I pulled off a busy South Florida highway expecting a quick bite and maybe a forgettable sandwich. Instead, I found a German dining room where a crispy pork cutlet arrived buried under a glossy mushroom gravy, and lunch suddenly became the best part of my day.
Florida has plenty of beach shacks and seafood spots, but a real Bavarian kitchen with dumplings, spaetzle, and strudel is a rare find. Come hungry, skip the snack beforehand, and leave space for dessert.
A Bavarian Kitchen Along State Road 84
Traffic hums along State Road 84 just south of downtown Fort Lauderdale, and few drivers expect Germany to be waiting at the side of the road. The building looks modest from the parking lot, more neighborhood spot than grand beer-hall palace.
Step inside, though, and the scene shifts. Old Heidelberg Restaurant serves traditional Bavarian cooking: schnitzels, sausages, braised meats, potato pancakes, and homemade soups, all in portions that make a to-go box almost certain…