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    Dale's Essenhaus

    4.4 (154 reviews)
    Closed • 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

    Dale's Essenhaus Photos

    DALE'S ESSENHAUS ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Live music
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Dale's Essenhaus

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    Sonia S.

    We walked in late afternoon. Several young ladies behind the counter. We were not greeted. Took a few minutes for someone to come over with menus. Decent selection of food. Some of the menu can be a little confusing. There are some items that come with two sides that do not mention that. And with the burgers you have to pay for sides separately. We opted for a chips and salsa, meatloaf (with greens and mashed potatoes as sides), a burger (fries cost extra), and chicken strips with broccoli and another side that I forgot. Chips and salsa were bad, but salsa needed a little salt. Greens were not fresh, potatoes were bland--gravy not good. Meatloaf wasnt bad. Burger was just okay. Chicken strips were just okay as well. Looks like they have a beer garden outside and being that it is a German/Texan fusion type spot maybe they do some time of events/entertainment...not sure. Would be interesting though. The food was mediocre and bland and the service not that great. They charge a fee to use card--but also do not give the coin portion of your change--which I kinda feel is another fee just to pay cash. Last I checked they still make nickels, dimes, and quarters. This spot is a little out of the way so I don't think that we would return.

    Specials
    Vicki B.

    First time customers. When we walked in we knew we had a winner. True country playing in the background. ( George Strait ) Two converted pool tables into dining tables. Miller Lite on tap. Our server, Hannah, was excellent. Very attentive and got our order correct. We both ordered the fried catfish dinner plate. Fries and onion rings as the sides. (And a couple of jalapeño hush puppies.). The catfish was breaded in cornmeal. Beer battered onion rings. All the food was hot and fresh. We thoroughly enjoyed and WILL be back. There's like 5 other dishes I plan to try. We ate until we were so full and still had a TON of leftovers. The portions are HUGE!

    Fried catfish

    So VERY GOOD!!! Lots of food--excellent friend and blackened seafood! We'll be back next time we're in town!

    Amber P.

    Off the beaten path and full of locals, it was obvious that we were ur driving through lol. Food was good, but expensive. An extra $1.50 to add bacon to our cheese fries and an extra $2.00 to add jalapeños. The sides were also extra $4 to add to burger. There were several signs that stated the restaurant was charging 3% for a credit card surcharge. I get it, we're in the middle of a recession and things are more expensive, this just seemed excessive. And I don't mind paying for good food. My favorite.. was the homemade ranch. The bacon in my BLT was a little too crispy. The mashed potatoes were delish. It's a middle-America kind of restaurant.

    Rex C.

    I need to grab some food for some clients in Georgetown, Texas and I checked on yelp and I found this place. I sure am glad I found this place. When I walk in it's like walking into a time capsule. You'll see a bunch of local folks just sitting down and enjoying a nice meal. This is America. This is the USA. I love it. I had the pleasure to meet the man, the myth, the legend of Mr. Dale himself. What a kind nice man we talked for about five minutes and he was just simply a delight to talk with. He's someone who I could sit there and talk to for three or four hours. He reminded me a lot of my uncle Tony just a real good storyteller . What a great man. We talked about how it was from Houston and when he was a youngster, he took a job in Houston, but his truck broke down in Elgin Texas. He didn't make it. He has been in business for 27 years. If you understand the restaurant business, you understand that's quite the accomplishment. He must be doing something right because 27 years is a long time to stay in the restaurant business. Congratulations to Dale and his staff. His staff was just top-notch. I've never seen someone go out of the way like they have. They poured every single drink and a glass of ice and bag it up for me. I've gone to many restaurants all over the United States, all over Texas. I've never seen anyone do that. Talk about just going the extra mile I really appreciated that. Food: here's the best part. The food that's one of the best bacon cheeseburgers I've had in a long time. He told me they ground the beef there every day. Talk about fresh wow I was thoroughly impressed with their burger. I will definitely come back over and over again. Their fried pickles were simply amazing. Everything they serve today was top-notch. I cannot wait to go back and try more things off their menu. I really I'm glad I stopped in. Also, I like the decor. Like I said earlier, it's like stepping into a time capsule. Top-notch customer service. Dale was just the best ever. His staff was the best ever. It felt like walking into a family home or something. I cannot wait to go back ASAP. If you have not been here do yourself a favor stop in and give them a try. You will be glad you did.

