Amazing German food. I've had the Paprika Schnitzel twice and enjoyed it both times. The roasted potatoes are a nice touch as a side along with fresh greens in the house salad with their homemade Roquefort dressing is a must try. Top if off with your favorite beer on tap and it doesn't get much better than that...unless you have room for dessert! Great atmosphere and service too. This is quickly becoming my go to place. read more

Student Prince - German Near Me - Springfield, Massachusetts

Let me be fair by first saying I'm not the biggest fan of German food. Now that that's out of the way I'll try to give you here as I see it. Friendly staff, great drink selection a bit pricey, not a great neighborhood. Inside is very nice especially since renovations. I won't critique the food because I simply don't like German food, I will say they don't offer mouth else if you're like me and don't like German food, but everything seems to be so cooked fine. If my palate was more towards German food I'd come here often. read more

Terrible server. Jessica didn't write anything down which cause her to forget 90% of every order each time she came to the table including the meals. There were 8 of us and as a former server I guess I am ultra critical. One member of our party actually bit in to buck shot and luckily avoided a chipped tooth. Then the manager tried to play it off as as if they were juniper berries. I will never go back there again. I never post anything unless it's blatant. read more

So, The Fort has re-opened. Well, my strong advice is to avoid at all costs. Literally every aspect of lunch was subpar at best. They seated us ten minutes late, after our reservation. It took the waitress about 15 minutes to even ask us what drinks we wanted, and we were in somewhat of a rush, so we ordered food as well. Silverware and plates were stained, and not clean. But that didn't matter since we waited over an hour after ordering before getting our food. We had to ask three different waitresses (ours kept telling us the food was "almost out" and will be ready "in four minutes") and then the hostess. Everyone simply ignored us. We first started asking 40 minutes after we ordered, and then every ten minutes after. Total time after we sat down was 90 minutes before we even saw any food, and then it was just two side salads. They didn't even bring us out any bread. I guess they thought we could use a diet. When they brought the food out, it was, to be brutally honest, rubbish. The salads were a pile of limp lettuce with a tomato wedge on top. The schnitzel sandwich I ordered had no dressing or sauce, and when I asked for some, they first accused me of lying ("The sauce is on the bottom!"), then said "well, they have to make the sauce to order!". Then why didn't they make it when I ordered it? I asked for some mustard or mayo, at least, to go on the dry bread...the waitress instead stood over the Point of Sale machine and complained loudly she didn't know it worked. She finally yelled at a younger waitress to go get me some sauce for the sandwich, but that one just walked out of the dining room. 20 minutes later they brought out some mayo, but with a cold sandwich and a member of our party late to catch a train, we just left. During our trip we had every single table around us complaining repeatedly about late food and then, when it arrived, bad food. At least one waitress straight up quit and walked out during the service. And when we complained to Rupert, the previous owner (who was walking around greeting people), he broke down in tears and said "This would never have happened when I fucking owned this place!" He literally was crying about how awful the service was. We drove home and I heated up some left-over soup in the microwave. It was about 100 times better than the crap they (eventually) served me, I left 95% of the dry, cold sandwich on the table when we left. TL;DR: Horrendous service, awful food, and then they still charge you an arm and a leg for it. Pray this re-incarnation of the Student Prince closes down before anyone else is forced to fork over actual money for such a hellish experience. $80 bucks, down the drain. Do not eat here! read more

I've been a loyal customer for decades and was reluctant to post this review, but the last few visits were such a disappointment that I now feel compelled. The food was always first rate at the old Fort, but since the transition, I've noticed it slipping steadily downhill. I've filled out comment cards but lately it seems each visit is better than the next... I visited during Christmas to see the carrolers and was rushed to the point that my entree arrived as I was in the middle of my Roquefort salad. There was no apology from the server. Entrees were okay. We noticed a plate of Christmas cookies on the dessert menu and thought that would be nice. Instead, we received a plate of standard, grocery store cookies for $11 or $12 dollars. Thankfully, they took the cookies off of the bill. I returned the other night and I see the cookies are still on the dessert menu, almost 1 month after Christmas. They apparently lost their pastry chef because many of the dessert options are not made in-house and its shows in taste and quality. The new owners have to be aware, because I see them there almost every time I come for dinner. Instead, they seem more interested in turning the place into a club, but have forgotten what made the restaurant great. Customer service is poor; the professional front door staff has been replaced by kids. I purchased several gift cards online during a holiday promotional sale only to find later that the discount wouldn't apply to online sales. A manager reluctantly applied the discount for me, but not before I was treated rudely by the woman who initially answered my phone call. It's a shame to see where this place is headed - the renovations are superb but the quality of food and experience are lacking. I hope they can turn things around. read more

