Something about fall weather makes me want to go sit in pubs, especially when it’s raining. (I’ve never been to Ireland, so maybe it’s in my DNA.) Problem is, I haven’t found a pub in Dallas where I really like the food. So while I was lamenting this Saturday night, the lightbulb over my head clicked on, "What about that German place over behind Half Price Books? Everyone says it’s really good."

Henk’s European Deli is my new favorite place. Though not technically a pub, it feels more authentically pub-like than any of these trendy joints where I sometimes go for a pint. It is dark and cozy with long tables that invite you to sit with other diners. On Saturday, a man in a german hat and suspenders played the accordian, which set just the right tone.

Sign up for our newsletter!

* indicates required

Nothing on the dinner menu is over $10. I ordred the Polish sausage with German potato salad and savory red cabbage. I’ve been looking for a place that cooks red cabbage as well as my favorite, Earl Abel’s in San Antonio, which sometimes runs it as a special. And as soon as I tried Henk’s, I said "this is my stuff." My date, who has a much more refined palate than I, said, "I think it might be from a can." No matter. It’s sour and sweet and perfect.

I promise to write about sausage after the jump.

The Polish sausages were spicy and delicious, served hot with crispy skin. If it keeps raining, I shall work my way through all the sausages on Henk’s menu, which also includes bratwurst, veal bratwurst, knackwurst and kaeswurst, in short order.

The German potato salad is served hot, and it’s like a casserole of potatoes and cheese that forms a starchy gravy on the plate. It’s good, but I will try something else next time. Potato pancakes, probably.

My date ordered a special — Hungarian goulash. He complained that the spaetzle shouldn’t count as one of the two sides that come with every plate. (I think it’s really that my order was so awesome, and he had plate envy.) But the goulash was hearty and well-spiced. When I tasted it, I said, "German chili."

Henk’s has wonderful German comfort food and cheap beer ($2.75 draft and $2.95 imported bottles), plus you get to sit elbow-to-elbow with a crowd that runs the gamut from hipsters to grandpas. Henk’s is famous for its breakfast, which is served until 11 a.m. I’ll be there tomorrow.