Gene’s Sausage Shop & Delicatessen

What’s not to love about Gene’s? It’s two floors cram packed (in a very organized way) of delicacies and staples that you won’t find at many other grocers. My son has found a brand and type of pickle there that he loves, and are now unable to bring any other type of pickle into the house. We’ve stocked up on European chocolates, teas, interesting cheese, fairly priced wines, pasta, and more when we’re there. Sure, it’s more expensive, but then again, it’s not Wonder Bread and Velveeta.

Got some yummy steak here to try Gordon Ramsey’s steak recipe and it went perfectly well! The service is kind and helpful. They have neat treats and it’s my go to get my boyfriend Marzipan candy.
Loved that they used Meyer’s old sign too.
Also my kid loves to see the cow, that she calls this place «The Cow Store!» :)

The rooftop here is a rare gem in the middle of the city. It blows many hotel rooftop bars out of the water, and is super reasonably priced! Every menu item and drink offering is, I can tell you from experience, well worth ordering; the skinless hot dog, hungarian sausage, pretzel, and red cabbage specifically. The service upstairs is sunny and efficient, too.
The only reason this review gets bumped down to four stars is because of a funny little problem I’ve consistently encountered within this shop, which I haven’t seen elsewhere: literally every single time I check out at the register, some manager, cashier, or other employee is stressed to their boiling point. I’ve seen supervisors heave huge sighs, cashiers urgently barked at to run and get more receipt paper, etc. Seriously, it’s every time I come in here. After so many visits, I just have to laugh at how consistent it is. None of the *customers* seem at all stressed or annoyed, which would do a lot more to explain the stress of the employees themselves. So I don’t really get what’s happening there. The roof guys seem significantly more laid-​back on the whole, for what it’s worth.
Anyway, this place is a highlight of Lincoln Square, both for picking up groceries and spending an afternoon outside on their exquisite rooftop!

I’ve been to Gene’s a few times over the years, and used to come here when it was Meyer Delicatessen. Glad they preserved the old sign. We we here fairly early on a Saturday, and the deli counter crowd was very manageable. Service was very prompt and helpful. They have a very large range of deli specialties, including Stiglmeier meats. I was very happy to find potato sausage here, although it wasn’t the Swedish variety. Imagine instant potatoes and bacon bits in a sausage casing. Their dry landjaeger sausage are oddly pencil thin, i’ll have to try the fresh ones next time to compare. Grocery items are limited but high quality. Good selection of Polish sausages and headcheeses (half dozen at least). The roof deck is great, but it can get packed at peak hours. They carry Apis brand meads, but more expensive than other Polish delis in town. Beer selection is good, but some things tend to sit around. Check dates on what you buy. Overall, Gene’s is a great modern deli.

I feel so lucky to have this great shop in the neighborhood. I’ve been shopping here for over two years and buy nearly all my meat here. Because most of it has been previously frozen, it’s best to buy and cook it that day. But if you heed that caveat you can get some really high quality meat at affordable prices, plus some stuff you can’t find anywhere else. i love the black forest ham on fresh bread or salad greens, it’s almost as good as prosciutto and much more affordable. They always have yummy samples and the butchers are like real butchers who can make recommendations and converse intelligibly about all of their products. They’ve never yet steered me wrong. I roast their chickens from Amish farms and make chicken soup, and I’m pretty picky about the meat I use for my bone broths. The smoked sausages are all good, I always pick up dried sausage and grab some andouille when cooking a pot of black eyed peas. And brats, of course.
Produce isn’t their forte, but you can grab onions, celery, garlic, peppers and misc things you might need in a pinch. They have some decent salads most days, and the prepared soups aren’t too shabby.
Upstairs is so, so fun to browse. It’s a mixture of European imports and local goods, a veritable treasure trove of canned and tinned goodies from near and far. Local tomato sauces and mustard’s, spreads and jellies, canned krauts and pickled this and that. Pasta, rices, and other misc. Come with an open mind and leave the list at home. You’ll find something delicious and surprising. Beer and booze is upstairs too.
I buy bacon here, too, and use the leftover fat for my biscuits. That’s how I know it’s the real deal. Also use it for sauteing kale, Brussels sprouts and all manner of cruciferous veggies. Yum! Expensive but worth it esp if you use the fat. Love the candies too, though I try to skip over this section most days but I don’t always succeed. Good news is they have some of the healthy dark chocolate when you really must succumb. A reasonable collection of baked goods/​pastries. Great place, with a very inviting layout. I really enjoy shopping here as if you can’t tell. I also love the shopping bags they sell as the handles are the perfect length for toting all your goodies home.

