Sandra's Restaurant — Restaurant in Punta Gorda

I'm a European. I grew up in Switzerland and spent a lot of time in Germany, France, Czech Republic and many other European countries. I visited Sandra's Restaurant in Punta Gorda several times during the past 10 years. Every time I was not happy with the food. It's NOT what I would expect in Europe/Germany except in a European train station stand up food bar. My last visit however, topped my disappointment. The potato pancakes were half the size of the previous orders. After I refused this order, the restaurant owner, Sandra, I guess she acts as the manager, brought me personally a new set of potato pancakes with an arrogant remark: "What do you expect for $3.50?" The new order was the normal size, I know that because I had potato pancakes there several times before, but the pancakes were burnt on the outside and practically raw inside. My main dish was the Schweinebraten. I ordered it with Bratkartoffeln because last time the bread dumplings were hard in the center, old, not freshly made. The Bratkartoffeln, I ordered this time tasted stale, old, and even burnt, not eat able. The Sauerbraten resembles a pulled pork. There are no definite slices of meat and served on a small plate the pulled pork, the Bratkartoffeln and the Sauerkraut, which is served in separate bowl but placed on the plate with the meat and the Bratkartoffeln, yak, a typical sign of a cheap eatery, maybe accepted by Americans but not Europeans, all of the ingredients kind of mix together and you really don't know what you eat. In the past, I tried several other dishes. The Gulash is made with a spaghetti sauce!!! Yak! With the pre-cooked sausages one cannot do anything wrong, not even Sandra. But I don't go to Sandra's for a German sausage for $16. I can buy it at the German butcher shop 'Khalis' in Port Charlotte for $2 and heat it up at home. I go to Sandra's to experience other European foods than sausages, and so far these foods have nothing to do with that. Maybe a low level cheap European eatery!!! I do not know where Sandra is coming from in Germany and I do not know her background in European gastronomy but I can tell that she has no clue. She even dares to advertise French cuisine on her website. The only resembling dish to French cuisine on her menu is the Zürcher Geschnetzeltes. But that is a Swiss dish!!! Named after the city of Zurich in Switzerland. A genuine Zürcher Geschnetzeltes is made with fine veal and the sauce is a creamy sauce delicately enhanced with Cognac. So, if I read Sandra's description on her menu that it is made with beef tips and a creamy onion sauce, I do not dare to order it! Especially, after my experience with the Spaghetti Goulash!!! Well, I try to support local European restaurants because I know that it is a difficult, specialty business. And, I like once in a while European dishes. But after 10 years of disappointment, Sandra has no clue what true European/German cooking is like. My last visit was "the nail in the coffin". I will not give Sandra another chance and she lost a customer! Try "The Europe Bistro" next to Khallis German butcher shop in Port Charlotte. The cook's and owner's name is coincidentally also Sandra. The owner cooks herself with a devout support of her husband. It is not always perfect but the vast majority of times I visited the European/German dishes are by far superior than to Sandra's Restaurant in...

I’ve thought long and hard about this. I’ve gone back and forth about making this review. I don’t like being the person to do this to a restaurant, I managed restaurant’s for several years and know what reviews can do . After the attitude of this employee, I feel this is necessary.

Last night was my mother’s birthday and given her German heritage we thought we would surprise her with dinner here. Reservations were made well in advance on March 21. It was my job to bring the cake , and 16 of us in total. When my sister, sister in law, and myself arrived a bit early to set up the waitress , Heather, informed me that it would be a “$2 charge to bring in our own cake “. Those were her EXACT words heard not only by myself but my sister and sister in law as well. I thought that really wasn’t a big deal and told her that was fine , to just make sure it got put on my bill. Dinner goes on and they bring the cake out for us … we cut and serve it . We have extra cake left over and offer it to the restaurant staff . I get my bill and there is an extra $32 charge on there. That’s more than I paid for the cake . Not wanting to cause a commotion on my mothers birthday I paid the bill and tipped. My sisters decided that wasn’t right though and decided to ask about the charge for me . That’s when things get messy , I want you all to know that had she have come over nicely and explained that there may have been a misunderstanding and that she meant it was $2 per plate to bring a cake in , I would have let it go . She very condescendingly came to me and said “ did you misunderstand me? I said it was $2 per plate”. Which … she didn’t say per plate and I’m not the only one to hear it but whatever . I said ,” No, your EXACT words were it’s a $2 charge to bring in your own cake, not once did you say per plate. “ She told me very rudely that I was wrong several times . A kind explanation would have done the trick but this woman was extremely unprofessional. Her manager had to keep apologizing for her . Kudos to the manager for apologizing for her but that kind of attitude with patrons is a restaurant killer. Also , a $2 charge per plate to bring in your own cake is absolutely ridiculous. I basically ended up paying for my mother’s birthday cake twice . There were 16 of us , ordering drinks , appetizers, and food. It’s not like you weren’t making money off of us . The food is decent, the experience sucked. If you decide to go … avoid the server named Heather and ask for the male server instead ( I didn’t catch his name but he seemed to be nice and respectful). She needs a better attitude and maybe a...

This place is fantastic! We’ve been coming here for years and it’s always been great food, great service and a great atmosphere!

This place serves very authentic German foods. It has a very European feel to it. I use to frequent a Bavarian restaurant that was very similar. You don’t feel rushed while you eat, the owner walks around and visits tables and it almost gives you the comfort feeling as if you’re eating at home.

There is live entertainment on the weekends, where a gentleman or sometimes a lady plays the accordion which adds to the atmosphere.

The German beer is always great, the fresh bread is delightful, and again, the meals I’ve eaten there have been on point. I will point out that there usually isn’t a chicken entree or much seafood, but the salmon is great, but about the only fish dish you’ll have the option of getting.

We’ve eaten just about all the desserts they offer and they have been wonderful as well. It’s definitely a treat eating here as it takes you somewhere overseas for just a little while.

I would like to also point out that our service has always been great. This time we had a hard working young lady named Cassidy. She was very busy but took time to keep us full and happy while offering a little chitter chatter, which we enjoy. Upon leaving, she gave me 3 pieces of candy for my 3 (5) year old boys. And wished them a Happy Easter. Was a fine ending to a great experience and meal. Thank you very much to Cassidy, Sandra and the crew!!

I highly suggest this place as a unique dining experience and to folks who love German cuisine and beer. I think you will be...