This Ohio Restaurant’s Schnitzel Feels Like A Trip To Bavaria Without The Flight
I’ll be honest with you. When I first heard about Das Schnitzel Haus on Pearl Road in Parma, I was skeptical.
Could a restaurant in suburban Ohio really transport me across the Atlantic to the heart of Bavaria? After my first visit, I became a believer.
The aroma of crispy schnitzel, the warmth of authentic German hospitality, and the flavors that dance on your tongue make this place something truly special.
Walking through the doors feels like stepping into a cozy gasthaus somewhere in the German countryside. The menu reads like a love letter to traditional Bavarian cooking, packed with dishes that have been perfected over generations.
Das Schnitzel Haus isn’t trying to be fancy or modern. It’s doing something better.
It’s bringing the soul of Bavaria to Ohio, one perfectly breaded cutlet at a time.
Finding Your Way to Parma’s Bavarian Treasure
Located at 5728 Pearl Road in Parma, Ohio, Das Schnitzel Haus sits in an unassuming spot that you might drive past without a second glance. But that would be a mistake you’d regret.
Parma has long been known for its strong Eastern European roots, and this restaurant fits perfectly into that cultural tapestry while standing out as something extraordinary.
Getting there is straightforward, with plenty of parking available even during their busiest hours. The exterior might not scream “authentic German experience,” but once you step inside, the transformation is immediate.
You’re no longer in suburban Ohio.
The restaurant opens at 11 AM most weekdays, staying open until 9:30 PM on slower nights and extending to 10:30 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. Sunday hours run from noon to 8 PM, giving you plenty of opportunities to plan your visit.
Smart diners make reservations, especially for Friday and Saturday evenings when the place fills up faster than you can say “guten Appetit.”
Schnitzel That Rivals Anything in Munich
Let me tell you about the schnitzel. This isn’t some frozen, pre-breaded disappointment heated up in a microwave.
Each cutlet gets pounded thin, coated in perfectly seasoned breadcrumbs, and fried to golden perfection. The result is a crispy exterior that shatters under your fork, giving way to tender, juicy meat inside.
You can choose from several varieties. The Wiener Schnitzel features veal so tender it practically melts.
Chicken schnitzel offers a lighter option without sacrificing any flavor. My personal favorite is the Jägerschnitzel, topped with a rich mushroom gravy that adds an earthy depth to every bite.
Portions are massive. I’m talking about cutlets that hang over the edge of your plate, paired with generous sides.
Most diners end up taking home leftovers, which taste almost as good reheated the next day. The meat stays moist even after spending time in the refrigerator, a testament to the quality of preparation.
One reviewer compared it favorably to what you’d find in Stuttgart, and I can’t argue with that assessment.
Sauerkraut Balls That Deserve Their Own Fan Club
Before you even think about your main course, you need to order the sauerkraut balls. These crispy spheres have achieved legendary status among regular customers, and one reviewer claimed they’re better than any homemade version they’ve ever attempted.
That’s high praise coming from someone who actually makes them at home.
Each ball contains a mixture of sauerkraut, meat, and seasonings, all rolled together and coated in breadcrumbs before being fried until golden. The outside provides a satisfying crunch while the inside stays warm and flavorful.
They arrive at your table topped with a fantastic aioli that adds a creamy, garlicky element to balance the tangy sauerkraut.
I’ve watched tables order multiple servings of these appetizers, and I completely understand why. They’re addictive in the best possible way.
The combination of textures and flavors hits every note your taste buds are looking for. Even people who claim they don’t like sauerkraut find themselves converted after trying these golden nuggets of deliciousness.
Chicken Paprikash That Draws Crowds
Among the most mentioned dishes in customer reviews, the chicken paprikash stands as a menu superstar. This Hungarian-influenced dish features tender chicken swimming in a rich, creamy paprika sauce that coats every piece with flavor.
The sauce strikes a perfect balance between savory and slightly sweet, with just enough spice to keep things interesting.
Served over spätzle, those delightful little German egg noodles, the dish becomes a complete comfort food experience. The spätzle soaks up the paprika sauce, creating little flavor bombs with every forkful.
Some diners prefer to get their spätzle on the side, allowing them to control how much sauce each component receives.
