Ratsstube — Restaurant in Rothenburg ob der Tauber

We had a great dining experience here for our Saturday lunch! Here are some highlights:

For one thing, it offers a great location in the center of the Old Town (in the Marketplatz) right across from the Rathaus (City Hall). You just can't beat the location in terms of convenience and central location in this quaint Medieval town. Several criticism I read were about being a tourist-trap due to its location. You just can't fault them for that. It has a proud history of being the main restaurant in town. It even served the King of Denmark, Christian I, in 1474 per their website.

The atmosphere is definitely mittelalterliche "Middle Ages" with knight's armor, swords, and muskets on display as well as deer racks and mounted boar heads, etc. for a "hunting lodge" feeling.

Service was excellent. Our young server was very attentive in spite of being very busy during lunch time on Saturday. I think I only counted three servers for about 30 tables, so they were busy.

Food was also excellent. Franconian food tends to be very hearty and heavy--basic comfort foods, therefore, it's not for everyone to enjoy. We were very happy with what we ordered (photos).

In conclusion, in my humble opinion, Ratsstube has great location, food and service. What more could you ask...

Decent prices, tasty food and friendly service. I enjoyed my cabbage roulade, though the minced meat inside was rather dense, resembling sausage meat. The gravy had a nice deep and slightly bitter note. The dish originally comes with boiled potatoes, but for a small fee, you can substitute an alternative side, such as spaetzle. I believe the substitution is available for most dishes. My husband ordered “sliced” pork (which was actually more like cubes for stewed meat). That dish was the star. The pork was tender and the sauce had a very well balanced flavour. Very good meal here.

Toilets are at the back of the restaurant. Be sure to look at the tiny pictures on the door carefully or you may end up in the wrong one! Ladies’ are straight ahead and mens’ are...

Rude waiter.

The uneven tables on the street and the mediocre food are forgivable, but the service isn't. The waiter (an older fat guy with short, graying hair) was staring at my women friends the whole time while taking the order, and then, when told he got the order completely wrong, he was argumentative, complained and immediately arguend that he can't do anything about it, as it isn't his fault. Refused to take back the plate or bring a replacement, even refused to apologize, gaslighting and lying to our faces that he double checked and confirmed the order with us - to the bewilderment of everyone at the table.

All in all, an unremarkable experience spoiled beyond redemption by creepy,...