If you haven’t been, German Village is an amazing neighborhood just south of downtown Columbus. With it’s brick streets, the neighborhood is long on old world charm. Quaint little shops of all sorts find themselves tucked in between historic homes. And you’ll find legendary Columbus restaurants, like Schmidt’s Sausage Haus nestled between upstart breweries and delis. It’s a perfect combination of the new old and the new.
Schmidt’s: All in the Family
According to the Schmidt’s website, the family patriarch J. Fred Schmidt settled in Columbus in the early 1880s and opened his meat packing business in German Village shortly thereafter. As time went on the family had a hand in various other businesses and eventually landed in restaurant business after opening a booth at the Ohio State Fair.
In 1967 the family opened Schmidt’s Sausage Haus in German Village. It’s been a German Village staple and something of a Columbus legend ever since.
Schmidt’s Sausage Haus
Though it had been a few years since I had visited the German Village location, I had enjoyed Schmidt’s food at some of the many festivals they frequent around the state of Ohio. Their food truck and festival schedule is available on their site along with catering information.
Still a little nervous to dine in coming off the COVID situation, Natalie and I choose a 2 pm time for our meal at Schmidt’s, right between lunch and dinner when we thought the crowd might be smaller.
Upon arrival it seemed we had no need to worry as Schmidt’s has taken ample precautions. The staff are all wearing masks and there are clear barrier between dining. groups. Since they are clear, they don’t impact the experience much but do give us some peace of mind.
The restaurant is just as I remembered it: dark wood floors, brick walls, and stained glass. The wait staff is wearing traditional German dress and the artwork on the walls speaks to both its German and Ohio heritage. In the front of the store there is a refrigerated case full of their famous cream puff pastries and another fully stocked with sausages to go.
We are quickly seated and given a menu. Our waiter is friendly and brings our drink order promptly.
Decisions, Decisions
After much deliberation, Natalie settles on the bratwurst with sides of sauerkraut and green beans and spatzle. Back and forth between the reuben sandwhich and the Bahama Mama platter, I finally decide on the platter. It is, after all, their specialty and was once voted one of the ten top entrees in Columbus.
Delicious Meal
When our food arrives it is hot and delicious. Natalie is happy with everything, particularly the kraut. She decides that the green beans are excellent, but that she doesn’t really like spatzle. I taste it and it tastes a bit like a noodle. She picks around it.
My Bahama Mama is amazing. I was worried that it might be too spicy and that the platter might be too much food. I was wrong on both counts as it was just the right amount of spice and the quantity was sufficient but not too much.
The sausage and kraut are my absolute favorites. It comes with two sides: applesauce with cinnamon and German potato salad. The applesauce tastes homemade. I’m not a fan of any potato salad so I might not be the best judge. This tastes good with a bit of a sour flavor to it. I finished most of it.
Our Just Desserts
Though we were pretty full, we decided to try a cream puff for desert. They are famous for them. Though they have peanut butter and chocolate flavors, we opt for the original vanilla cream. We both pick at it and it’s gone in no time. I see why they’re famous for this desert, it’s good.
Schmidt’s Fudge Haus
After settling our bill we headed just across the street to Schmidt’s Fudge Haus. We weren’t exactly hungry, but thought we’d grab a treat for my hubby since he didn’t get to join us on our food adventure. The store featured homemade candies and your usual souvenir goods.
Schmidt’s: Still a Columbus Legend
Schmidt’s still lives up to the legend hype. It’s a good meal, enough to eat, and the prices are decent. The setting is not fancy, but comfortable. If you’re in Columbus and have the opportunity, try Schmidt’s for lunch or dinner. If not, keep a lookout for them on the fairs and festival scene in Ohio.
What’s your favorite Ohio eatery? Let us know and we will make a visit! In the meantime, checkout our Restaurant Review page for some of our favorite Ohio eats. You might want to check out our last review of O’Betty’s Red Hots, a casual spot near the campus of Ohio University.
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We eat here 2-3 times a year when we pass through the area. Absolutely love the food and atmosphere. The “Autobaun” buffet is a great way to sample all of the different sausages they offer. Highly recommend this restaurant!
I haven’t tried the buffet. Will be certain to give it a shot on our next visit. Thanks for the tip!