I'm from Seattle and recently moved to Mannheim, Germany. I've been looking for a good burger since…read moreI've arrived and I think I've finally found it.
Nisa's is called a "Hot Dog" store, but I'd definitely think of it as more of a burger joint. If I didn't look out the window, or... talk to the German-speaking counter staff I guess, I would think I was in Seattle. From the decor to the presentation of the food it oozes that more and more popular "Hipster Chic". I loved it in Seattle and I love it here too!
The service style is actually uncommon compared to the rest of Germany. You'll actually order at the counter and your food will be brought out to you. I find this is a refreshing change from how often the food and drink industry in Germany insists on being completely full service.
The food was excellent. I had the "Nisa's Burger" which had onion, sweet peppers, and naturally Curry Ketchup, another staple of German cuisine. I haven't put too many peppers on burgers in my life, but it was excellent here. The patty itself was cooked well-done, which isn't my favorite as that part was a little bland. Next time I visit I'll definitely ask for a medium or at least medium well sear on the patty.
I encourage you order in German, as I do everywhere in Germany, but try not to make my mistake: I tried to say "Ich nehme "Nisa's Burger Combo" trying to make it clear I wanted fries and a drink, but the counter staff heard "corndog" despite my perfect German accent (not really, I'm sure I mispronounced it), so I got the burger, fries, drink, and a corndog.... I didn't eat for two days afterward.
The corndog was pretty good, but nothing special and it had the absolute lightest battering of any corndog I've ever seen... but maybe that's just a style I'm unaware of as this was corndog #5 or something in my whole life.
Overall it was an awesome little place. Order a burger and grab a table, there aren't many places to get an American classic done so well over here!