HOME > Chowhound > Greater Boston Area >


Do I have to drive to Karl's Sausage for great brats?

Having a going home party for some friends from the Midwest and they want brats. Do I have to drive to Karl's or is there somewhere else in the Boston area where I can get home made brats?

  1. Click to Upload a photo (10 MB limit)
  1. Why don't you tell them to can the german-midwesternism and give them some decent Italian sausage from Bob's (Medford) or Dom's (Malden)

    2 Replies
    1. re: grant.cook

      I know where to buy great Italian sausages. I was asking about brats.

      1. re: ginnyhw

        If Norwell is closer to you, you could try the Smokehouse or call them and ask about a retail outlet.

        For a larger producer Johnny's carries grote & weigel from Connecticut and brats were on sale Saturday. They are pretty good for what they are, but wouldn't put them up against a smaller producer.

    2. The Smokehouse in Norwell (also sold at Savenours) makes incredible sausages of all types, but they specialize in German sausages. I hate brats so haven't eaten any but have had a number of their other German sausages and they were my-t-fine.

      Here's a Globe article about them: http://www.boston.com/ae/food/article...

      2 Replies
      1. re: C. Hamster

        I just spoke with Savenour's and as my husband works within a block I'm getting them there. Thanks!

      2. i think Karl's is worth the 10-15minute drive up route 1.

        11 Replies
        1. re: ScubaSteve

          If it were a 10-15 minuite drive, it would be totally worth it. Last time I went, about 3 weeks ago, it was nearly an hour's trip from Brigham Circle.

          1. re: Allstonian

            what time of day?

            knowing route 1, i'd do it mid-morning. or on a Saturday.

            i mean, i live in Haverhill and can get to the Zakim in 25minutes.

            1. re: ScubaSteve

              5 p.m. on a Friday. Definitely not 10-15 mins that time of day.

              1. re: BarmyFotheringayPhipps

                well that's kinda silly, to battle that traffic, i mean, it's great stuff, so plan ahead.

                1. re: ScubaSteve

                  Actually, we didn't battle traffic at all: since I knew Route 1 north is going to be at a standstill on a Friday afternoon rush hour, we just went out Route 9 to 128, went around that way and then dropped the half-mile on Route 1 southbound. Twice the distance, at least, but it was in the opposite direction as all the traffic, so I'm sure it was still a faster trip than being stuck on Route 1 north. And Allstonian's exaggerating a bit, anyway. She didn't get out of her office until well after five and we pulled into Karl's parking lot a couple minutes before six.

                  I've only lived in Massachusetts a little over six years, but if I know anything, it's this: never go north on Route 1 on Friday afternoon and never go south on Route 1 on Sunday afternoon.

              2. re: ScubaSteve

                Living near the area, I would suggest early Sat. morn before 11.

            2. re: ScubaSteve

              Not everyone has wheels. I've never been to Karl's because it ain't on the T - which is a shame, because I'd love to shop there.

              1. re: jgg13

                If you really want to visit, the 429 from the Lynn Commuter Rail Station can drop you off at Walnut Street and Route 1. Its between and 1/4 and 1/2 mile to Karl's and I think that part of Rt 1 is ok for pedestrians. There are also options to get to the Square 1 Mall (430 from Malden) and get a taxi from there.

                Saturdays Rt 1 can get slow from just before Rt60 and up to the Square 1 Mall. Starts around 10:30ish and goes into the afternoon.

                Although they are still working to create a bike trail, I have ridden down into Chelsea with a friend who commuted every day from Saugus by bike.

                1. re: itaunas

                  Ah, didn't think about busses. I'll have to check that out one weekend.

                2. re: jgg13

                  i'd just make plans with a Chowy-Friend that had a car.

                  1. re: ScubaSteve

                    I've actually talked about it with various friends of mine over the years but it just hasn't ever managed to work out. One of these days ....

                    I seem to never get through all of the gems I want to try actually in town, the list of out of town stuff grows even faster, sadly enough.

              2. Yup, don't even think of getting that brats at the mega-markets.