Schmidt’s Sausage Haus Restaurant — Restaurant in Columbus

My wife and I visited Schmidt’s recently (her first time). I’ve been here a few times over the years. I read that the famous buffet was finally back so we made a trip out there. It’s situated in the middle of the German neighborhood in Columbus, which is a bit touristy (as expected). PLENTY OF PARKING. I just wanted to throw that out there because it seems like anywhere you go nowadays parking is a concern. But not here, so don’t worry! The atmosphere when you first come in is frankly noisy, crowded and overwhelming. Despite how absolutely crazy and I mean CRAZY busy it was, their passionate and efficient staff were able to seat us twenty minutes ahead of their original estimated time of an hour. Not that it matters anyway because there are a number of touristy shops and such situated in the surrounding block around the building to keep you occupied while you “wait”. There was no way on Earth we were going to wait in there anyway, so luckily there was no reason to.

As I said, the atmosphere at entrance is overwhelming and crowded, but once seated it actually becomes part of the charm. Live musicians playing German traditional folk music adds to the lively atmosphere. And the thought that YOU are comfortable inside the cozy environment away from that crowd at the front door is actually relieving. Onto the food. We really don’t drink much, but I just have to tell you it doesn’t matter. Their food is so good, in my opinion it really doesn’t require an alcoholic accompaniment anyway. Highlights for me were the bratwursts, potato salad, sauerkraut. All of which is available on the buffet, which is kept fresh and readily available. The service was outstanding considering how extraordinarily busy they were. I can’t tell you how impressive the staff always are to me. Tip them well people! Because they deserve every penny!

No matter what I order when I go there I always have to get a cream puff because I am thoroughly convinced they are the best I’ve ever eaten in my life, for the love of God TRY THEM! Even after sampling much of their offerings, the sight of those cream puffs arriving at other tables was enough to get me to order. Light and delicious filled with the greatest cream filling I think in the world. The perfect thing to round out such a delicious meal.

I’m a believer that focusing on money and prices ahead of ordering at a restaurant spoils a meal, but I have to tell you their prices are very reasonable and will not leave a bad taste in your mouth. This is especially considering the high standards and quality. It’s clear that the owner (I believe 5th gen), and staff take pride in what they do and have been doing for generations and it certainly comes through in the quality of the food and complete experience adding to its enduring greatness.

We will be returning many times more. This restaurant has a special place in my heart, full of pleasant memories and nostalgia. Touristy? Yes. Absolutely worth every dime? Absolutely! This is a special place tourists included. With all the excitement and hustle and bustle of a beer garden in Oktoberfest, they won my heart for life at first bite. Even if you’re not a drinker there’s something for everyone to enjoy, and enjoy we did!

Genieße Dein Leben und...

I'm in central Ohio for work and had heard good things about their buffet, but before driving almost an hour from my worksite to the restaurant to try the buffet, I KNEW to call ahead to see what time the buffet actually shut down. Website says "buffet available from open to close!"but I never trust a website, so I know I need to call.

The automated recording that answered the phone conveniently read my mind and said "the Autobahn buffet hours are as follows... available until we close at 10pm." But I still don't trust it. I worked in food service for 9 years, and know that things in a restaurant can change quickly and unexpectedly. So I know I need to speak with an actual human to confirm, so I stay on the line. Having common sense, knowing they likely stop selling it to new customers at 9:45 or 9:30. This makes sense.

So at 8:00pm, I'm on the phone speaking to an actual human in the restaurant right at that moment to get confirmation. The man who answered the phone said "we serve the buffet until we close" and I questioned it "Until you close???" And he said "Yes at 10pm." Feeling dubious, I reiterated verbatim "So I can get the buffet until 10pm?" And he said, again, "Yes, 10pm." So I get in my car and head out.

I walk into the restaurant at 9:07pm - 57 minutes before the website, the automated phone message, and the human i spoke with ALL said the buffet ended... And I was told by my server "I'm sorry sir, we start shutting the buffet down at 9:00"

... I feel like I'm in a fever dream. I know this can't be right. I'm not a Karen. I don't want to be a Karen. And one of the ways I go out of my way to avoid being tempted by Karen is to do me due diligence ahead of time. Scouring the website, social media, and even calling before driving an hour." I'm sorry sir, you were given wrong information, there's nothing I can do, the buffet is shutting down."

Is this a first world problem? Of course it is. But it's also a customer service disaster. When you have a customer who went out of his way to confirm multiple times that he had accurate information before driving an hour to your restaurant, only to be told "welp, sorry" is pretty disappointing. Especially because my expectation wasn't unreasonable. If I had walked in there at 9:45 and they were shutting the buffet down, well, common sense should have told me to get there sooner. Even 9:30 would be pushing it for a 10pm close. But 9:07? Come on. At the end of the day, it's your restaurant and of course your prerogative to close your Buffet whenever you see fit. But all employees, websites, social media, and automated recordings need to reflect that accurately.

I'd be happy to speak with management if anyone sees this comment and...

I was working in Lewis Center, Ohio and I asked our customer where is a great place to eat. He immediately recommended Schmidt's Restaurant and Sausage Haus in Columbus, Ohio which was 19 miles away and about a 30 minute drive. Schmidt's is a simple, casual, cozy, and historic eatery with great authentic German meals, desserts, beers, and wines. They have a simple menu that has something for everyone. You can have a delicious and fabulous meal coupled with warm, friendly and fast customer service as well as live musical entertainment. The establishment is located in an historic section and the restaurant is definitely a popular place with the locals and tourists. Above all, it is a refreshing change from the chains!

Upon entering, I was immediately greeted by Connie, the host. She quickly seated me and indicated that Ashley B. would be my server. Ashley was very friendly, had a very welcoming demeanor, a genuine smile, and was very pleasant and professional. She immediately asked if we would like anything to drink. I ordered a Schmidt Dark Tall Boy 22 oz and water. I told her that my customer had referred me and that I was ready to order. Initially, I wanted the Roasted Bavarian Pork Shank but Ashley indicated that they haven't had the dish since the COVID-19 epidemic because they couldn't locate a consistent supplier. As a substitute, my customer had also recommended the Haus Sauerbraten entree if the Roasted Bavarian Pork Shank was not available. Thus, I ordered the Haus Sauerbraten which is also a specialty dish and a side of German Potato Salad. Dak, the Server Assistant quickly brought out my entree and side dish. He greeted me with a big genuine smile and told me to enjoy!

Everything was absolutely delicious and my meal was prepared, portioned, cooked to perfection, and were served hot... I actually felt as if I were in Germany. All of the servers wore old fashion dresses. Truthfully, I really wanted a slice of German Cake but I did not have room and I had a seven hour drive home. Ashley was very attentive, efficient, courteous, and made for a great experience. In short, I will definitely be returning there when I am in the Columbus, Ohio area and try their sausages, hot dogs, and delicious...