15 Best German Restaurants in the U.S. You Need to Try
Ever had a pretzel so good it made you question every other snack you’ve ever had? Or drank a creamy beer, which seemed to be brewed in heaven? Well, I have done. And trust me, German food in the United States has a way of whisking you away to the cobblestone streets of Munich without the price of a plane ticket.
German food might not have all the glamorous coverage that other world cuisines have (such as Italian or French food), but little known to many people is that over time, the popularity of German food has been rising in the U.S, alongside its mildly comforting tastes coupled with its rich trace of authenticity. According to the National Restaurant Association, international cuisines—including German food—play a significant role in shaping dining trends in the U.S. The study reveals that eight out of ten Americans consume one traditional food a month.
And, let’s be honest, can you blame us? With Schnitzels that are heavy, sauerkraut that is tangy, and creamy beer cheese, the temptation cannot be beaten. From iconic Oktoberfest festivities to cozy spots that feel like stepping into a Bonn bistro, here are the 15 best German restaurants in the U.S. that you can’t afford to miss.
Schmidt’s Sausage Haus – Columbus, Ohio
Being in business since 1886, you know they must be doing something good. Schmidt Sausage Haus is one of the most desirable family restaurants in Columbus, boasting over a century of tradition in crafting mouthwatering sausages.
Their Bahama Mama sausage, which consists of beef and pork, is the legend. Serve it with their creamy German potato salad, and thank me later. And their jumbo cream puffs are so irresistible. We’re talking about the size of a small melon here! You will be satisfied and filled to the brim.
The Biergarten at Old World – Huntington Beach, California
Step inside The Biergarten, and you’re in mini-Bavaria, with palm trees serving as a backdrop. It is a surf-beach-style German eatery.
Their bratwurst plate is an art form, but it’s the Oktoberfest, the world’s largest folk festival, according to National Geographic, that adds an extra sparkle. Imagine live polka bands, steins as big as toddlers, and a crowd that knows how to post like pros!
The Berghoff – Chicago, Illinois
The Berghoff is an old institution in Chicago, dating back to 1898. Opened by German immigrant Herman Joseph Berghoff, its old-world style continues to send people raving to this day.
The stained-glass windows and the menu, full of dishes such as pork schnitzel, which is heaven, will make you feel as though you are having dinner in a German castle.
Pair it all with one of their home-brewed beers, which have been in production for over 124 years. It does not get more delicious than history.
Bavarian Inn Restaurant – Frankenmuth, Michigan
Get ready for Gemütlichkeit, a German translation of ‘cozy vibes, and the Bavarian Inn in Frankenmuth is happy to oblige.
This foodie haven, dubbed Michigan’s Little Bavaria, does it big with its chicken and Wiener schnitzel. To top it off, you’ll enjoy bottomless sides, including spaetzle noodles, buttered corn, and tangy cranberry relish.
Hofbräuhaus – Las Vegas, Nevada
Who says you cannot combine German tradition with Sin City glam? Hofbräuhaus in the Nevada desert takes the best of Munich.
Founded in 1589 by Bavarian Duke Wilhelm V, as Expedia reports. Hofbräuhaus is an old and famous beer hall in Munich. The beer is authentically Bavarian, imported straight from the heart of Bavaria. The pretzels? Oversized and unforgettable. The atmosphere? Electric.
Pro tip: Attend a live music night to experience the spirit of Germany.
Café Sabarsky – New York, New York
Want some culture with your strudel? Tucked within the Neue Galerie, Café Sabarsky brings the refined charm of German and Austrian elegance to the heart of Manhattan.
Here is the image: drinking grand Viennese coffee and enjoying the tafelspitz (a dish of boiled beef and horseradish) or an indulgent Apfelstrudel. It is polished, comfortable, and memorable.
Black Forest Inn – Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minnesota might be known for its lakes. However, the Black Forest Inn must be featured on your map. This cozy establishment has been serving dishes such as sauerbraten (a sweet and tangy pot roast) with spaetzle since 1965. People here rave about their own-made sauerkraut, and frankly speaking? Same.
Kuby’s Sausage House – Dallas, Texas
In an article published in the People Newspaper, Kuby’s Sausage House is more than just a restaurant; it is an established institution that dates back to 1961, with its roots tracing back to Germany in 1728.
This renowned smokehouse, located in Dallas, is famous for its exceptional smoked meats. You should undoubtedly try the smoked bratwurst, which pairs perfectly with phenomenal sauerkraut that should be bottled.
Old Bavaria Inn – Helen, Georgia
The Old Bavaria Inn is situated in Helen, a Bavarian-style town that is taken straight out of a fairytale, and this place promises an atmosphere rich in German heritage. The pork shank is an artistry that comes with mashed potatoes and dark beer gravy.
And then there are the desserts? Homemade cakes that’ll steal your heart faster than you can say “Black Forest.”
Zum Stammtisch – Glendale, New York
Zum Stammtisch, located in the Four Points by Sheraton, is the jewel of Queens, providing comfort food in the best way, filling you up and sticking to your ribs. Their Jägerschnitzel, a veal cutlet drowned in a rich mushroom gravy, can make you a regular. People of the area claim that it is as if they are in the kitchen of their Oma.
Mader’s Restaurant – Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Mader’s in Milwaukee is a must-visit for German food enthusiasts. With a rich history dating back to 1902, this iconic establishment started as a saloon catering to the city’s vibrant German immigrant community, offering beer and hearty, homestyle meals.
Today, Mader’s is renowned for its authentic dishes, including the legendary pork shank platter. Its medieval-style dining room adds a unique charm, making the experience as unforgettable as the food itself.
Speisekammer – Alameda, California
Based in the Bay Area, Speisekammer, the restaurant opened by chef Peter Kahl, who was born in Flensburg, Germany, in 2002, is an intersection of world tastes combined with a chilled Californian style.
Their apple sauce-topped potato pancakes are like the nostalgia button, and their craft beer menu is dynamite. Patios under the fairy lights? Yes, please.
Schroeder’s Restaurant – San Francisco, California
The experience of Bavaria is brought to the center of downtown San Francisco through Schroeder! Are you in the mood to get something memorable? The Bavarian meatball sandwich, a delicious fusion of German tradition and American sandwich culture, is pure magic.
And do not even consider leaving without dessert, try their pretzel bread pudding, which will blow you away. Believe me, it’s perfect and a feeling you will remember for a long time.
Cafe Katja – New York, New York
Café Katja is the creation of the Lower East Side, known for serving contemporary German-Austrian food, as well as homemade sausages. It is located at 79 Orchard St in New York. It is an elegant and trendy restaurant, ideal for socializing and combining culture with cuisine.
Throw in some craft beer pairing, and any trip turns out to be memorable.
Bratzeit – Dahlonega, GA
Bratzeit in the mountains of Georgia is a lovely family restaurant serving German comfort food made in large portions. Should their juicy brats and homemade sauerkraut fail to capture your heart, then the excellent staff will. The atmosphere is casual, the beer is cold, and the flavors are unbeatable!
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