The "Famous" veal shank was a reheated, flavorless, stale meat on a large bone. $67.00 The potato pancakes were flattened balls of very under-cooked potato shreds, blackened on the outside and tasting of raw fish. Sent back. The "Beer Cheese" served with the pretzel was actually a thin white cheese sauce with mashed preserved jalapeno pieces. No beer at all. Not good tasting. The Spanish onion soup had gritty bits in it. Spanish ? The veal schnitzel was not crispy and hot, it was a soggy wet, tough, lukewarm, chewy mess. Mushroom gravy from a can. The wait staff did not have knowledge of the menu items. They were not attentive at a time of 20% occupancy. They congregated around the powder room and a back room, which they drew a curtain closed to shut themselves off from the dining room area. I felt unwelcome from beginning to end. There was a palpable careless attitude, along with smug side glances from waitstaff more interested in their appearance than the needs of their guests. read more

We e been eating at the Student Prince for more than 30 years, yesterday was ny first disappointing experience. Apparently they were very short staffed, although they were setting up tables they were too busy to wait on us. We ordered the usually amazing Fried Camembert Vheese, they didn't cook it enough and the cheese was barely warm and certainly not the usual soft a bit melted. The giant Pretzel was hard and not too warm, the Beer Cheese sauce only tasted of Jalapeno. Perhaps our appetizers were forgotten some where as they served us the soups and salad first... Someone in our party told the server she has Celiac and ordered Gluten Free Lamb Shanks and they brought in without sauce but on spätzle. I ordered and stated I was a vegetarian and they brought sauerkraut with pork in it. The server brought back the lamb and replaced the sauerkraut with their delicious red cabbage. On a positive note, she replaced my Split pea soup with a salad with the most delicious Roquefort dressing (Note: $4 surcharge for the Roquefort Dressing). Our water glasses were never refilled and one member of our party ordered a beer but had to repeatedly request water. My final disappointment was the apple strudel, it was served hot which I didn't request and it lacked any strudel like exterior, it was simply not a flaky or tasty pastry. Perhaps they were too busy with the Big E booth and a Wedding but it certainly was not what I expect from the Student Prince. read more

Used to be great. Now it's just plain average. Been there four times since the re-opening and it's been consistently ok. No more multiple bargain lunches choices. The portions have gotten smaller. The management isn't as friendly or gracious. Used to be a reason in itself to come to Springfield. Now there isn't much of a reason at all. read more

I've been coming here since 1970 when I was 6 years old. I've always loved the fried Camembert cheese, Roquefort dressing and Indian pudding - all of these still hold true to the old menu. I miss the jumbo shrimp and escargot. Today we ordered a hot lobster roll and it was a hot mess. The lobster was shredded and seasoned oddly with rosemary. I've never had such a horrible lobster meal in New England. I felt they were cutting corners and charging more without adding quality. I'm giving it two stars for the friendly wait staff and memories. Unfortunately, without a change, I think the memories will fade. read more

No one wants to wake up to sad news, but to hear the the Fort was closing, brought tears to my eyes. We were Married in Germany on Valentines day 56 years ago. We have been in Springfield 50 years and for Lunch we have gone to the Fort. We always had the same table, everyone knows us and after dinner they bring us an anniversary cake and sing to us. We even had or 50th anniversary party there.I don't want this tradition to end. When we have friends come to visit we bring them there.I am praying that some mirical happens and they don,t close. Rudy you have been so wonderful to us ,we love you and know this has been a difficult decision to make. With all our hope for your future , we will so miss you. Love, Jack and Nancy Holowitz read more

