I'm updating my review because I have now been to the Morse's Mothership, and holy WOW. Aside from their OG sauerkraut and pickles, this is not just a specialty deli and grocery but a veritable nirvana of European food products (mostly but not solely Northern). Condiments! Candy! Teas and coffees! Pastas and grains! Sauces and soups! Tubes of tasty stuff you can't pronounce! Jams and jellies! And so much more. Have a hankering for some German mustard strong enough to curl your nostrils? It's here. A fan of allllll the Scandinavian candies? They got you. Nostalgic for weird British shit like Marmite and Salad Cream and Brown Sauce (or how about curling up with some nice biscuits and a good strong cuppa)? Wanna try some pickled herring or real German sausages? Yeah baby, you're gonna be happy here. And that's before you even get to the deli--oh wait, there's a wine selection over in that corner, and here are some nice cutting boards and omg do I need a raclette grill? Oooh, nice olive oils too. Anyhow on to the deli . . . where not only is there the sauerkraut that made Morse's famous but an even bigger pickle selection than you can find elsewhere. I got some half-sours, which are bright and crisp and just feel like summer. Don't leave without idling around the deli counter to pick out some meats and cheeses (which you can sample): I got wonderful pastrami and a couple of different cheeses----the selection of Alpines in particular is top-notch. Super friendly staff who will absolutely help you find that one weird product you remember from a Eurail trip in the 80s, and also help you box up the tons of stuff you buy. (There's a reason they only have larger baskets up front, lol.) I also want to add that while I spent more than I'd planned (no complaints, only my lack of restraint), the prices here overall are really good, especially for specialty items like this! Will absolutely make the trip from Portland again (nice guy on staff told me Christmas is especially good). I'll be there! read more

Excellent sauerkraut yes, but so much more. The foodstuff they carry is a European dream--everything from marzipan to nuts, and so much more. They have refrigerated food as well and it is worth spending an afternoon exploring. The cheeses and meats that they offer are exquisite and plentiful--anything from mortadella to aged cheddar, as well as pickles and, you guessed it, sauerkrauts of different kinds. You can spend several minutes sampling everything they offer. They are knowledgable and kind--and that's what I like about them. read more

An interesting spot. I had heard so much about the restaurant they used to have in the past, but over time and covid, that restaurant does not exist anymore. On the other hand, there was plenty to see, sample and consider in the store. It took a long while to look over everything, but I believe I did. Really interesting and unique imported sodas, jams, mustards, cookies, wines, chocolates and a deli room with pickles, sauerkraut, sausages and deli meats and cheeses. We left with a bundle of treasures. read more

A great variety of European specialties. Expect to pay more for quality products. Samples provided throughout the store. Excellent customer service. read more

Nice lil slice of Europe. You can get very interesting foods and drinks - the pickles are fantastic. You can also get goose pate. Lots of euro goodies to choose from. Too bad the restaurant is no longer operating-it was delicious read more

Hidden gem deli! Worth a detour! Muffuletta sandwich was best I've had. Great stop for picnic or hiking meat & cheese. They packed up a half pint of sauerkraut for me. Grateful for how well they packed all items. Was able to make 4 small sandwiches and backpack with items. No spills and bread delicious in first sandwich to last. Staff was patient and answered all questions on aging, etc at counter. read more

