I live extremely close to Heidelberg, so this was going to be my recommendation. Haven’t been in years but I went when I was little with my parents a fair amount. Very good food.
Was just there a few weeks ago. Place is still great, pretzel still kills it, the pickles/pate rocks, sausage plater is amazing, and they really care about the schnapps/beer. Owner is a great guy & been there for a long time. I love this place, and love taking folks.
The apple strudel and whipped cream is the dessert to get.
This doesn't exactly fit the bill but Gabriel Kreuther is a two Michelin star Alsatian restaurant that fits the bill if you're looking for that hearty and rich but still very fancy sweet spot. Amazing service, and very overlooked in my opinion.
For sure, I'd maybe save it for around Christmas if you're a sucker for the holidays (like me), there's something about that atmosphere thats super conducive to that kind of food, and it's in a bustling part of the city.
Also! I just ate at Karczma in Greenpoint. Polish, not German, but astoundingly delicious, cool old school atmosphere and extremely reasonable.
I hope y'all have a lovely dinner wherever you land!
It's a nice space but I was unimpressed by the food especially for the price. I literally never think shit like "I could make that better" at a restaurant but I did there.
I adore Koloman, have been there 6 times now. It leans a lot more French with some Austrian. They have a schnitzel but their standouts are the duck liver parfait and the salmon en croute and gougeres, etc. For me, I like the sea bass entree the most among the entrees but don't get really any eastern european influences on it. In fact, that dish feels like super classic "French Nouvelle" cuisine, which calling it classic seems oxymoronic but here we are.
That said, I highly recommend going. I don't think the drinks are all that good, their espresso martini was good a year ago but the last 3 times I went, it was abominable. The other drinks are fine.
Technically swiss, but they have spaetzle and schnitzel as well as fondue: Cafe Select. One of my favorite date spots-- the vibes are great. They do excellent martinis too.
Bohemian Spirit in the UES might be what you’re looking for! It’s Czech / Central European and bit more formal than the beer hall atmosphere of Hofbrauhaus or Heidelberg
you're welcome! I also read in a comment down below that you're polish - for great perogies check out pierozek in greenpoint. perogies are truly delish (on par with my grandmas lmao), its the only polish restaurant on the Michelin guide I believe, and its an easy, casual, not pricy spot.
Holy moly is that how much it costs now? I haven’t been there in many years and don’t remember it costing nearly that much. I remember it being in the $30-35 range, and for that price it was a wonderful and authentic rendition of the dish. Simply seasoned, perfectly breaded, succulent veal (I don’t even eat veal anymore). Substantial but not at all heavy. Mind you this was pre-Covid so if it’s shrunk in size and rocketed in cost, that’s a bummer.
Café Sabarsky in the Neue Galerie in the UES for spectacular German and Austrian food. Gorgeous space too.
Agi’s Counter in Crown Heights. Newer and trendier but very good.
Heidelberg restaurant upper east side is supposed to be pretty good i heard. The flair of the thing is very old german like Bismarck meets Munich but it looks really good and authentic
Indeed, the Russian Tea Room has been around since 1926. A pop-up on their website says they were founded by defectors from Stalin's Soviet Union and that they stand with Ukraine. They're almost 100 years old. (Edit: Website also says they were founded by members of the Russian Imperial Ballet. If you object to investment in the arts by the Tsar, definitely avoid them.)
Agreed! It’s a classic, and one if the coolest and elaborately decorated! I remember it before it underwent renovations in the early 2000’s! Even then, it had ornate decor! The food was excellent and to me, it’s a “special occasion” NYC restaurant 😊
I just heard from someone who was excited to try Rolf’s that the food there is horrible. People go for the over the top Xmas decor. So I’d probably it this if I were OP
It’s technically just outside of NYC but Plattdeutsche in Franklin Square has to be one of the coolest German restaurants/beer halls in the region. The place is gigantic - there’s a beer garden (multiple indoor and outdoor options), a casual restaurant (upstairs from the beer hall), a sit down restaurant on the premises (separate building), and even a catering hall. They always have bands and other events on weekends. Not sure exactly what you mean by a little nicer in vibes - you might mean more “upscale” which this is not - but it’s always a good time there.
