A German Excursion in Columbus by Matthew Caracciolo

 

German Village, Columbus, Ohio

A German Excursion in Columbus

by Matthew Caracciolo

Like much of the Midwest, Ohio boasts significant German heritage throughout the state. All the major cities have their own German restaurants and even German-tinged neighborhoods (Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine comes to mind) but nowhere in Ohio quite compares to Columbus, with its ample German eateries, biergartens, and the quaint German Village neighborhood. If a trip to Europe isn’t in the cards any time soon, put together an afternoon and/or evening in these haunts throughout Columbus to scratch that Bavarian itch.

Schmidt’s Sausage Haus

If you’ve lived in or have family in Columbus, this one will strike you as fairly obvious. If not, Schmidt’s Sausage Haus und Restaurant has a history dating back to the 1880’s and is a landmark institution in Columbus. Famous for its Bahama Mama sausages, cream puffs, and Autobahn buffet, Schmidt’s is as popular as ever and boasts a lively atmosphere in a historic building. The company’s food trucks and concession stands make regular appearances in area festivals and, most notably, the Ohio State Fair. The restaurant has appeared on Travel Channel and the Food Network as Columbus’ main restaurant representative.

Valter’s at the Maennerchor

If Schmidt’s comes off as a little ostentatiously German, you’ll find Valter’s a more subdued counterpart. This relative newcomer again offers an authentic German menu but with the added bonus of a solid beer selection as well, including some German imports. Sitting in an old 1907 house, Valter’s feels more like a neighborhood haunt than an attraction, and its weekend brunch is both phenomenal and relatively inexpensive. The restaurant is also the home base of the Columbus Maennerchor, founded over 170 years ago and the nation’s longest continually running men’s German singing club. Check out maennerchor.com for when the Maennerchor will be singing.

Gemüt Biergarten

Opened in 2019, Gemüt Biergarten occupies a former firehouse in Olde Towne East and offers a biergarten, patio, and dining room with German-style beers and menu. The most unusual feature are the stunning stained glass windows depicting figures from Norse mythology, all themed with their beers. Relaxed and family friendly, this brewpub is perhaps the most unique brewery in Columbus.

Hofbräuhaus

Affiliated with the original biergarten in Munich, Columbus’ Hofbräuhaus is a giant restaurant and brewery filled with live entertainment and good-natured fun. The beer list is simple, the menu is authentic, and the performers and silly competitions maintain a convivial spirit throughout the night. The place is perfectly family-friendly during the day, though slightly less so in the evening. A beer mug is the perfect souvenir, and one you could conceivably pick up in Germany, to call your German excursion in Columbus complete.

The Book Loft

German Village

Schiller Park

The name says it all. Settled by German immigrants in the mid-19^th century, this cozy neighborhood just south of downtown is comprised of red brick streets and historic houses in a tight grid. Mostly residential in nature, the neighborhood nevertheless boasts some of the city’s most popular restaurants and shops, which are sprinkled throughout rather than on one main drag. On a Germany-themed day, you’d likely spend most of your time here walking along the well-maintained homes and stopping in for lunch or dessert. Schmidt’s and Valter’s are both located in the neighborhood, for starters. For some bookworm browsing, look no further than The Book Loft, an independent bookstore with 32 rooms, hallways, and nooks stuffed with books. Schiller Park is good for a post-meal stroll (it’s only a block from Valter’s) and features landscaped gardens and a handsome statue of poet Friedrich Schiller. Exploring the residential streets is always a treat and rewards visitors with meticulously-kept gardens and neighborhood bars and cafes off the radar. For more on German Village, visit germanvillage.com.

With plenty of food, beer, and even some music to put you in the Bavarian spirit, Columbus has what you need for a pretend day in Germany.  

Matthew Caracciolo is a freelance writer and author of The Waygook Book: A Foreigner’s Guide to South Korea from Monday Creek Publishing. He also maintains his own travel blog, Travel is Fatal, on his website. To find out more about The Waygook Book or Travel is Fatal, please visit matthewcaracciolo.com.