Old German Schnitzel Haus

C L O S E D
PS: The Mrs. continues to make and sell German bread, cakes, and apple strudel — probably from home. The photos/​info for that can be found at Facebook/​Old German Schnitzel Haus. Orders can be placed by messaging her on Facebook or email at

It would appear that this restaurant is in its death throes. The place is for sale, they didn’t open on time, there is one waitress & no hostess. They are out of a number of items, food & bar. This has disaster written all over it. More later, if we survive. (Sent mobile)
Updated: We survived, and this is the experience:
Wow, even with our seat belts on, last night’s visit here was a bumpy, bumpy ride. Emotions went from irritation, to incredulity, to anger, to resignation, to a feeling of admiration for the single waitress who did everything she could to make this mess at least manageable.
One of the reasons we came to Hickory was to eat at this authentic German restaurant, which despite some hiccups along the way, had also received some pretty good reviews since its opening in 2006. This was a special occasion dinner for us, one we’d been looking forward to for several weeks, and we’d even made a reservation, though it quickly became obvious that one wasn’t needed, and had no relevance.
When we arrived at the restaurant, there was a note on the door that today the restaurant would open at 6PM — it was in fact 6PM then, the time of our reservation. Someone came to the door, and said they would open in 5 minutes, so we sat in the car, debating whether to simply leave. Made the wrong call, we stayed.
Finally allowed in the restaurant, and was greeted by a solitary waitress who had just arrived. We were seated, and told quickly things would be slow, and that they were out of a lot of items, bar and food, and that the draught beer system was broken. Finally selected some items to eat and drink from the few that were available — settled for sausages, since they had no Trout, and ordered Wiener Schnitzel, since it seem a safe choice. Had sides of Fried Potatoes German style, Spaetzle, Assorted Vegetables, and Kraut. And began the meal with a Potato Cake appetizer, with Smoke Salmon. Meanwhile, people kept coming in, being greeted and seated by the lone waitress after being advised it would be at least 20 before they would be helped, hardy souls these.
Since we were the first in & the first to order, our food came out slow, but not horribly so, others were to experience at different fate. The food was simply ordinary at best, ill prepared at worst, and there was more of that than not. The Potato Cakes were overcooked, with the edges burnt and crusty — toward the thicker middle, there was actually some good flavor. The Smoked Salmon was a packaged product, with little freshness. The app was served with a Horseradish Sauce which was out of place for this dish.
The Wiener Schnitzel was heavily breaded and also overcooked. The Fried Potatoes were more like Americanized home fries, chunky and lacking flavor. The Spaetzle was actually very, very nice. The sausages were not bad, and the veggies the same. My wife’s second, very small, glass of wine was a merlot, since the cab was now gone.
During all of this, the sole waitress flew around, getting drinks, at least, as quickly as she could, and maintaining a pleasant attitude in a train wreck of an atmosphere. A few more diners straggled in, some stayed, more left. Finally someone else came out from the kitchen area to help her as our meal, such as it was, was winding down. We really did admire what she was able to accomplish, and the manner in which she did it. She told us the restaurant was closing permanently at the end of the month, that there had just not been enough business lately.
Not the meal we’d planned on by any means, not a place we’d revisit even if the opportunity to do so was there, but was able to see someone work as hard as possible, and show some real grace under pressure. We showed our appreciation as best we could, both verbally and monetarily — all very well deserved.

My GF s Father step-​sister and step-​mother came to visit. She is from Germany and he served there. So we decided to go to try out this restraunt. The Food was great. And I’m not the only one who thought so. We went during lunch and the prices were great. The dinner prices are a little steeper but not really more then you would end up paying at a steak house. The Food was also plated with an eye for detail. The server spoke german and English, which my GF s stepmother seemed to love. Inside they have decorated to really get a German feel.

What a great restaurant. Authentic homemade German food. The potato pancakes, red cabbage and wiener schnitzel were outstanding and the apple streusel was the best I have had ! The service was terrific too. Take the time to get off the highway and eat here. You won’t regret it!!!

So good! Just passing through. The roast beef was tremendous. The Bavarian simpler was great! The Brie appetizer was very good. Had to get dessert to go because I was so full! Great German beer! Staff very friendly — but limited so be patient. It is worth the wait!!!

This place is wonderful. Awesome German food and love the beer. Very pleasant wait staff and the food is always prepared to perfection. This is a true 5 star German restaurant.

I have eaten here several times and each time it has been consistent. The food and service are both always good. They have a good beer and wine list with several sizes of beer glasses to choose from. I have ordered dessert twice and both times were delicious; the only reason why I haven’t ordered dessert every time is because their entrée portions are huge! The portion size and price go hand-​in-​hand, expect to pay no less that $ 35 for two people’s entrée before tax, tip, appetizer and drink order. Everything I have eaten here has been delicious, they have the best salads I’ve ever eaten. Highly recommended… be sure to call ahead for reservations.

