J Betski's was my favorite restaurant in Raleigh, hands down. No one was doing German food and beer with this level of quality, authenticity and value in the area. Their location was tucked away in Seaboard station and had great character, so when they closed down to move, I was disappointed, but hopeful that when they reopened, it would maintain that level of excellence and charm. I put J Betski's on a pedestal so I'm sad to report that the bulk of the traits that made it stand out, are gone. Pros and Cons are below, but the biggest blow/surprise to the experience was the 18% "Admin Fee" that was tacked on to our bill, without any notice. There are no waiters, only servers. All orders are done through your phone, which at first, was quite nice; order something on your phone and it appears in minutes, no waiting for a waiter to come by, take the order, and enter it in a POS. What a novel idea! What is not a good idea is passing the cost of this capability on to the customer - that's just tacky. Maybe the 18% includes a built-in gratuity, I didn't ask but should have. Bottom line is let your customers know this is coming. Pros: - The perogies are on point! Try both and you won't be disappointed. - Unique selection of German beers on tap - Speedy service - Lots of space, including covered outdoor seating Cons: - Portion sizes are small/been reduced, but the prices have gone up - The new strip-mall location lacks character of the old one - 18% "Admin Fee" added to your bill, without notice is a joke. read more

I need to issue a warning: Do NOT go to this restaurant if you do not want excellent food surprisingly good service and a neat ambiance. I cannot stress about how good the food was, I never had Polish-German food and was nervous about but I'm glad I tried it. I hope this place can maintain and improve its standards because they are doing something right!!! read more

We went to the new J. Betski's and though it is different, we still loved it. Do I miss the old Seaboard location? Yes but that move was not in the control of the restaurant. They have done a great job in re-pricing the menu to fit a more causal theme so we still feel we get great value for excellent food. There are quite a few reviews out there about the service charge but it is a fair charge to ensure employees are paid a living wage. The owner is a fantastic person who ensures his restaurant and employees have a future. I would ask people to be kind in how they review a business that is really doing all the right things. We love the new J. Betski's and will keep coming back. read more

My husband and I were really impressed with this place! When you're seated you are given the run down by a waiter and it's the kind of restaurant where you scan a QR code and order on your phone as much as you want/as needed. We liked this because it meant we could go at our own pace and the food comes out really quick! The beer was great, the appetizers were good, and I have to note that the mustard that came with the pretzel was amazing! I never thought I'd enjoy a mustard quite that much. We also got the cheese spaetzle, sausage plate, and schnitzel. I would order everything we got again. read more

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I've been going to JBetskys for years. I was expecting an authentic German experience just like I had at Seaboard Station. This is my first visit to the new location, and we brought friends. The food was cold and did not taste good at all. The service terrible and waiter seemed to not care. The whole experience was UNBELIEVABLY horrible. If you want to be a local bar, be that and drop all references to a German dinning experience. We will not be back. read more

Polish and german food but better. The fries and hashed together before deepfrying, creating a unique experience for your mouth. Having just moved back from working and living in Germany and Poland the last two years, this place hit the spot! The Spaetzel could have more fried onions but otherwise everything was delicious! Try everything! read more

So happy to see this place open again. I was a semi-regular customer at their previous Seaboard Station location, which was one of my favorites in Raleigh. I hadn't read about the new place, so the changes were a bit of a shock, but overall I really like the new concept. The food is the same excellently turned out German/Eastern European fare. The beer list is expanded and I look forward to trying my way around the wine list. As other reviewers have mentioned, the ordering process is different - relying on a phone and app. It is more casual and less personal than before. We ended up approaching it like tapas - ordering a couple of plates at a time, which worked with the size of the plates. We enjoyed being able to pace our own ordering (the service is incredibly fast) and once we adjusted that the new concept is a pretty significant departure from the restaurant we remembered and loved, we leaned into the new place. We loved it and are planning to return this week. A word about the service charge and pricing: yep, there is an 18% service charge on the bill. Yep, there is also the space to add a tip if you are inclined. The restaurant spelled this policy out pretty clearly on their website. Count me among the folks who didn't read the website before visiting. 18% is a bit less than I would have tipped, and frankly, I really prefer that the restaurant handle gratuity this way. It's simple and hopefully is set up so everybody earns a living wage (we did find the waitstaff to be very pleasant and efficient, though there is less time spent with them than at the previous incarnation). Overall, dinner and drinks weren't cheap but they were just as great as I remembered them to be. If you were a fan of J Betskis before, expect a lot of the same DNA in the food and drink, but a wholly different environment. Bright, open, modern, etc. If you've never been, I'd enthusiastically recommend giving it a try. If you want to go gently and just dip your toe in the water, pick a nice spring afternoon, sit on the patio and order a beer and some of the pierogies - which are flipping amazing. read more

