13 Must-Try German Restaurants That Pennsylvania Can’t Get Enough Of
Pennsylvania and German cuisine go way back, and that connection still shows up on plates across the state.
From hearty schnitzel to rich sausages and sides that demand a second forkful, these restaurants deliver comfort with depth.
Recipes feel rooted, portions feel generous, and the atmosphere often carries a lively warmth that makes dinner feel like a gathering rather than a reservation.
This is old world flavor with local loyalty, food that fills the room as much as the table. Think crisp edges, savory sauces, and desserts that close the meal with intention.
Across Pennsylvania, German restaurants hold onto tradition while keeping things welcoming and unfussy.
Long tables invite conversation, menus lean into classics, and the experience feels steady and satisfying. It is the kind of cuisine that rewards appetite and celebrates familiarity without getting stale.
No shortcuts, no confusion, just bold flavors that have stood the test of time. I can always tell when a German meal hits the mark because I leave feeling pleasantly grounded instead of rushed.
When I am already thinking about which dish I would order next time before I even reach the car, I know the place has earned its spot on my return list.
1. Brauhaus Schmitz
Walking into this South Street gem feels like stepping off a plane in Munich.
The massive space features authentic Bavarian blue and white checkered tablecloths, dark wood beams across the ceiling, and enough classic mugs to make any collector jealous.
Their Wiener Schnitzel is pounded thin, breaded to golden perfection, and covers the entire plate. I’ve watched people take photos before diving in because it’s just that impressive.
The spätzle comes swimming in butter, and the red cabbage has just enough sweetness to balance the savory dishes.
Fun fact: they import their glass steins directly from Germany, and each one holds exactly one liter. The restaurant hosts big seasonal celebrations that draw crowds from across the city.
Located at 718 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, this spot gets packed on weekends, so reservations are smart.
2. Frankford Hall
Picture an outdoor garden patio where everyone sits at long communal tables under bright twinkling lights. That’s Frankford Hall in a nutshell.
The industrial-chic building shows its history in the exposed brick and high ceilings, and the space always feels lively without feeling fussy.
Their bratwurst comes with house-made sauerkraut that has a perfect tangy bite. The pretzels arrive hot from the oven, soft inside with a salty crust, paired with cheese dip that’s downright addictive.
I always order the currywurst when I visit because the spicy-sweet sauce hits different when you’re sitting outside with friends.
The drink selection rotates constantly, featuring German imports and local craft sodas.
Located at 1210 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19125, this Fishtown favorite stays cozy during colder months with heated tents and warm blankets.
3. Max’s Allegheny Tavern
Since 1899, this North Side institution has been serving Pittsburgh’s German community.
The building’s exterior looks like it was plucked from a German village, complete with old-world charm that makes you slow down and appreciate simpler times.
Their sauerbraten marinates for days before hitting your table, resulting in meat so tender it falls apart with a fork.
The potato pancakes are crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, and come with applesauce that cuts through the richness perfectly.
My grandfather used to bring me here as a kid, and the recipes haven’t changed one bit.
The walls display vintage photographs of Pittsburgh’s German heritage, telling stories of immigrants who built this community.
Their homemade soups change daily, and regulars know to call ahead to find out what’s cooking.
You’ll find this treasure at 537 Suismon St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212, where parking can be tricky but totally worth it.
4. Hofbräuhaus Pittsburgh
This place is a close replica of the famous Munich grand hall, right down to the hand-painted murals on the ceiling.
The soaring architecture makes you feel tiny in the best possible way, and live oompah bands play traditional music that gets everyone clapping along.
Their roasted pork knuckle is legendary, arriving at your table looking like something from a medieval feast. The skin crackles when you cut into it, revealing juicy meat underneath.
The sausage sampler lets you try five different varieties, each with distinct flavors and spices that showcase different German regions.
Servers wear traditional dirndls and lederhosen, adding to the authentic atmosphere. The drinks come in proper liter mugs, and they make several varieties on-site using time-honored German methods.
