Huntsville, Alabama may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of German cuisine, but the city is home to several restaurants that offer a taste of Deutschland. From bratwurst to schnitzel to spaetzle, these restaurants serve up authentic German fare that will leave you feeling satisfied and perhaps even a little bit nostalgic.
Here are the best German restaurants in Huntsville.
Ol’ Heidelberg Cafe
Ol’ Heidelberg Cafe is a true gem in Huntsville’s culinary scene. This family-owned restaurant has been serving up traditional German dishes since 1972, and it’s clear that they know what they’re doing. The menu features classics like schnitzel, bratwurst, and sauerbraten, as well as some less common dishes like rouladen (beef rolls stuffed with bacon and onions) and leberknödel (liver dumplings). Be sure to save room for dessert – the apple strudel is a standout.
Hildegard’s Biergarten
Hildegard’s Biergarten is a casual spot that’s perfect for grabbing a beer and some classic German pub fare. The menu includes bratwurst, currywurst, and schnitzel, as well as some unique dishes like the Jägerburger (a burger topped with mushrooms and gravy). Hildegard’s also boasts an impressive selection of German beers on tap, as well as a great outdoor patio where you can enjoy your meal and a cold brew.
Moe’s Original Bar B Que
Moe’s Original Bar B Que may not be a traditional German restaurant, but it’s worth mentioning for their amazing smoked sausage. The sausage is made in-house and is some of the best in town – perfect for a quick lunch or a casual dinner. Pair it with a side of German potato salad or sauerkraut for the full experience.
Below the Radar Brewhouse
Below the Radar Brewhouse is a local favorite for craft beer, but they also offer a small selection of German dishes that are worth trying. The menu includes a schnitzel sandwich, a bratwurst plate, and a Bavarian pretzel that’s perfect for sharing. Plus, with a rotating selection of seasonal beers, there’s always something new to try.
The Stem and Stein
The Stem and Stein is a gastropub that offers a mix of American and German dishes. While the menu may not be strictly German, the quality of the food is top-notch. The schnitzel and bratwurst are both excellent, and the spaetzle (a type of German pasta) is a must-try. Plus, with a great selection of beer and wine, The Stem and Stein is a great spot for a night out.
Old Town Beer Exchange
Old Town Beer Exchange may be known for its impressive selection of craft beer, but they also offer some delicious German fare. Their menu includes bratwurst, schnitzel, and even a vegetarian option – the Impossible schnitzel. The sides are equally impressive, with options like potato salad and sauerkraut. Plus, with their cozy atmosphere and knowledgeable staff, Old Town Beer Exchange is a great spot to enjoy a beer and a bite to eat.
Earth and Stone Wood Fired Pizza
Earth and Stone Wood Fired Pizza may not sound like a German restaurant, but they offer a unique take on the classic German dish, flammkuchen. Flammkuchen is a thin, crispy pizza-like dish that’s topped with crème fraîche, onions, and bacon. Earth and Stone’s version is a must-try, and their wood-fired pizzas are some of the best in town.
Kaffeeklatsch
Kaffeeklatsch is a German bakery and cafe that offers some delicious pastries and light bites. While they don’t have a full menu of German dishes, they do offer some tasty options like schnitzel sandwiches and currywurst. But the real star of the show is their baked goods – be sure to try a pretzel, a streusel, or a slice of their famous Black Forest cake.
The Schnitzel Ranch
The Schnitzel Ranch is a hidden gem in Huntsville that offers some of the best schnitzel in town. The menu features a variety of schnitzel options, including pork, chicken, and veal. They also offer some delicious sides like potato pancakes and red cabbage. The restaurant is small and unassuming, but the food is top-notch.
Blue Plate Cafe
Blue Plate Cafe is a classic Southern diner that also happens to serve some tasty German fare. Their menu includes bratwurst, schnitzel, and even a German breakfast platter that’s perfect for starting your day off right. The restaurant has a cozy, old-school vibe and is a popular spot for locals.
Wernher von Braun’s Rocket Cafe
Wernher von Braun’s Rocket Cafe is a unique German restaurant located in the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. The restaurant is named after the famous rocket scientist who played a key role in the development of the U.S. space program. The menu at Wernher von Braun’s Rocket Cafe features traditional German dishes such as schnitzel, bratwurst, and strudel.
The restaurant also has a great atmosphere, with rocket-themed decor and views of the Space Center’s rocket displays. The Rocket Cafe is a popular spot for families and tourists, especially those visiting the Space Center.
Otto’s Bierhalle
Otto’s Bierhalle is a lively German restaurant and beer hall that is popular with locals and visitors alike. The menu features a variety of German dishes, including schnitzel, sausages, and spätzle.
Little Germany
Little Germany is a family-owned restaurant that serves authentic German cuisine in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The menu features classic dishes such as schnitzel, sauerbraten, and potato pancakes.
Huntsville Brewery and Biergarten
Huntsville Brewery and Biergarten is a German-inspired brewery and restaurant that serves a variety of German-style beers and food. The menu features dishes such as bratwurst, schnitzel, and German-style pizza.
Meteor Chinese Buffet and German Cuisine
Meteor Chinese Buffet and German Cuisine is a unique restaurant that offers a combination of Chinese and German cuisine. The German menu features dishes such as schnitzel, sauerbraten, and potato pancakes.
The Boot Pizzeria
The Boot Pizzeria is a German-style pizzeria that offers a variety of pizzas, including German-inspired toppings such as bratwurst and sauerkraut. The restaurant also serves a selection of German beers and wines.
Brew Stooges
Brew Stooges is a brewery and taproom that serves a variety of German-style beers, as well as German-inspired food. The menu features dishes such as pretzels, sausages, and schnitzel.
Cafe 153
Cafe 153 is a cafe and bakery that serves a variety of German-inspired baked goods, including pretzels, strudels, and pastries. The cafe also serves a selection of German-style coffees and teas.
The Stem and Stein
The Stem and Stein is a German-inspired wine bar that serves a variety of German and Austrian wines, as well as German-inspired food. The menu features dishes such as schnitzel, bratwurst, and pretzels.
Germantown Cafe
Germantown Cafe is a German restaurant that serves traditional German dishes with a modern twist. The menu features items such as potato soup, schnitzel, and spätzle, as well as a variety of German beers and wines. The restaurant also offers a weekly Oktoberfest celebration with live music and German-themed food and drinks.
Olde Towne Coffee Shoppe
Olde Towne Coffee Shoppe is a charming coffee shop that serves a variety of German-inspired baked goods and coffee drinks. The menu features items such as apple strudel, black forest cake, and German-style coffee.
In conclusion,
Huntsville may not be a traditional destination for German cuisine, but these restaurants prove that the city has some hidden gems when it comes to authentic German food. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic schnitzel or a unique twist on a German dish, there’s a restaurant in Huntsville that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. So next time you’re in town, be sure to check out one of these great German restaurants.