Visited the restaurant recently on a business trip and was pleased with the experience overall.
Entering the restaurant on a Tuesday night, I was a bit skeptical because there was only two other tables being used. Yes a Tuesday night in Hickory, but I was a bit nervous. Fortunately, a colleague I was with had been there before and told me things would be OK — and they were.
The ambiance definitely leaves something to be desired, in my opinion. It looks quite old and dark inside, and the decorations are a bit kitschy.
The service was very good, but should be given the circumstances. I think our waiter was even a bit over-​the-​top in enthusiasm, but I would rather have that than the other option!
I had Rahmschnitzel, which was served with spaetzle, and something I had been craving for some time. It was very nice.
My colleagues also were pleased with their menu choices — Schnitzel Haus Jagerschnitzel and Zwiebelschnitzel (I think).
Pricing was a tad on the expensive side, but nothing too crazy.

Very authentic German menu, and always have leftovers to take home with us! The service is a little slow, especially if you come on a week night. Everyone is very friendly however, and they will acknowledge if things are running a little slow. Hickory is lucky to have a restaurant like this!

This place is delicious. If you love German food and beer, go! If you’re not sure you like German food and beer, go! We took my in-​laws who were slightly wary but they loved it. We got schnitzels, potato pancakes, spaetzle, homemade bread, red cabbage, black forest cake and a few beers — everything was good. I definitely prefer Waldhorn in Charlotte/​Pineville but they are in completely different areas so there isn’t a conflict. We’ll definitely go again when we’re in Hickory. A little pricey, but I would say it’s worth it — it’s a lot of food and we had leftovers for the next day.

What a shock to find a world class German restaurant in good olé Hick’ry! Décor isn’t what you’d call classy but I think they’re going for a real beer hall type experience, and if you’ve ever been to the Hofsbrau Haus you know that classy is not the word for it. Food was outstanding – our table had classic Wienerschnitzel, jaegershnitzel and an amazing venison sausage plate. All were delicious and generous. One niggling point is the side dishes – they’re assigned somewhat randomly depending on the dish and if you want to substitute it’s an extra fee. Not a lot, but kind of odd. Looking forward to going again next time I’m home!

Finally had a chance to visit this German restaurant a couple weeks ago. OK, this place is the real deal. Even the waitress was from Germany & spoke with a German accent. We started with the potato pancakes & apple sauce. Nice & crispy on the outside. Holy crap, phenomenal! We then moved on to the German house salad. I’ve never experienced a salad like this before. Looks like a normal salad when it arrives until you get into it. Underneath the lettuce was 4 distinct salads: potato salad, cucumber salad, green bean salad & pickled beets. Mind official blown! My wife (the birthday girl) ordered the pork tenderloin medallions w/​rich mushroom cream sauce, spatzle and fresh veggies. To die for! I I had to go for the Schnitzel Haus Sausage platter because I’m a man. 3 kinds of sausage, sauerkraut & home fried potatoes w/​a side spicy mustard. Fantastic. It went great w/​the German beer!!! We also got a side of red cabbage. I would call this red cabbage legendary! Perfectly cooked with a bit of sweetness. We finished it off with dessert. Now, at this point in the meal, we knew the dessert was going straight into a to go box for later. We were so stuffed, they literally had to roll us out the door. This place is quite the drive for us but so well worth it. Can’t wait to go back. Do yourself a favor and make reservations!

Tried to eat there last night, but after four different employees (wait staff, bus boy, bartender) walked by us as we stood alone waiting to be seated without even acknowledging our presence, we gave up. Oh well…

Very disappointed with the service. Showed up at 6:45, waited while others were seated, then was told at 7 they were not accepting walk-​in patrons anymore.

We ate tonight for my son’s 20^th Birthday. Food was great. Service was awesome.

The Old German Schnitzel Haus did not disappoint, since I’ve lived in Germany the last 4 years. The restaurant is hurt by their very limited hours to eat, and if you do not make a reservation in advance, it can be hard to get a table in a timely manner. The inside of the restaurant is decorated in touristy looking decorations of what you might see in a hunting lodge, and those things that are culturally German icons, but not necessarily German. It caters more to the idea of Germany, than actual Germany, but I understand why. It is a restaurant catering to Americans looking for German food!
The service is slow, but pleasant. I believe it is family owned and operated with few outside employees, making for a small wait staff taking care of a lot of tables at any one time. The food took a while to come out, and we waited nearly 10 minutes to just get our drink orders taken.
As I stated before, I felt the food tasted quite genuine for the most part. The potato cakes with applesauce is a German tradition at all festivals, so I absolutely recommend them as an appetizer. The black forest chicken was really good with large portions. It had all white meat and very tender, the gravy on top was excellent, and the spatzal noodles made the dish complete. The Jäger Schnitzel was cooked very well, with tasty vegetables, and a fine sauce. I definitely recommend that dish as well. The last one that was questionable was the bratwurst. Although it was prepared in a traditional German way, it was easy to tell the sausage was American, and not German sausage. This, in my mind, can hardly be helped except with much increased price of importing authentic sausage. However, the meal was still delicious, since my family member doesn’t know the difference in taste between the two meats.
And who could possibly write a review and neglect the beer menu! It was a site for sore eyes to see the drink menu, complete with a large list of German beers to choose from. They had a good list of Weizens and Dunkels that were just awesome, and a specialty beer, Octoberfest, available. They were all amazing and from bottles you find in Germany. You can’t go wrong with trying any beer you are not familiar with, just don’t go with a domestic!
Overall, I give it 4-​stars because of the service and limited hours it is open. However, the food was good and the beer great, so I would give it a try again for sure!

