Finally Eating History at Harry’s Place

I cannot forgive myself for not having been to Harry’s Place before. Honestly. I’ve walked past it too many times to count — always thinking “I should go,” and yet somehow, I never did. Until two weeks ago.

We had just come out of a sauna session at Just Sauna, warm and relaxed, and it finally felt like the right time. I went up to the counter and got what my husband assured me was the classic choice: sausage with bread. Not a hot dog — sausage with bread. Let’s be clear. That means you get the sausage on its own, with a piece of bread on the side and a choice of sauces to dip as you please. Minimal. No fuss. Iconic.

And yes, I took pictures. I was excited. The guy behind the counter definitely made fun of me — apparently it happens all the time. People photographing sausages like they’re rare birds. But I didn’t care. I told him this was a legendary moment, and I meant it. I was finally eating a piece of Nordvest history. A historical sausage, if you will? (Even if that sounds weird.)

A few days later, I went back.

My husband had the flæskesteg sandwich the first time, and I knew I had to try it too. So after a long walk through Nordvest with a friend, we stopped back in and ordered the small flæskesteg sandwich each. It was delicious — warm, crispy pork with soft bread and pickles — the kind of sandwich that’s gone in about five minutes flat. We almost walked off without paying (a mix-up involving my friend thinking I’d paid, and vice versa), but the man came after us, and thankfully it was quickly sorted. Definitely memorable, if slightly embarrassing.

What makes Harry’s Place special — aside from the food — is the experience. It’s not a food truck or a sausage cart, and it has a stand-up, eat-right-here energy. Both times, I just stood at the counter, ate in a few minutes, and left happy. It’s small, direct, no-frills, and full of personality. The whole thing feels untouched — because, in many ways, it is.

Harry’s Place opened in 1965. Sixty years of hot dogs. It’s still in the same spot, on the corner near Nørrebro Station, and the place has only changed hands 2 times, so 3 owners in total. When the current owner bought it in 2023, she publicly promised not to change a thing — no natural wine, no kimchi, no clever twists. (I laughed when I read that in Politiken, since those are exactly the kinds of things I love elsewhere in Nordvest — but that’s the point. This isn’t that kind of place. You need one for every mood.)

This isn’t exactly a hidden gem either — Harry’s Place has been featured in Danish and international guidebooks, and even had a recent collaboration with Heinz. A few months ago, they had a special event where instead of a traditional bun, the sausage was served in a giant pickle, to celebrate the launch of Heinz’s ketchup-pickle flavor. So yes — we’re not talking about a quiet little local secret here. This is a full-on institution, in the most lovable, hot-dog-slinging way.

sausages in the making at harry's plac

Also, fun fact: I spotted their logo on a Boldklubben Union poster — the local football club in Nordvest. I think they serve food at their matches in Genforeningspladsen sometimes - or maybe always -, which feels entirely right. Football and hot dogs? Always a good pairing.

So here’s my belated advice to anyone who, like me, has walked past and thought “someday.” Just go. Order the sausage with bread, stand at the counter, lick the rest of sauce with your fingers, and take a photo if you want — everyone else does. It’s part of the ritual now.