Morse's Sauerkraut - Muffuletta sandwich - Meat Shops Near Me - Waldoboro, Maine

See all

While on vacation in Bristol my wife encouraged me to drive 90 minutes for fermented sauerkraut to help with gut health. I'm 42 and am not sure if this is my midlife crisis but away I went. Started off the drive exchanging middle fingers with a senior citizen. While I was in the wrong for speeding I won the exchange because man was old Gertrude fuming mad and pumping her hands angrily. I giggled like a child on and off for the next 30 minutes. Store is like your upscale fancy deli but focused on German and European foods. Sauerkraut was a 10. Never had anything like this. More subtle then I am used to. Not overpowering sour trash like most commercially made krouts. It's a superfood and great for guy health. Pickles were not fermented but excellent. The surprise of the day was the Bavarian bratwursts. Now all sausage is ruined for me. I found myself fearing these would be like any old brat. Holy schnitzel was I wrong. Ton of flavor and seasoning. A world of flavors, much different then the one dimensional Italian sausage(which is awesome but a totally different. Animal). i would not recommend these for the average person or supply for a 9 year olds birthday party. I wouldn't even eat these on a roll. Fork and knife and enjoy the ride. Absolutely blown away. I feel American arrogance for assuming my butcher could keep up with a region that has been making sausage for 1000 years. Foolish really. Got some beers and liver sausage. Next time I'll try the head cheese. Staff was super nice and helpful. read more

Morse's Sauerkraut - Bavarian brat, sauerkraut, hot Bavarian mustard, garlic pickle. - Meat Shops Near Me - Waldoboro, Maine

See all

great store with a variety of foods! High Quality Old world style foods! Their pickles are fantastic!

Looking for something you can't find anywhere else in Maine?! If you like Pickles if you like charcuterie boards. If you like great European specialties, you'll find it here! Jeremy is the best! He can help you find the perfect cheese or salami for your best board! Trust me, it's worth the trip! read more

I was disappointed that they no longer had the restaurant, but they had some fantastic mustard and meats in there meat cabinet. I would definitely recommend these guys. read more

This review is based solely on their products that I have purchased at offsite locations. That being said, my wife and I are OBSESSED with their sauerkraut and pickled beet slaw. The ingredients are so fresh and expertly prepared that I beg you to try them even if you are unsure. This is a completely different product from a canned, store purchased product. You will not be disappointed! read more

Morse's Sauerkraut - a bowl of pickled beets - Meat Shops Near Me - Waldoboro, Maine

This place is a must every time I come home. It's a small European market with an incredible deli and they have a restaurant that serves what they sell. I always get the scnitzel Holstein. Make sure to ask for a runny egg, if that's what you like. There is an incredible assortment of mustards for you to use, especially if you are ordering one of the many sausages they have. Most of the food is German style, however they have a traditional bean supper (very Maine) available also. I also love the pickles that you get to eat while waiting for your food to come. No carb free app instead of bread? Yes!!! There are some dessert dishes but I never get them. I'd rather go out and sample cheese! You pay at the front counter, when you check out all your purchases. You can add tip there. Everyone loves working there and is very helpful. It's such a treat to walk around. Get there early, I've had to wait 45 minutes before. read more

Morse's Sauerkraut - Meat Shops Near Me - Waldoboro, Maine

See all

Everything here is lovely! The seating is nice and cozy. The little store has a lot of unique food. The service is on point..very friendly.

Very attentive service and informational! Excellent meats, cheeses, sauerkraut, pickled beets, and all kinds of herbs and different condiments! An excellent store! We go there to stock up every year! The best of the best! read more

Best sour pickles i have EVER HAD! I will go WAAY out of my way to get them. But when i lived in Bucksport, Tozier's Variety always carried "my" Morses sour pickles. Oh how i MISS them. Now living in Calais, i doubt i can find those mouth-watering sour pickles anywhere nearby, sadly. However, IF there IS a place near Calais where i can get Morses sour pickles, i would be EVER SO GRATEFUL & would ABSOLUTELY LOOOVE TO KNOW‼ Thanks everyone!! P.S. hmmmm...i wonder if they ship to towns in Maine.... read more

Yes yes yes everything about this place is a yes. From the amazing European market to the free pickles you get as soon as you sit down to the delicious menu options to enough free samples to satisfy your hunger. Everything on the menu is good so go with what blows your hair back. I will say the reubens are HUGE so splitting with a friend/SO/stranger is a totally viable option. The best part of this whole place though in my opinion- besides the copious amounts of mustard- was the espresso soda. What is espresso soda you ask? It's soda made from coffee, has about 37 grams of sugar in it and is straight up liquid gold. This stuff is LIT. I went from a post-hike lull to wide awake and ready to roll. I wish I'd had this stuff in college when I was writing my thesis. This place is cozy, awesome, delicious, and the pwrfect spot to come do some Christmas shopping- you'll be sure to win the "best stocking stuffer" award if you fill up at Morses. read more