Located at 2705 S Water Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203, right on the South Side, this massive hall can seat hundreds but still fills up fast.
5. Penn Brewery
Housed in a historic brewery building from the 1800s, this North Side spot combines industrial history with cozy German hospitality.
The exposed brick walls and visible copper tanks remind you that tradition is both art and science.
Their Rouladen features thin beef rolled around pickles, onions, and bacon, then braised until it melts in your mouth.
I’m obsessed with their pretzel bites served with three different mustards ranging from sweet to nose-clearing spicy.
The cheese soup is so good that people buy it by the quart to take home.
The outdoor garden seating opens in warmer months, offering one of Pittsburgh’s best spots to spend a sunny afternoon.
They cook with traditional German techniques, and you can taste the difference in every bite you take.
Find this gem at 800 Vinial Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212, where tours of the facilities run at times for history fans.
6. Dunderbak’s Market Cafe
Set inside the Lehigh Valley Mall, this combination deli and restaurant surprises everyone who discovers it.
The market side sells imported German groceries, chocolates, and specialty items you can’t find anywhere else in the area, while the cafe serves hot meals that taste like home cooking.
Their schnitzel sandwich on fresh bread with all the fixings makes for a perfect lunch. The potato salad has a vinegar base instead of mayo, giving it a tangy brightness that’s incredibly refreshing.
I always grab some Black Forest ham from the deli counter to take home because it’s sliced paper-thin and tastes nothing like supermarket versions.
The cafe feels like a European bistro despite being in a mall, with German music playing softly and the smell of fresh-baked goods filling the air.
Located at 121 Lehigh Valley Mall, Whitehall Township, PA 18052, it has been a lunch destination for locals who know good food when they taste it.
7. Fraulie’s German Deli
This tiny deli in Lemoyne packs more flavor per square foot than places ten times its size.
The family owners treat every customer like a neighbor, and the recipes come straight from their grandmother’s kitchen in Germany.
Their homemade bratwurst gets grilled to order, snapping when you bite through the casing to release juices that mix with the sauerkraut and mustard.
The potato salad disappears fast at every potluck I bring it to, and people always ask where I got it.
My favorite is their Leberkäse, a traditional Bavarian meatloaf that’s sliced thick and served on a roll with sweet mustard.
The small storefront is painted cheerful colors that brighten up the street, and inside you’ll find imported German cookies, candies, and condiments lining the shelves.
They make everything fresh daily in limited quantities, so arriving early guarantees the best selection.
Visit them at 224 South 3rd Street, Lemoyne, PA 17043, where parking right out front makes stopping in easy.
8. Newportville Inn
Outside, this looks like a typical neighborhood spot, but step inside and you’re transported to a German gasthaus right away.
The dark wood paneling and vintage signs create a cozy atmosphere that makes you want to settle in for the evening.
Their Jägerschnitzel comes smothered in a rich mushroom gravy that I could eat with a spoon. The red cabbage has just enough sweetness to complement the savory dishes without tasting like dessert.
The spaetzle gets pan-fried until crispy on the edges, adding texture that elevates the whole plate.
The restaurant has been family-run for decades, and many staff members have worked here for a long time. That consistency shows up in the way favorites keep coming out the same way, visit after visit.
They offer daily specials that highlight different regional German dishes, so regulars never get bored.
Located at 4120 Lower Road, Levittown, PA 19056, this neighborhood spot has a loyal following that spans generations of families.
9. Reading Liederkranz
Originally founded as a German singing society in 1865, this cultural club welcomes visitors for authentic German food and hospitality during public meal service and special events.
The building itself is a piece of history, with a grand hall that hosts everything from celebrations to seasonal gatherings.
Their Rouladen is stuffed with bacon, pickles, and onions, then slow-cooked until fork-tender. The dumplings are light and fluffy, soaking up gravy like little sponges of deliciousness.
