We all know Florida for its beautiful beaches and diverse culture. The best part is that there is something for everyone. You know, wanna go partying? Just head to Miami. Just wanna chill out? Then check out The Villages.
And now let me tell you about the food there. It is amazing. I’ve been on vacation on both the East and West Coast, but Florida is the only place with such diversity like no other place, not only in the US but in the world.
The reason? It’s quite simple. A lot of foreigners live in Florida. That’s why you will find so many different street foods (including my favorite Cuban sandwich).
But there is an interesting twist to this. Did you know that you can eat in a German restaurant in Florida? I was as surprised as you right now when I visited one of them( Yup, it’s more than one!).
Once I tried the Bratwurst, Hot Dog will never be an option for me, at least not in this state. Also, after visiting the first German restaurant, I decided to explore more and try to decide which one is the best.
And this article is about that. A review of the best German restaurants in the Sunshine State.
1. Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Café – Sanford
It’s a cozy spot in Historic Downtown Sanford, that’s all about giving you a slice of Germany right in the heart of the state.View this post on Instagram
While the focus is on food, you will also find unique German beers, schnaps, spirits, and wines. And don’t worry if you are on a special diet because there are meals for vegetarians along with gluten-free options.
Most visitors left this restaurant extremely satisfied with positive thoughts, and here you will see some of their reviews.
Pamela Brown:
“What a great place! We had a blast with the music and lively atmosphere, and the food and beer was completely satisfying. We will be going back soon!”Allon “The Cookie Dragon” Aurual:
“It’s so hard to find a good German restaurant without going up north.. until now. This place is excellent. I love my German cuisine and have made plenty in the past, and I loved every bite here.”
The vibe? Super welcoming. They’re big on Gemütlichkeit, this cool German concept of warmth, friendliness, and good cheer. You feel it the moment you step in. And most people think the same, at least according to reviews I found on Yelp, where this restaurant has a very high rating of 4.4. I gave it a 5-star review as I was more than satisfied with everything in this place.
When it comes to the menu, I don’t know where to start. And some of you may be surprised, but the best thing I had there was actually a potato salad. Of, course, the other food I ordered was great, but this salad really made me wanna come to this place again.
Another reason why I recommend this place is that it combines different traditional German foods as part of the same dish, such as Bratwurst, Weisswurst, Knockwurst, Kassler, and Leberkäse (Bavarian baked bologna loaf).
If you want to make a reservation, give them a ring at 407-321-2204 or check out their website for more details.
Before I continue, I have to say that this place motivated me to continue and look further for more unique German spots in Florida. I think people in the US should learn more about all this amazing food.
2. Old Hamburg Schnitzelhaus – Anna Maria Island
The Old Hamburg Schnitzelhaus on Anna Maria Island, Florida is like a portal to some old German town, with many traditional meals prepared the same way you would get somewhere around Munich.
I have to be honest, it was a tough decision when I took the menu because I wanted to try everything.
So I asked the waiter for a recommendation, and he told me to start with their special – The Schweinshaxe Bayerische Art( Franconian Brats, Roast Pork, small Schnitzel, Sauerkraut, and Mashed Potatoes). And yes, it is art. A Masterpiece.
If you are into wine pairing, my recommendation is either Dornfelder or Burgunder.
3. Bavarian Grill – Pensacola
If you are wondering what medieval tavernas looked like. Well, this is the closest you can get in the US.
The weekend is almost here! Who’s stopping by to celebrate with some cold bier? 🍻
Want to enjoy some at home? We have some of your favorite 6-packs to-go! 😁#beer #weekendvibes #planotx pic.twitter.com/4WLyUBLs84
— The Bavarian Grill (@BavarianGrill) July 31, 2020
When I took the menu, I started looking for something traditional. The starter, of course, was the Bavarian pretzel, combined with a draft beer of the waiter’s choice. The decision was perfect. I got the Bavarian Beef Roast. It’s quite different from a typical steak you will get in American restaurants, mostly because of the sides, especially mashed potatoes.
4. Mr. Dunderbak’s – Tampa
After checking the Bavarian Grill, I was determined to discover all these German places I never knew about( or I simply didn’t pay enough attention).
So I started reading recommendations from people online and found out that there is a place in Tampa, open for 50 years already.
I didn’t want to wait for the next day. I found their website and made a reservation for the evening on the same day after visiting the previously mentioned taverna.
I followed his recommendation and chose Wienerwurst, a typical German sausage. Even though I already tried some other versions in previous restaurants, German cuisine is known for a lot of different types of “wursts”, and I wanted to test them all. But I cannot choose a winner yet. Each one has something special about it.
