DINING OUT:Schreiner’s for German fare

Tucked away in a small corner between Glendale and Montrose, Schreiner’s Fine Sausages is easily accessible to the regulars who know the establishment well. Just walking to the front entrance, my senses were assailed with the smoky aroma of specialty meats, promising more delights inside.

Schreiner’s has been in the area for more than 30 years and is like an old friend, always happy to see you — judging by the very friendly staff, dressed in dirndls, the traditional dresses worn in Austria and southern Germany, to match the atmosphere.

I strolled past the meat counter and made a mental note to swing by after my meal. As I glimpsed, I saw unusual, yet very interesting, cuts of meats and sausages under the clean glass.

The sandwich counter on a weekday was running at full tilt, with hungry regulars waiting very patiently in line. When it was my turn, I was greeted with a smile and never felt rushed as I placed my order of knockwurst and Swiss cheese on rye. Oh, and don’t forget the extra pickles.

As the order was being made, the knockwurst looked to me like an oversized hot dog, then, I sat down and took a bite. The knockwurst was served warm with Swiss cheese melted over the top and plenty of pickles to add the required crunch. Definitely order it with mustard.

With customers constantly walking up to the counter to place their orders, one does not feel crowded in the small seating area. The tables are placed together so one could end up eating with a complete stranger, as I did. A great way to start up a conversation and get to know other patrons who frequent the deli.

There’s plenty to notice while lunching, being surrounded by quite a collection of wines, some Rieslings, Liebfraumilchs and, of course, a California Chardonnay or two. Schreiner’s also offers an extensive collection of German beers as well.

Aside from the Pilsener glasses and teapots, there’s also a very small sundry area, which, upon closer inspection, I was pleasantly surprised to see that their shampoos, body lotions and other toiletries were imported from Germany. Definitely worth returning to try the assortment of body washes and lotions.

Schreiner’s meat counter is worth visiting as it offers delicacies most likely not found anywhere else except in a German market and delicatessen.

The meats range from familiar bratwurst and knackwurst to more unusual fare like head cheese, which is in fact, not a cheese, but more like a terrine of meat from the head of a calf or pig, usually eaten cold or at room temperature as a luncheon meat, or leberkase, a paté made from pork liver.

Across from the meat counter are shelves and shelves of condiments that range from mustards to sauerkraut to German-style breads. Schreiner’s helpful staff is always on hand to answer any questions about the wide array of accouterments.