One Texas German restaurant has been welcoming guests since 1866, making it one of the state’s most remarkable dining landmarks. Founded by a German immigrant, Scholz Garten has earned its place in history as Texas’ oldest continuously operating tavern, still serving hearty German favorites like schnitzel and crispy potato pancakes.
But that’s just the beginning. Across Texas, you’ll find lively polka bands, servers dressed in traditional German attire, historic buildings filled with old-world charm, and bakeries serving irresistible Black Forest cake. Some restaurants even offer seasonal wild game dishes that you won’t find on an ordinary menu.
From cozy small-town cafes to lively Bavarian beer gardens, these 12 Texas restaurants bring a little piece of Germany to the Lone Star State. And some of them might just be worth planning an entire road trip around.
1. Bavarian Grill
Polka music and costumes in a Plano business district? Yes, and the costumed staff make the whole idea feel perfectly normal.
Bavarian Grill leans into its theme with real commitment. A live polka band helps set the festive mood, so expect a party feel at dinner.
The menu sticks close to traditional German cooking. You’ll find cutlets, sausages, and seasonal dishes that shift with the calendar.
Lunch gets especially interesting when wild game shows up. A seasonal wild game lunch menu is a rare find in North Texas, so keep an eye out for it.
Fried sausage and chicken cutlet both make smart picks for a first visit. Add a side of seasoned vegetables and you’ve got a hearty, well-rounded plate.
Bread comes out as part of the experience here. Save a piece for mopping up sauce, because leaving it behind feels like a small tragedy.
Plant-based eaters aren’t left out, which surprises plenty of people. The restaurant offers a full vegan menu, a big deal at a German spot.
Got a family celebration or office party coming up? A private dining room is available, and the kitchen also handles catering.
Planning ahead helps a little here. Dinner reservations are recommended, and the restaurant closes on both Sundays and Mondays.
Weekday lunches tend to be the calmer window. Saturday evenings draw the biggest crowds, so book early if that’s your night out.
Outdoor seating gives you another option on pleasant days. Dogs are welcome outside, so your four-legged buddy can tag along too.
Kids get their own menu, and high chairs are on hand. Dessert is a highlight, so maybe skip that second sausage.
Address: 3425 Premier Dr, Plano, TX 75023
2. Friedhelm’s Bavarian Inn Restaurant & Bar
Christmas decorations, a fireplace, and a plate of schnitzel the size of a hubcap. That pretty much sums up the charm of this Fredericksburg favorite.
The dining room is decorated for the holidays, and it gives off the feel of a Bavarian lodge. You half expect snow outside, even in a Hill Country summer.
Servers wear traditional German attire, which adds to the effect. It’s a small touch, but it makes the meal feel like a short trip overseas.
Schnitzel is the star for many diners here. It arrives with pan potatoes and red cabbage, and the portions run generous.
Sauerbraten deserves your attention too. The tangy, slow-cooked beef comes in a hearty serving that easily fills a hungry traveler.
Looking for a fun side? Try the crispy julienned fried potatoes topped with grilled peppers, onions, and tomatoes.
Fredericksburg was founded by German settlers, and that heritage still shapes the town. Eating here feels like tasting a piece of that story.
Timing your visit takes a little thought. The kitchen serves lunch from 11 AM to 3 PM, then reopens at 4 PM for dinner.
Mondays and Tuesdays are off the table, since the restaurant closes those days. Saturday evening is the busiest stretch, so reservations make sense.
Families will find a kids’ menu and high chairs ready to go. Solo diners also fit right in, especially at lunch.
Save room for dessert, which ranks as one of the highlights. A slice of something sweet by the fireplace is a fine way to end the day.
Parking is easy, thanks to a free lot on site. That’s a nice bonus on busy Main Street weekends.
Address: 905 W Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
3. Krause’s Cafe
Breakfast at 7:30 AM and dancing by evening? New Braunfels has a spot that handles both without breaking a sweat.
Krause’s Cafe opens early seven days a week. That makes it one of the easiest German meals to fit into a weekend trip.
The big draw is the lively garden setting. Live bands play here, and there’s space to get up and dance if the music moves you.
New Braunfels has deep German immigrant roots, and this place celebrates them loudly. It’s a community gathering spot as much as a restaurant.