See all

Even though I didn't try the restaurant, I'm giving this amazing spot five stars for the variety and quality of product. You want some German tastiness? GO HERE. I don't eat sauerkraut often, but they make their own here (have for years) and supposedly it's crazy good. I could die and not pass GO for the chocolate and candy selection alone - pretty much any German/Swiss/Belgian style chocolate found on earth is represented. Crazy good assortment of various gummy candy and licorice as well. The smoked meats, cheeses and sausages are as you would expect - plentiful! I simply can't say enough about this destination. 'Cause that's what it is! read more

See all

I have never been here, but my husband had years ago and he highly recommended it. We were driving to Camden and decided to stop on the way home. It's a turn off of Route One, then a seven mile ride into a very rural area. Then there it was, an European deli/store/restaurant tucked away in Maine farmland over an hour away from Portland. I didn't know what to expect when we walked inside. Magic! My husband said my face lit up and I was overwhelmed by all of the goodies everywhere! We put our names on the wait-list for the cozy five table dining area. The other two couples in line were really nice and had been coming back for years. The nearly forty minute wait flew by between the conversation and checking out the curious wonders on all of the shelves and in the deli. Our server, Sloane, was very sweet and she brought us our steaming hot Reubens to our table very shortly after we ordered. I grew up in NYC so am well versed in what makes a European deli legit, and this is the real deal and not "inspired by" nonsense. The dining area is industrial chic without trying to be; it's just unpretentious and honest. Also, you can taste love in the food as if your long lost German grandma made it for you. The only thing that would make this beyond five stars is if they offered gluten-free bread. They do have gluten-free french cakes in the store. We both loved everything so much that we will come back again. It's well worth the trip! Just factor in that the wait time may be lengthy. read more

See all

We were very sad to discover that the restaurant is currently closed. We are hopeful that they will return in the future. read more

Morse's Sauerkraut - First time at a table as we beat the rush on a rainy day. - Meat Shops Near Me - Waldoboro, Maine

My favorite place in the greater midcoast area to get cheese, charcuterie and European products. You won't be able to find anything like it nearby! read more

Morse's Sauerkraut - exterior of restaurant - Meat Shops Near Me - Waldoboro, Maine

Love Morse's! I've been coming here since probably age 5 when kraut was all they sold. Now it's an amazing foodie must-stop. It's hard to go here without dropping a c-note, but it is so worth it. All kinds of great Euro snacks, smoked meats, sausages, German and Belgian brews. Decent wine selection. Overall, it's cool stuff you can't get anywhere else. The restaurant is superb if you're able to get a table. I like to do a sausage/kraut sample plate or German style pancakes. Gets busy on weekends. And the sauerkraut? Best in the world, especially the fresh stuff. Very friendly staff who are helpful and great at describing the foods and beverages if you're interested in trying different items. read more

Offs the beaten path, but worth the trip! A German restaurant and European deli on a quiet back road in Waldoboro Maine! A go to place for years, but not a lot of seating, so you may have to be patient, or shop a while! read more

Yum. So many good things. Pick,es, kraut, chocolate, wine, cheese.... U usual foods from all over plus their own made from scratch items. Took a 15 mile detour to get there. Worth every minute read more

