SENTRY - WATCHING RESTAURANTS Zur Kate 4815 E Main St Mesa, AZ 85205 Companion and I decided to eat German food and having eaten here before, it was time for a new review. We arrived at 4:30 and every table was full! Considering that they opened at 4, it was hard to believe it was so. We had to wait for about 15 minutes, but it was worth it. The owners are from Germany and the food is as authentic as it gets. There is live accordion music also on the premises. When we were seated we were immediately brought fresh baked rye bread and real butter. Our drink order was brought and companion had a Warsteiner beer and I had an Ayinger Dunkel which is a dark beer. Both were from the tap and were ice cold. For the main course, companion had smoked bratwurst with red cabbage and German potato salad. I had the jaeger schnitzel which has a mushroom grave, with red cabbage and spaetzle. Both of our main courses were delicious and large portions. Last was dessert. A big piece of apple strudel swimming in a vanilla sauce. To say we were full is an understatement. A motorized wheelbarrow would have been nice to get out to the car! The restaurant is rated with an A from the health department and it shows. When the bill came it was not to be believed. I've spent a lot more for a breakfast than for this dinner. Including 2 large imported beers the entire bill came to $55.00. I give them 5 stars for outstanding authentic food, good service, and cleanliness. read more

Have been coming here for years, and always have a great meal. Tonight brought out of state friends. We all had wienerschnitzel , I added an order of nuremberger sausages to mine. Schnitzels all delicious! Perfectly tender, but crisp and crunchy. Spaetzle, red cabbage, home fries, potato salad all just right. Couldn't eat it all, took home plenty for breakfast, Great, friendly service, jovial atmosphere. We're all looking forward to our next visit. read more

Another excellent meal at Zur Kate. As you can see from my previous reviews, this is a "go to" restaurant for my wife and me. This time, we arrived 10 minutes before they opened and there were already about a dozen people in line. They have a loyal following due to great food and friendly service. Everything was clean, the food was tasty, and service was joyful. We will be back. Highly recommend. read more

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This is the only German restaurant I know of in the entire Phoenix metro region that serves Schweinshaxe, and only on the first weekend of every month. Unfortunately, they don't take the time to crisp up the skin, but its otherwise very close to what I could get in Germany. Nice atmosphere and friendly service. They have very limited hours, and the Schweinshaxe sells out by about 5 PM. Their entire menu is excellent, and very fairly priced. read more

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I first tried German food when I was a kid and visited a German town in the mountains of northern Georgia (I know I know people will say true German food comes from Germany). I recall enjoying it so much so when I discovered Zur Kate, I was excited to try it. I have been hoping to try it for years and finally made it happen recently. My daughter (who is a foodie like myself), was down for this food adventure with her Momma! We went on a Friday, early evening. Its a very small restaurant. There is a small bar, and every seat was full. Nearly every table was full when we arrived but hey cleaned one for us rather quickly and we sat down. The staff is wearing what appeared to be authentic German clothing. There was an older gentleman playing an accordion which was neat. We were greeted by a friendly lady named Blondie. She took our order and while we waited for our food we just took in the atmosphere and people watched. Based on seeing other people's plates and portions we shared the Rham. It was schnitzel, topped with a brown sour cream gravy. You get two sides. One from list one, and one from list two. We weren't aware of this until we tried to order two sides from list one. The second list contains red cabbage or sauerkraut, which neither of us wanted. List one offers, German potato salad, potato dumpling, spätzle, French fries, or home fries. We ordered German potato salad and spätzle. I have had both, but my daughter had not. All meals are served with a basket of rye bread and butter. The wait for the food wasn't excessive at all, then again, we had one entree. The portion was plentiful for one person though it was enough for my daughter and I to share. The sides were smaller than expected. Especially because they charged and extra $3.90 since we ordered two sides from list one. Yes, that is correct. If your two sides come from list one, they charge an extra $3.90 for the second side. Seeing the portion size of the sides I feel that is a hefty fee. The food was delicious though we did end up salting everything. I have read other reviews that had the same experience (needing to salt their food). The entree was $18.20 + $3.90 for second side (since we didn't have a side from list two) + 4% fee for not using cash + tax + tip =$33 for one entree and one beverage. That is a hefty bill in my opinion for what we got. The ambiance is neat. The German restaurant experience (in the desert) was cool, the food was good, and I am happy we tried it but this may be a one and done for us. read more