I stopped here on the way home after doing some hiking in the mountains.
The signage isn’t great on the restaurant so if you’re unfamiliar with the area it is easy to miss. I drove by twice before I found it.
Upon entering, I was seated in what I guess they consider the walk-​in area. There is a cozy dining area behind the hostess stand that appears to be where the people with reservations get to sit but those without reservations get to sit off to the left in these old-​style booths.
I ordered my drink and then the Black Forest chicken as a entrée with a side salad. The salad came out first and it was delicious — mixed greens with beets, potato salad and pickled green beans all with a light vinagrette dressing.
The entry seemed like it took forever to come out which I couldn’t understand since the restaurant was only ½ full at that and I got there before peak dinner hours. Once it did, it was delicious. The gravy on top of the chicken was very flavorful. The Spatzle was good, especially mixed with the gravy and the mixed veggies were tender.
I didn’t stick around for dessert but the waiter said everything was made in house.
The service was excellent. I had heard this was voted the best German restaurant in the country. Personally, I’m still a bigger fan of Waldhorn in Charlotte (Pineville) but maybe I just need another visit here to change my mind.

An Easy Five Unilocal stars! Last night after a long day of Hiking, Shopping and Eating & Repeating around the Blue ridge Parkway we are on our way home and this is my choice for dinner (I guess it is my choice most of the time since I’m so narrow and only hang out with people who like what I like or are Adventurous if you can consider food or a walk in the woods adventurous). The service here is fantastic! Last night was my second dine here and my friends first German Food restaurant (I think), he ist ½ German (I think).
Bread and Butter. Great Bread, real Butter with Fresh garlic and herbs. A Super Tasty 5 stars.
This is the most Gourmet German food I have ever tasted! Here is my Unilocal star rating for each dish: Potato Pancakes (usually called Potato cakes) 4.5 stars.
Fresh (not canned) Sour Kraut, made with Cabbage, some kind of bacon-​like meat and sauteed Onions on top, 5 Unilocal stars.
Frog Legs deep fried in a thin, light (almost tempura thin, light) batter. My friend said «where is the dipping sauce» (I guess I gave him a «this is not Chick-​Fil-​A» look because he barely finished his thought and began consuming these as if we had not had a huge meal just three and a half hours earlier)! Even without dipping sauce 4.25 stars (some dipping sauce would have been nice).
Sausage Sample Platter, which we split and they served it on two plates, each full of food for an extra fee of 4.95 which was fine because we split the sausage and had full sides each! All sausages were great and two of them were 5 star Gourmet Fantastic!!!
The Fried Potatoes (another side) were good 3.75 stars.
The Dessert’s looked Beautiful though we ordered none this time!

32 011.0107Sa. Good. Great. Best German food I have ever eaten. Even BETTER THAN ANY GERMAN FOOD I HAVE EATEN IN A NUMBER OF TRIPS TO GERMANY.
We went there for lunch about 12:30 p.m. I had two bratwursts, sauerkraut and spaetzel. The spaetzel was good. The bratwurst and sauerkraut were stunningly delicious. Bratwourst was blackened and covered with a glaze of sauteed onion and other spices. The sauerkraut had tiny pieces of sausage or pork in it and had a very bright flavor to it — reminded me a little of Choucroute Garnie found in Alsace.
My wife had schnitzel and red cabbage and spaetzel. The cabbage was so good I only got one bite — like eating crunchy soup. (I didn’t get any schnitzel, she just smiled.)
Old German Schnitzel Haus

This was my first visit to the new location. The space and location are both huge upgrades in my opinion. There is much more room which could be a good thing if they were prepared for the larger crowds that this and the location bring.
The food was great as usual, I enjoyed the Rheinischer Sauerbraten (marinated beef roast with a hearty sweet & sour sauce, served with the traditional potato dumpling and red cabbage) while my companions both ordered Rahmschnitzel (pan-​fried center cut of prime veal with sauteed mushrooms and rich, creamy gravy (rahmsauce), served with homemade spaetzle and seasonal vegetables).
Unfortunately, the service our waitress provided was lacking (I’m being nice). They ran out of two of the three draft beers. We waited 30 minutes after the time our reservation was made for…
This was a Saturday night around 7:00PM, it was very busy (our waitress was telling the hostess to turn people away). We noticed that around 8:00PM it was pretty empty and manageable.
Don’t let my opinion of the service turn you away, this place is worth a visit, the food is great, they have a good selection of German beers and Hickory really, really needs ethnic food options… show your support!
My rating could be 4+ on another night with a different server…