German Restaurants in Ohio

Sausage and beer image by Mladenov from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

Whether you are hiking the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath in northern Ohio, bicycling along country roads near Hueston Woods State Park in southwest Ohio or strolling through quaint German Village in Columbus, enjoying the outdoor life can produce a serious appetite. If you have earned a hearty meal and a cold beer, visit one of Ohio's German restaurants, each of which features authentic fare that reflects the cultural heritage of many of the Buckeye state's residents.

Schmidt's Restaurant, Columbus

In the heart of German Village, Schmidt's Restaurant and Sausage Haus offers traditional German saurbraten, wiener schnitzel, cabbage rolls and bratwurst voted "Best Wurst" by Columbus Monthly magazine. The family-owned eatery, a former livery stable on the National Register of Historic Places, features wood floors, brick walls and staff clad in Bavarian attire. Live music keeps the mood lively Thursday through Saturday. Save room for the legendary cream puffs, German chocolate cake and strudel.

Schmidt's Restaurant and Banquet Haus
240 E. Kossuth Street
Columbus, OH 43206
614-444-6808
schmidthaus.com

Der Braumeister, Cleveland

Der Braumeister gives Cleveland residents a taste of Germany in northern Ohio. Patrons choose from specialty platters such as pork tenderloin, veal Oscar, goulash and paprikash, as well as sandwiches such as the potato pancake Reuben, sausage, or roast beef. The restaurant also features Bavarian beer-tasting and wine-tasting events during the year, especially around the traditional German celebration of Oktoberfest.

Der Braumeister
13046 Lorain Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44111
216-671-6220
derbraumeister.net

Steinkeller, Oxford

"Wilkommen" to the university town of Oxford, where German beer lovers flock to Steinkeller's on the town's main High Street. The Steinkeller features an extensive list of 15 authentic German beers including Spaten, Hofbrau, Erdinger Hefe-Weizer, Paulaner, Radler and Russiches. Complementing the beverage list is a menu with bratwurst, rindwurt, bierwurst, metwurst, wiener schnitzel, sour red cabbage and other traditional meat and seafood dishes. Live music is featured on Thursday and Saturday.

Steinkeller
15 East High Street
Oxford, OH 45056
513-524-2437
steinkellercircle.com

Plank's Bier Garten, Columbus

For casual dining with a distinctively German flavor, Plank's Bier Garten in German Village is a popular destination. Plank's menu offers entrees, salads and sandwiches, including the traditional Reuben, bratwurst and braunschweiger on rye, and sides such as sauerkraut, coleslaw and German potato salad. The beverage list includes a variety of imported and domestic brews.

Plank's Bier Garten
888 S. High St.
Columbus, OH 43206
614-443-4570
plankbiergarten.com

Article Written By Cynthia Johanson

Cynthia (Rauckhorst) Johanson has over 15 years of professional experience as a writer, reporter, editor and teacher, including stints at "Knight-Ridder Financial News" and "The Bridgeport Post-Telegram." She holds a master's degree in journalism from Columbia University and bachelor's degrees in English and economics from the University of Notre Dame.

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