there, with several people doing the same tasks..
The beer was good! Paulaner weiss bier and a Munich dark were both tasty.
We will check out other similar restaurants in the area before returning to this one. Pity. We really wanted to like it.

Love me a good German deli. Being down the street from my work? I’ll be a regular in no time.
On my first visit I ordered a corned beef sandwich on light rye and shared some German potato salad and sauerkraut with the bf. It all had that classic German taste. I really enjoyed how the sauerkraut was served warm. For those who are extra hungry, might consider ordering double meat. However, it was the right amount for a light eater.
In addition to lunch fare, there is also a section of packaged goods. I picked up some marzipan treats which I probably shouldn’t have eaten in two sittings, but I did.
Not too crowded when I was in, so would be good for groups or quick lunches.

EAT ALL THE THINGS!
Is what runs through mind when I set foot in Karl’s. There is not a dish that he has laid in front of me that I haven’t blitzkrieged my way through (apologies for the tasteless joke) and then sat wondering after if I will go ahead and sacrifice my dignity by licking my plate clean. I usually instead meekly go to Karl and as him for another slice or two of bread, which he hands me on a plate accompanied by his booming laugh.
Yup, Karl is a wizard in the kitchen and he knows it. It’s in that smug smile of his when he sees you walking off with your plate to the table. Well played Herr Karl. Well Played.
I wouldn’t worry about your diet in here, you can kiss that goodbye with a smile on your face and not miss it. His sauerkraut is probably the best I’ve ever had, and make sure you save room for the desert, because his strudel will have you casting shifty glances over at him to see when he’s going to disappear in the kitchen so you can filch the rest when he’s not looking. (Don’t try to, I suspect he’s onto me.)
The BierGarten out front is the best place to sit and have a beer with your food. Especially in the fall with a bowl of his hearty goulash. I mean, if you got some time, Karl has the beer. (and usually will have one with you and talk a bit)
If you’re in the mood for some lighter fare, a cup of his homemade soups and a sandwhich might be up your alley. All the meats are proudly displayed, and you can choose your filler. Make sure you get his cauliflower soup… mein Gott in Himmel it’s amazing.
And if that’s not enough, you can come back on Fridays for live music and singing with a beer in hand. Don’t miss it!
Finally, if you really want to top your visit, step to the side and take home some grocery home from the little market. Haribo, Chocolates, mixes, soaps and assorted German goods are right there for you to take with you.
In short, don’t miss this lovely slice of German/​Austrian heaven in Denver. You won’t be disappointed!
Free Refill Fridays are really hard to brat when you serve litres of Paulaner!