George's Liquor & Deli

Yes, I'm actually the sort of person who walks around all week with $1 in her wallet.

I am sensitive to the fees that credit card companies charge small businesses, though, so I do try to pay in cash if I'm buying in a small business.  Or at least, if I'm charging, to buy at least $20 worth.

Which is what I tried to do the first time I walked into George's deli.  I walked around, grabbing cool items like green walnut jam (the ingredients of which were simply green walnuts, sugar, and vanilla) and srpska kobasica sausage.  When I arrived to the register with what I thought was about $25 bucks of food (mostly specialty sausages from Yugoslavia and the surrounding regions) I was surprised to learn that my total was closer to $11.

Yes, there is cheap stuff in Ravenswood.  This deli is pretty awesome, and I've since become a regular.    The people who work here are super helpful and nice, and explain everything to me.  They're also sensitive to the fact that there are certain meats I cannot eat (many ethnic grocery stores scoff and become uncooperative when you indicate food restrictions) and help me find food that will work.

I do wish they had more variety, especially the lamb sausages that they advertise on the board outside.  But this an awesome little deli, with great food and great service and prices.

This place is great and full of Eastern European goodies, from their homemade smoked pork and beef products, to huge jars of pickles, roasted and pickled red peppers, and things like rosehip jam (yum--I've only ever had this in France before).

The older woman who works at the meat counter doesn't speak almost any English, but the younger woman who works the cash register is always willing to help and answer questions. Plus, they'll give you samples of any of their meats to taste. We've had the tea smoked pork sausage and the garlic pork sausage. I need to go back to do the smoked beef tenderloin. And as others have mentioned, they have ridiculously inexpensive French and Bulgarian feta.

This place has been here forever. We love the sausage and the cheese here. There is also some offbeat European grocery items on the shelves which make great party favors if you are trying to impress people.  Friendly and very helpful service.  

FYI - Closed on Mondays.