Das Stein Haus — Restaurant in Jefferson City

In an area that has a lot of German influence around it so expected a lot more than frozen, microwaved vegetables and reheated meat. I think the only thing on my plate that wasn't microwaved was the pan fried potatoes.

I ordered the veal cordon bleu. Really dry and tough. Parts of it were overcooked (microwaved?) and hard. Outside was lukewarm but filling was hot so that was an indicator to me that the microwave was used.

Vegetables were a frozen medley that came right out of the frozen food bag and into the microwave. Again, the microwave. Zero seasoning and had that rough frozen food flavor. Not very appetizing at all.

Red cabbage was ok but lacked that normal german red cabbage flavor. Tasted a bit old and again, microwaved.

Pan fried potatoes were good. But that wasn't enough to save this meal.

I also got the Bavarian ice cream included with the meal. Ice cream was good but its soaking in a bath of strawberry liquor - don't think syrup like I did. It's the watery liquor right out of the cheap spirits bottle. I really tried to enjoy that one but couldn't.

The bar seemed to be a great place to hang out. The staff seemed to be really friendly with everyone and the waitress was great so I did leave her an oversized tip. But is that enough to want to come back for the sub par...

Old school dining establishment featuring authentic German dishes, plus a selection of steaks and seafood. The German dishes are traditional and excellent. We didn't try anything non-German, except the side salad, which was a fine but unexceptional, basic iceberg lettuce, tomato, and crouton salad.

The service and atmosphere here are the standouts. Owner Helmut greets each table with sincere welcome and warm conversation. A good German wine selection lives in the basement wine cellar and Helmut found something nice for us. A complimentary house-concocted digestif sends you off. Decor is quaint and dated, but clean. Obligatory steins line the bright stucco walls, dark wood beams and brick walls provide accents, nutcrackers guard the fireplace, and tables feature lace runners and golden chargers.

Two adults and a teenage girl shared 2 entrees and a slice of cake and we left stuffed. We had the weiner schnitzel and a sampler entree with rouladen, weisswurst, and pork chop. All were good, but the sausage was a treat and the thin pork chop very tender and moist. The rouladen were fork-tender nice, if a little salty.

Overall, the German food is very good, but the experience just makes...

What an amazing, absolutely DELICIOUS gem in Jefferson City! The food is phenomenal (as avid German food enthusiasts with Serbian heritage, we like to think we know what we're talking about ;) but it's the atmosphere, people, and overall experience that truly make this place special. Helmut, the owner, is incredibly charismatic and truly loves this place, the food, and the people who come to share it with him, as he treats you like family.

Having been to Berlin, where Helmut is from, I can also say it's such an authentic German experience - down to the incredibly generous portions (you're going home with leftovers, accept and luxuriate in the knowledge of a second stellar future meal) and the complementary (and delicious!) after dinner apertif that Helmut brings out and drinks with you, all topped...