My husband and I really enjoyed our dinner here tonight. The drinks were excellent and the food was top notch. I'm so glad to have found a German restaurant in Raleigh. We'll definitely be back! read more

Soooooo good! Schnitzel and chocolate torte to die for! Faster than fast food and absolutely amazing service. read more

J Betski's - Chocolate torte - German Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Great food and happy to have the restaurant back in action. The 18% is added but if you don't understand the price point for this level of food is exceptional then stay home or head to Snoopy's for their high cuisine nitrate infused death dogs. read more

This place was amazing! I got a pierogi burger and it was as good as it sounds. We will definitely be back!

As a long time fan of Betski's I want to express some disappointment in the new changes. This was my first time back after the "rebranding" and move and I have to say I don't like the changes at all. Betski's now feels like every other "modern" resturaunt, it's lost much of the charm I loved it for. It once was a dark cramp "hole-in-the-wall" feeling pub that felt right out of Berlin! It was moody and oozing with personality. It's now white-washed, "clean" looking and entirely open concept, it feels devoid of the old Betski charm it once had. It isn't the special night-out resturaunt anymore, now it's more like a neighborhood bar. The service has also gotten an overhaul. You know order off your phone and have virtually not interaction with a waiter. It feels very cold and inhospitable because of this change. Not to mention the mandatory 18% service fee. Finally the food, I am happy to report that the quality of food is much the same. My issue is that overall it's become more expensive and my favorite dish, the schnitzel, was shrunk! No longer do I get to look forward to a Schnitzel the size of my plate! Now it's 1/2 the size (with twice the sides) but frankly doesn't feel worth the money. Because of a these changes, I don't think I will be returning to Betski's. RIP good old Betski's. read more

Great food, speedy service, really enjoyed my dinner. Wide variety of tasty things from stuffed oysters, to pierogi and spaetzle. I will definitely return for more delicious food. read more

The fact that every review mentions the over the top 18% service charge and the management has yet to change the policy makes me question whether to go there again. The food was very good, but never like when a business is not clear on prices. Raise your price if you have to as in the long run people will accept that over trying to sneak a fee past them. Many times I bet people don't notice when they pay the bill, but when they do this won't go over well. I hope to hear this policy changes as I live in the neighborhood as would go back for the food. read more

Food was amazing. We had the brisket burger, mushroom and 3 cheese perogies, braised sauerkraut, sausage plate with braised cabbage. Everything was awesome. Service was good and the food arrived lightning fast. Suggestions: do not use paper bowl for for the Sauer kraut, upgrade to a real bowl. Upgrade from can coke. Play some German and polish music from time to time, even if contemporary. Overall, great 1st experience! read more

I was excited to see a new restaurant open next to one of my favorite neighborhood places - Taste. Excellent burger and drink (Old Fashioned). I knew when ordering that an 18% service charge was automatically added. Seemed a bit high for almost no service (you order and pay on an app). Not a big deal, as I want employees to be well-compensated. However, upon closing out the bill (on the app), an additional "tip" (15 or 18%, I'm not sure) was pre-selected, with the phrase "100% of tips go to the kitchen staff". I assumed the original service charge was going to employees, not management/owners. One of the owners/managers did come over while we were eating to thank us for coming and see if we liked the food, and say they were working all the kinks out of this new location. I hope they re-consider this policy. read more

Really love this place. The food is really good and the staff is friendly. We met the owner on our last visit and he was so nice. They do an ordering system where you scan a QR code on your table and then order online from your phone, which makes the experience very relaxing because you can order what you want, when you want it. Some recommended menu items: so much is good here; these are just my favorites. The pierogi burger is the best burger I have ever had; I wish they had a slider version so we could share it with friends. I also love the mushroom three cheese pierogi's, the cheese spatzil, and the Buttered Old fashioned. They also have a great beer selection with some german beer's my husband loves. read more

Went on a busy Friday and will go again! Spaetzle, perogies, brisket and the daily house Po Boy (pork belly and shrimp) were all fantastic! Drinks are a fun variety try the Royal lemonade and the margarita offerings are tasty!! read more

