By Contributing Writer
Sunnyvale tourists and residents who love German food don't have to venture too far to dine on their favorite cuisine. From plates of schnitzel and sauerkraut to bowls of piping hot soup, mouth-watering traditional German good provides hearty, rib-sticking meals ripe with rich flavors and tempting aromas. And of course, don't forget a cold bottle of beer to wash it all down with and complete the authentic German experience.
Hardy's Bavaria
The granddaddy of Sunnyvale's German food culture is, of course, Hardy's Bavaria, located on West Evelyn Avenue. If you're looking for fast German food, this isn't your place, as service can be a bit slow and occasionally brusque during peak dining times, but customers come for the food and don't leave disappointed. Popular favorites familiar to most Americans with even a glancing interest in German food are well represented here, including bratwurst, sauerkraut, spatzle, and of course, pork knuckle. The decor is simple and homey; the restaurant can feel a little crowded when more than a few people are inside. Otherwise, it's the place in town when you're hankering for some good old-fashioned German food.
Hardy's Bavaria
111 W. Evelyn Ave.
Suite 108
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
(408) 720-1531
Esther's German Bakery & Cafe
Just a few miles away in Mountain View, the heart of Silicon Valley, is Esther's German Bakery. Here's where you go when you're craving traditional, handmade German pastries, pretzels and breads. The bakers use only fresh ingredients free of preservatives and artificial colors and flavors, and instead include organic whole wheat flour and whole grains, and rely on tried-and-true German recipes. Try the delicious Nussecke Nut Corner cookie with its layer of roasted slivered almonds; the warm, ooey-goodness of the Zimtschnecke Cinnamon Roll; and the tempting Mohnschnecke Poppy Seed Roll. A house specialty is its Sonnenblume Sunflower Bread, ideal for dinner parties and other special occasions.
Esther's German Bakery & Cafe
570 Showers Drive
Mountain View, CA 94040
(650) 941-4463
esthersbakery.com
Dittmer's Gourmet Meats and Wurst-Haus
Not too far from Esther's and also in Mountain View is Dittmer's Gourmet Meats and Wurst-Haus, which proudly bills itself as an "old-fashioned butcher shop and delicatessen." Residents come here for fresh, specialty sausages and smoked meats, but also for the restaurant's unpretentious and generous lunch menu. If you want a hearty, German-inspired sandwich, this is the place to go. Choose from a variety of meats, including smoked bratwurst, smoked liverwurst, German salami, thuringer, or more familiar cuts such as roast beef and pastrami. Follow with your choice of bread, condiments and cheese, then add a side salad, from German potato and coleslaw to the humble dill pickle and macaroni. On your way out the door, pick up some of the store's award-winning sausages, including the kielbasa, weisswurst, landjaeger, and a large selection of brat and smoked sausages. If you fancy a handful of German blood rings, this is your place. A modest, family-owned enterprise, Dittmer's remains the most popular destination for folks searching for the best meat in the region.
Dittmer's Gourmet Meats and Wurst-Haus
400 San Antonio Road
Mountain View, CA 94040
(650) 941-3800
dittmers.com
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