Huge fan of the products here!
Some feedback, I just bought a gift card for a friend and it’s $ 11 shipping… for a gift card! I’m hoping it’s wrapped in sausages because that is pretty steep. You should consider an email sending option.
Anyway, still love the store, just a little miffed on the gift card process.

My scale:
5 Stars: I recommend this without any exceptions. I will come back (more than once) and bring friends!
4 Stars: I recommend this under certain circumstances. Worth going, but ONE thing was off.
3 Stars: I was ok, but in a city like Chicago you can find better places. I wouldn’t come back.
2 Stars: Disappointed. I wouldn’t come back, even if it was the last place in Chicago.
1 Star: Don’t go here! Rip-​off, Tourist-​trap, dangerous, or something like this. Please close this place.
Love it! Last summer, I went here all the time, just to drink a Stiegl Radler on their rooftop. Great place. Family friendly, but also just very friendly to anyone.

Nice neighborhood grocer. Prices are way higher than other larger supermarkets in the area (Mariano’s, Tony’s), but the meat especially is of noticeably higher quality than other supermarkets (although there are butcher shops in the area that have comparable quality). Staff is always friendly. They also have some interesting speciality items from various regions of Europe that might make it worth stopping by. Certainly not a place to do your everyday shopping but a nice place to stop into occasionally. (Nice rooftop biergarten in the summer.)

Wow. This place is awesome. Meat selection is awesome. Fun experience wandering all the world liquors on the second floor. Tons of things I’d never heard of. Great place will be coming back for their rooftop this summer!

European small specialty market shopping experience with greatest meat, German beer, pretzel, fresh pickle and jarred cabbage selection on the North side.
I wish all groceries were like this.
They seem to have a bottleneck with their cash registers locking up or not accepting credit cards at interesting times like Christmas time and busy periods. This caused cash only and slowdowns at the registers at awkward times. I trust they have that worked out and a better fallback plan then they had in place last year.

This review is for Gene’s rooftop biergarten, which is open only when the weather is warm. The concept is fantastic, and it’s a great homage to the classic beer gardens in Germany and Austria. Considering the space is small, Gene’s does a good job of maximizing space and creating an environment of good food, drink, and overall gemuetlichkeit.
It’s cash only! So be warned, they have an ATM near the counter but it’s better to be prepared. Also it can get quite crowded so be forewarned. Also, depending on the time of day, it might be hard not to only find a seat, but also find a shaded seat. But with enough patience and wherewithal you should find something eventually.
The food is standard German-​Austrian beer garden cuisine. I’ve had most things on the menu, but last time I was there I had the Austrian cheese sausage, potato salad, and beets, all of which were ok to good.
The best things on the menu, unexpectedly, are the potato pancakes. They look dense and uninviting, but they aren’t! They are some tasty tasty potato pancakes — don’t sleep on potato pancakes.
There’s a small selection of non-​alcoholic drinks, german/​austrian beers on drafts and in cans.
Gene’s rooftop is a Lincoln Park summertime establishment. If you’re a local then you should definitely already be aware of the greatness of Gene’s. If you’re a visitor of the city then adventure from the Loop by taking the Brown Line up to Western (it will take you 40 mins or so) and enjoy some authentic Chicago-​neighbor fare with authentic German-​Austrian grub.
Oh, important detail I’m sure already covered by other Unilocalers but access to the rooftop is gained by going to the back-​right of the store and taking the elevator up to the third floor.
Prost!

I had some schnitzel on rooftop when the weather was still nice. The food was really good. The condiments they had was ridiculous! Thy had 5 different types of mustard, tried all of them and the spicy honey mustard was the best.
I ordered drinks on rooftop. in hindsight, I should have just bought drinks from the market below.
Speaking of the market, it’s amazing! I would buy everything from there if I lived closely.