Food is excellent, it's a little on the expensive side but worth it. Others mentioned a service charge but I did not revive one. There was a tip section when I paid but it was clearly marked and editable. The restaurant is small but not crowded with limited seating. We shared a sausage plate and ordered 3 sides and split it. We also had a pretzel. We will be back. read more

New location just opened this week. I had not been to the previous location. The decor was welcoming and the staff was accommodating. Everything was Al a cart so it got expensive. The pirogies were ok. The Kielbasa was flavorless. In fact I asked if it was kielbasa. It looked and tasted like a brat. The sauerkraut was absolutely delicious, the best I've ever had. Note: I'm Ukrainian and from the north east. I was expecting much better. read more

This restaurant will not disappoint! I have known The owners for a very long time! They are the best people you will ever meet. Hard-working honest and authentic. The whole NEW concept of J.betskis is a twist of the old with the new mixed in!!! Brilliant! Delicious quality food at a price you can afford, the pierogies the sausages and all of the menu items in my opinion are top notch. I love the open, inviting, laid-back atmosphere. I love the neighborhood and new location as well. The bar area is bigger and better with excellent service and smiles. This is a place you could go every night for cocktails, just winding down, or when you just need to get away from the kitchen! The grab and go area will be so helpful on nights I don't feel like cooking!! Lol! I have never had food this delicious and clean at any restaurant I have ever been to! Go try it tonight!!! You will not be disappointed. read more

This place is delicious. Hands down great. I've had several dishes and none disappointed. The complaints on the 18% auto gratuity are ridiculous. This is a nice place with good service. If you aren't tipping 18% AT LEAST, go to McDonald's or Chic-fil-A or cook at home. Less than that is an unacceptable tip. read more

Food was something different and delicious! Our group had beer pretzels, oysters, schnitzel, scallops, beet salad, spinach salad. Everything was outstanding. Every table was filled on a Thursday night so the word is out. Give it a try! read more

One of the best burgers I have had in years. The staff - David and John are so friendly. My fiancé and I have come back multiple Friday nights in a row (and even brought our dog). Highly suggest as it has become a weekly staple for us! read more

So happy they are back. Yes it's changed and some people are not happy but this is the way restaurant's are going. The food is GREAT and that's what I think is important. Go with good friends and enjoy a excellent meal. I'll be back often. read more

Loud and impersonal. The food was really good. I enjoyed the German dishes. However the restaurant was really loud and I couldn't hear what the rest of my table was saying. When we sat down I waited for the wait staff to take my order only to find that no one was. There was a sign with a QR code. You had to open the app and order it yourself. There was no one to greet you or describe the menu, ask about substitutions or anything. Then someone brought out the food not knowing who to give it to. You had to pay online. Then they suggested a tip. For what????? Again the food was good but when I go out to dinner and pay their prices I want to be waited on. I also want to visit with my friends. read more

Great food and service! It is great to get authentic polish and German food at J. Betski's.

This is very expensive fast food. Your order is processed by using your phone to order. The software is clunky and not really easy to use. Instead of talking to a waitperson, you are on your phone with a limited description Of the food. After working all week in Tech, I don't want to use a website that asks for your card credit card number, phone number and email address. I'm buying a meal not a piece of apparel. I will not go back. read more

Delicious small plates! The burger is one of the best I have ever had! Fast and friendly service. Can't wait for this to be our go-to neighborhood spot. read more

I have to agree with the bulk of the reviews so far: Pros: -Food was delicious -It's nice to be able to order a unique beer -Entire staff was friendly Cons: -Ordering on Toast/phone is ridiculous... when I go out to eat I want to have human interactions with the restaurant and others at the table. I don't like staring at my phone trying to figure out what to order. Even if you have to order on the phone at least give a physical menu option so we don't all stare at our phones for the first 5 minutes. -Portions were materially smaller vs. prior J Betski's. It's still enough food but disappointing when comparing to what we remember. -Service charge of 18% is completely ridiculous. No one wants that surprise or cost structure... if the restaurant needs more revenue to make the business model work or pay staff more, charge more for the food! Don't tack on a service charge. I would have no issue paying more for the quality of food they offer. -Service charge PLUS being prompted for a tip is absurd. It's a self-service restaurant so to think that you'll have 18% service charge plus tip for the restaurant to literally deliver the food and drinks is excessive. Again, charge more if needed, but don't nickel and dime customers like this. The total cost of our meal was fine... how we got there is not. I loved this restaurant at Seaboard Station when it was sit-down dining with a menu. It was always busy, the food was fantastic as was the atmosphere. I sincerely hope the restaurant takes some of this feedback to make improvements. Overall 2-3 stars. I'm rounding up to 3 for potential... read more

