By Hayley Harrison
Pennsylvania's largest city,
Philadelphia was home to over 1.4 million people as of July 2008, reports City-Data. Approximately eight percent of Philadelphia's population was German at that time, making it no surprise that the city is home to a few German restaurants. For tourists visiting the city to catch a glimpse of attractions like the Liberty Bell or Independence Hall, Philadelphia provides a number of options for a German meal.
Brauhaus Schmitz
Bauhaus Schmitz is located in Philadelphia's Society Hill neighborhood, known for its historic 18th and 19th-century architecture. The menu begins with nine appetizers, including the rollmops, which are pickled herrings wrapped around onion and dill pickle with sour cream and rye bread served on the side. Among the dinner specialties is the wurst platter, which allows diners to create their own combination of two sausages. The featured choices are the bratwurst, knockwurst, hausgemachte, knackwurst and weisswurst. The bar serves 21 beers on tap, all of which are German imports. Bauhaus Schmitz is open daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations are accepted for groups of five or more only. The atmosphere is trendy and upscale with a casual dress code.
Bauhaus Schmitz
718 South St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(267) 909-8814
brauhausschmitz.com
City Tavern
Established in 1976, City Tavern is only six blocks from the historic sites, like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, at Independence Park. The restaurant itself is a piece of history since it's housed in the spot where the First Continental Congress was held in 1774. The menu at the City Tavern is eclectic, combining dishes from throughout the world. One appetizer with German flair is the imported Black Forest ham, served with asparagus, sweet pickles and pumpernickel bread. The entrees include wienerschnitzel and Munchner sausage, a combination of pork and veal served with mashed potatoes and a house-made mustard. City Tavern is open daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations are suggested. The restaurant is upscale, but family-friendly. A children's menu is available for young diners.
City Tavern
138 S. 2nd St.
Philadelphia, PA 1910
(215) 413-1443
citytavern.com
The Blue Ox Bistro
The Blue Ox Bistro opened in 1982 and is found in the Northeastern neighborhood of Rockledge. The restaurant began with an exclusively German menu, but has since expanded its offerings to include dishes from other culinary traditions. German fare is still featured heavily on the menu, however. A house specialty is the potato pancakes, served with sour cream and applesauce. One of the German entrees, Rieker's rouladen consists of a mustard-seasoned sirloin beef steak stuffed with onions, pickles and bacon topped with gravy. The bar menu includes 10 draft beers and many bottled imports with a large selection of German and Belgian beers. The restaurant is family-friendly with casual dress appropriate for attire.
Blue Ox Bistro
7980 Oxford Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19111
(215) 728-9440
blueoxbistro.com
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About the Author:
Hayley Harrison has written professionally since 1996 and is a prolific contributor to various websites. Harrison holds an LAH insurance license in the state of Pennsylvania and has experience as a bank branch manager and lending officer. She graduated cum laude from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Arts in art history.
