Schmankerl Stube — Restaurant in Hagerstown

First off, I have to say that the food is excellent - dinner and dessert. It brought back many memories growing up eating German food. We made a reservation in advance, so had no wait at all when we arrived. Parking was also not a big deal. We parked in the local lot downtown and it was only a couple block's walk. The bathrooms in the restaurant are newly renovated, so that was nice. Everyone who worked there was very pleasant. My downgrade in stars comes from several things. We are a family with a toddler, a 9, and a 12 year old. While they do have a kids menu, I felt that the restaurant itself was frustrating going there with kids. The tables were too small to sit around comfortably. Even though we were seated at a large table, you could not sit far under without knocking knees - even with my kids. All the chairs have armrests, which might seem nice, but if you have to get up in a hurry to chase down a toddler, these are really a nuisance. The restaurant is carpeted which makes it very difficult to get out from the table. The biggest frustration is that we waited 45 minutes for our food. The restaurant was moderately busy, but not crazy, so I found this unacceptable and what are you supposed to tell a 2 year old who doesn't understand? I also felt like our waitress ignored us half the time, rarely came to check on us and when I passed the kitchen with my restless toddler saw a group of the staff just lounging back there. It just made me even more frustrated. A final frustration is that they have very nice German bread, but for the kids sausages, they serve it on a commercially made potato roll. I'd also recommend putting their Reuben sandwich on their dinner menu, at least for the kids, as another option. The atmosphere was ok, if anything it felt very dated - like 30 years dated. So, overall, would I go back there again? Probably if I was just on a date with my husband. But I don't think I'd go back there again with the whole family, which is a shame, because I'd love to expose them to German food more. Maybe when the...

No need for Chinese or chopped chicken heads, we came to Schmankerl Stube for Christmas Eve dinner instead. If you decide to you'll be greeted by an authentic charm of old world decor and classic German fare.

As a designated beer nerd who cut his teeth on German and Belgium beer I inquired if they served the infamous "boot", which our waitress replied no, only a 1 liter. Disappointed I ordered a Kostritzer dark lager (4.8% abv) and was shocked on the bill it was $9 for a 12oz bottle. I wish our waitress had confirmed it was a bottled beer or given me the draft options but I take fault in not inquiring too so it's offsetting penelties.

I wanted to try their pork shank entree but you need to give a 24hr notice unless you come at a specific time on Wednesday's (pictured). Instead I opted for the most tounge twisting item on the menu and give our waitress an A+ for speaking it so effortlessly. In fact she was delightful in every way from personality, punctuality and helpfulness.

My meal was described as beef and pork tips in a "Munich Style" mushroom cream sauce, served with spatzle, corn and bacon wrapped green beans. First off, the tips were slathered in a sauce that was more broth than cream and it was hard to tell the difference between the meats as the texture was about the same. The spatzle and sides were on the dry side and could have used more flavor. I understand this is comfort food but they're charging uncomfortable prices as my entree cost $28 and our total bill (2 beers and 2 entrees) ending up at $87 before tip.

This restaurant is unique, with great service, and a lasting heritage here in Maryland but I personally cannot justify spending this much money on simple German staples. If I came back it would probably only be for the great homemade desserts and a 1liter...

We went there tonight to (socially distance) celebrate my 62nd birthday. We had called a week prior, and requested bier garden seating, explaining that it was a special birthday celebration. I used to love coming here, always greeted by the lovely owner. We drove an hour for my birthday dinner to be extra special, meeting my brother and his son from Philadelphia! We weren't told that the beer garden was no longer open. What a shame. We were seated outside streetside, and no one greeted us nor brought us menus for over 25 minutes. Others came and were immediately served. Finally a waiter shows up and we order our beers. 30 minutes later, no beer. There we are, street side, with all of the other tables getting service immediately. 30 minutes and no water, no beer, no apps (unfortunately, you were out of what we requested.) Streetside on Potomac isn't pleasant. Noise and fumes. Ghetto chic? No thanks. Worst experience ever, and I feel duped. When we called, we stated that this was a special birthday celebration. I have never been so disappointed. My 62nd birthday, and first outing in 4 months was horrific. I sat there in tears. Spatzel was cold and tasted like cardboard. Schnitzel was not good. No flavor, and not fried to a golden brown. The best thing was your bread and beer. I am devastated. My family drove 3 hours to be with me, and we drove one hour. We will never be back. I am from Salzburg, Austria and know authentic German food. I sobbed all the way home. Thanks for making my birthday memorable, in a really bad way. Disgraceful. Oh, and our first waiter who ignored us needs to wear his mask on his...