Zur Kate - Rahm - German Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

Delicious like always! Will always come here to satisfy my schnitzel, goulash, and potato dumpling cravings. Don't forget cash to tip the accordion player!!! read more

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I'm not a German food expert but I did love their Hager schnitzel with mushrooms and spatzle. Could use a touch more flavor so I had to add salt to everything. I found the stuffed pork to be extremely dry. So much so it was tough to swallow. Beer is cold and delicious (husbands review). Some things taste better than others but place is PACKED. Always a guys there playing an accordion. Always a line outside before it opens. Not many tables. Mostly older folks maybe because it was snow bird season ‍ read more

I love German food so much that I once ate a frankfurter in Hamburg and had a hamburger in Frankfurt. But this is more authentic than either of those experiences! Having grown up in a part of the country with German restaurants that had oom pah bands and Gestapo Alumni Stammtisch, I know a thing or zwei about the cuisine of Deutschland. Zur Kate is a great representation of German food, albeit with a small menu. Not a huge selection but what they have is authentic and tasty. I had the Jager Schnitzel, with spatzle and cabbage, plus a side of bratwurst. It was all on point and reminded me "Ich bin ein Berliner," which I think means that I like jelly donuts. (Hey, I just grew up in a German neighborhood and made a few trips across the pond, it's not like I bothered to learn any more German than I got from Hogan's Heroes.) Anyhow, this was good stuff. Add a few giant mugs of good German beer on tap and a little polka music and you got yourself a rousing Friday night trip to Munich in Mesa. read more

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Our waitress was great, she even remembered us from the last time we were in there months ago! The schnitzel is always terrific, but the four of us concluded we did not like the Hungarian goulash, it was bland and boring. read more

I've been coming here for years, this is the best and most authentic German food I've had outside of Germany, even the decor and atmosphere is authentic. The owner, Horus, is great, knows us by name and always has a joke to tell! The accordion player is super friendly and is very talented. The hours are very limited, so the trick is to arrive early because they get busy! I wish they had appetizers (pretzels), but the bread they give you is actually really good and fresh. I come here more often than I should and at the same time, not enough! read more

Zur Kate - German Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

I found this place so charming with all the decor and outfits the servers wear! I've never been to Germany but I would expect it to feel like this. Overall the food is simple but delicious and as long as you eat pork you cannot go wrong with any of the options on the menu! read more

Zur Kate - Hausmacher Bratwurst, French fries, red cabbage - German Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

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I've been dying to try this place as I love German food. Tonight I finally talked my husband into going. It is not open for lunch, or I'd have gone alone. We got there at 4:14. It opened at 4. Most tables and booths were taken. I thought that was a great sign. The servers were dressed in kitschy Bavarian attire. The decor was fun. It's in a strip mall--so sort of a hole in the wall. We sat at the one remaining booth. He ordered a beer(large) which was served in a Hoffbrau Haus mug. I actually own one that I got in Germany. I got the iced tea which was bitter and had about 3 ice cubes. We both ordered the jager schnitzel. The menu is very small. Other German places (not in AZ) typically offer chicken, veal or pork. No choice here. They give you a choice of a starch. I love spaetzle and ordered that. Then you have a choice of sauerkraut or red cabbage. I chose red cabbage. My husband despises cabbage so ordered 2 spaetzle for his 2 sides but we were informed that would be a $3+ up charge. While we waited cold rye bread and plastic individual butter packs were delivered. I also need to add that they have very odd feeling napkins . They are paper but are crunchy and felt almost plastic? Very odd -- not soft nor absorbent. Our food was delivered very quickly. The mushrooms appeared and tasted canned! Meat was hot and good... The spaetzle was cold and had the gravy covering it??!!! What??? The red cabbage was so vinegary that I couldn't eat much. Not sure why , but we ordered dessert. Choices were Black Forest cake or apple strudel. We chose apple. It came immediately and piping hot but smothered with a vanilla sauce. I'd have preferred ice cream. It was ok. Bottom layer wouldn't cut with my fork. It was all ok. We won't go back though. Sorry. It just meh. Our bill came $80 something. If we had paid cash $60 something. read more

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Food was excellent....loved the schnitzel....service was also great! Can't wait to try the Rouladen which is on menu once a month. read more

As always definitely a crowd pleaser and the food is unforgettable!! Perfect service, great ambiance and delicious food. I keep coming back read more

Zur Kate - German Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

The food and service are absolutely outstanding. I was sad that they were closed for a little while and I'm glad they reopened. I got seated at a table with some other patrons The food was wonderful and they had music the night that I was there. I even had the strudel and I normally never get dessert and it was to die for. The service was outstanding and they really took care of me very well. read more

Met friends here for the first time a week ago & the food was amazing. Authentic German cuisine & the atmosphere was fun!!

