The Schnitzel Garten — Restaurant in Eagle

Wow what can I say. As a native German I know what common restaurant hospitality is. Unfortunately the host/owner was too busy to take our order for 2 correct. Although he was training new staff 1 new waitress during dinner rush it was not worth the wait, we were the only 2 patrons there. The dinner choice the food the forgotten salads we ordered was definitely not worth the $80 plus we forked over for bad service mediocre German food. I guess it passes here for authentic German food.

The owner was very unapproachable while even taking our order he walked away while we were still speaking to him .... he still walked away before we had finished ordering. He forgot to serve the salads we ordered to be served before dinner. I had to remind him after the main course was served that we ordered a salad. I felt more of a nuisance than a guest. Watching the owner stress out over 2 guests walking in for dinner throwing a temper tantrum with his wife in front of all the other guests when there were 3 other empty tables to seat them was inexcusable. It was not even amusing. It is called dinner rush for a reason. Not once did anyone check on us to see if we needed anything or how dinner was tasting. After all that we were hit with a bill for $82.00 and some change. We tried to pay with cash and he wasn’t prepared with a cash till for change and asked us what do you want me to do......really? The patrons sitting at the small beer bar offered change to him and he was still short of coin. We did not receive a Thank you not a one. Please come again or How was your dinner. We were not rude took all in stride but after thinking about our dinner experience which I had planned by calling ahead twice to make sure of the menu items .... we drove 4 hours for a authentic German dinner. Which my husband mentioned to the owner when we arrived...... we still were not welcomed as in any restaurant and that includes Denny’s. Like I posted I felt very unwelcome, the food was mediocre the price for what we were served was outrageous. Ach du lieber is all I can say....

Albeit their friend sitting at the table next to us overheard me telling my husband I am sorry I failed at choosing the restaurant for our special German dinner....she made it her business to make many excuses as to why service and all was so complicated this evening. I learned more about the owners personal woes than I cared to know. It was not worth $80 plus dollars for a simple dinner for 2. I would have loved to give a great review but at the same time I was compelled to give this review out of pure...

I am spoiled by a great food selection (live in San Francisco). And yet - every time I am in or near Boise - I take a detour to dine at Schnitzel Garten (the latest detour to Eagle was 4+ hours - but it was worth it - my 7th time here!) It is hard to find the perfect schnitzel even in Germany. In Schnitzel Garten - all the skill and love that goes into making it - soft and juicy on the inside, and crisp on the outside. It comes out PERFECTLY every time - never soggy, never tough, never dry. And it is very large. The only way to improve this schnitzel is to add their home-made delicious sauce - and since I can't ever make up my mind which sauce I want - I typically order a sampler of four sauces: mushroom, bell-pepper, beer, and lingonberry. Don't skip Spätzle (for those in-the-know - order a Jäger style to enjoy all the richness of the ingredients). And to make your meal healthy and balanced - do order a salad. All salads are great, but my favorite is Gurkensalat/Cucumber Salad - made with yogurt and fresh dill. Or "Garten" Salad - it is divine and large enough to share. And of course, THE BEER - selection of fresh imported beer on tap and in the bottles is amazing. Especially now, with the October Fest just a few weeks ago (hurry - some season specials would not last!) If you are into wine - great selection of European wines - red, white, sparkling. The best part of the restaurant is the STAFF - even on a busy night waitresses are there to get you what you need. Even though they all wear masks (very strict about COVID compliance) I can sense their warm smiles. It is not uncommon for the restaurant's owners to visit your table - a super lovely couple, they know how to make you feel at home and will even tell you the stories behind these amazing dishes and even share some recipes (family secrets, of course:). Next time I will attempt a pork shank - huge, slowly cooked for hours in a dark beer broth. It looks and smells better than in Frankfurt's top restaurants. I have been intimidated by the size though, may need to fast for a few days before attempting... Can't wait to...

The staff were friendly. The server said she didn’t know much about gluten-free. She did tell me some items I could have that were gluten free friendly. They have gluten free schnitzel, sausages and sides. They have a variety of drinks many are gluten free. The place was slow when we went due to us choosing mid week visit. They have live music on Friday and Saturday’s there. The patio is nice and is heated. It’s not a covered patio, so lots of fresh air. Note don’t go for patio seating when it’s sprinkling, it’s closed when wet. They have indoor dining as well. They have music mix of traditional German music and pop hits from German bands on in the background inside. I got Gluten Free Schnitzel with the pepper and onion sauce. Side I chose was gluten free warm German potato salad. My husband chose the fest Schnitzel with brown gravy and mashed potatoes. He had a alcohol free German bier. I had sprite. They also bring water to the table. We both had dessert. I had German cheesecake, my husband had traditional Apple strudel. The positive: I saw them sanitize the tables after guests left and they place silverware with napkins in a basket for you. The negative: They don’t wear face masks (not one employee had one on!! Not one diner besides us had one when came in or left!!) and they do not offer seating with 6’ of space between diners, for inside dining or patio. That’s just for those wondering about pandemic precautions it says “masks required” currently in their web site. Overall, food was good, choices or selection for menu nice. Now, for those that want details of pricing: the bill for two people eating dinner and dessert was over $100. We also added a $20 tip for the server being very nice, the food came out fast. Thats a bill without having any of their specialty drinks/alcohol on the bill, as we...