The menu mixes American comfort food with German favorites. The Munich Platter makes a great sharing plate for a table of friends.
Kartoffel Poppers are a fun, snackable pick. A Sausage Plate or a Charcuterie Board covers the meat lovers in your group.
Craving something lighter? The Biergarten Salad and deviled eggs give you options that won’t slow you down.
The Krause’s Reuben is another crowd-pleaser on the menu. Finish with Apfel Strudel, because skipping strudel in a German town feels wrong.
Groups are clearly welcome here, even large ones. Reservations aren’t accepted, so arrive early to avoid the longest waits, especially on weekends.
Dogs are allowed both inside and outside. That’s a rare perk, so bring your pup along for the fun.
Saturday mornings and afternoons tend to be the busiest stretch. Weekday mornings are much calmer if you want a relaxed breakfast.
Kids have their own menu, and high chairs are available. Live music plus room to wiggle makes this an easy family outing in Texas.
Address: 148 S Castell Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130
4. Old German Bakery & Restaurant
Since 1975, this Main Street bakery has been turning out German food from scratch. That’s a long run of strudel, and Fredericksburg is better for it.
Traditional German recipes guide the kitchen here. The result is homestyle cooking that tastes like it came from somebody’s grandmother.
Breakfast is a big deal at this spot. German pancakes come out huge, so plan to share or skip lunch.
Potato pancakes are another classic worth ordering. Crispy pan fries also show up on plenty of plates.
Lunch brings heartier German dishes to the table. Jager Schnitzel and bratwurst give you a proper Bavarian-style meal.
Don’t forget the giant pretzel served with mustard. It’s the kind of snack that makes the whole table go quiet.
The bakery case is the other reason to stop by. Pastries and apple strudel are easy to grab, whether you dine in or take them to go.
The setting has a quaint, old town feel. It fits right in on a street lined with German-founded history.
Hours are short, so read carefully. The restaurant serves breakfast and lunch only, closing by 2 or 3 PM.
It also closes on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Friday through Monday are your windows, and weekend mornings get busy.
Expect a wait, especially on Saturday and Sunday. Reservations are accepted, so calling ahead can save you some standing around.
Coffee here earns high marks too. Pair a cup with a pastry and you’ve got a perfect small-town Texas morning.
Address: 225 W Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
5. Walburg German Restaurant & Biergarten
Out on a quiet farm road sits an 1880s building packed with curios. Inside, sauerbraten and red cabbage are waiting for you.
Walburg is a small rural community, so the drive is part of the fun. Fields roll by, and then suddenly you’re in a little slice of Germany.
The restored building has loads of character. Curios hang throughout, so give yourself time to look around before ordering.
The menu blends German and American comfort food. Sauerbraten is a classic choice, and red cabbage makes a fitting sidekick.
Hungry enough for a challenge? The Bauernschmaus, or Farmer’s Plate, piles several hearty German favorites together.
Not everyone in your group wants German food, and that’s fine. Prime rib is on the menu, along with a salad bar.
Chocolate cake makes a sweet finish. Share it, or don’t, nobody’s judging.
The covered outdoor area is a highlight on nice days. Live bands play out there, giving the place a festive country feel.
Inside, a fireplace adds a homey touch. It’s a nice spot to linger on cooler Central Texas evenings.
Check the schedule before you go. The restaurant closes Mondays and Tuesdays, and Sunday hours run only from noon to 5 PM.
Saturday evenings bring the biggest crowds. Reservations are accepted, so lock in a table for weekend dinners.
Families are welcome, with a kids’ menu and high chairs available. Free parking makes the rural setting extra easy to visit.
Address: 3777 FM 972, Walburg, TX 78673
6. Schilo’s
A few steps from the River Walk, a 19th-century building hides one of San Antonio’s oldest restaurants. Its specialty is German deli comfort food.
Schilo’s has a vintage style that feels like a trip back in time. Wooden details and old-school charm set the scene.
The menu leans German-Texan, which is a pretty great combo. Think sausages, schnitzels, soups, and hearty sandwiches.
Breakfast is where things get fun. Potato pancakes and Schilo’s Breakfast Schnitzel bring a German twist to the morning.
Fresh hot pretzels are a must for snackers. They’re easy to share while you plan the rest of your downtown day.
Lunch fans can grab a Corned Beef Reuben Sandwich. It’s piled high and pairs perfectly with a bowl of soup.