We have been going to the Fort long before changing hands of ownership. Rumors swarmed not so good anymore. The Fort is as good or better than it has ever been. The ambience of German steins and beautiful bar area is fantastic. Everyone is warm and friendly. We had the clams casino a traditional style that is amazingly tasty. I have had clams casino everywhere from MA to CA and Fort is top notch. Potato pancakes are a must so so tasty. The popover with beef and a demi glaze sauce was off the charts delicious. I remember a long time ago having lamb ribs at a incredible BBQ restaurant and, loving them. Memory of a lifetime. The lamb ribs in mango barbecue sauce was even better. Jeff & Julie waited on us providing 5 star service with a personal friendly touch. Thanks for a great nite we'll be back again!!! read more

Gonna make this short and sweet! German restaurants are a little, uhh, less, well....not so up to date and fancy which is totally fine because it's German! We were in Springfield for a basketball tournament and heard from word of mouth about Student Prince...and being on this German kick we were there! The waitress was very helpful and friendly, service was great and the food was phenomenal and not overly huge portions so you don't leave stuffed...as German food can be filling and heavy. We all really enjoyed our meals and if in the area again will certainly give it another try! read more

The wiener snitzel hit the spot. But the pickles were beyond sub par. They tasted like they took pickles then Un pickled them and left them in the ocean for a few monthes. My friend purchased the kangaroo it was so stiff he had to spit it out. My other friend ate the buffalo and proceeded to deffocate on the side of the road. Luckily I carry bio degradable poop bags and they saved the day. Moral of the story get tater tots and just tater tots #doubletots read more

This was a surprising treat. There were live singers, singing songs from Sound of Music and others. They were amazing! The server was attentive and friendly. The atmosphere is pretty cool. They have an incredible collection of steins and wine glasses from all over the world. The food was really delicious. I recommend the giant pretzel. The lemon cake with drunk blackberries is to die for! read more

Awesome food and beer. great service and friendly staff. The food is also priced fairly. I love the old German decor. By far the best German restaurant I've been to. read more

Came here for a birthday dinner as we were passing through the area on the way home from a road trip. The inside of the place is really interesting. There are several rooms and we were sat in what I guess was the main dining room. High ceilings, wood paneling, antique plates on the walls, oil lamp style lights on the table, etc. the decor was really nice. I ordered a green salad and the sauerbraten. The green salad was very good. I'm afraid of ordering salad in German restaurants honestly, because most times, I end up with some dried up carrot shreds, under ripe tomatoes and wilted iceberg lettuce in red wine vinegar, but this was a fresh, wonderful mixed green salad. Woohoo!! The sauerbraten was good. I've had better and I've had worse. Some of it was tender and some wasn't. I like sauerbraten to basically melt in my mouth. This didn't have that consistency, but it wasn't tough either. The red cabbage that it came with was AMAZING! The potato dumpling was super thick. Two things I wished while eating this dish were that it were less vinegary and acidic and that there were less of this gravy stuff they put on top of the meat. Service was weird. I think the woman thought we were college kids and I sensed a bit of annoyance in the way she waited on our table. After we finished dessert, a table sat down next to us and the waiter told them this long list of specials. Our waitress never said a peep about specials to us and I would have liked to order the steak I heard the other waiter mention. Also, my boyfriend asked her to put a candle in the ice cream I ordered for my birthday. The waitress came back with the ice cream and this enormous slice of cake that didn't really taste like anything and seemed slightly past it's prime. I would've been ecstatic anyway if she had just dropped it off smiling and walked away. But....she put it down in front of me and then watched as my boyfriend sung happy birthday to me by himself. Then as I was blowing out the candle, she said ' I was going to get a whole bunch of waiters to come over and sing to you....but then I just didn't....' Well happy birthday to you too Ms. Waiterlady. Sheesh! read more

Called ahead to make a reservation for tonight. Hostess said "you won't need a reservation just come on in." When we arrive, they ask if we have a reservation and say they are full and can't seat us because we don't have a reservation. Get your sh*t together folks! This is so unacceptable! read more

