Some food cravings refuse to be ignored. When you want a sandwich that feels filling in the soul as much as the stomach or a bratwurst that actually tastes the way it should there is one Portland spot that comes up again and again. It does not rely on trends or flash. It simply does things the old way. That is exactly why it works.
From the moment you step inside Edelweiss Sausages & Delicatessen, it is clear this place is built on more than recipes alone. The smell of smoked meats hangs in the air. Shelves are tightly packed with imported goods. Regulars chat easily with the staff as numbers are called. It feels lived in and welcoming, like a neighborhood institution rather than a destination trying to impress.
What many visitors do not realize at first is that Edelweiss exists because of a leap of faith and a deep commitment to heritage.
A Family Story Behind the Counter
Edelweiss is rooted in the journey of George Baier, a trained butcher and sausage maker who immigrated from Germany to the Pacific Northwest in 1959 with just one hundred dollars in his pocket. He brought with him a strong belief in craftsmanship, quality, and fairness. Those values would later become the foundation of the shop.
In 1981, while visiting family and traveling along the Rhine in Germany, George met someone from the United States who mentioned that a recently built deli in Portland was looking for a buyer. George and his wife Marylou sold everything they had and took the chance. What followed was not just a business but a lifelong dream brought to life.
Over the years, George passed down his techniques, recipes, and hard earned knowledge to his two sons Tony and Tom. In January of 1999, he fully retired and handed them the reins. Today, both brothers continue their father’s traditions while also expanding the menu with new sausages and meats that reflect both old world methods and their own creativity.
Edelweiss remains a family run business in every sense. Tony’s wife Rochelle oversees operations and is known for her knack for sourcing rare and high quality European sweets. Many of the chocolates, candies, and specialty treats lining the shelves are there because of her careful eye.
Their sister Michelle manages catering, helping bring Edelweiss flavors to gatherings across the Portland area. From the kitchen to the counter to the shelves, the shop reflects the hands and care of one family working together.
Old World Atmosphere Without Pretending
Walking through Edelweiss feels like stepping into another time. The space is cozy and well worn, filled with warm wood tones, hanging sausages, and shelves stacked with imported goods. Nothing feels staged. It feels authentic because it is.
The grab a number system keeps things moving while giving customers time to browse and take in the atmosphere. Even when the shop is full, the experience feels relaxed rather than rushed.
Beyond the deli counter, Edelweiss doubles as a small European market. German mustards, cookies, chocolates, canned specialties, and familiar brands like Haribo fill the shelves. Many visitors arrive hungry and leave with bags full of items they did not expect to find.
Browsing here feels like a small adventure, especially for those reconnecting with family traditions or discovering these flavors for the first time.
Fine handcrafted meats remain the hallmark of Edelweiss. Nearly every sausage and meat product is made on site using traditional methods. From bratwurst and beer brats to smoked Polish sausage and cured meats, the focus is always on quality and flavor.
The shop also accommodates custom meat preparation and smoking, a service that keeps longtime customers coming back year after year.
The Reuben has earned its reputation honestly. Thick slices of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and dressing are pressed between hearty bread and served hot. It is filling, balanced, and deeply satisfying. Many regulars consider it one of the best Reubens in the region.
Watching it being assembled at the counter only adds to the experience.
What Everyone Orders and Why
The German Deli Case
The deli counter is packed with cured meats, cheeses, and sausages that reflect generations of tradition. Many customers stop here first, scanning the options and building a mental list for later. It is equal parts butcher shop and culinary museum.
Sausages Done the Right Way
Bratwurst, currywurst, beer brats, and smoked varieties fill the case. Each is made with care and seasoned to highlight the meat rather than overpower it. Many visitors order one hot to eat on the spot and take several more home for later.
Smoked Meats That Steal the Spotlight
The aroma alone draws people in. Ham, bacon, and other smoked cuts deliver deep flavor and balance. These are the kinds of meats that turn a simple breakfast or sandwich into something memorable.
The Famous Reuben
Ask ten people what to order and most will say the Reuben without hesitation. Thick slices of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and dressing come together in a hot pressed sandwich that is filling and deeply satisfying. Many locals swear it is among the best in the region.
Smoked Polish Sausage
Snappy, smoky, and rich without being heavy, this sausage has become a favorite for good reason. Served hot or taken home, it delivers exactly what people hope for when they order it.
The Experience as a Whole
Edelweiss feels alive. You hear orders being called out, smell food cooking, and watch sandwiches assembled right in front of you. There is something reassuring about seeing your meal come together piece by piece.
The space is small and can feel crowded, especially on weekends, but that bustle is part of the charm. It feels communal, like a place that belongs to the neighborhood as much as it does to the menu.
Edelweiss is not just a place to eat. It is a place to slow down, talk with the people behind the counter, and feel connected to something lasting. You may come for lunch, but you leave with a sense of history and care that is increasingly rare.
If you are in Portland, it truly feels like having an authentic Bavarian market in your own backyard. And if you are farther away, the shop does its best to send a taste of that tradition wherever you are in the United States.
Is It Worth the Visit
Absolutely. Portions are generous, quality is high, and prices feel fair for the craftsmanship involved. Whether you are eating lunch or stocking your fridge with sausages and imported goods, the value is easy to see.
This is not fast food. It is food made with intention.
Tips Before You Go
Take a number as soon as you walk in
Lunch hours are the busiest so arrive early if you want a quieter visit
Do not skip the Reuben if it is your first time
Ask questions if you are unsure what to order
Bring a cooler if you plan to take meats home
📍 Edelweiss Sausages & Delicatessen
3119 SE 12th Ave
Portland, Oregon
Hours: Open Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to 6 PM. It is closed on Sundays.
Contact: You can reach them by phone at +1 503-238-4411 or visit their official website.