    Michael C.

    Dales Essenhaus in Walburg is a local favorites in this area. This restaurant offer much to support the German history of central Texas. This location has indoor and outdoor seating, live music and of course dancing. They offer table service and a drive thru. Daily specials throughout the week are always appealing. The service is top notch, and excellent for large groups. We love to stop by whenever we nearby, yet I do enjoy the trip over. The scenery is beautiful with a small town feel. All I can say is check them out. Michael C. Georgetown, Tx.

    stuffed pork schnitzel , green beans and butter beans ! Awesome
    Lis S.

    this place is always awesome. They have daily specials, but also consistently have dishes that taste like homemade food.

    Megan M.

    I wanted to try a restaurant with real Texas and was delighted to find Dale's Essenhaus in Walburg, TX -- just a short drive from Georgetown. This cute restaurant and Biergarten was an absolute treat. Service was great and the menu was a thoughtful mix of German and Texas fare. I opted for a combination -- grilled cabbage, fried okra and 3-meats. Portions are more than generous and the grilled cabbage was some of the best ever! Loved everything and even had the pleasure of meeting Dale on my way out. He was a delight, this Kentucky gal was charmed by him. Definitely stop in if you're hungry and wanting an authentic Texas experience. You won't regret this little detour.

    Shiner Bock, COLD glass
    Joel T.

    Dale's Essenhaus is the perfect blend of Central Texas diner and German influenced food history. Essenhaus, if I'm correct, roughly translated means Food House or Cooking House. It looks and feels like the places we used to find around Central Texas -- even Austin back in the day. There is also a stage, biergarten and rentable dance hall. Technically, the compound is in Walburg very close to Georgetown. Their beer selection is great, by the way, and worth spending time sampling the varieties. Their hamburgers are really, really good (The Walburger and variations). They have usual Texas fair done well: Nachos, Fried Chicken, Chicken Fried Steak, lots of fried fish. But they also have sausages, Schnitzel, German Apple Cake. And the Biergarten has its own menu of BBQ, burgers etc. There are daily specials (The Wednesday chicken and dumplings gets high praise). And what's on no menu but you get a huge dose of Texas-friendly service. It's a great stop because you never know who might be playing on stage. TIP: It may look crowded from the parking lot but the restaurant is large and you'll be served quickly. Just order that beer as you're seated :) PROST!!

    Classic Wahlburger with bacon and cheese onion rings for a side

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    9 months ago

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    4 months ago

    Great hometown restaurant. Casual and comfortable. Good home cooked food and drink. Good, friendly, and attentive staff.

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    2 years ago

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    10 months ago

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    2 years ago

    Great food; great ol country cafe. Outside reminds me of the ol Hills Cafe. The occasional live music makes a great atmosphere.

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Great food. They are our go to for Chicken and Dumplings every Wednesday. Friendly service and the sides are to die for.

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    1 year ago

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    6 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Good food is all I remember. Pleasant experience. Not much ambiance but ok with friends.

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    2 years ago

    Great lunch! Neat little spot off the beaten path with quick and delicious food. Will come back

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    1 year ago

    First time probably last Everything on menu kinda high Settled for hamburger in was $13 total with tax It was a real good $8 burger

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    3 years ago

    The burgers here are messy and a tad expensive but they are probably some of the best around here. I totally recommend eating here.

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    6 years ago

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    Page 1 of 4

    Ask the Community - Dale's Essenhaus

    Review Highlights - Dale's Essenhaus

    “Walburger with cheese, beer-battered onion rings, and a bottomless glass of iced tea.”

    Mentioned in 6 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    Dale's Essenhaus - burgers - Updated September 2026

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