I typically go here for lunches so this will be a lunch only review. For less than $10 you can't get more food anywhere. You'll get a side, awesome homemade chips, a great sandwich or wrap, pickle and drink. The menu is pretty extensive too. The holiday wrap is a personal favorite. - NOW CLOSED FOR LUNCH =( read more

It's possible that I am biased because I grew up nearby, but the Student Price is a special place. First off- I've visited Germany several times, even living there for a period of time, and the Student Prince has a certain vibe/authenticity that is hard to beat. The food is excellent and it makes me marvel that a place this good still exists in downtown Springfield. Their drink selection is incredible. As other posters have said- come here on the holidays and you are really in for a treat. The best eggnog I've ever had. This place is a western Mass institution, but it remains as such for a reason- it's great. read more

This place is absolutely amazing! It was my first visit to the Springfield area and I decided to visit based on other good reviews. I had the Stroganoff and it was the best I have ever had. Also try the apple strudel. You can't go wrong! I've been to several German restaurants in my travels and this is one of the best! read more

During my last trip to Germany, I learned that German cuisine was more than sausages, pretzels and beer, so when I returned to the States, I sought out German restaurants and found the Student Prince. I came here looking for one thing: Schweineshaxen (pig knuckle.) The menu lists it as "Large Pig's Knuckle, served the traditional German way $16.95." As I waited, I flashed back to a beautiful summer evening in a country Biergarten, whilst enjoying a slow roasted pork hock with crispy golden skin and succulent tender meat that falls off the bone. When the dish arrived, I got a grey slab of unseasoned boiled pork, swimming in water on the plate. Just wrong...so so wrong. read more

Had our work holiday dinner at the Fort last night. The food was delicious (except for the 2 cakes we ordered for dessert that were stale) and service was good. They had Christmas caroling by a very talented choir that really made the evening festive. I had the Wiener schnitzel, with spaetzel; tasty and generous portion. I tasted someone's lamb and it was tender and yummy. This is our new holiday spot. read more

I am 1/2 German and live in East Haven (Staven) I have been trying to find a good German restaurant for years. We didn't get the fried cheese to start but we started with the potato pancakes and they were great. Then, my lovely wife got the scallops and it was great. My friend, Paula got scallops blackend and she said they were heavenly. My best friend got the wurst platter. He loved it. I got a traditional weinersnitchel they put an egg on top for me. It was great. All in all the food wad great. One of the best parts is that I wanted German food and the rest of our party not so much. And we were all very happy. read more

The best German restaurant we have been to in the states. We had an amazing server, Pia! She was very patient with our many questions. Prost!!! read more

After years of driving through Springfield and assuming there were no good food options, I stopped here this past weekend after reading other Yelp reviews. What a gem!! The interior is old school wood paneling and stein-lined walls while the food is current and delicious. The schnitzel sandwich was great, but the Post Rider (roast beef) sandwich was a game changer. I only wish I could have stayed for longer and tried some appetizers and enjoyed their fine German best selection. I am already scheming to spend more time in Springfield so I can return. Definitely worth a meal, should you find yourself in Springfield (and well-worth a detour or special trip if you are not). read more

While one refrains from overemphasizing the significance of a restaurant's atmosphere, when it's cozy and distinctive as the Student Prince's - enhanced by affable manager and greeter John Perry, it'd be wrong not to. (This may not be a rustic eatery in Germany's Black Forest, but it'll require scant imagination to believe it is.) But I digress; consider the fare. Recently, after nicely warmed rolls arrived from our kindly server Carmela, my wife sipped a hefty golden Derby cocktail, a suave blend of whiskey and liqueur while I quaffed a sparkling Spaten beer. And did I mention their renowned lettuce Wedge? Smothered in bacon bits - and with a lad blending a generous dollop of Roquefort in Russian dressing at the table - this is one tantalizing appetizer; and sufficient for two! For the entre, we shared the German Sampler trifecta: a heaping ladle of beefy tender Hungarian Goulash, marinated pork chop and mild sausage, flanked by the Fort's warm signature sweet & sour red cabbage with light spatzel and choice mustard. Add warm Indian Pudding to top it off and this meal was world-class - with ample leftovers and a reasonable price to boot! Stop by and soak up some Old World class. read more