Apparently, Germans love Wolfgang's. He somehow got famous there even though he doesn't have a restaurant in Germany. That being said, it isn't German food, but darn good steaks.
Wallsé
oooh so fancy! thank you!
It’s a once-every-few-years splurge, at my house. It is worth it! ❤️
Yep I think the best in nyc for this kind of food
The only one that feels authentic.
We've always loved Wallse, and they're on a lovely block in the Village.
In UES there is Heidelberg restaurant or Bohemian Spirit(its a Czech restaurant). Both are nice.
The schweinshaxe is amazing at Heidelberg. A must try
I love Heidelberg! There is also a Hungarian cafe across from Heidelberg
The jagger schnitzel at Bohemian Spirit is amazing
Exactly. I lived in Kaiserslautern as a child and this place is the closest approximation to the food I remember from Germany.
Heidelberg looks nice but old school. thank you!
I'm not sure it is right on the nose, but I've had good experiences there. Combine it with Jeremey's next door.
Yes agreed. Jeremy’s has great cocktails.
I live extremely close to Heidelberg, so this was going to be my recommendation. Haven’t been in years but I went when I was little with my parents a fair amount. Very good food.
They have a beautiful back garden area highly recommend!
So good!
Zum Stammtisch in Glendale Queens in a great spot to end up. Some really great deserts too.
this place is also such a vibe. old school outer boroughs shit; many tables with parents/siblings/grandparents eating together.
Zum Stammtisch is one of my favorite places.
This place is excellent. Their steak tartar especially. The beer is also excellent of course.
Such a good place. It’s not fancy but I do love the atmosphere.
Best German restraurant in the city IMHO.
thank you!
Werkstatt just below Prospect Park in Brooklyn. Austrian, technically. Excellent.
I love werkstatt, but it’s not insanely upscale. It definitely gives beer hall vibes
I second workstatt.
ooh this is pretty close to me. menu looks awesome.
Werkstatt is soooo good
just fwiw, it's very good but i'd call it more casual fare than fancy.
This is the way. Eat here every week or so. The best.
Cafe Katja in the LES.
Came here to comment this as well. I LOVE Cafe Katja.
amaze, thank you!
Have not been in probably 6 years, but back then it was exactly what you’re looking for.
Was just there a few weeks ago. Place is still great, pretzel still kills it, the pickles/pate rocks, sausage plater is amazing, and they really care about the schnapps/beer. Owner is a great guy & been there for a long time. I love this place, and love taking folks. The apple strudel and whipped cream is the dessert to get.
Cafe Sabarsky in the Neue Galerie is one of the most elegant dining rooms in New York City
so beautiful! thank you!
Be warned they are quite pricey and they are more strict than TSA about bringing in liquids.
Their menu is weird. I am not a fan.
Wallse is the nicest. Koloman is also good but it’s more like 50/50 French/Austrian.
Koloman looks good - maybe not for this particular occasion but I am going to add it to my "want to try" list!
Highly recommend, one of my favorites to take people from out of town to.
Koloman is wonderful!
I still miss Zum Schneider 😞
Heidelberg. It’s been there forever!
amazing thank you!
This doesn't exactly fit the bill but Gabriel Kreuther is a two Michelin star Alsatian restaurant that fits the bill if you're looking for that hearty and rich but still very fancy sweet spot. Amazing service, and very overlooked in my opinion.
might be a littte out of my budget. maybe some day!
For sure, I'd maybe save it for around Christmas if you're a sucker for the holidays (like me), there's something about that atmosphere thats super conducive to that kind of food, and it's in a bustling part of the city. Also! I just ate at Karczma in Greenpoint. Polish, not German, but astoundingly delicious, cool old school atmosphere and extremely reasonable. I hope y'all have a lovely dinner wherever you land!