We have been here once before years ago and decided to try it again. The ambiance is very German. It's like you are in a restaurant in Germany. Live German music. I really like the German outfit the waitresses wear I might add. Rye bread for the table was delicious. Food was very good. You can taste the tender loving care the cook put into it in every bite. We all traded bites. I preferred the red cabbage and German potato salad as opposed to the sauerkraut and potato dumpling that I got. Next time. Service was awesome. I think her name Nikki. She created us warmly and was very accommodating. She gave the kind of service that you hope they're working the next time you go. I highly recommend ZK. read more

Zur Kate - ZK Hausmacher with potato dumpling, and sauerkraut - German Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

I've reviewed before. I'll keep it simple. This is my favorite restaurant in Mesa. Possible Phoenix. Food, excellent. Service, exemplar. Ambiance, well... authentic. read more

Zur Kate - Nuremberg sausage with potato dumpling and sauerkraut. Side of Hofbräuhäus Dunkel - German Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

We had a wonderful meal at Zur Kate. Friendly, quick and tasty food. Will definitely come back when are back to Phoenix.

Live accordion music. Fresh soft rye bread Delicious German white wine and rouladen special. Family very happy with their schnitzel. Apple streudel with cream warm and not too sweet. Great place to enjoy dinner! read more

WOOOOOOOOOOOPIE. Thank you David S. for your review. I was waiting to hear if they were open again. Have eaten here a hundred times and it is the quintessential small family owned German restaurant. They are the friendliest person in Phoenix Metro and their food is always amazing. I was beyond worried they would not open again after the fire but the news is fantastic. Please go and support this place as I'm sure they need it right now. You will be a regular I can assure you. read more

For my son's birthday, he expressed interest in going to this German Restaurant called Zur Kate in Mesa since he visited Germany & the surrounding area during spring of this year. We were pleasantly surprised at the authentic ambiance & reasonable prices and decent service we experienced. They even had a friendly accordion musician performing & it added a nice touch to the atmosphere. Definitely planning on coming back here again!! read more

You know a restaurant is good if they're only open 5 days a week for four hours, I'd suggest getting here early cause they get busy and you will have to wait for a table. The wait is soooooo worth it though, the jagerschnitzel is my favorite as well as the nurnberg sausage. They have the first sauerkraut I have ever liked and the spatzel. read more

Amazing food. Great atmosphere. Wonderful people. This hole in the wall deserves much more recognition.

Family-owned quaint authentic German food. He will definitely be back. Our server Nikki was super nice

Fun fact: Zur Kate means "to the old smokehouse." I've wanted to try Zur Kate out forever so when it was around dinner time and I was in the area I tried to get a takeout order ahead of time so that I could pick it up quickly when I arrived at the restaurant. Unfortunately, no one was picking up the phone, nor was their online takeout system activated so I was initially under the impression that they were closed for today. I did a final search on the Facebook page that showed they were in fact open. I guess no one felt like answering the phone? How Millennial-esque. Anyways, when I got there I saw why no one was answering any calls. It looked like the restaurant was understaffed and I felt bad for the two ladies rushing back and forth taking orders, delivering food and bussing tables. I waited for a few minutes before one of the servers was able to take my order down and bring it back to the kitchen. The wait wasn't too long and I was pleasantly surprised when my order came out nicely packaged already with a hearty amount of rye bread and butter on top. The food smelled amaaaaazing on the ride back. The to go orders were packaged in Styrofoam. I had the jaeger schnitzel with red cabbage and sauerkraut. The schnitzel was a humongous portion of breaded pork that barely fit into the container. The gravy was tasty and had a lot of mushrooms. The pork itself was tender. I also enjoyed both sides which went well with the schnitzel. My husband had the hausmacher bratwurst. Unfortunately he wasn't a fan of them but he did like the piece of schnitzel I saved for him. Prices are reasonable for what you get too. If I'm feeling like a schnitzel I'd definitely head over to Zur Kate again. read more

