Urban German Wursthaus, located at 6635 North Baltimore Avenue in Portland, Oregon, is a beloved establishment that brings a slice of authentic German culture and cuisine to the St. Johns neighborhood. With a rating of 4.1 stars based on 133 reviews, this eatery has garnered a loyal following for its hearty German fare, welcoming atmosphere, and unique events that celebrate German traditions.
Atmosphere and Ambiance: The atmosphere at Urban German Wursthaus is reminiscent of a traditional German pub, complete with quirky decor that includes flags, steins, signs, pictures, and posters. The interior strikes a balance between fun and kitschy, creating a cozy and inviting space for patrons. For those who prefer outdoor dining, the restaurant boasts a large deck with stunning views of the iconic St. Johns Bridge, making it an ideal spot to enjoy a meal on a sunny day.
Menu and Cuisine: Urban German Wursthaus is renowned for its authentic German cuisine, offering a variety of traditional dishes that transport diners straight to Germany. Some of the standout items on the menu include:
Pork Schnitzel: Crispy and juicy, this dish is a favorite among patrons. It is often paired with hot potato salad, which is nicely acidic and smooth, and red cabbage that balances the flavors perfectly.
Bavarian Spicy Bierwurst with Spätzle: This dish features rich and juicy wurst paired with creamy spätzle, a type of German pasta that is more like flat noodles in this preparation. The spätzle is cooked with just the right amount of onion, adding to its savory appeal.
Apple Strudel: For dessert, the apple strudel is a must-try. It is praised for its perfect texture, layers, and flavor, making it a delightful end to any meal.
The restaurant also offers a selection of German and American beers, including Rothaus Pils and Dunkels, as well as cocktails like the Aperol Spritz, which adds a touch of Italian flavor to the German dining experience. Events and Celebrations
Urban German Wursthaus is not just a place to eat; it is also a hub for cultural events and celebrations. Some of the notable events hosted by the restaurant include: Oktoberfest: Celebrated with Paulaner, Munich's #1 brewery, this event features Urban German sausages paired with Oktoberfestbier in steins, pork knuckles fresh from the oven, and live music. Patrons are encouraged to don dirndls and lederhosen to fully immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere.
Krampus Night: This unique event celebrates the folklore of Krampus with themed food specials, cocktails, and a Krampus movie running all day. Guests can even get their picture taken with Krampus, making for a memorable holiday experience. Christmas Ships Parade: During the annual Christmas Ship Parade at Cathedral Park-Pier, the Wursthaus offers a cozy spot to warm up with hot Glühwein (mulled wine) and holiday specials.
Community and Accessibility Urban German Wursthaus is deeply embedded in the St. Johns community, often described as a hidden gem by those who discover it. The restaurant offers delivery and pickup options, making it accessible to a wider audience. It also caters to various dietary preferences, with vegan options like the sunflower schnitzel and vegan frankfurter available on the menu.
Conclusion Urban German Wursthaus stands out as a vibrant and authentic German eatery in Portland, Oregon. Its combination of traditional German cuisine, festive events, and welcoming atmosphere makes it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty meal, a refreshing beer, or a cultural celebration, Urban German Wursthaus offers a little piece of Germany in the heart...
Read moreI love German food, my parents came from Southern Germany a region called Bavaria and in fact my father was a chef. I love the Pacific Northwest because we actually have some good German restaurants and Urban German is a wonderful surprise we came across yesterday in our search for some authentic sauerkraut. The food is phenomenal the location is just beautiful right under St Johns bridge near Cathedral Park, a beautiful setting. Family-friendly it has a lovely outdoor patio or beer garden and inside the walls are covered with reminders of a country I hold dear. My husband loves Schweinshaxen. It is a pork hock and they did such an amazing job the skin was crispy and the meat was delicious it goes through a curing process similar to ham before it's roasted and it's just amazing and not easy to find they did a beautiful beautiful job. I was thrilled to meet I think the owner who said he was from Berlin, he told me they make their own sausages which to me makes the place authentic and in fact you can buy sausages to take home there's a small freezer near the front counter. I ordered sausage and pomfrets also known as french fries. I ate every single french fry it was just fantastic they were light and airy and crispy and seasoned and perfect and just something you must have when you're there I cannot wait to go back to try other menu items because what we ordered was fantastic we also had a pretzel with a cheese fondue sauce and they have different kinds of mustard and ketchups on tap. This seems like a great place for young people in the evening I'm sure it gets really fun and exciting and during the day you can bring your dog or your kids and sit on the deck and enjoy the park after lunch just a wonderful wonderful place I can't...
Read moreThe four stars are because I generally really enjoy this place and don't want to harm their average, but this is going to be a negative review of their raclette night.
It was a special event for which one purchased tickets ahead of time for something like $30 or $35 per person (I don't recall). We got there around 5pm and were able to grab a table but it quickly became overwhelmingly busy with seemingly no priority for ticket holders, as they were serving their regular menu as well. Our food arrived one plate at a time which seemed appropriate if it was being brought out immediately when it was ready, but if that were the case, it should have been hot. It wasn't. It was lukewarm verging on cool. The whole point of raclette is to eat piping hot melted cheese, so its temperature was a huge disappointment. It also didn't seem like great quality. Much of the plate consisted of potatoes and broccoli, with some cornichons, a little thinly sliced ham, and two pieces of bread with raclette on top. None of this was worth between $30-$35, particularly considering the state in which it was served. I ended up envying my niece and nephew who ordered off the regular menu and got chicken schnitzel strips and fondue with a pretzel and bratwurst, respectively, which was served hot and at a much better price. The whole event seemed to be mismanaged, which seems odd considering this isn't the first such event they've held. My whole party decided it wasn't worth it and won't be returning for future events.
However, if you go on a non-event day, they have great food and beer in a fun, casual atmosphere and I highly recommend them. Just avoid the...
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