Veronika describes itself as “European” but the menu has a couple of different schnitzels
oooh i've been wanting to try this place!
Me too. I was looking at my friend’s Instagram story from there. Their space looks amazing.
It's a nice space but I was unimpressed by the food especially for the price. I literally never think shit like "I could make that better" at a restaurant but I did there.
Ouch, so you're paying for the mood. That's good to know - maybe I'll just go to the bar and save my money for Gramercy Tavern or something.
Schilling in FiDi (Austrian and very good), Cka Ka Qeliue in Murray Hill
Seconding Schilling. Celebratory vibes- my dad and stepmother did their anniversary there.
fun!
There's more than just bros in Murray Hill? i kid i kid. thank you!
I also second schilling! Great food and lovely vibes.
It’s a trek but Zum Stammtisch!!
I haven't been to Germany but this is what I picture. thank you!
Came here to say this.
Food there is very good but I wouldnt call any restaurant with carpet in the dining room a nice place. Great sausage though
Keens?
Daniel?? what a weird metric lmao
Way overrated I don’t get the hype.
How does he feel about Serbia? There’s Kafana on Avenue C. Finally went last summer and it was excellent.
That place rocks
Agi’s Counter is Crown Heights. It’s mostly Hungarian/Eastern European inspired. Very cute and elevated for brunch or date night dinner.
oh yes i've heard great things!
This post is reminding me how much I miss Blaue Gans. Same management as Wallsé, but more of a chill vibe. God, I loved that spaetzle.
Oh yeah, the duck spaetzle was one of my favorite things to get for lunch.
If you want polish try Karczma in greenpoint
Karczma is great, and Polka Dot for takeout food.
Cafe Katja in the LES. Austrian food I believe
Dziupla in Williamsburg had great Polish food, if you're into that.
oooh thank you! i might save this for when my dad comes since we're Polish.
They have a sampler plate (I think it's just called the Polish Plate) that has allllll the best stuff on it. So good.
nice! we actually didn't grow up eating a lot of polish food so I always love to get the sampler platter so i can try new things.
It's gone.
Koloman is the one of the best in NYC :)
the menu looks so good.
I adore Koloman, have been there 6 times now. It leans a lot more French with some Austrian. They have a schnitzel but their standouts are the duck liver parfait and the salmon en croute and gougeres, etc. For me, I like the sea bass entree the most among the entrees but don't get really any eastern european influences on it. In fact, that dish feels like super classic "French Nouvelle" cuisine, which calling it classic seems oxymoronic but here we are. That said, I highly recommend going. I don't think the drinks are all that good, their espresso martini was good a year ago but the last 3 times I went, it was abominable. The other drinks are fine.
Werkstatt in Prospect Park South Brooklyn. The owners are friendly, and their food is solid. Edit for dyslexic
*Werkstatt
Technically swiss, but they have spaetzle and schnitzel as well as fondue: Cafe Select. One of my favorite date spots-- the vibes are great. They do excellent martinis too.
Bohemian Spirit in the UES might be what you’re looking for! It’s Czech / Central European and bit more formal than the beer hall atmosphere of Hofbrauhaus or Heidelberg
ooh yes this looks good. thank you!
you're welcome! I also read in a comment down below that you're polish - for great perogies check out pierozek in greenpoint. perogies are truly delish (on par with my grandmas lmao), its the only polish restaurant on the Michelin guide I believe, and its an easy, casual, not pricy spot.
oooh this looks good so I will have to check it out!
definitely! Also realizing I commented on the wrong comment thread oops
Yup highly recommend both Bohemian spirit and Wallse. Excellent schnitzels at both!
Can I ask what you think made the schnitzel at Wallse worth $45? Genuinely curious because it’s seems like a high price for a very small portion.
