The Best German Food In Cincinnati: A Guide To The City’s Top Eateries

Are you craving some authentic German cuisine in Cincinnati? Whether you’re a local or just visiting, the city has plenty of options to satisfy your appetite. From traditional sausages and schnitzels to hearty stews and sweet treats, Cincinnati boasts some of the best German food in the Midwest. We’ve compiled a list of the city’s top eateries, so you can indulge in all the delicious flavors of Germany without having to travel overseas.

The History of German Cuisine in Cincinnati

Cincinnati has a rich German heritage dating back to the mid-19th century, when thousands of German immigrants settled in the city. These immigrants brought with them their unique culture, traditions, and of course, their cuisine. Over the years, Cincinnati has become well-known for its German-style beers, sausages, and stews, and the city’s German heritage is still celebrated today at annual festivals like Oktoberfest Zinzinnati.

The Best German Restaurants in Cincinnati

There are plenty of restaurants in Cincinnati that serve up delicious German fare, but these are a few of our favorites:

Bavarian Bierhaus 🍺

If you’re looking for a truly authentic German experience, look no further than the Bavarian Bierhaus. This restaurant and brewery in the heart of Cincinnati’s historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood serves up classic German dishes like sausages, schnitzels, and pretzels, along with a variety of German-style beers.

Weisswurst Hot Dog Stand 🌭

This popular hot dog stand serves up delicious German-style hot dogs, or weisswurst, along with traditional German sides like sauerkraut and potato salad. Located in Findlay Market, Weisswurst is the perfect spot for a quick and tasty lunch.

Mecklenburg Gardens 🍖

Mecklenburg Gardens is one of Cincinnati’s oldest restaurants, and it’s been serving up traditional German cuisine since 1865. The menu features classic dishes like schnitzel, sausages, and spaetzle, along with a variety of German beers and wines.

Kreimer’s Bier Haus 🍺

Located in West Price Hill, Kreimer’s Bier Haus is a family-owned restaurant that serves up authentic German cuisine in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. The menu includes favorites like schnitzel, sauerbraten, and potato pancakes, along with a variety of German beers on tap.

Merkle’s Bar & Grill 🍔

While Merkle’s is primarily known for its delicious burgers, the restaurant also serves up some tasty German-style dishes, including sausages, schnitzel, and spaetzle. Located in Newport, KY, just across the river from Cincinnati, Merkle’s is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the most popular German dish in Cincinnati?

The most popular German dish in Cincinnati is probably the goetta, a sausage made from ground meat and oats that’s a staple of local cuisine.

2. Where can I find the best sausages in Cincinnati?

There are plenty of spots in Cincinnati that serve up delicious sausages, but some of our favorites include the Bavarian Bierhaus, Mecklenburg Gardens, and Kreimer’s Bier Haus.

3. What is the best time of year to visit Cincinnati for German food?

The best time of year to visit Cincinnati for German food is during Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, the city’s annual celebration of German culture and heritage.

4. What is the traditional German dessert in Cincinnati?

The traditional German dessert in Cincinnati is the Black Forest cake, a rich chocolate cake layered with cherries and whipped cream.

5. What is the best German beer to try in Cincinnati?

There are plenty of German-style beers to try in Cincinnati, but some of our favorites include the Paulaner Hefe-Weizen, the Warsteiner Dunkel, and the Hofbräu Original.

6. Are there any vegetarian or vegan options at German restaurants in Cincinnati?

While German cuisine is known for its meat-heavy dishes, many restaurants in Cincinnati offer vegetarian and vegan options, like roasted vegetable schnitzel or vegan sausages.

7. Where can I find the best pretzels in Cincinnati?

For a classic German-style pretzel, head to the Bavarian Bierhaus or Mecklenburg Gardens. If you’re looking for something a little different, try the pretzel bites at Keystone Bar & Grill or the stuffed pretzels at Servatii Pastry Shop & Deli.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a fan of classic German dishes or you’re just looking to try something new, Cincinnati has plenty of options to satisfy your cravings. From the historic Mecklenburg Gardens to the trendy Bavarian Bierhaus, these restaurants offer some of the best German food in the city. So why not indulge in some delicious sausages, schnitzels, and pretzels? You won’t be disappointed.

And if you’re not in the mood for German food, don’t worry—Cincinnati has plenty of other great restaurants to choose from. From Mexican to Italian to BBQ, the city’s culinary scene is as diverse as it is delicious. So come hungry and explore all that Cincinnati has to offer!

Disclaimer

The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication. However, restaurants may change their menus or close down without notice. We recommend contacting these establishments directly to confirm their hours of operation and menu offerings.