Favorite German Restaurants in Kansas City
Sept. 15-Oct. 15 marks German American Heritage Month. With Oktoberfest celebrations across the country and festivities marking the occasion, this autumn observance puts us in the mood for traditional German dining. Our favorite German restaurants in Kansas City:
Werner’s Fine Sausages
5736 Johnson Dr., Mission, KS, www.WernersWurst.com. The small shop is a German specialty grocery where you can purchase raw sausages and meats to enjoy at home, along with gourmet European grocery items. Or, enjoy a fresh-cooked sausage straight from the grill out front, where customers try an array of knackwurst, bratwurst, frankfurters, potato sausages and other delicacies that will make your mouth water. Enjoy German potato salad or delicatessen pickles on the side and complete the meal with homemade strudel. With picnic patio seating, this is the ultimate in casual dining with a friendly neighborhood atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re part of the family.
Fritz's 10326 State Line Rd., Leawood, KS, www.FritzsKCMeats.com. Founded in 1927 by Fritz and Rose Plapp, German master sausage makers, the shop is now in its fourth generation as a family-owned business making old world-style sausages. The shop offers a basic deli counter; customers order sandwiches and sausages at the counter and eat in the restaurant, where only the basic amenities are provided. What it lacks in décor and atmosphere, it more than makes up for in quality and taste. Fritz’s also custom smokes meats for customers.
The Rheinland Restaurant
208 N. Main St., Independence, MO, www.RheinlandRestaurant.com. Located on the historic Independence Square, the Rheinland is known for authentic German cuisine. The menu includes bratwurst, knackwurst, German potato salad, schnitzel and spätzle. From your first step inside, you are greeted by a friendly staff in a beautifully decorated restaurant where it is clear that the owners are proud to share their German heritage with you, their guest. And after a delicious meal at the Rheinland, you’ll love it as much as they do.
Grünauer
101 W. 22nd St., Kansas City, MO, www.GrunauerKC.com. Housed in Kansas City’s historic Freight House in the Crossroads District, this eatery invites customers to enjoy authentic Germanic cuisine in an upscale restaurant complete with white tablecloths and linen napkins. Guests enjoy an authentically European experience with dishes from across the continent. Traditional weiner schnitzel, sausages, schnitzel and spätzle are served, along with European comfort foods like Hungarian goulash and Austrian salads.