Dakota Inn — Restaurant in Detroit

Authentic German experience - not so much!

Went there with my family for a Friday night German food treat (we are originally from Germany) We were looking forward to some authentic eats and atmosphere.

While the building itself is nice and kind of (run-down) historic, it’s located in a pretty shabby neighborhood. The parking service was a plus and the guy minding the cars (Rick) was very pleasant and friendly (hence the 2nd star in the rating above).

We ordered the Kässpätzle (German pasta Mac ‘n cheese style) and the Jägerschnitzel (breaded pork cuts with a mushroom sauce).

While the Spätzle were halfway decent and tasted ok (wife and the kids had them), the portion was less then decent for the more than decent price of 12.45 $. The side salad that came with them (and my Schnitzel) was miniature.

But now to the highlight. The Jägerschnitzel which normally comes with mashed potatoes. The kitchen was so gracious as to exchange the mashers with the warm potato salad (which the waitress explained was kind of a big deal as they normally don’t like to switch sides - that at least sounded just as flexible as a proper German restaurant in Germany normally would be). The meat were 2 breaded and overly-fried dry lumps of gnarly pork which were topped with 2 generous TEA spoons of something that may for some people resemble mushroom sauce. For me it tasted like someone had poured a bottle of Maggi (yes that IS an authentic German flavoring but NO we don’t just pour it over anything in massive amounts to give it a taste of Germany) over some mushrooms hoping that miraculously this would turn into a proper sauce - well it didn’t. The “fresh veggies” that came along on the plate were as fresh as the decor of the joint or someone that has just completed a marathon at 95 Fahrenheit with no hydration - some crumbly combo of stale beans and zucchini which had been wonderfully placed (read dumped out of the freezer bag) into the microwave and then ended their journey on my plate. The only thing halfway decent was the warm potato salad which was good. Oh and there was another generous item - the price. At $16.95 this item was well overprized. But the fun doesn’t end yet ...

My mood would have been lightened by the Spaten Lager they have on tab however they only managed to pour a decent one with the 2nd glass. the first and the third glass were either a blend of stale residues of all their beers on tab or had been sitting on the counter for a day or two. I hadn’t noticed if the 2nd one hadn’t been fresh and tasty ... but it was.

Overall this authentic German food experience was none - especially at that price. You’d probably be better off eating a bag of microwaved hot pockets while wearing a German soccer jersey and drinking beer from Aldi - making this a more authentic meal than what we had at the Dakota Inn.

Finally they had a promotion going (which was not the reason we came for because we love good food and like to pay a price if it’s worth it) to get the 2nd entree at 0.85$ due to their 85th anniversary. Come to find that this was not considered on the bill and only was rectified after we asked our waitress about it and she commented that well we didn’t ask for it ... way to go Rathskeller team. It was eventually reflected on the bill but hadn’t we said something our bill had been even higher.

The entire experience was rounded off by the guy pouring the beer with a desperate stare looking like a cry for help in this time capsule that he’d probably got stuck in and now takes revenge for by pouring stale beer to the patrons that dare set a foot in this place.

Summary - if you want an authentic German experience...

The closest you will get to Bavaria in Detroit. As soon as you pull up you will understand a little bit of what your getting from the exterior. The building looks like it was uprooted from Germany and nestled into the North Detroit neighborhood. This was the intention of the Original owner who opened the Dakota Inn in 1933. The Restaurant is now on it's 3rd generation of Kurz family owning and operating. It shows! The hospitality is far better than anywhere else you go in the area. Once you step inside you are no longer in Detroit you're in Germany. I had a 40th birthday party there. Karl and his wife Patty made sure everything went off without a hitch. From hanging the Poster with pictures to bringing out the cake and having to go containers. The party was during Fasching which is German Mardi Gras. There was a live band playing that was excellent. From JImmy Buffet, U2, the Chicken Dance and traditional German favorites. The Band and Staff are wearing Lederhosen and Dirndl. I haven't even talked about the food yet. Delicious! Just like Grandma used to make. People were scrambling to get the last bits of food on each plate. The servings are hearty and so is the food. The meatballs w/gravy along with the Knockwurst, bratwurst, schnitzel, kraut red and white. I'm starving just talking about it! It is traditional recipes from the old country. It is soooo good. I can't tell you any more, you have to experience it. They also have a good variety of German Beers, Wine and liquors. Need I say more? This place is everything German. If you want to go to Germany but can't afford the flight just go down to the Dakota Inn they will take care of you. It's doors haven't been open since 1933 because it isn't good. I can't say enough about this place. Here's why I didn't want to write this review. Every time I write I review and spill the beans on a great place next time I can't get a reservation. If it's a mechanic I give a stellar review they can't look at my car for 3 weeks because their backed up. I know it's been around for a long time so it's no secret but there it is. I feel this unique experience is a real GEM that Detroit has and needs to be...

Hah, ok. First of all. Let's get this out of the way. It's loud. You won't be able to hear yourself think in this place if there's any number of people here. Seating is packed and a bit cramped, along with slightly uncomfortable. The acoustics are a touch rough, and the result is that everything echoes and reverberates in such a way that it's almost impossible to hold a conversation. That, along with limited parking, might seem to be a negative, but...

Despite the noise? The atmosphere is warm, inviting and charmingly quaint. This place is the closest you will get to that Bavarian Experience of old-world germany without driving up to Frankenmuth (which, while we're on the subject, I recommend). The staff are incredibly engaging and cheerful, and you will be treated as honored guests when you come, so don't let the noise get to you. It really is quite an experience.

The menu selection is limited, but every dish is worth the price and the food is excellent. If you catch things at the right time, the sing-alongs that will sometimes happen add to the flair of it all, but the food really just reminds one of the joys of good European food when it's done just right. You're going to walk away full, and without regretting that you came down all this way.

Uh, but fair warning. Call ahead in October. Why? Because it's October. Oktoberfest, ja? You're going to want to make sure there's seating available and maybe make a reservation. Some earplugs might be wise too. Just point to your food. But, seriously, it's an experience and...