Portions are, as with everything here, generous to a fault. You’ll likely find yourself loosening your belt halfway through the meal.
The chicken stays moist and tender, never dry or overcooked. Multiple reviewers specifically called out this dish as their reason for returning, and after trying it myself, I joined that club immediately.
It’s the kind of meal that sticks with you, both literally and in your memory.
Pierogies With a German Twist
You might raise an eyebrow at finding pierogies on a German menu, since they’re traditionally Polish. But Das Schnitzel Haus has put their own spin on these dumplings, and the result has earned them a dedicated following.
The filling differs from traditional Polish versions, offering a unique flavor profile that surprises first-time tasters.
What really sets these apart is the preparation. The outside gets a slight crunch, adding texture that you don’t always find with pierogies.
They’re pan-fried to achieve that golden exterior while keeping the inside soft and flavorful. One reviewer noted they were better than many other pierogi options in the area, and I have to agree.
You can order them as a side dish or as a main course, depending on your appetite. I recommend getting them as a side so you can experience them alongside other menu items.
They pair particularly well with the German potato salad, creating a carb-heavy combination that somehow works perfectly. The kitchen clearly understands how to balance flavors and textures across the entire plate.
Atmosphere That Transports You Across the Ocean
Walking into Das Schnitzel Haus feels like entering a different world. The decor strikes that sweet spot between authentic and comfortable, with German-themed touches that enhance the experience without feeling overdone.
You won’t find kitschy tourist trap decorations here. Everything feels intentional and genuine.
The main dining room fills up quickly, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings. When crowds surge, the staff opens an overflow room that accommodates the demand.
One reviewer arrived an hour after opening on a Friday and watched both rooms fill completely, with a line forming outside within minutes. That kind of popularity speaks volumes.
Yes, it gets noisy when packed. The sound bounces off the walls and creates a lively, bustling atmosphere that some find energizing and others find a bit overwhelming.
But that noise comes from happy diners enjoying great food and good company. There’s also a covered and heated patio area that offers a quieter alternative during pleasant weather.
The warmth extends beyond the physical space to the genuine hospitality that permeates every interaction.
Service That Makes You Feel Like Family
Servers at Das Schnitzel Haus consistently earn praise in customer reviews. Names like Jenna, Jordan, and Bohdan appear repeatedly, with diners specifically calling out their attentiveness, knowledge, and personality.
Bohdan, in particular, gets mentioned for being cheerful and funny, joking with guests while providing excellent care throughout the evening.
Even during the busiest rushes, when the kitchen is slammed and every table is full, the staff maintains their composure and friendliness. One reviewer noted that while service took longer than expected during a packed Friday dinner, it was completely understandable given the crowd.
The servers never seemed flustered or short with customers.
They’re happy to describe menu items in detail and make recommendations based on your preferences. If something doesn’t meet your expectations, they’ll offer to make it right.
One diner’s daughter found her sauerbraten too tangy, and the server immediately offered to bring a different meal. That kind of responsiveness builds loyalty.
The owner also personally responds to reviews, showing a level of engagement that’s becoming rare in the restaurant industry.
Sides and Extras That Complete the Experience
While the main dishes rightfully get most of the attention, the sides at Das Schnitzel Haus deserve their own moment in the spotlight. German potato salad arrives tangy and warm, dressed in a vinegar-based sauce rather than the mayonnaise version many Americans expect.
It’s the authentic preparation, and it pairs beautifully with rich, heavy entrees.
Potato pancakes, called kartoffelpuffer in Germany, come out crispy on the outside and tender inside. Many diners order mushroom gravy on the side to drizzle over them.
One creative menu item sandwiches a Reuben between two potato pancakes instead of rye bread, creating a hearty fusion that somehow works perfectly. The corned beef gets caramelized on the grill, adding another layer of flavor.
Red cabbage provides a slightly sweet, tangy counterpoint to savory meats. Spätzle can be ordered plain or topped with goulash.
Every meal starts with complimentary bread baskets filled with homemade bread and butter. Tables often request multiple refills because the bread disappears so quickly.
These thoughtful touches elevate the entire dining experience beyond just eating to something more memorable and complete.