Lehr's German Specialties — Attraction in San Francisco

Lehr's German Specialities just snatched my SOUL and left me gagging for more! I strutted in there looking for some basic Haribo candy (because mama needs her gummy fix), but chile, I was NOT prepared for this European fantasy that awaited me!

First off, the SELECTION! This place has more German goodies than a Bavarian beer garden on Oktoberfest! I'm talking wall-to-wall Germanic goodness that had me feeling like I just stepped off a plane in Berlin, boots and all!

But here's where it gets REAL juicy - they had Haribo Bärchen Pärchen, and let me tell you something, I searched high and low for these precious little bears even when I was gallivanting through Germany itself! These elusive little candies were playing harder to get than a straight man at brunch, but Lehr's said "Not today, Satan!" and had them RIGHT THERE on the shelf!

Now, I was hunting for that Stiegl Grapefruit Radler (because a queen needs her refreshments), and while they didn't have that exact flavor, they served up the lemon version instead. And you know what? Sometimes life gives you lemons, and sometimes those lemons come in a fabulous Austrian beer can!

The whole experience was giving me LIFE! The staff was lovely, the prices were reasonable, and the authenticity was chef's kiss IMMACULATE!

Mark my words, darlings: I WILL be back for more snacks, and probably some of those adorable German chocolates I spotted! This place is a whole mood, and that mood is "European vacation realness!"

Do yourself a favor and get your fabulous self down to Lehr's. Your taste buds will thank you, and so will your inner German exchange student! Werk...

This place is quaint and very German but has the feel of pre 1989.

Everything has and is in its place, and one must not help him or herself yet ask for help.

Keine Selbstbedienung and Bitte nicht blättern - no self service or leafing through the magazines. Orndung muß sein!

The candy assortments are plentiful, as well as the various Würste and packaged food for preparation. The Bier Krüge are etwas teuer aber ziemlich preiswert. I saw one with Bundes Republik Deutschland on its side, so either it's pre 1989 or now a collector's item.

The clothing selection is typical Dirndl but curiously keine Lederhosen or even Austrian Ländler outfits. You must be a medium or a small to fit into even the t-shirts.

The female proprietor claims to be from the Rheinland from what she told me once. She's approachable, somewhat chatty and helpful without being a too typically pushy German.

The prices are good all in all but not great. Maybe the import tariff makes some items pricier than others. The small selection isn't great either, but it is a small, intimate place - not a Kaufhaus - and not overloaded with typical German kitsch.

It's never too busy whenever I've been in there. After I walk in, I feel as if I'm back im Vaterland pre unification. I hope when the woman retires or sells the shop, it doesn't disappear forever. Speckmanns, the German restaurant und Bierstube der Straße gegenüber, sadly became a Chinese eatery years ago - just what Noe Valley and San...

The most magical place to be, especially before and around Christmas time. The selection of German Christmas chocolates is spectacular! Domino Steine, various Stollen selections, Advent Calendars, chocolate Santas, Marzipan Good Luck Pigs for New Year, Lebkuchen (Gingerbread Cookies), Hanuta, and various other Marzipan selections. Everything from renowned and well known German makers. Other than that the year round food selection is also great. German bread, soups, canned hering in sauce, spices and so much more. The variety on everything is too multifold to list. All I know is that I'm hooked, and will be a regular customer for a long time to come. It's a magical place for me - it's like home away from home! Thank you and vielen Dank for...