Gene’s, ohhhh Gene’s, you fabulous devil. You’re a mere two blocks from my apartment so, I find myself visiting you a few times a week. You’ve become a staple for me and my neighborhood experiences.
From the moment you walk inside, the neighborhood market vibe is strong and real. Embrace it! Everyone who works here is an absolute treat. The guys behind the deli counter really know their stuff, listen to them. I’ve stood in front of the counter for minutes on end purely because I couldn’t make up my melon and not only was I asked by multiple people «Can I recommend something?» but I joked back and forth with them about being indecisive. You feel like you’re a part of the Gene’s family when you shop here and it’s reason enough to return.
But let us talk about their selection. They have brussel sprouts the size of plums. They have cheeses galore. They have the best homemade tomato soup I’ve ever tasted. Their in-​house made pizzas offer a cracker-​thin crust and they’re tasty. They have aisles of imported sweet candies that I steer clear of as my Lioncoln Square Athletic Club membership dictates I do so BUT I have visited their cakes and pastries counter and I don’t dare feel bad about it. TIP: try their peach & coconut cheesecake slice. It’s f’ing incredible. I’ve purchased some of the best hot capicola from Gene’s. Their salami, ham, swiss cheese… it’s all phenomenal. They have an excellent selection of pâté. They have so many different types of crackers, good luck making the decision. TIP: they will help you with your cracker choice based on your meat and cheese selections. They have all kinds of meats, common and not and they have some basics sprinkled throughout the first floor, too.
Now, let’s venture upstairs. Wine and booze and beer — OH MY! Every bottle of wine I’ve purchased has been stellar and within a great price point, too. I don’t think I’ve paid more than $ 25 for a bottle and every single one has been a happy purchase. When you clear the booze, you’ll embark on a noodle extravaganza. Pasta, pasta, pasta! Buy it, boil it, and enjoy it… all of it! They have things I don’t even know what to do with but my mom was super impressed and shopped her heart out. They have jellies and jams and nut butters (OH and several types of butter downstairs by the cheeses, I couldn’t tell you the difference but I’ll jump on the butter brigade soon)…where was i? Oh yeah, the jams and jellies and spreads… and puddings and teas. Lots of teas! And honey, so much honey!
Now, I have yet to sit on their rooftop and enjoy a sammich and a beer but you bet your bottom dollar I’ll be up there the first warmish day we have and they open said rooftop.
Overall, Gene’s is the sh&t. Everyone who works there is resourceful and just a treat to talk to… stop in, look around, buy some stuff, and support local business!
Yours truly,
A loyal customer

Stumbled on this place walking around Lincoln Square and all I can say is WOW, WOW, WOW!
What an amazing place content and atmosphere. Hussle bustle and lots of energy. Great staff! Deli counter amazing with home cooked coldcuts. I bought the gypsy ham and can’t wait to taste it! Also fresh baked bread from rye, sunflower and multigrain. Great butcher section. Upstairs is a cool wine and beer area, we sampled the craft beer and also a little wine tasting. Their selections are not orninary in beers or wines. Most I have not seen before and prices seemed very fair! This place is nothing short of fabulous. They also had a woman sat playing the accordian, super touch.
In this era of mass supermarkets it was so refreshing to see this concept.

I can’t imagine loving any neighborhood delicatessen more than Gene’s. Meats so fresh it borders on violence. House made sausage, amazing wines, pickled things that don’t seem to make sense, it’s all here.
The number of visits I make to Genes’s are directly reflected in my waistline and lack of accessible cash, but it’s worth it. The staff is perfect. $ 7.00 pounds of Amish butter? YES!
Avoid the rotisserie chicken. Unless jerky is yo’ thang

Love the store décor itself. The large variety of cold drinks and chocolates/​snacks is great.
The hungarian goulash is awesome on a night you don’t feel like cooking! The prepared foods section is very yummy and I’ve liked everything I’ve tried so far. The apple strudel is also a must!
The sandwiches are also perfect for a quick lunch. The pretzel buns are perfection.
Some things can be expensive but its generally affordable.

I love this little gem in Lincoln square! It has a cool roof top to grab a bite on during nice days and the store itself has a nice selection of meats and cheeses, my two favorite food groups. Their European chocolate selection is pretty nice as well.
The only reason I’m deducting one star from this review is due to being kind of disappointed with their stuffed cabbage. It was so full of rice that the flavor was overpowered and I didn’t expect that from a meat shop. But then again my grandmas stuffed cabbage set the bar high for me. So while I won’t be coming back here for the stuffed cabbage I will definitely be coming back for everything else.
Next time you’re there make sure to try their elderflower lemonade drink-​super refreshing.