Zur Kate - Jaeger Schnitzel - German Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

The food was absolutely amazing! My father was stationed in Germany during the Vietnam War, for 9 years, and he said it is by far the most authentic German food he's had since being back here. I would definitely recommend this place. We are actually going back for the weekend special! read more

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Wow it was so hot in the restaurant we had sweat dripping off of us. The food was good, just not a varied menu. They were packed but it took longer to get our beer and bread than it took to get our food. I drive 40 miles because someone recommended the place but I live 2 miles from Edelweiss and their food is just as good. Probably won't be coming back. read more

I love this place. My family took us here quite a bit when I was younger, so I grew up around this place. Went again last month and the same waitress was there, nice as always. Food is great! Would definitely recommend read more

The staff and service at Zur Kate were wonderful. The sauerkraut, red cabbage, and pork shoulder that I had were delicious. The schnitzel was eatable but I wouldn't write home to mom about it. Wonderful atmosphere, I would recommend this restaurant for an enjoyable. read more

Traditional German fare. Tasted great. Feels like you're in a German pub. I had the spaetzle and Jaeger Schnitzel. Also had the Apfel Struddel which was ok. I've had better. Prices were good. read more

Love this place! Accordion music, friendly staff, rustic decor, hot and delicious food. Will go back often.

1st time at Zur Kate, very quick service. Excellent rye break. Very tasty dinner, 4 of us in the group we were seated right away. Nice ambient ocordian music being played. Add to German home made place to eat read more

Zur Kate - Menu - German Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

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For about 15 years, I've been frequenting this establishment for their wunderbar German good! My mom's side is from Luxembourg/Bavaria and definitely reminds me of my grandparents when I visit. The Black Forest chocolate cake is the perfect way to end the meal, and quite frankly, one of my favorite cakes in the whole valley! Come check out this local restaurant to support small businesses and enjoy some great German food in this quaint location as the staff are super friendly & start to recognize you if you come a few times! read more

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Had a great experience! Went with a large group (10) and they easily accommodated us. Nikki is a great waitress and took care of us well. The food is good! Loved the schnitzel! Will definitely be back! read more

What a fun family night! The beer was cold and the food was on point. We had 5 in our party and decided to orders different sides so we could share. Everything we had was outstanding. We arrived at 6 pm on a Friday night and it was standing room only. After a few beers at the bar our table was ready. I cannot say enough positive about the servers, very customer friendly! Truly enjoyed our evening! read more

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This is as close to authentic German food and atmosphere that you will get in Arizona, and most other states too except Milwaukee, WI. Their motto is Gemütlichkeit, and it shows. The decor is very German, with live accordion accompanyment playing real traditional German folk songs. You can sit at a table or at the bar. This establishment serves Warsteiner beer on tap, as well as Schladerer schnapps. We both had the Schweinshaxen with potatoe dumpling. I had sauerkraut and my husband had red cabbage. Everything was excellent. For dessert we shared the black forest cake. Unfortunately the cherries were frozen, but the cake was delicious. Our server, Blondie, was efficient, friendly and pleasant. It was worth the hour drive, and we will go again to try the schnitzl. read more

Zur Kate - Warsteiner beer - German Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

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The food was excellent. . We were seated immediately. Our server was very attentive. We both had schnitzel.

Food is five star worthy, no question about it, flavors abound all over the plate and the portions are more than generous for the price (I promise you're not leaving hungry). The four star rating comes from their walk in system. While they don't take reservations (which is fine) the system of giving your name to someone who's not only keeping track of the queue on a notepad, but also working behind the bar, cleaning tables and running food is a major problem. I totally understand this is an old school type of place, and I appreciate the nostalgia, but the walk in system is in dire need of a revamp. I suggest perhaps investing in a tablet that can help track customer arrivals and better manage the queue. The food here 100% worth the wait, but a more efficient walk-in process would enable them to serve more customers their fantastic plates on a nightly basis. read more

Had dinner this evening at Zur Kate. Best German food around. My husband got the Rouladen and I got the JÄGER SCHNITZEL. The Roulade is only served the 2nd weekend of the month. I love the potato salad and red cabbage. They have a lot of different sides to choose from. Service is always great. Fun times listening to the accordion player. read more