This is the best meal I have ever had in my life. Also, make sure you come really hungry because you will want to make sure you make it through to dessert. The prices themselves may be a little high by German standards for a neighborhood restaurant, but way lower than anything you will find in the Mitte, and crazy cheap by Chicago standards.
The food is a foodie take on German pub fare kicked up to the quality of haute cuisine. and our server explained all the ingredients in there with pride and explained how the complimentary (and delicious) beer bread was baked in house.
I will start with the ambiance. It was moderate noise level and a pretty packed house especially considering it was a Tuesday evening but we didn't have to worry about reservations or waiting. The decor had a the smooth lines or modern design, but also a lot of warmth and comfort from the natural wood and candle light. I am not sure, but I kinda got the impression that it was more or less a popular neighborhood and local restaurant than a destination restaurant, which it easily could be as well. While they are open until midnight be aware that the kitchen closes at 11pm so I recommend getting there by 9pm at the latest to make sure you can take in the full experience.
Once we were sat, we were given small glasses of beer right away. It took a little bit for our server to join us, but he was also waiting on a very large party in the room around the corner as well so that is easily forgivable. He brought us bread right away. Though obviously, I didn't expect our server to speak English, he did speak some (very well actually) and was able to explain the food to us through my translated version of the menu that we downloaded from their website. If he didn't know the English word, he was willing to ask a coworker which I feel was above and beyond the call of duty. While we placed our order he was more than willing to chime in with his honest opinion and helped us pick out some really amazing German style tapas.
All of the food was rich and oh so flavorful! Make sure you get the bacon wrapped dates, and the Obatzda, I practically teared up because eating them were so delicious. We, of course, had the schnitzel as a main course. We ordered the small to share and only ate a third between the two of us because we were so full from the tapas, but it was wonderful. The veal was so tender you didn't even need to bother with your knife.
For dessert our server recommended the tapas size dessert trio and even though we were stuffed stilled managed to blow my mind. My personal favorite was the ice cream schnitzel server with a pomegranate sauce (I'm imagine the sauce changes seasonally), while my girlfriend loved the chocolate mousse, that was designed to emulate a candy popular among German youth. After dessert we were presented with a complimentary digestif. I am not sure if this is normal or if they just really liked us, but it was nice and helped settle all the food in my stomach.
Between the very nice ambiance, the attentive and patient service, and the amazing food, I would be willing to fly 5000 miles solely to eat at this restaurant again. read more