A great place to pick up treats for a party or to put together an impromptu dinner w/​friends without breaking the bank. I got a variety of perogis and different sauces to bring over to some friends place – including one who was a vegetarian. We had lots of fun trying the different varieties and were FULL afterwords all for under $ 20. Not bad! They also have pre-​made soups, salads, sandwiches and tons of other like-​kind items.
FYI: This is probably NOT where I would go for regular grocery shopping or baking supplies (although it does totally remind you of how Europeans still shop on a regular basis… small, local, fresh).
Great bakery and deli for just about any kind of meat cut or a slice of some delicious treat – again great for parties. This is a place you could take magazine pictures in it looks so well put together.
Their wine and beer selection is decent, but not particularly why I would pop in there. Plenty to choose from though. I have yet to try the beer garden roof deck — — — — — — –and I think I’m missing out from what it sounds like. Perhaps I will check it out this summer and update my review.

Loved this little gem! I went to Maifest on a Thursday and there wasn’t much set up, so one of the staff told us about this place. It’s a deli, but they have a rooftop beer garden. I went with my Mom and Niece — very kid friendly. It’s all shared seating so you share a bench table with other people.
I ordered the polish with sauerkraut and a Cherry Cider which was really good. My niece ordered the potato pancakes. Everything was very fresh and grilled right outside. The deck is spacious and perfect for a summer night.

I just had a wonderful meal, with the majority of items purchased at the deli counter of Gene’s Sausage Shop & Delicatessen. Now wait a minute… hubby is cutting the dessert (Napoleon turnover and peach carrot cheesecake). I guess I will be writing a Unilocal review while sending those bad boys into my mouth… nom…nom…nom…
I live in the adjacent neighborhood (Albany Park), west to Lincoln Square. Technically I didn’t travel miles this time. Hubby and I took a short bus ride with CTA 81 (Lawrence) and got off at Western.
Walking into the Gene’s Sausage Shop & Delicatessen was analogical to stepping into a «Pr*da» or «Burber*y» at a luxury shopping mall. The fruit and veggies appeared to be dazzled in gold; the soda bottles were glowing like Genie’s lamp; the local and imported cheeses looked like the ones served at the most sought-​after VIP club.
I found the «Dry» soda at their beverage section. Hubby raved about this Seattle-​born soda company, and he picked up the «lavender» flavor. I would say it had a distinctive taste; it tasted like a club soda with a bitter after note. I wasn’t really fond of this, but my Mr. Brown (a New York-​based company) celery soda quickly brought happiness of the taste bud back to my life!
Hubby sneaked in a block of Wisconsin Gouda into the basket. I was totally ok with that. They had some excellent selections on all types of cheese, local, regional, and imported. If you were to look for a specialty cheese to add sparkle onto your culinary adventure, I would certainly recommend Gene’s.
The clerk at the deli counter was very friendly, and most importantly, proactive. While hubby and I were having a serious discussion on what we wanted this evening, he approached to us even though we didn’t have a # in our hand, at least not yet. We went with one (1) stuffed cabbage (containing pork so I had this all to myself), two (2) potato pancakes, German-​style potato salad, and orzo salad (vegetarian-​friendly).
The stuffed cabbage was exquisitely delicious! The cabbage leaves were moist, and rice/​pork stuffing was seasoned nicely. I also liked the German-​style potato salad. It was unfortunate that hubby couldn’t partake since it had pieces of smoked sausages or ham in it. If you’ve never had a potato salad that wasn’t «drenched» with mayonnaise, give this gourmet potato salad a try.
My peripheral vision spotted the Napoleon turnover and peach carrot cheesecake. Well, I definitely needed them! I guess I should say I wanted them for my occasional sweet tooth. The cheesecake was smooth and not at all cloying. I would have to go back Gene’s for trying other pastry items.
Hubby, once again, grabbed some rye bread from the baskets in front of the deli counter. I really thought his Greco-​Roman nose could smell bread from afar… an uncanny talent!
Before heading to the register, I added on the chicken barley and split pea soups. Hopefully I didn’t miss out anything for my dinner feast… at the comfort of my apartment.
The total came to $ 43 and some change, with some leftovers for the next day. What’s Rosa J.‘s foodie slogan? Shop local (and no ketchup on a hotdog). I couldn’t believe I haven’t shopped at Gene’s in the past two (2) years living in Chicago! If any of you were to hire paparazzi to BOLO Rosa J., put someone full-​time near Gene’s in Lincoln Square…