Nestled 7 miles down a farm road from Moody's diner is another fabulous gem, Morses. This place is heaven on earth if you enjoy European deli or gift basket shopping. As we waited for a table for lunch we perused the vast array of imported European snacks and gifts. From chocolate covered marzipan of all sizes and shapes, to jars of frankfurters from Germany, this place has something for all. There is an ample German beer, European Lambic, and the local Maine brews for takeaway purchase. You can get sandwiches and pickles to go or you can sit for lunch in a cozy quaint booth. We sat in our cozy booth ogling the pretty Easter decor and ordered what sounded like/was a gut busting lunch - a grilled Reuben corned beef, a liverwurst and onion sandwich, three "k balls" or kraut balls, and some German potato salad. The k balls were the best thing and possibly the most shameful thing I have ever ordered and consumed. Stuffed with a combination of divine house special sauerkraut and seasoned pork they are rolled in Panko breadcrumbs and fried to perfection. They come with a delicious thousand Island dressing. The Reuben was awesome down to every note including the buttered, griddled Rye. Sandwiches come with coleslaw which was so delicious my anti-slaw husband partook. Another included side is a few hard pretzels which perfectly paired with the table mustard selection and complimentary pickles. Sadly we did not even inquire about dessert because our mind went straight to blueberry ala mode pie down the road. Everything about lunch was top notch! Kind of glad this place is far enough away from home that I cannot make it a regular daily occurrence. Definitely include them for your special Sunday drives downeast. read more

Morse's Sauerkraut - Marzipan piggies and Easter eggs for sale - Meat Shops Near Me - Waldoboro, Maine

Omg. Delicious German style food and sausage central! At least 10 different kinds of sausages are available, but the bomb are the Kraut Balls (deep fried ground pork dipped in Panko crumbs). All meals are served with homemade sliced sour pickles on the side. Morse's is famous for their sauerkraut which is also sold at some of the local grocery stores. The adjacent deli counter and freezer carries delicious salamis, cured meats, and cheeses. If you are European, this is the place to come for authentic condiments from your native country. Morse's has entire shelves of just mustards! Only about 5 tables inside the restaurant, so on the weekends, arrive by noon, otherwise you'll be waiting at least 45 minutes to sit down. It's worth the wait. read more

Morse's Sauerkraut - Single Andouille sausage ($4) served on Rotkraut (Red cabbage - $4). Small portion of Kraut Balls ($4 for 3) served w Thousand Island). - Meat Shops Near Me - Waldoboro, Maine

See all

Amazing food! Cutest lunch place. Wait for food was long but worth it. I got the Mac and cheese and it was super rich and delicious. Two other people I was with got the Reuben and it looked amazing as well. In addition to serving lunch they have a deli where they sell meat, cheese, pickles, etc. Would definitely come here again! read more

This place is a jewel ! My husband and I were pleasantly surprised to find this gem in the middle of nowhere! The food was delicious! The authenticity of the sauerkraut was delicious not to mention piled on! And the pickles they served to go along with our meals yummy!! The pastrami and hotdogs were delicious and a welcomed surprise for being served at a little hole in the wall! Our waiter was a character and very helpful. Small and quaint space attached to a German grocery store! We loved every minute we were there. We even bought pickles for the road! All and all highly recommended read more

Best eating in town. Warm and friendly atmosphere. Don't pass it by. Local favorite. Lots of great dishes.

After a full year of being without fixings from Morse's, we gathered our one-gallon pickle jar and returned for a refill only to find that they no longer gave a refund and charged three dollars a jar more than last time. What can I say? I was thirsty for a pickle and paid the price. While I might have been in quarantine for over a year, so weren't those pickles. I kept hoping the next one wouldn't be totally waterlogged and have rhino skin. Each time I was disappointed. I no longer feel that the quality of Morse's foodstuffs can be trusted. Vastata est tibi cibum. Requiesce in pace. read more

