Family Restaurant Review: The German Cafe

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Brandy Metzger

German Cafe

cafe

After wandering around and enjoying the local shops at the Cotton Exchange, my family and I decided to have dinner at The German Cafe. The restaurant is on the lower level of the Cotton Exchange. We went into the restaurant at about 6pm on a Saturday evening and were able to get a table though the restaurant was crowded.

Atmosphere

Upon entering the restaurant, I felt transported to a European cafe. The restaurant appears small and quaint although there are 3 distinct dining areas. Each is decorated with German artifacts such as cuckoo clocks, steins and artwork depicting German scenes. The soft lighting and dark colored walls of brick and wood add to the warm, cozy atmosphere.

Affordability

The German Cafe offers mid-priced meals for dinner ranging from $13.95-$19.95 while also offering sandwiches and salads for around $9. Children's offerings are very reasonably priced between $3.95 and $4.95. The lunch menu offers sandwiches, salads and a few German specialties for a bit cheaper price than dinner. The portions are large and the food is quite filling so diners do get what they pay for.

Food Quality

The meal started off with freshly baked rolls and breads which my whole family enjoyed. My husband and I both ordered an entree which came with a garden salad. The salad was crisp, fresh and had the most delicious, homemade blue cheese salad dressing with it.

The main course arrived very soon after we had finished eating our salads. My daughter ordered a German hot dog which came with apple sauce while my husband and I ordered the Wurst platter. This included a bratwurst, knockwurst and kielbasa sausage, sauerkraut, German potato salad and green beans. Having been to Germany, our expectations were high for delicious food. We were not disappointed. The sausages and kraut were good but the German potato salad was some of the best I have ever tasted. I could eat a whole bowl of this yummy, warm comfort food.

At the conclusion of the main course, we decided that we had to have some dessert. The European tortes and pastries were on display in the dining room we were seated in so we had the entire meal to drool over them. The waitress explained what each dessert was and that each were made fresh daily. We each chose a different dessert so that we could sample each other's. The desserts were amazing. I would highly recommend saving room for dessert when eating at this establishment!

Entertainment

There is not much in terms of entertainment in the German Cafe which makes it a great place for families to sit down and enjoy conversation. There is German music playing in the background and a variety of things to look at on the walls but no televisions or coloring pages for children. I like the idea of eating at a restaurant with no distractions, but some may feel the need to keep their children entertained during mealtime. If so, the German Cafe may not be the place for you.

Family Conveniences

There are high chairs and booster seats for the smallest diners.  Seating options are available for large families by pushing tables together. The only family convenience not present was a changing table in the restroom.

Overall Impression

I enjoyed sharing a piece of German culture with my daughter by bringing her to eat at the German Cafe. The ambiance is quaint and the food is delicious. Our family will return to this gem of a restaurant.