Edit: Well I came back and brought my family who was visiting from out of town. It was a wildly different and hugely disappointing experience due to the service and seating. We were there yesterday and I hardly slept because of how embarrassed and humiliated I felt after bringing a group of 8 there to be smushed in a small table between two pillars and ridiculed by a sarcastic server who provided the worst service I've experienced in a decade. I rarely see my family and really wanted them to have a great time at the restaurant I'd recommended and it was very much a let down. Here are some examples of how we were treated:
The group arrived slightly staggered by a few minutes and the server immediately would ask them what they wanted to drink with no time to look at the menu. When a family member responded that she didn't know what to get yet but liked sweet things if he had any recommendations, he wouldn't provide suggestions and told her they didn't really have anything sweet. Um...they have a full bar and make their own apple liquor. The mead is orange blossom...it says on the menu that it's sweet. And that's what I know only having been there once before and not being able to drink as I am pregnant. She ended up ordering a drink which never arrived. When she brought it up later to the server he said he never put in the order because she was "being indecisive". Wth?! She tried ordering a different drink (the special) as she'd had more time to look at the menu. That drink also never arrived...by the time we realized it was never coming we were already done with dinner and she said nevermind. Too bad for a place known for its drinks that she didn't get to try anything due to the server's negligence. Not to mention him blaming her for her not getting her drink...
We did order a couple of appetizers before dinner. When they arrived there was no way to split them between us. A family member asked the server if we could have some plates for them. He said exasperatedly that since the soup and salad had just been brought out too, couldn't we just use the soup plates?! Um, they're tiny plates for soup spillover and two of us had salad so we had bowls full of beet liquid........ She obviously felt uncomfortable and iterated that she still would like a plate as she had salad. He didn't bother asking me (the other salad person) if I wanted one as well, having no soup plate, and hastily left before I could speak up too. So I had to share after someone else was done with theirs...
At one point during the meal, I didn't realize the server was behind me and he poured water down my side. It also got on the person next to me's chair and the floor. I was obviously startled and he just casually said "Oh, did I get you?" When I said yes, he said "Well it's just water." No apology. I asked for a napkin to clean it up with and he proceded to slowly fill everyone's water glass before taking a few more minutes to bring an exaggeratedly large stack of napkins "in case anyone needed them". Rude as I have ever seen and an awful way of handling the situation.
Seriously, tall loud guy with a beard, if you are reading this, please consider changing professions as you truly made the experience an awful memory and gaslighting shouldn't have a place in the service industry. I've done the restaurant gig before and would never treat anyone like that, especially a polite and kind family group.
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Β Β Β Read moreMy family has been eating at this restaurant since it was located off of 6th Ave.
We enjoy the traditional German food. We almost always order the variations of the Schnitzel. We've always been impressed with the service and the food. This location is one of the rare locations that will serve traditional veal Schnitzel. I cook pork Schnitzel for my family, so my children might be used to my version and less so Helga's. I did find the meat cuts to be tough and the breading a bit overdone.
One treat for the children is Maltz Bier in bottles. If you want your children taste a non-alcoholic "bier", this is an opportunity.
Our last visit was not quite up to par. I didn't feel the staff was helpful. Wait staff did not have accurate orders and did not serve us the requested three orders of potato cakes for appetizers. I did not complain since we were full after our meal, but disappointing since I was looking forward to potato pancakes.
There was live entertainment with an accordion (last weekend of the month). This helps with the traditional atmosphere if you are looking for this.
There are picnic tables in the bar area for group/family gatherings. There are regular dining tables in the dining area. Be aware they do not take reservations the last Friday and Saturday of the month which is first come first serve for live music night.
In addition to the restaurant, there is a German deli/store with imported products. Get your Thomy mustard here!
The restaurant is a stand alone building near the Aurora Mall. It has easy parking and easy access.
Overall Helga's is a great place for German food. I wish the service would be better and perhaps the food a bit...
Β Β Β Read more2024 Update:
Weekend visit, around 2pm and there were about 4 other tables occupied.
Had the: Rahm Schnitzel Stroganoff & coffee / soda Sides : Transylvanian soup π
Delicious as ever. Had to request for additional gravy for my schnitzels but, was informed it would be an additional $3. This was new, but, since the gravy completed my dining pleasure, so be it!
This was just the tiniest of a downer in our overall dining experience. I would like to suggest that a bit more gravy be added to Schnitzel orders since it comes in 2 hefty pcs.. Gravy lovers like me will really love it.
Coffee was π
Service was π, warm, friendly and not obtrusive, as we like it.
Overall, this hidden Aurora restaurant gem should be a destination for those that have not tried them yet.
Recommend: Schnitzels (Rahm or Jaeger)
Lunch take-out, first visit.
Ordered: Bratwurst Sampler Jaeger Schnitzel Bread Schnitzel a slice of German Choc cake Apple Strudel
Schnitzels were delicious and each order comes with 2 sides. Our 4 sides were the Squash, Rice & 2 of the Kroketten. Loved the squash! The Brat sampler is also a winner. Am thinking of this being great with beer for dine in next time.
The cake and Strudel was good, not great. Coffee, okay, could have been stronger! Thus, the 4-β rating.
Parking won't be a problem. Ambiance/decor is TRULY rustic.
They also have an area for various German items, both edibles and non-edibles.
Service is great, very welcoming, polite & friendly.
This is a 1st try but definitely won't...
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