I've been living in the midcoast for 12 years and never actually made it into this awesome, off-the-beaten-path, European market and deli. I knew it was going to be good. I had already heard folks singing their praises (hear polka music not a ballad). Buckle in, it's gonna be a long one. Starting with food of course! I had the schnitzel (those who have read some of my other reviews know if they have schnitzel; I have schnitzel). I didn't have the jaeger cause I thought it was just slightly higher than I wanted to pay for a schnitzel (next time I will be better prepared to spend the dough). Speaking of dough I had their spaetzle a huge portion and their red cabbage (Rotkohles) a little tart and less sweet than typical. BTW the schnitzel was quite good. A really unusually flavored breadcrumb coating that made the dish unique to me and tasty; while the pork was tender and not so thin that you wondered what you were eating. Beverages are sparse, but also unique. I had an espresso cola! Very sweet, and I just might have to add day old coffee to Diet Coke at home. The dining is very informal and seating limited. I think there are 5 highbacked booths. From my booth you can see right into the kitchen; where the owner (dressed as a German serving wench or the ample bossomed stein maven) is cooking efficiently and looks to be enjoying herself in the kitchen. The waiter is a surprisingly granola looking and acting dude who's manner is based on no frills effectiveness. He takes care of everything, but he is not there to make friends-he has his own :) The deli market is old world indeed. You are not stepping into a Jewish Delicatessen in Brooklyn. This is more like an orchard market with wooden floors and packed with items you can't get here (by here, I mean almost anywhere in US common markets). It's loaded with unique imported items. And house made cured meats and sausages and more...OK enough already except theyre only serve until 4 at the latest. Check their hours! Oh and I forgot to talk about the delicious looking Reubens, and the table pickles, and the baked beans, and the Mac and cheese and... read more

One can only engorge on so much lobster in this mid coast area. As an incredible gastronomic change, the 10 minute deviation off of Route 1 is well worth it. This German style eatery and deli is outstanding. The ruben sandwich was a super pleaser. The Rotekraut is to die for! It consists of red cabbage sautéed with a superb mix of bacon, apples, cloves and red currant jelly. Careful - you might become addicted. The Perogies (I had the onion & mushroom choice) set my taste buds into rapturous delight! Couldn't bring myself to order some mesmerizing deserts as the portions were generous and every bite savored. Our party of two waited only 20 minutes which wasn't bad considering this was a holiday weekend and prime dining time ((especially church goers). Our waitress was friendly, a real hustler and very attentive to our needs. Very reasonably priced - a good food value. Can't wait for my next return! read more

See all

Ordered the kraut balls which are sauerkraut, pork and a beerlike flavor. The Reuben is large and they split it for us with slaw for each plate (slaw was refreshing with the heavy food). It was amazing with the fresh kraut. The sausage plate was knackwurst, bratwurst, and gyulia (smoked paprika) sausages with kraut and rye toast. All of which are good with a thin casing that doesn't bother you when eating it. Also ordered the spatzel with lemon butter which was little bland and perfect for 2 non Germans in the group. Best German food in the states and a must visit. The pickles you get while waiting are an acquired taste for some (who like traditional kosher dills) but really good for others. All large servings even for voracious eaters. read more

See all

Came in today to show my in-laws the "Zabar's of Maine" and they loved it. Great selection of foods. Our favorites are the pickled beets, salami, Kinder eggs for the kids (prize inside each), and 8 year old chedder. Yum! The new expansion is great and it now feels much easier to navigate within the store. We stayed for the Easter special served in the restaurant and it was great! read more

Morse's Sauerkraut - Meat Shops Near Me - Waldoboro, Maine

See all

Today I took the 1.5 hour commute up to Morse's. I had stopped in for lunch with my Mother this past summer and after a fantastic lunch I knew it was a place I would return too. After much talk I finally convinced my husband to take the drive and try a new place. We went in and was greeted by a friendly man who told us to pick what we table we wanted. He brought us over two different types of pickles they were the ice box and sour mustard, I believe. We then proceeded to order drinks, my husband got what was like a coke with a hint of orange and I got a sarsaparilla soda. He ordered the Neat Schnitzle Supper and I got three Pierogies one of each kind, potato and cheese, sauerkraut and mushroom (easily my favorite) and Spinach and Feta and a cup of ratmac. The portion sizes were very generous. The food came out quickly and warm. My pierogis was served with Sauerkraut, caramelized onions and sour cream. The ratmac is made with a very nice sharp cheddar. Honestly, the food is delicious, the waiter very personable, overall another 10/10. Let me mention also, I am very glad I ate before I shopped because the store is out of the world. We walked away with four different types of haribo products, a jar of sour mustard pickles, red cabbage and apples, a mini pie, spicy apple gingin candies, an espresso coffee soda, and some kind of beer! I will be back for sure, I will tell my friends about it, and I am telling you about it! read more

