A European Lunch at the Continental Deli

I’m embarrassed to say that the Continental Deli, a longtime Cherry Creek North staple, had slipped off my radar. But now, with hearty sandwiches and plates of meaty bratwurst with sauerkraut firmly implanted in my brain, I won’t be forgetting the market anytime soon. And neither should you.

Sandwiches big enough to share cost just $5.50 to $6.75, and each features premium, handcrafted ingredients (don’t miss the housemade pastrami or the Bierschinken). Spend the extra 40 cents for the rustic, freshly baked German rye bread, and allow the crew behind the counter to guide you through the available meats–most of which are made at the Continental Sausage factory in north Denver.

Perhaps the best part of the deli is watching the other customers, most of whom are regulars, in pursuit of pickled red cabbage salad or just-baked Kaiser rolls. They’re on to something, so observe and follow suit–especially at the sausage counter, where the vast collection includes freshly made brats, knackwurst, Polish and Andouille sausage, and frankfurters.

Bonus: Don’t leave this bastion of German, Austrian, and Swiss goods without taking a piece of homemade cake to go. If you’re lucky, the rotating flavor will be gooseberry, a grapelike fruit that has pineapple and golden raisin flavors.

250 Steele St., 303-388-3354