Spatzle, Snitzle, and Strudel
It wouldn't seem that crazy to travel to Italy just for the food. Traditional German food, however, doesn't make me want to jump on a plane and head across the ocean. That being said, there are two German restaurants in San Francisco that are worth checking out (more for the overall experience than the food). Located in Hayes Valley, Suppenkuche sits on the corner of Laguna and Hayes Street, in a big mustard colored building. The restaurant has an impressive beer menu and friendly bartenders that will steer you in the right direction. The folks at Suppenkuche also encourage communal seating and the long wooden tables are great for family style dinners. The place gets packed and slightly buzzed given the huge steins of beer that most restaurant goers clutch to as they wait for a seat. I would suggest going for a meat dish (the venison medallions or the sautéed trout are safe bets). If you can’t make up your mind, there is always sauerkraut, mash potatoes and sausage. Even if German food is not your thing, this “wirtshaus”, as they say in German, is well worth the visit.
Walzwerg is another noteworthy German spot. This place, however, offers unique and authentic food from East Germany. The interior of the restaurant filled with relics from East Germany, before the Wall came down. Posters, display cases, even the color schemes are put together with East Germany in mind. This is a great place to go if you have a large group. The back room can be set up for up to 18 people with the option to have family style plates stacked high with quintessential German food. Spatzle, Snitzle, and Strudel are waiting for you!