Morse's Sauerkraut - Meat Shops Near Me - Waldoboro, Maine

See all

Stopped in for pickle and kraut fix. Left with a ring of kielbasa too! Quality and great prices. What more could you ask for?

The store is a wonder! All sorts of deli selections not found anywhere else in the area and the very best selections of meats and cheeses to be found. And of course, for sauerkraut lovers, there is their's which they make themselves, and have forever. People come for long distances just for that. But, and for me this is a huge but, unless they have enlarged the dining area since I was last there, going for lunch can be disappointing as it can be a long wait. That last time I went, I went with a friend and we waited over 45 minutes. In an attempt to speed things up, a wait person came out to the waiting line of people and took orders, so when we were finally seated, our sandwiches were promptly served. Unfortunately, though, my Reuben sandwich had spent the waiting time under a heat lamp, and arrived with a curled, dry top bread. read more

Absolutely a hidden gem! Best food on the east coast. If you are New England born, you will love the service. If you are from away... you may think them as rude and unfriendly. But they are salt of the earth and Just who they are. Focus on the amazing food and the quaint decor and location. This place is our favorite of all restaurants! read more

We were excited to travel to Morse's having received a stellar recommendation from our hosts. We left without ordering. The server was unkempt and rude. Our traveling party consists of a lesbian couple, an African-American woman and an unhabited nun. We felt most unwelcome. read more

Ok I love the deli all of the little store all kinds of stuff to candy to syrup!! Restaurant is small are you in a rush don't eat here if you are like everyone is going to wait on me ( smart move ) !!! The food is great !! Plus everyone in the deli store and restaurant where nice people! If your in the area or just lost !! Reading yelp to find McDonald's stop ! This is the place you need to eat !! Hands down a winner!! read more

See all

Morse's is a Maine institution, and deservedly so. We've been there often and thought I would finally write a review to encourage people to use their curbside pickup during Covid-19. Let's hope they'll soon be fully open for business, because the Morse's experience is not just about the food. First, Morse's is an authentic European deli, absolutely stocked with delicious items from overseas, and with an unparalleled selection of deli meats and cheeses, a collection of the best of the best. You won't find anything like this outside NYC. Aside from the meats, cheeses, pickles, etc., there are European chocolates, pastries, cookies, jams, jellies, a plethora of wondrous things you may not even have known existed. All of it is beautifully and lovingly presented. Aside from European items, there's are many delicious foods from Pennsylvania Dutch country, as delectable as I remember them from my childhood. If you've ever eaten in a good Lancaster County, Pennsylvania restaurant, you'll know what I mean. If not, you have a treat to look forward to. The restaurant is small, cozy, intimate, much like a traditional rathskeller, with tall booths and a comfy, informal atmosphere. The food is renowned, so be prepared for a bit of a wait, which you can spend shopping and enjoying the charm of the deli section. I'll say a word about the staff, since I noticed a few unhappy comments. The staff of Morse's is typical of Maine. If you come in with an attitude, or expecting to be noticed, they won't notice you. That sort of thing doesn't go down well here, and if you want some kind of acknowledgment of your specialness or importance, or oddness, or whatever, you'll be disappointed. Mainers don't care, nor are they judgmental, they're there to do a job (and they do it well). They don't think you're their friend or their family, they treat you politely and with competence. However, if you start something (see above re: attitude) they'll hand it right back to you. If that makes you uncomfortable, you'll probably be happier avoiding Maine in general. read more