S:ta Clara Restaurant, Bierhaus & Live Musik Venue — Restaurant in Stockholm

S:ta Clara has some of the best schnitzels in Stockholm, and because of that it is a complete dark horse. I say this because tourists and posh Gamla-staners sometimes overlook it because of its pub-like appearance. But for us who live in the neighborhood, we know better. The owner typically works both the floor and the kitchen, and everything is made to order fresh from scratch (you can hear him hammering the schnitzels in the back). I would also add that while most kitchens in Stockholm close super early, you are more likely to get a meal here late than anywhere else (no guarantee, but if you ask nicely, he might make you something!). In short, this place is one of Stockholm's gems. The owner embodies hospitality and provides no-frills, high-quality service. There are few places left like this in Stockholm, so I'd give it 6 starts...

Attentive and pleasant staff. Lively atmosphere.

But: Does not live up to its German image at all. Expensive. Food quality mostly OK.

The place has a bunch of German beer memorabilia, Kaltenberf and Hofbräu for example, but only serves two German beers! And those are Holsten Pilsener and Erdinger Weiss… The food is German-esque, but cooked and served without knowledge. The Weisswurst isn’t boiled, but pan-fried (!) and I’ve never had a Bratwurst that tasted like the one they served, even though it did taste fine it was very different.

Prices are way too high for the quality (though I understand rent is high there). 10 EUR/100 SEK for half a litre of Holsten Pilsener is steep to say the least.

By all means go there, but do NOT expect a German experience. Keep an open mind and an even more open wallet and you’ll...

Food: When we came (4.30 PM) the waitress said they're out of mashed potatoes. So we ordered Moules Frites and Wienerschnitzel. The moules frites could be better, meanwhile the schnitzel tasted bland. Huge portion, might be the reason why it's a bit overpriced.

Service: It's ok.

Atmosphere: I'm sorry to say this but it's leaning towards boring.. we came 2 weeks before Christmas where a lot of places put little lights as decor and christmas stuffs to cheer up the space. But this restaurant felt lack of decor, even cold to the point where we ate with our winter jacket on. The toilet didn't even have warm water to wash your hands either.

Overall not a nice experience. Neither the food nor the ambience...