This Historic Ohio Restaurant Serves A Cream Puff So Big It Deserves Its Own Plate

A cream puff big enough to need two hands has been coming out of one Ohio kitchen for more than 50 years.

It’s stuffed with velvety vanilla cream and dusted with powdered sugar. That alone would earn it a spot on my must-try list.

The pastry has company, though. Chocolate and peanut butter versions show up on the menu too.

I can’t imagine choosing just one without a little inner struggle.

The building adds its own charm. The restaurant sits inside a historic livery stable in a brick neighborhood full of old homes.

Long wooden tables and Bavarian decor fill the dining room.

On certain nights, live oom-pah music bounces around the room while plates of sausage roll out.

I like how the whole place feels like a family party with dessert waiting at the end. So how big is this cream puff, really?

The Cream Puff That Needs Two Hands And A Plan

Powdered sugar drifts over a pastry the size of a softball at Schmidt’s Sausage Haus Restaurant. The famous jumbo cream puff easily fills your palm, and many people need both hands to manage it.

Inside, rich and velvety vanilla cream packs the fluffy shell. That recipe has been served here for over 50 years, which makes it older than a lot of Ohio landmarks people brag about.

The flavor lineup goes beyond vanilla. Chocolate and peanut butter cream puffs appear as well, giving you a delicious problem to solve.

So what’s the smart move? Plenty of diners order one to go, since a full German dinner leaves little room for dessert.

Cream puffs ride home surprisingly well. Grabbing one for later means you can enjoy it slowly instead of racing a full stomach.

Sharing is another option, though it requires real trust. Splitting a cream puff this size can test even the strongest friendships.

A few napkins help, too. Powdered sugar loves dark shirts, and the cream does not stay politely inside its shell for long.

Honestly, a little mess feels like part of the tradition. Nobody walks away from this dessert looking perfectly tidy.

A Family Story That Started With A Meat Packing House

Back in 1886, German immigrant J. Fred Schmidt opened Schmidt’s Meat Packing House in Columbus.

He couldn’t have known his name would one day sit on a cream puff box.

The family’s first venture into the restaurant and concession business came in 1914. That year, they set up a food stand at the Ohio State Fair.

That stand still holds a proud title today. Schmidt’s remains the oldest food concessionaire at the fair, which is quite a streak.

The sit-down restaurant came much later. J.

Fred’s grandson, George F. Schmidt, opened it in 1967.

George borrowed meat recipes from the old packing house days. Dessert recipes came from German cooks, which explains a lot about that famous pastry.

Today, the fourth and fifth generations of the Schmidt family run the business. That’s a lot of family dinners spent talking shop.

Family ownership shows in small ways. The fifth generation still personally answers comments from diners online.

Knowing this history makes a meal feel different. Several sausage recipes trace their roots to the old packing house days.

Not many restaurants can trace their food that far. It’s a fun detail to share while you wait for your plate.

Old Livery Stable Walls Give Dinner A Storybook Feel

Horses once had this address before sausage did. Schmidt’s Sausage Haus Restaurant operates inside a historic livery stable, a place where horses were once kept and cared for.

The brick building fits right into its surroundings. German Village is a historic Columbus neighborhood known for brick streets and homes dating back to the 1800s.

Inside, exposed brick and old wood set the mood. It feels cozy, a little snug, and full of character.

Booths and tables sit close together in parts of the dining room. That closeness adds to the lively, shared feel of the place.

History also shows up in displays around the restaurant. The family shares its story with guests, so take a minute to look around.

Photo opportunities pop up throughout the space. Bring a phone with plenty of storage, because the setting is camera-friendly.

Getting there is simple once you know where to look. You’ll find the restaurant at 240 E Kossuth St, Columbus, OH 43206.

A small parking lot sits behind the building. It’s easy to miss, so keep an eye out before circling the block.

You’ll Hear The Oom-Pah Band Before You See It

Accordions and brass make dinner feel like a festival. Live oom-pah music fills the dining room on select nights each week.

The schedule is easy to remember. Bands usually play Wednesdays and Thursdays from 7 PM to close.

Weekends start a little later. On Fridays and Saturdays, the music kicks off at 8 PM and runs until closing.

Want a quieter meal? A lunch visit or an early dinner earlier in the week might suit you better.

Love a party atmosphere instead? Aim for a music night and expect plenty of happy energy.

The room can get loud when the band is going. Most folks seem to treat that as part of the fun.

Some servers wear traditional German-style outfits too. That detail adds to the old-world feel without trying too hard.

Kids often enjoy the music as much as adults. Bouncy tunes and a big cream puff make a pretty great combination for young diners.

Toe tapping is optional but likely. Just try to keep your fork steady during the polka.