Sweet tooth calling? The cinnamon roll answers that call, and dessert is a strength here overall.
Hours are simple and steady. The restaurant opens daily at 8 AM and closes at 2:30 PM.
That means no late dinner here, so plan for breakfast or lunch. Weekend mornings and Wednesdays tend to be the busiest stretches.
Service moves quickly, which helps on a packed sightseeing day. Reservations are accepted if you’re bringing a group.
Dogs are allowed inside, a surprise for a downtown restaurant. Your travel pup can join the history lesson.
Parking downtown can be tricky, so consider a nearby garage. Then wander back to the River Walk with a full belly and a pretzel to go.
Address: 424 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205
7. Alpine Haus Restaurant
Dinner inside a charming old house, split into small dining rooms? That’s the setup here, and it feels like visiting German relatives.
Alpine Haus sits in a historic home in New Braunfels. The layout gives each room an intimate, tucked-away feel.
The kitchen makes German food from scratch. That care shows up in classics that taste fresh rather than mass-produced.
Spätzle is a great place to start. These soft little dumpling noodles are a true Bavarian comfort food.
Mushroom lovers have plenty to celebrate. Fried mushrooms and mushroom soup are both on the menu.
Can’t decide on a sausage? The Sausage Sampler Platter lets you try several without committing to one.
Leave room for Black Forest Cake. Chocolate, cherries, and cream make it the classic way to end a German meal.
A garden adds outdoor seating to the mix. It’s a lovely spot when the Texas weather cooperates.
Live music plays on weekends. The quiet, romantic mood makes it a strong date night choice too.
Weekday hours split between lunch and dinner. On weekdays, the kitchen serves from 11 AM to 2 PM, then from 5 PM to 9 PM.
Friday and Saturday evenings are the busiest. Dinner reservations are recommended, so call ahead for a weekend table.
Dogs are allowed inside and out, a pleasant surprise. Free parking nearby makes the visit even simpler.
Address: 251 S Seguin Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130
8. Scholz Garten
Founded in 1866, this Austin landmark is widely celebrated as the oldest operating business in Texas. Talk about staying power.
A German immigrant opened Scholz Garten, and it has hosted generations since. The history alone is worth the visit.
The outdoor setting steals the show. Mature shade trees cover a large patio filled with picnic tables and umbrellas.
Misting fans help on hot days, which is a lifesaver in Austin. It’s an easy place to spend a long afternoon.
An intimate outdoor music venue sits on the grounds. Live music adds energy to plenty of evenings.
The menu has a classic gasthaus spirit. Jagerschnitzel and Wienerschnitzel bring the traditional German comfort you came for.
Kartoffelpuffer, or potato pancakes, make a great starter. Sauerkraut also shows up for those who love a little tang.
Sharing is easy with the German Wurst Board. Order Reuben Waffle Fries if you want a playful mashup.
Portions run big, so bring friends. The Reuben Sandwich is another solid option for big appetites.
Football season changes the mood fast. The place gets packed on game days, so plan around the crowds or join them.
Hours stretch late on Fridays, until midnight. Saturdays start early at 8 AM, while Sundays run from noon to 6 PM.
Dogs are welcome on the patio. Your pup can enjoy the shade while you enjoy a slice of Texas history.
Address: 1607 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701
9. The Auslander
The name means “the foreigner” in German, which is funny for a spot that feels right at home in Fredericksburg.
The Auslander blends German cooking with a Texas attitude. It’s relaxed, friendly, and built for long, easy meals.
Open windows let in the Main Street breeze. Comfortable seating makes it a nice place to rest your shopping legs.
Sauerkraut is a big deal here, and with good reason. It pairs perfectly with the sausages, especially the bratwurst.
Rouladen is a dish worth hunting down. These rolled beef bundles are a German classic you don’t see everywhere.
Hot German Potato Salad brings a tangy, savory twist to your plate. It tastes nothing like the cold picnic version.
Snack fans can share battered mushrooms or fried pickles. The Reuben is a filling choice if you want a sandwich.
For dessert, go with the apple strudel. Flaky pastry and spiced apples make a happy ending.
Outdoor seating and live music add to the fun. A fireplace also gives cooler nights a pleasant glow.
Sports fans can catch a game here too. It’s a handy pick if your group has mixed plans.