This is the place for German Food. Very sad to hear they sold the place to owners of Huke Lau in Chicopee. I hope they don't change a thing on the menu. Pot pies, Roquefort dressing, game night. Need I go on. Will have to wait and see. read more

Interesting atmosphere, annoying car salesman server and just okay food. Didn't have a bad experience yet nothing stood out either. I would've given a neutral 3 stars but the server was so obnoxious I had to deduct 1. Just take the order and serve. No need for anecdotes or force up-sales. read more

Good schnitzel, good dessert, and good wine. I don't drink beer, but the list looked pretty extensive. My waitress was attentive and nice without being pushy. I'm only knocking off the final star because it was loud enough that I had some trouble hearing clearly read more

I cannot say enough about The Fort. I called them the night before my father's funeral for a post funeral dinner, and they went above and beyond for our family. Even on short notice, I still had a lot to choose from, and it was all delicious. The wait staff couldn't have been nicer, and very attentive. All if our guests were so very impressed, and talked about returning for the holidays. Thank you all for your wonderful service. read more

If u want a laid back delicious feast plus great service this is the spot..great menu and amazing tap beer selection it's 5 star all the way

You should go here even just to have a drink and take in the ambiance. It is such an institution with such a unique feel you can't get anywhere else. They have great, classic German food, but I can only handle such cuisine once or twice a year. I will definitely be back for a good cocktail and to take part in the scene. read more

Great food in Springfield, MA. I went there to enjoy the game menu. I had the bison steak. It is served with an onion sauce that is very tasty. The service is outstanding. The bar has the best beer selection around. It's expensive but worth it. read more

AUTHENTIC German food. So yummy. Giant pretzel was the highlight of the dinner for my kiddos. Loved the schnitzel and Brussels sprouts!

Some people I knew raved about this place. Impressive atmosphere, but I was sorely disappointed by the quality of the food. Honestly, the food just didn't live up to the hype. It was like a couple steps above diner food. (Sorry!) People and waitresses were wonderful, but I am not sure I'd return for a meal. The fried camembert was pretty standard and too bready for my taste. I forgot what I ordered but the description was much nicer than the presentation: It looked like a TV dinner served on a nice platter. I will say the pub area is a better bet. And I'd be more inclined to accept the food as "bar food" in those circumstances. read more

Very cool place. An old land mark that has been making German food for as long as I can remember. If you are in the mood for bratwurst, knock wurst, bear stew or pigs knuckles, this place is for you. Great table side service and wait staff is friendly and very accommodating. Parking can be a bit of a drag but if you drive around the block, you can usually snap a decent spot. read more

This was a great find! My fiancé and I had an hour wait for the bus in Springfield so we decided to explore. This place was a 5 min walk from the station and looked promising. The traditional German food made for a nice comfort meal before our bus ride home to Boston. The restaurant itself is really fun and quirky. We ordered a few apps which were all great and the server recommended a couple of beers that we enjoyed as well. If you ever find yourself in the Springfield area this is definitely worth a visit. read more

Was horrible didn't realize that you needed a reservation. Was coming back to school in ct and wanted something to eat

Great food and service in an atmosphere that feels like you are in an Austrian village. If you are looking for schnitzel, spaetzel, beer and some black forest cake you will not be disappointed. read more

We were in Springfield for the day and I just happened upon this place while looking for somewhere to eat. We walked in and my husband said, "it looks like Oma's den." The German decor was so authentic, I was expecting to be chastised in half English, half German by my grandmother-in-law. We were seated immediately and ordered two Hefeweizen pints. Their beer selection was perfect for us. We ordered a pretzel to start and it was the best pretzel I've ever had. Then I had the amazingly delicious Hungarian beef goulash, mashed potatoes and red cabbage. We were too stuffed to have dessert so we ordered Black Forest cake and creme suchard. I only had a bit of the creme suchard, but the small bit was tasty. The Black Forest cake was ok, not the best I've had but still very good. I don't know when I'll return to Springfield, but when I do, I will be returning to Student Prince. read more