Meet The Spicy Sausage That Became Columbus’s Official Food

Few sausages can claim a city title. The Bahama Mama was voted Columbus’s official food, which is a pretty big deal for something served in a bun.

This smoked sausage brings a spicy kick. It’s one of the best-known items on the menu at Schmidt’s Sausage Haus Restaurant.

The recipe connects back to the family’s packing house roots. That means you’re tasting something with deep Ohio history.

Bratwurst holds its own spot on the menu too. Ordering a sausage sampler lets you compare several kinds in one sitting.

Sides matter here as much as the meat. German potato salad and sauerkraut are classic partners for these sausages.

Not sure where to start? The Bahama Mama makes a strong first pick for anyone curious about local flavor.

Spice lovers will likely be happy. If heat isn’t your thing, bratwurst offers a milder path.

Fair fans might recognize these flavors. The family’s Ohio State Fair stand has been feeding crowds since 1914.

Either way, save room for dessert. The cream puff is still waiting for you.

German Comfort Food Fills The Rest Of The Menu

Schnitzel lovers get three choices. Pork, veal, and chicken versions all appear on the menu.

Spaetzle is another comfort classic worth trying. These soft little dumplings pair nicely with a crispy schnitzel.

Cabbage rolls bring a homestyle touch. They’re the kind of dish that tastes like a family recipe card.

Bavarian pretzels and pretzel nuggets make easy starters. Sharing a basket keeps everyone happy while orders cook.

Sauerkraut balls are another fun appetizer choice. They’re a great way to try a German flavor in a bite-sized form.

The menu stretches beyond sausage in many directions. Even picky eaters can usually find something that feels familiar.

Kids have their own options too. Mac and cheese with grilled sausage is a solid pick for younger diners.

Portions here are generous. Planning to share a few plates can help you sample more without overdoing it.

German chocolate cake and apple strudel tempt dessert fans as well. Still, the cream puff tends to steal the spotlight.

Leftovers are a real possibility. Don’t be shy about asking for a box.

Hungry For A Little Of Everything? Try The Autobahn

Decision fatigue has a cure here. The Autobahn Buffet offers an all-you-can-eat spread of German favorites.

The name is a playful nod to Germany’s famous highways. Thankfully, there’s no speed limit on going back for seconds.

Buffet trays feature several types of sausage. That makes it an easy way to taste your way through the lineup.

Sides join the party as well. Expect classics that pair well with all that smoked meat.

First-timers may find the buffet especially handy. You can test a bit of everything before picking future favorites.

Groups with mixed tastes also benefit. Everyone grabs what they like without debating one shared order.

A dessert add-on is available too. That opens the door to ending your meal with something sweet.

Pacing is the secret skill here. Load up too fast, and that giant cream puff might have to wait until tomorrow.

Honestly, that’s not the worst outcome. A cream puff breakfast sounds like a fine plan.

Either way, wear comfortable clothes. Your waistband will thank you before the night ends.

Smart Timing Makes A Busy Spot Much Easier

No reservations are taken here. That simple fact shapes how you should plan your visit.

The restaurant opens daily at 11 AM. It closes at 9 PM Sunday and Monday, and at 10 PM the rest of the week.

An online waitlist can save you time. Joining it before you arrive helps you skip a long stretch of standing around.

Weekends and holidays can get busy. Arriving early or visiting on a weekday may help you grab a seat faster.

Waiting doesn’t have to feel dull. German Village offers pretty brick streets that are great for a short stroll.

Shops sit right across the street too. Browsing while you wait makes the time pass quickly.

A deli and dessert counter inside offers goodies to go. It’s perfect if you want treats for the car ride home.

Visiting Ohio’s capital for a game or conference? This spot makes an easy add-on to your plans.

A little planning goes a long way. Then all you need to worry about is which cream puff flavor to pick.

The Schmidt Spirit Travels Far Beyond Kossuth Street

Missed the dining room? Schmidt’s might come to you anyway.

The family runs food trucks that appear at festivals and events across Ohio. Spotting one feels like finding a familiar friend in a crowd.

Catering services bring the menu to private gatherings too. Sausage and cream puffs at a party tend to make guests very happy.

Planning a bigger celebration? The main restaurant offers banquet space that holds up to 112 people.

That works well for reunions, birthdays, or work events. The historic setting adds a memorable backdrop.

The family also helps host the annual Columbus Oktoberfest. It takes place at the Ohio Expo Center.

The festival features three stages of German music and dancing. A Kinderplatz offers activities for children.

A Marktplatz rounds things out with vendors to browse. It’s a fun way to enjoy German culture on a larger scale.

All of this ties back to that first fair stand from 1914. Few families have fed Ohio crowds for so long.

Still, the home base deserves a visit. Nothing beats that cream puff in the place where it all began.