Zum Stammtisch — Restaurant in New York

Visited New York City for a graduation, and we decided on Zum Stammtisch for one of our meals. Arriving there we found street parking near the restaurant, and we entered a cool wooden open German looking building. The light was low (maybe a little too low,) the tables well spaced, and the decor was very intriguing (like a hunting lodge.) Our server was quick to arrive and she was friendly and informative. We were well attended to the entire meal. For an appetizer we started with käsespätzle which is one of my favorite dishes. It came with carmelized onions and it was tasty, but not the best I've had. It was a bit too oily, and it was shaped in a way I hadn't seen before (longer strands instead of smaller oblong pieces,) but I did love the amount of cheese (which may have contributed to the oil) and the carmelized onions were perfect. I saved some for the meal and it was a nice pair to my dinner. For which I ordered the Schweinshaxe mit Semmelknödel which is a pork shank special with bread dumplings which I remember I used to have when I lived in Germany as a teenager. This was enormous! I'll include a picture. I ended up eating it for 3 or 4 more meals, it was a formidable meal. I will say the outer layer was quite fatty, though you don't have to eat it, there's no way you would be hungry if you are the type of person that can finish this. I thought it added a nice flavor as German food is not known for its seasoning. The Semmelknödel gave a nice break from the pork shank and the sauerkraut that came with it contrasted the dish with taste and texture. Overall I really enjoyed it but I think I would only order it again if I was feeling gluttonous. The my girlfriend and her sister shared the chicken schnitzel with the Riesling and mushroom sauce. The schnitzel was good, though not the best we've had before, the crust could be a bit more buttery in flavor maybe by using a different breading, but the mushrooms in the Riesling sauce were delicious. The dish came with potatoes which does not really brighten up the plate, but it was a welcome addition. The meal ended with dessert where we all shared linzer torte and vanilla ice cream and a NY cheesecake. This was the star of the meal. I have never had linzer torte (a raspberry torte) and it was amazing the crust was perfectly soft and the tartness of the raspberry against the creaminess of the ice cream was such a perfect balance my mouth waters just thinking of it, and the New York cheesecake was also very soft in texture and the cake was creamy and the base was crumbly and not too dry. Such a nice ending to quite the feast. The price was very fair, around 100 dollars and I would say if you're in the area it's worth checking out but where it shines is in the value and...

Quaint interior decorated space in German style. Although it needs a good dusting.

The restaurant is connected to its German pork and grocery store through an inner hallway next to it's bar.

Street parking is a bit difficult to find.

There are two dining rooms with the one we were in having perhaps 14 tables and 6 booths. There is also another private party space that we did not see.

There is a straight bar where patrons get to enjoy watching sports.

Service was timely. We had several items: Chicken Jaegerschnitzel - great (huge portion) Vennerschitzel - - great (large portion) German salad - same as you would get at Juniors for free but here it will cost you and without pickles German potato pancakes - very crispy but tasty Red cabbage - mixed I liked it, my partner - not) Spinach - very good Black Forest cake made with Schwartzwalder - fantastic Bread - mixed (I thought a bit heavy, hard, and lacking taste; my partner thought okay

Both entrees were serviced on a bed of scalloped potatoes - excellent.

It seems like they have their regulars who go there frequently to socialize in small groups or couples - mostly seniors (day time).

Food came out in reasonable (not fast but acceptable) time.

Prices are moderate but portions on entrees are immense so it's like getting two meals in one. I watched every group leave with minimum of at least one carrying a take out leftovers. We both had as well.

If you enjoy German food, like a casual atmosphere and haven't stopped dining out due to higher restaurant prices you should give this a try.

See my photos for some dishes and menu as of February 2023.

Bon...

You know it's legit when it smells like my grandma's basement (in a good way)! Though it's a little out of the way (it took 2 trains and 2 buses to get here from Manhattan), it's well worth the trek. You're far enough away from the city that the prices aren't egregious and the portions are healthy. Just walking in, you're surrounded by authentic German decor and it feels as if you've been transported directly to a restaurant in Germany. In 1880. The staff is so genial and happy to help with menu questions. We were pleased with all the German options, though my date had to order a collection of sides because that was nearly the only vegetarian choice. But the waitress was very willing to let us make the necessary substitutions and alterations to the menu to make it work, which was very sweet. I got the chicken schnitzel a la Holstein (fried egg on top) and got a little anchovy on top of the egg as a happy surprise! Everything came out and we immediately realized our eyes were larger than our stomachs because the portions are huge! I stuffed myself silly because everything was so tasty, but alas I couldn't finish it. And that's high praise. Sadly, we were so full that we couldn't order dessert, but the options looked great! We'll for sure try to make the pilgrimage back if we have a free evening in the future. And you should too!...