I’ve attended events here, and the buffet-style dinners they host feature dishes you rarely see on menus anymore.
The club maintains German traditions through classes, groups, and cultural events throughout the year. Long communal tables encourage conversation with fellow diners, creating a warm, social atmosphere.
You’ll find this cultural gem at 143 Spook Lane, Reading, PA 19606, where German heritage comes alive through food, music, and community.
10. Lancaster Liederkranz
Another historic German club, this Lancaster County institution has preserved German culture for generations.
The spacious dining room can accommodate large groups, making it popular for family gatherings and special occasions.
Their chicken schnitzel is pounded thin, breaded perfectly, and fried until golden and crispy. The German potato salad uses a vinegar dressing that’s tangy and refreshing, especially alongside richer meat dishes.
The sauerkraut is homemade and tastes nothing like the canned stuff, with layers of flavor that develop through proper fermentation.
The club hosts regular German dinners that welcome the public, featuring music and community spirit that bring people together. Traditional decor honors heritage while keeping the vibe friendly and easygoing.
Located at 722 S Chiques Road, Manheim, PA 17545, this club sits in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, where German traditions run deep.
11. Cabbage Hill Schnitzel Haus
Named after Lancaster’s historic Cabbage Hill neighborhood where German immigrants settled, this spot celebrates that heritage with pride.
Instead of a standalone dining room, you’ll find it operating as part of Southern Market, a lively indoor food hall that keeps the atmosphere buzzing.
Their namesake schnitzel comes in several varieties, but the classic pork version remains the bestseller for good reason. The meat is tender, the breading stays crispy, and the lemon wedge brightens everything up.
Their German pancake is enormous, arriving puffy and golden, perfect for sharing or tackling solo if you’re hungry.
Seating is shared throughout the market, so it feels casual and social, with plenty of people-watching built in.
Friendly service and quick pacing make it easy to turn a meal into a fun stop instead of a long production.
They source ingredients locally when possible, connecting Pennsylvania Dutch traditions with German culinary heritage.
Find it at 100 South Queen Street, Lancaster, PA 17603, inside Southern Market, where weekends can get busy.
12. Der Jaeger
Set in the Pocono Mountains, this restaurant combines German cuisine with a beautiful natural setting.
The lodge-style building features large windows that overlook the surrounding woods, creating a peaceful dining experience that feels worlds away from city life.
Their Sauerbraten is marinated for over a week before cooking, resulting in incredibly tender beef with deep, complex flavors. The red cabbage has a hint of apple that adds sweetness without being cloying.
I love their spätzle tossed with butter and herbs, simple but executed perfectly. The outdoor deck becomes prime seating in summer, where you can enjoy your meal surrounded by nature.
The rustic interior features wood everywhere, from the floors to the ceiling beams, giving it that authentic mountain lodge feeling.
They offer a selection of German sodas and warm drinks to complement your meal. Located at 55 Purdytown Turnpike, Lake Ariel, PA 18436, this spot is worth the drive for anyone exploring the Poconos.
13. Nurnberger Bierhaus
Just down the road from Der Jaeger, this bierhaus brings authentic Bavarian atmosphere to the Poconos.
The Alpine-style building looks like it belongs in the German countryside, complete with decorative woodwork and a welcoming exterior that promises good food inside.
Their Schweinebraten (roasted pork) arrives with crackling skin and tender meat that’s been seasoned with traditional German spices.
The potato dumplings are dense and satisfying, perfect for soaking up the rich gravy. Their Apfelstrudel for dessert is made fresh daily, with flaky pastry wrapped around cinnamon-spiced apples.
The import-forward menu pairs well with hearty plates, and knowledgeable servers can guide you toward classic combinations that fit your order.
The dining room displays steins and German memorabilia that create an immersive cultural experience. During peak season, the outdoor patio fills quickly with visitors and locals alike.
You’ll find this Pocono treasure at 2136 Lake Ariel Highway, Lake Ariel, PA 18436, where German hospitality meets mountain charm.