They have a deli market where you can buy authentic ingredients. Don’t leave without picking up some chocolate or wurst for the road.
5. German Deli – Largo
Simply named “German Deli,” this Largo gem might lack in branding but compensates with sheer authenticity. The décor features German memorabilia, giving diners the feel of a real Gasthaus.
The food has a lot of similarities with previous restaurants. You know, all types of sausages, “the schnitzel”, and a great selection of German beers.
But I managed to find something special there. The Apple Strudel. A perfect way to round up a meal. I wouldn’t say it is better than the apple pie people from the US praise so much(don’t worry), but it is a serious contestant!
6. Checkers Old Munchen – Pompano Beach
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Nestled in Pompano Beach, FL, this restaurant is a hidden gem that transports you straight to Germany.
The menu, as expected, is full of German classics.
I went there during breakfast time, so I ordered Knockwurst And Two Eggs. And let me tell you, you get a lot for only $12.99.
Here’s a review from a visitor that I absolutely loved:
Joe Graham:
“Top notch in all regards except one (availability of parking). This place serves up the best authentic German food in the area dining rooms decorated with decorative beer steins on all of the walls. Our waiter was efficient and attentive to all our needs. But what was best of all was the beer and the food.”
I also added ‘Bavarian Pretzel’ served with house mustard. That is surely something I could eat every day.
However, I wanted to complete the breakfast with something sweet. They have regular pancakes, but I was more into something specific, and they have it – The Cinamon Raisin French Toast. It looks so simple, yet it is delicious.
7. Grandpa´s – Schnitzel – Sarasota
I found it interesting that this restaurant is trying to bring traditional German food to the public audience by experimenting with versions adjusted for other cuisines, such as Italian, American, Greek, Hawaiian, and more.
However, I wasn’t into switching the main route, so my decision was simple – the authentic German Schnitzel.
You get to choose two sides for free with this order, so I went to Sauerkraut and Bratkartoffeln. The first one is a unique type of salad made of fermented cabbage( it is so good that I am thinking about dedicating a whole new article only about it), while the other one is some sort of roasted potatoes with bacon and onions( also delicious).
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The ambient is quite pleasant. It reminds me of Mr. Dunderbak’s in Tampa I visited a few days ago. I think they both represent a typical German eatery. And yes, now I am interested in traveling to this country to see what it really looks like there.
8. Fritz & Franz Bierhaus – Coral Gables
I decided to experiment more with this one. I saw they are offering a combination of American and German cuisine. The first thing on the menu that intrigued me was the Bierhaus Burger – the German twist on an American classic.
And it was a win for me. While most ingredients are the same, the Kaiser role gives it a whole new level.
Also, I wanted to take a break from beer, so I ordered some sparkling wine. It is called Schlumberger. I love how refreshing it is. Perfect for meal lovers like myself.
9. The Ambry – Fort Lauderdale
This one is another place where you can enjoy combinations of American and German food.
But I wanted to keep testing the German cuisine, and this time, I was more for something from the premium chart.
After a longer battle with the steak, I wasn’t sure whether I could handle anything more. But I just had to try the cake people at the nearby table were eating. It’s called Black Forest Cake. I was able to eat only a small part of it in the restaurant and took the rest with me. The coffee had next morning was special with it!
10. Heidi’s Island Bistro
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During the last day of my vacation in Florida, I planned to check some of the previous restaurants again. But then I thought, let’s find another one. And I did. I was heading to Fort Myers, and on my way, there was this gem – Heidi’s Bistro.
As you can expect, the menu is full of typical meals like previous restaurants, but then I spotted it. The traditional German meatloaf. That was something I hadn’t even considered getting in previous days(I couldn’t even remember If I saw it in some other menu).
If you ever order it, trust me, the mashed potatoes should never be split from the meatloaf. Just mix them.
For the dessert, I just wanted to have another Apple strudel, and I hope it will be the same as the one I got at German Deli a few days ago. (It was!)
Final Thoughts
And there you have it. A simple guide that will help you find the right place to eat when you visit Florida.
Also, checking on these restaurants was not my initial idea when I went there. It all just happened after I spotted the Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Café. It ended as an amazing journey. My whole vacation became an exploration of German restaurants in the Sunshine State. And it was an amazing experience.
In the end, these 10 restaurants are not a full list. There is more! But I didn’t have enough time to visit Biergarten Restaurant, Edelweiss, German Corner, and some other spots. They will have to wait for another time. I am planning to expand my experience with a whole new list!