Wednesday is the day off, so plan around it. The restaurant opens at 11 AM on other days.
Saturday afternoons and evenings draw the busiest crowds. Reservations are accepted, and dogs are welcome outside.
Address: 323 E Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
10. Fork and Spoon
Eggs Benedict for breakfast and jaeger schnitzel for lunch? This New Braunfels spot happily covers both cravings.
Fork and Spoon is a casual German-American restaurant with a bakery. It’s the kind of place that works for nearly any meal of the day.
Morning menus are packed with comfort. Chicken fried steak and eggs, biscuits and gravy, and chicken and pancakes lead the lineup.
German flavors are front and center too. Schnitzel, red cabbage, and spaetzle bring the Bavarian touch you came for.
The Bratwurst Skillet is a fun mashup. It turns a German classic into a hearty breakfast plate.
Eating plant-based? The restaurant offers full vegan and vegetarian menus, which is rare at a German-style spot.
Serving sizes run large here. Bring an appetite or plan to take leftovers home.
The bakery adds a sweet bonus to the visit. Dessert is a highlight, so grab something for later.
A fireplace inside and patio seating outside give you choices. Dogs are welcome on the patio.
Reservations aren’t accepted, and there’s usually a wait. Weekend mornings tend to be busiest, so arrive early.
Hours run mostly breakfast and lunch. Fridays and Saturdays stretch until 8 PM, giving you a dinner option.
Curbside pickup and delivery are available on busy days. Catering is also offered if your next party needs schnitzel.
Address: 651 N Business Interstate Hwy 35 #1150, New Braunfels, TX 78130
11. Rohmer’s Restaurant
Muenster was founded as a German Catholic colony, and its little restaurant still cooks with that heritage in mind.
Rohmer’s Restaurant serves Texas cooking with a German flair. It’s a small-town diner with plenty of schnitzel on the menu.
Doors open at 6 AM Monday through Saturday. Early risers can grab breakfast before most cafes even turn on the lights.
Breakfast brings biscuits served with homemade jellies. Sausage patties make a hearty side for a long day.
Lunch and dinner bring out the German classics. Chicken schnitzel and German potato salad make a fine pair.
The Schnitzel and Sausage plate gives you a taste of both. It’s a smart order for first-timers.
Not feeling German food? Chicken fried chicken and a grilled Reuben keep the Texas comfort side covered.
Soup fans should look for the chicken noodle soup. Fresh rolls make it even better.
Pie is a serious matter here. Coconut cream and pecan pies are favorites, and German chocolate cake also tempts.
A salad bar offers a lighter option. A private dining room helps with group gatherings.
Reservations aren’t accepted, so just show up. Sundays are off, since the restaurant closes that day.
Service moves quickly, a plus for road trippers. Free parking makes this North Texas stop simple and easy.
Address: 217 E Division St, Muenster, TX 76252
12. Henk’s European Deli & Black Forest Bakery
Black Forest is right there in the name, so you know the cake game is strong. This Dallas deli takes its European sweets seriously.
Henk’s European Deli & Black Forest Bakery combines a cafe, bakery, and small grocery. It’s part lunch stop and part treasure hunt.
Start with the bakery case. Black Forest Cake is the obvious star, packed with chocolate, cherries, and cream.
Swiss Madrisa Cake is another unique find. German Chocolate Cake rounds out the lineup for chocolate fans.
Fresh baked breads and cookies are also worth grabbing. They make great take-home treats for later.
The cafe menu leans European. Sandwiches, a Reuben, and German sausage give you a savory lunch before dessert.
Don’t skip the grocery section. It’s stocked with European goodies, unique snacks, and candy you won’t find at a typical store.
Need a cake for a party? Henk’s offers specialty cakes and catering, including birthday cakes with candles.
Hours are daytime only, so plan accordingly. The shop opens at 8 AM most days and closes by mid-afternoon.
Mondays are closed, and Sundays run only from 10 AM to 2 PM. Saturday mornings tend to be the busiest stretch.
Quick visits work perfectly here. Grab a sandwich, a slice of cake, and some snacks for the road.
It’s a little taste of Europe in the middle of Dallas. No passport needed, just an empty stomach and a sweet tooth.
Address: 5811 Blackwell St, Dallas, TX 75231
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