Some meals in New York still come the old way, with a golden schnitzel hanging off the plate and a slice of apple strudel waiting at the end. The five spots on this list keep German and Austrian cooking alive, from a Yorkville landmark dating to around 1936 to a giant beer hall in Buffalo.
Each one serves both schnitzel and strudel, so you can chase the full Vienna-style dinner without a passport. Save this list for the next cold night, family get-together, or birthday dinner that calls for spaetzle and a big appetite.
1. Heidelberg Restaurant, New York, NY
Second Avenue has changed a lot since the 1930s, but Heidelberg has held its ground in Yorkville since around 1936. That makes it one of the last links to the neighborhood’s days as Manhattan’s German quarter.
The menu reads like a greatest-hits list. Wiener Schnitzel arrives in an enormous portion, and the Jägerschnitzel comes with Spätzle and a rich mushroom-style sauce.
Hungry pairs can split the Pork Shank Platter for Two. Beef Gulasch, Sauerbraten, potato pancakes, and German sausages served with both regular and sweet mustard round things out, along with two kinds of sauerkraut.
Save room for dessert. You can order apple strudel by the slice, and a Whole Apfelstrudel is on the menu for gatherings, with Black Forest cake also in the lineup.
The room is cozy and historic, and service moves quickly. It opens at 11 AM daily, staying open until 11 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
Reservations are accepted, which helps on busy Friday nights and Saturday afternoons. Parking nearby is usually tough, so the subway is the easier move.
2. Cafe Katja, New York, NY
Austria gets its own address on the Lower East Side. Cafe Katja sits at 79 Orchard Street, a brick-walled spot that leans specifically into Austrian cooking rather than general German fare.
The Wiener Schnitzel is the headliner, and the beef goulash has a strong following too. Austrian Meatballs, Homemade Bratwurst, Buttered Spätzle, and a Seasonal Spätzle keep the menu rooted in tradition.
Start with the Pretzel with Spreads and finish with Apple Strudel. The pork belly reuben is a fun twist for anyone who wants something a little different.
I like this one for a relaxed weeknight dinner. Prices typically run about $20 to $30 per person, which is fair for this part of Manhattan.
The owners are known for a warm, friendly welcome, and live music sometimes adds to the evening. Lunch runs Wednesday through Sunday, and dinner is served every night starting at 5 PM.
High chairs are available, and reservations are accepted.
3. Schnitzel Haus, Brooklyn, NY
With a name like Schnitzel Haus, nobody has to guess the specialty. This family-owned Bay Ridge tavern has served German food in south Brooklyn for many years, and it now operates from a revamped location at 114 Bay Ridge Avenue.
The schnitzel lineup goes beyond the basics. Jäger Schnitzel and Rahm Schnitzel both appear on the menu, and the portions are massive.
Sauerbraten, the Frankfurter Teller, and the Schnitzel Haus Steak cover the rest of the classics. The Apfel Strudel and German chocolate cake make dessert an easy decision.
Inside, the wood-lined room includes a fireplace, and live music shows up on the calendar. Families get a kids’ menu, high chairs, and changing tables.
Plan ahead here, because reservations are required. Hours are Monday through Thursday 4 to 9 PM, Friday until 10, Saturday from noon, and Sunday from 2 PM.
Free street parking is a nice bonus for a Brooklyn dinner.
4. Plattduetsche Park, Franklin Square, NY
Long Island has kept a piece of German tradition going on Hempstead Turnpike. Plattduetsche Park in Franklin Square is a historic restaurant and beer garden known for authentic food, live music, and festivals.
The space is huge, with indoor dining plus outdoor picnic tables. It works for a big family crowd as easily as a quiet lunch.
Westphalian Schnitzel is the schnitzel pick here. The Bavarian Wurst Sampler Platter and Three Potato Pancakes help fill the table.
Then there is the Giant 10 Oz Imported Pretzel from Munich, which is exactly as big as it sounds. The Apfelstrudel on the menu is vegan, a thoughtful touch for mixed groups.
Kids get their own menu, and high chairs are available. Dinner reservations are recommended, especially around festival times.
Parking is usually easy, with an on-site lot on the property.
5. Hofbräuhaus Buffalo, Buffalo, NY
Western New York goes big on Bavarian dining at 190 Scott Street. Hofbräuhaus Buffalo fills a huge building with an expansive dining hall, a gigantic patio, and a concert area.
Communal tables set a lively tone, and live music, including a German band, plays most nights and weekends.
The Jaegerschnitzel is the move, ideally with a side of Spätzle. Nurnberger sausages, sauerkraut, and a large selection of German dishes fill out the menu.
Buffalo being Buffalo, a Fish Fry is on there too. Apple Strudel closes the meal on a classic note.
The old-country salad here has a reputation for tasting just like the home-style versions many families remember. That kind of nostalgia is hard to find.
Prices run roughly $20 to $30 per person. It is closed Mondays and Tuesdays, open late on Fridays and Saturdays, and dogs are welcome outside.
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