Last night (Sat, Jan 14 2023) was the first time that we've been to this new location. I've spoiled the surprise by rating the restaurant with 5 stars, but now I'll justify my opinion. 1) The service. Our primary server, David, right away explained the on-line ordering system. He let us know that the orders would come very quickly and to consider that in regard to a preference of having a lot at once or spaced out. We chose to space ours out and he was absolutely spot on with his description. The other servers kept an eye on our table as well and all the staff were personable and friendly. 2) The food, and drinks. Great selection of German beers; draft, bottles and cans; plus some interesting cocktails. A couple (or 3) Buttered Bourbon Old Fashions were ordered by the Old Fashion lovers in our group and deemed to be excellent. We shared some small plates; potato and cheese and mushroom and cheese pierogies (exquisite!), baked oysters and cheese spaetzle... move over Mac and cheese, there's a new boss in town! The beet salad, the duck breast, schnitzel, and for me the pierogie burger for our main courses. All were very happy with the entrees and I have to say that the burger is as good as any in Raleigh. By desert time our group was slowing down, however we did manage the chocolate torte with bacon and caramel, my wife is still smiling. 3) The ambience is more casual than the previous location and that's quite OK. It fits the TAPAS type style and generally happy feel for the location. All in all, an excellent and wonderful experience, can't wait to return. read more

Food was delicious but I didn't know about the service charge and tipped 20% on top of that. That is very sneaky.

I have a feeling they couldn't hire enough wait staff so they went with the Toast-tab route. I like paying with the app but not ordering. You miss out on talking with the wait staff to see what items they recommend. We also received our cocktails mid-way through our dinner. The stuffed/baked oysters arrived cold. No one checked in to see how it was going. The app automatically charges 18% for practically no service. At lease the chocolate dessert was good. read more

The staff was friendly. The food was excellent. The drinks were even better. Try the Pork and Oyster dish!

So glad I didn't just take the reviews to heart, of the including the 18% mentioned a few times below. Seems there was some miscommunication several months ago about it. I asked them upfront as that too never sits well with me. I HATE the idea of paying a tip up front as it implies there will be good service and as we all know that isn't the case. Enough on that now to tell about our awesome meal. Took Wifey and granddaughter out on our weekly international night here. Loved the location, loved the overall "vibe" and everyone was very helpful, friendly and assisted us in picking out our food. Not being German, didn't really know what some of the things were, the pictures also helped. Even though I am a techy guy I am not a fan of logging into any site to place an order. I hate the additional spam that often comes with that process. I know it's the digital wave of the future, still don't like that. Anyway... Granddaughter had the potato and cheese pierogis, wifey had oysters and pork belly. I had the smoked pork and Kale strudel we shared some sauerkraut and cheese spaetzle. We all enjoy tasting each of the dishes. They all were wonderful; the whole experience was great. Our only problem was we were too full for dessert. I saw some other dishes I am planning to try next time, including the desserts. read more

Food and experience were excellent! The ordering system went smoothly. I was somewhat wary of it at first but after experiencing it firsthand, I found it fairly easy to use. Having an "open tab" from the beginning to the end of the meal worked great for the pacing of when you'd like your drinks, appetizers, and main meal to arrive. The various servers did a great job at bringing the food, clean plates, and silverware throughout the meal. I was a big fan of their former location, but this one is just as good if not better. I will definitely be returning! On a side note, the restaurant was easy to get to with plenty of parking either in the parking lot or close side street. read more

I couldn't wait for them to open in the new location and it did not disappoint. Staff is great, outstanding bar and drinks and food is wonderful with lots of flavor and variety. Always have to try the pierogis .. whatever ones they have that night and they have the best pork chops. I've been eating my way around the menu and have not been disappointed. If looking for a nice, casual neighborhood feel with excellent food, should definitely try it out. read more

Food is incredible!! Can't go wrong. So fun during the spring with the windows open. Beer selection is amazing too. Burger was lights out. Great service too - the perfect neighborhood spot!! read more

Food was excellent. Only downside is you have to order everything via QR code which completely ruins the ambiance of the evening. Delivery staff to the table was nice and but miss the personal touch ... kind of like airport service. Hope they change that. read more

Just delicious food!! Have never had a bad bite!