Who makes really good Italian sausage?

We're tailgating at the UK game this Saturday. Dad and I tailgate at every UK game and we frequently grill Italian sausages from Kroger with onions and peppers. Now I think they make a pretty decent product but I was wondering if any local meat markets or deli's make good sausage. Also, does anyone know if Blue Dog makes hoagie rolls? If so that would be great, they gotta be better than the Sara Lee ones we usually use. Thanks in advance for any info and recommendations.

BTW, I wasn't exactly sure if this belongs in this forum or the Louisville Kitchen forum, Robin, so feel free to move it if you see fit to do so.

Mike's Best does the best in town, with the widest variety . . . name a sausage, and if it isn't in stock he'll make it for you! He's a real craftsman - many years ago he closed shop for a week because the only man in the country who made a particular type of sausage (in Chicago) was retiring, and he went to work for him for a week to learn the process.

He'll do special orders, also. If - for example - you want a turkey bratwurst with only half the salt, he can do it!

It's located at the SW corner of 42/Brownsboro Rd and the Watterson, in the shopping center in front of the liquor store, hardware store, etc.

I know that Mike's Best is opening up a shop shortly in the Westport Village shopping center. I'm not certain, but my assumption is that he will be closing the shop on Brownsboro Rd.

[Robin Garr]

Don't know about Mike Best, but Lotsa Pasta makes excellent Italian sausage that seem almost identical to the kind we used to buy from Italian delis in NYC. Find 'em in the freezer case. I'm not sure if they ever have them fresh/unfrozen, but thaw 'em out and cook 'em, and they're fine.

We're tailgating at the UK game this Saturday. Dad and I tailgate at every UK game and we frequently grill Italian sausages from Kroger with onions and peppers. Now I think they make a pretty decent product but I was wondering if any local meat markets or deli's make good sausage. Also, does anyone know if Blue Dog makes hoagie rolls? If so that would be great, they gotta be better than the Sara Lee ones we usually use. Thanks in advance for any info and recommendations.

BTW, I wasn't exactly sure if this belongs in this forum or the Louisville Kitchen forum, Robin, so feel free to move it if you see fit to do so.

I'm going to the game. . .no tailgating plans. . .

I know that Mike's Best is opening up a shop shortly in the Westport Village shopping center. I'm not certain, but my assumption is that he will be closing the shop on Brownsboro Rd.

I was at Mikes Best a couple of days ago and they said the one in Westport Village was to be a second operation. The B-boro road place will stay there.

Without a doubt, they have the best selection of sausages in the area. Also, the meats they sell are great. A very good butcher shop, on a par with Frank's and Kingsley.

wonder if he can make German Sausage...my MIL makes a dish with German sausage, corn, and tomatoes that my hubby has been craving. I'd love to surprise him with some.

Don't know about Mike Best, but Lotsa Pasta makes excellent Italian sausage that seem almost identical to the kind we used to buy from Italian delis in NYC. Find 'em in the freezer case. I'm not sure if they ever have them fresh/unfrozen, but thaw 'em out and cook 'em, and they're fine.

It is good, but it's the only type of sausage they actually make themselves; try out Mike Best's, as they actually make everything!

Believe it or not Krogers has a good one.

If there is actually such thing as a bad Italian Sausage...I haven't found it. That being said the best I've found in L'ville is at Whole Foods. BTW, not sure if it is the case down here or not but in MN the fresh Brats sold at Sam's Club came out of a place in Wisconsin that made excellent Brats.

Costco actually has really good Italian sausages, along with a variety of other flavors and types.

The chipotle, goat cheese and raspberry chicken sausages are a favorite of mine.

Tailgating is one of the few times I can justify the quantites Costco demands in a purchase.

I like the Italian sausage at Frank's on Preston Street - it comes in the big ring with a small amount of peppers and onions sliced on top. We always add more veggies, but the sausage is very good.

Sounds like I have some options, thanks everyone. I think we're gonna go the Lotsa Pasta route because I'm craving an antipasto platter as well. I love Frank's so that may be an option for a later game. Anyone know if Blue Dog makes hoagie rolls, or anything suitable for using as a bun?

We're tailgating at the UK game this Saturday. Dad and I tailgate at every UK game and we frequently grill Italian sausages from Kroger with onions and peppers. Now I think they make a pretty decent product but I was wondering if any local meat markets or deli's make good sausage. Also, does anyone know if Blue Dog makes hoagie rolls? If so that would be great, they gotta be better than the Sara Lee ones we usually use. Thanks in advance for any info and recommendations.

BTW, I wasn't exactly sure if this belongs in this forum or the Louisville Kitchen forum, Robin, so feel free to move it if you see fit to do so.

I'm going to the game. . .no tailgating plans. . .

We'll be there early, like 8am. If you;d like to come find us send me a PM and I'll give you my cell number. We're not exactly sure where we'll be parked at but from what I understand there are a bevy of lots around the stadium that will be anywhere from $10-20 per car that open up at 8am. We'll be doing breakfast w/ Bloody Mary's before the game the sausages afterwards. Dad just called and said he picked up the beer, BBC variety 24-pack.

Don't know about Blue Dog but WW Cousins makes a lovely hot dog roll - I love their hamburger rolls. These can be purchased at the bakery in the restaurant.