German cuisine started making its way to America in the 17th century, and it’s had a lasting impact ever since. In fact, we have German immigrants to thank for many classic “American” dishes we know and love today, including hot dogs, hamburgers, and potato salad. Beyond those familiar dishes, there’s a whole range of hearty German dishes to be discovered at numerous restaurants across the United States. And some restaurants in particular stand out for their sublime fare and welcoming atmospheres.
In our effort to hunt down the best German restaurants in the United States, we combed through countless customer reviews and noted awards and accolades. We looked at spots that serve authentic German dishes like sausages, schnitzel, and spaetzle, as well as places that put modern twists on the classics. In addition, we considered places that offer great selections of German wines and beers, such as pilsner and Kölsch. According to reviews, these are spots where you can expect to find some seriously “lecker” (delicious) German food and drinks.
1. Suppenküche in San Francisco, California
When Fabi Weist and Thomas Klausmann founded Suppenküche in 1993, they wanted to create a convivial space where people could drink and dine together, similar to the beer halls in their home country of Germany. Today, the restaurant has legions of fans who come for the friendly vibes, multiple German beers on tap, and hearty fare. Enticing eats include the Semmelknödel mit Pilzsauce (dumpling with mushroom sauce), Leberkäse (baked pork shoulder), and Hähnchenschnitzel (chicken schnitzel).
What people love most about Suppenküche is the down-to-earth atmosphere and authenticity. A Reddit user described it as “Like the real vibe, not some fake tourist replica of Oktoberfest, as you’d get at many ‘German theme’ restaurants.” Plus, many say the food is downright delicious. Several regulars will even come from afar just to indulge in the great food and drinks. As one fan said on Instagram, “Some restaurants are worth the drive — this is one of them.”…