Returned for 2nd visit already! Updated with photos and got to see our wonderful, fave server Liz!
Stopped here after a long day of shopping and running errands. I was exhausted and starving, so I opened up Yelp to find something close by and Berlins Doener was literally walking distance from me. I looked at their Yelp
Listing and visited their web site and thought it was a great choice. I apologize for my lack of photos! My exhaustion combined with hunger took over and I neglected to take any. I will certainly update on my next visit!
Driving up 5 minutes after finding it on Yelp, my first response was a bit hesitant because it's a non descriptive building in a strip mall. I felt a little worried about the authenticity of the German food I was hoping to eat. Well, thankfully, I was wrong! Don't let the storefront fool you, once you walk in there's a selection of German music playing and a nice, casual feel to the place.
We were seated immediately and served our drinks quickly. The staff were great and answered all of questions about the menu since this was our first visit. Our server, Liz, was incredibly friendly as were all of the staff we encountered.
As you know if you have read some of my reviews, I'm always trying to keep a Keto friendly diet, so both my boyfriend and I went with Doener salads (only $8 each). They were huge and plenty to eat. My boyfriend added feta cheese ($1) and extra meat ($1!) The $1 up charge for each is worth it if you are hungry because his salad was packed with Doener and a nice helping of Feta. I was not at all disappointed with my salad and I didn't add the extras. I had plenty. We loved the salads and had some left to take with us.
I also ordered a bowl of Goulash Suppe ($6). I absolutely love Goulash and I wasn't disappointed. While it isn't completely Keto friendly having potatoes, it was delicious! I ate a few potatoes but had plenty even leaving most potatoes in the bowl. If you aren't avoiding carbs, please eat them! The only advice I might have is to add an option for the heat level. While this was delicious and I could definitely taste the heat from the paprika, I would have preferred it just a bit spicier. I certainly understand the owners choice not going too spicy since some folks like no heat or simply can't eat spicy foods. My boyfriend doesn't like anything too spicy and was very pleased with just a little heat. I will definitely order it again!
We also decided to share a sausage. I think it might be a requirement at a German restaurant, right?! We actually decided to add it after starting our meal because there is a large crock of the restaurant's homemade mustard sitting on each table. That mustard kept calling to me! I could hear it gently singing my name through the crock, tempting me to eat it! Along with a sausage! I know what some of you are thinking and you should just stop...
We couldn't decide which sausage to add. The server explained that the difference between Bratwurst and Knackwurst is that the latter is smoked, and the third choice Käse Krainer has jalapeño and cheese added to the sausage. I was feeling the Krainer but since my boyfriend is always skeptical of food being too spicy, we went with the Knackwurst since we both love smoked foods. It came out a few minutes later on a bed of sauerkraut. Yummy!!! It was delicious with the homemade mustard! We decided on our next visit to get more of the sausage and I'm looking forward to trying the Käse Krainer! You can add a sausage to any meal for just $3.50.
They also offer several other traditional German dishes and promote themselves as being German street food. While we didn't partake that night, they have an entire menu of German beer selections and wine as well.
The food prices are incredibly reasonable! Our entire meal including an iced tea each was around $30 before a tip. The service was fast, the food was yummy, the restaurant was immaculate (including the ladies restroom), and the staff was very friendly! Everyone including the cooks said warm goodbyes as we were leaving. I told our server how much we enjoyed our meal and she said she would tell the owners. I got the impression that this is a small, local restaurant with very involved owners. I always enjoy supporting local businesses. We will definitely be back when we are in the St. Pete area! read more