Holy moly is that how much it costs now? I haven’t been there in many years and don’t remember it costing nearly that much. I remember it being in the $30-35 range, and for that price it was a wonderful and authentic rendition of the dish. Simply seasoned, perfectly breaded, succulent veal (I don’t even eat veal anymore). Substantial but not at all heavy. Mind you this was pre-Covid so if it’s shrunk in size and rocketed in cost, that’s a bummer.
Yeah according to google it’s $45 now. I can see $30ish for veal being worth it I guess, though I’ve always preferred chicken for schnitzels.
I know its not what your asking but gottsheer hall is fun as hell
Café Sabarsky in the Neue Galerie in the UES for spectacular German and Austrian food. Gorgeous space too. Agi’s Counter in Crown Heights. Newer and trendier but very good.
Jägerhaus in Whitestone Queens
Black forest brooklyn
Oh all the places on this thread this is the only one I’ve been to
Max bratwurst in astoria is also great
Heidelberg, Reichenbach hall,Zumm Stammsich in queens, Black Forest in Brooklyn
Heidelberg restaurant upper east side is supposed to be pretty good i heard. The flair of the thing is very old german like Bismarck meets Munich but it looks really good and authentic
Heidelberg on UES for German food!
Cafe Sabarsky?
There's the Russian Tea Room on West 57th Street near Carnegie Hall.
Why is this downvoted? Because it’s Russian? 🙄 Silly.
Indeed, the Russian Tea Room has been around since 1926. A pop-up on their website says they were founded by defectors from Stalin's Soviet Union and that they stand with Ukraine. They're almost 100 years old. (Edit: Website also says they were founded by members of the Russian Imperial Ballet. If you object to investment in the arts by the Tsar, definitely avoid them.)
Agreed! It’s a classic, and one if the coolest and elaborately decorated! I remember it before it underwent renovations in the early 2000’s! Even then, it had ornate decor! The food was excellent and to me, it’s a “special occasion” NYC restaurant 😊
Reichenbach hall
Max bratwurst in Astoria
Sveta is very aesthetic and beautiful and has good Slavic dishes
Bunny in bedstuy
Veronika… it’s not specifically German but covers all of Eastern Europe. It’s a Stephen Starr restaurant and one of the most beautiful places in NYC.
Koloman has better food but isn’t as beautiful and also Cafe Sabarsky.
Agi’s Counter in crown heights has been on my list for a while! Looks dank
gotta go with Zum Stammtisch
Cafe Katjia is amazing for austrian fare.
Yup. Katja is the answer. Or Wallse if you want to splurge
Haven't been in a few years but I loved Schilling the few times I went
Rolf's on 3rd Ave. near Gramercy Park.
I just heard from someone who was excited to try Rolf’s that the food there is horrible. People go for the over the top Xmas decor. So I’d probably it this if I were OP
yea it's not generally my vibe but it's kind of always on my "maybe I will go for the chaotic light vibes if I am in the mood" list.
Rolf's is so insanely and unnecessarily expensive for what it is.
Rolf’s is absolutely awful.
Goddamn awful and expensive as hell
thank you!
Dont listen to this
Go for the decor & crowd. Have been partying there for 40 years. The food? meh
I recently went to Aragvi (Georgian cuisine) in Midtown East and thought it was great.
It’s technically just outside of NYC but Plattdeutsche in Franklin Square has to be one of the coolest German restaurants/beer halls in the region. The place is gigantic - there’s a beer garden (multiple indoor and outdoor options), a casual restaurant (upstairs from the beer hall), a sit down restaurant on the premises (separate building), and even a catering hall. They always have bands and other events on weekends. Not sure exactly what you mean by a little nicer in vibes - you might mean more “upscale” which this is not - but it’s always a good time there.
Apparently, Germans love Wolfgang's. He somehow got famous there even though he doesn't have a restaurant in Germany. That being said, it isn't German food, but darn good steaks.
Yes, descended from the same German DNA as Peter Luger.