Weinstube Schnitzelbank — Restaurant in Heidelberg

After trying several times to walk in and get a table, we were finally lucky enough to beat the crowd Sunday night and get a table at the highly recommended Schnitzelbank. There is only room for about 25 people at the 5 tables inside and though they supposedly take reservations, we were unable to reach them after several tries. After a short wait, we were lucky enough to have a small group leave and joined another couple at one of the tables. Table sharing is super common in Germany, and even more so here with the small size. Every table had at least 2 or 3 groups at it.

The atmosphere is wonderfully medieval German and the tables feel like they must be several centuries old and have a good number of patrons' names carved in. The place is also small enough to feel intimate and the waiter / bartender / host was close by the entire time and very attentive. He also had a great sense of humor and spoke excellent English after one of us messed up and revealed we were not in fact locals.

We were unfortunate in that we were seated next to a large table of loud, rude spanish speakers who were leaning back from the table so far as to be basically in my lap and carrying on rudely. They even went as far as to snap their fingers at the waiter for his attention at which point he told them that was not acceptable. Good for him! I guess it might be the non-tip-dependent culture of Europe that allows this, but I was so happy to see him hit back at their nonsense.

Other than that (and thankfully they left shortly after) everything was steller. We weren't able to sample the wine from the tap (a specialty) as it ran out as he was pouring mine, but the local Riesling he substituted was fantastic. Yes, this is more of a wine establishment than a beer one as there is no beer on tap, only a small selection of bottles, but with all the other pubs and restaurants around, I was happy to have something different. This is also an excellent wine region.

I tried the Garlic Schnitzel or "Lonely Nights", I guess because the garlic was supposed to force me to sleep alone, and it was fantastic. It came with a small fresh salad. The schnitzel was excellent. It was not the flat breaded type common, but an unbreaded, thick chop of pork covered in fresh tomatoes and roasted garlic chunks. It was absolutely incredible. I'm still recovering from garlic breath, but it is definitely worth it.

Service was excellent as noted and also very fast. Food was delivered within 10 minutes of ordering. Price was also pretty good for such a large meal right near the touristy heart...

My husband wrote to his siblings about our time at the this restaurant: It was such an interesting restaurant, cramped and creaky and old, off a dank side street in Heidelberg, through a heavy door set deep into the wall, thick with the bustle of people eating and coming and going and talking, tables every which way to the few nooks and crannies available, claustrophobic even, if it weren’t for the vibrancy, the squeeze of people, the murmured din of conversations, the bright and friendly service person upon us, as we looked about for ourselves wondering if such a brimming space could somehow take us as well, wanting it badly for the smell and warmth and humanness of it all, in close quarters his mind ticking through the entries in his small spiral notepad, gesturing with bright eyes to an old workbench along the side wall, the end chair into the walkway, a rudimentary bench along the wall, chairs opposite enveloping the circulatory space even when unoccupied, somehow all of this working, with food coming and going from a food elevator behind a service station, orders from the notepad going in, along with dishes, and the prepared dishes coming out, the kitchen either upstairs or in the basement, maybe the bar too, serving the likes of alcohol-free beer, specials of the day, boiled cabbage, and a french onion soup, the large piece of soft bread for which was evidently dipped into a large vat of gruyere cheese, fondue style, and then set upon a griddle to fry in the Maillard effect, and then stood into the soup bowl as a cheese cocktail breadstick, hmm puzzling, the crispy cheese, the exposed soft bread soaking in the onion soup with each bite, delicious, along with a german salad, coleslaw, stringed beans, lettuce, and Blue somehow tucked in to the end of the table along with Christina, and no worries about anything, just that bright smile checking back to make sure it was all as delectable as it should be, so young, and stocky, and strong, maybe a student at the university, but commanding the scene as if he owned it all, with all of this coming and going well before the light agreement to finish before seven, even as others from the larger group started filling the other end of the...

In the charming university town of Heidelberg, I discovered a true gem in the company of my parents: Weinstube Schnitzelbank. This old-fashioned pub-style eatery not only tantalized our taste buds but also warmed our hearts, creating an atmosphere that felt like a lively gathering of old friends.

From the moment we stepped inside, we were enveloped in a cozy, welcoming ambiance that seemed to whisper, "Make yourself at home." The wooden walls and tables were adorned with carved graffiti that told stories of a rich past, while the warm glow of the lighting cast a gentle, inviting aura over the entire space.

The culinary experience at Weinstube Schnitzelbank was truly unparalleled. The schnitzels, boasting a dazzling variety, were hands down the tastiest I've ever had the pleasure of devouring. Each crispy, tender bite was an ode to the art of schnitzel-making. The apfelstrudel and wines were equally exceptional, further elevating the already extraordinary meal.

What truly set Weinstube Schnitzelbank apart, however, was the staff. The waiters were not just friendly, they were a family of hosts, their kindness and genuine warmth radiating from every interaction. They made us feel as if we were their personal guests, invited into their home for a joyous feast.

The convivial atmosphere encouraged patrons to share tables, sparking delightful conversations and fostering new friendships. While perhaps not the ideal setting for an intimate dinner, Weinstube Schnitzelbank offered a unique opportunity to connect with others and celebrate the spirit of Heidelberg's vibrant student community.

In my journey through the world of culinary experiences, it stands out as a beacon of warmth and camaraderie. The harmonious blend of exquisite food, an endearing atmosphere, and a staff who truly care, make this schnitzel pub an unforgettable destination. I raise my glass to Weinstube Schnitzelbank, a shining testament to the magic of shared meals and heartfelt...