Misch Bros

Misch Bros is the absolute best place in the area to buy Polish sausage. My family used to frequent Komos when we needed our Polish sausage fix, usually around the holidays. But sadly, Komos is no longer, and we have rediscovered the delicious glory that is Misch. It’s not in a great area, but it’s by no means a place that should be avoided. The building looks old and run down (and it probably is), but don’t let that dissuade you. It’s part of the charm and the history– this place has been around forever.
Misch has all kinds of sausages and meats, but like I mentioned above, we go for one reason and one reason only: Polish sausage. Growing up, I would insist to my family that I only liked smoked Polish sausage (that is, the red-​colored one most commonly sold in grocery stores) and that I hated fresh Polish (a lovely light gray color). I stood by this until my twenties, when I finally ate Misch fresh Polish. Turns out, I just hadn’t met one I liked yet, and that sausage is here at Misch Bros. Both varieties here are delicious. They’re well seasoned, and they have the good old fashioned thick skin on them, the way it should be. There’s also a minimum amount of «shrapnel» (that is, bones and those weird mystery hard nubs I’d rather not think about), which is great because that’s the reason I don’t eat more sausage in general.
If it’s the holidays, come prepared. You will have to stand in line outside with every other Polack (said with love, as I am one) in the area, and throw elbows at crazy old women in order to get your hands on some. But you know what? It’s worth the craze and the early hour, because this sausage is delicious, and should be a staple of any Polish Christmas or Easter dinner in the Calumet area.

A family-​owned business in Calumet City for over one hundred years, Misch Bros hand-​makes their Polish, Lithuanian, and Italian sausages — and they are the best you’ll find anywhere. They also make brats in the summer months. The current location has changed little since it opened in 1938. They have a smokehouse on the premises where they make smoked sausages and hams. From ground beef to T-​bone steaks, they grind, cut, and fillet everything on site — always fresh and high quality!

(Red meat warning: If you are a vegetarian stop here.)
I live with my 81 year old Dad and he can be a real picky eater. He only eats certain foods and among his favorites is Polish sausage (my Mom, sister and Grandmother used to make it). And good Polish sausage is hard to find so I took my sister’s advice and went Misch Bros. grocery which is a short 3 mile ride from our house.
The building Itself isn’t very inviting. It kind of looks like a small warehouse. No signs, no windows, just two doors.
When I walked in, I could smell the sausage wafting through the store. I knew that I was in the right place.
The meat selection was great. I picked up 3 lbs. of fresh Polish and another of my Dad’s favorites, a hard-​to-​find item, called kiszka. (a.k.a. Polish blood sausage). They had some smoked sausage that smelled really good, and some really fine looking t-​bones for $ 8-​$ 10. Also fresh red ground beef, ($ 2.49 lb.) ground pork ($ 1.49 lb.) or mixed ground beef and pork ($ 2.29). I picked up some of the ground beef knowing that I could always make burgers or tacos.
Located in Calumet City, the interior of the store looked rather old, and other than a small produce section, there was a lot of empty shelf space. I hope that this isn’t because they are ready to close down, or maybe everyone shops there for the meats only.
When I got to the checkout counter, I was surprised to find out that they did not accept credit or debit. No big deal, just thought I would let you know.
Although the place is low on ambience and décor, I highly recommend this store for their homemade sausages and meat counter. You don’t have to be Polish like me to enjoy their outstanding Polish sausage.
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When I was growing up in Cal City, Misch was THE place to get Polish sausage. Everyone knew who had the very best and it was always Misch. There’s something special about it – the place has been there a long time and it hasn’t changed much at all. From the dated exterior (a good thing) to the sound the automatic door makes and most importantly – the smell of the sausage when you first walk in – this IS Cal CIty! So many memories of my childhood going into this place, the familiarity, the sights and the smells…
Sadly, the area around Misch has gone downhill in the past 15 years. The last time I was there, a bunch of thug-​wannabee teenage kids were loitering in the parking lot. Never would have seen that years ago. I fear that Misch will close its doors someday and the sausage won’t be available anymore. That would be a shame. Although Bobak’s is excellent, Misch has something very unique in their smoked Polish that is unlike any other you can find.
Writing this review makes me want to drive on down to Cal City and get some smoked Polish right now…