“Willkommen all am Tisch”…..German for “Welcome all to the Table” at Zum Stammtisch, an historic, traditional German restaurant in Glendale. Now is the ideal time to visit with Oktoberfest underway with seasonal beers, dinner specials, and a festive atmosphere. In this ever-changing world, it’s pure comfort to return to the familiarity of Old-World recipes, warm hospitality, and honest food made with love and pride.
It all started in November 1972 when German immigrants Johann Lehner and his wife Erna realized the American dream of owning a restaurant that served their traditional German and Bavarian cuisine made from family recipes. Thankfully, sons Hans and Werner continue the tradition welcoming loyal fans as well as newcomers who are excited to try this hearty cuisine and down a few pints of brew.
The charming dining room is cozy with Bavarian décor including sturdy, carved wooden chairs and tables, booths with plaid upholstery, old fashioned ceiling fans and Bavarian beer steins on the shelves. A nicely appointed private dining room plays hosts to countless private events with service for up to 45 guests.
The bar was buzzing with laughter and the sound of “Prost” which means “Cheers” in German. We started with a flight of beers and sampled classic Weissbier, Oktoberfest, dark bier, and a light, smooth lager. A big glass of Berlinerweiss beer and a nicely shaken martini were presented with a loaf of freshly baked bread on a cutting board with butter.
Appetizers or “Vorspeise” are served in generous portions meant to be shared. Kasespatzle are handmade spätzle dumplings baked with cheese in a cast iron skillet, topped with bacon, onion, and parsley ($16). Herring in cream sauce can be scooped up with bread or with an order of their pretzel bread dumplings with bacon. Steak tartar is prepared for two or more people from the finest beef, served on house made sourdough rye bread. A colorful German salad is tossed with fresh beets, shredded carrots, cucumbers, and cole slaw ($14). Goulash soup or potato soup will warm your soul on the cold nights ahead.
Diners come from near and far for a platter of Zum Stammtisch’s classic Jagerschnitzel, a tender cutlet of veal pounded thin, breaded and fried, topped with a creamy mushroom white wine sauce. Wienerschnitzel, named for Vienna, Austria, is a similar cutlet, without the mushroom sauce, served with a fried egg on top if you wish. You can order these schnitzles with chicken and the golden brown home fries go well with them all. Wiener Rostbraten is aged sirloin steak pounded thin, seared on a hot grill then topped with fried onions. Chicken Riesling are tender breasts sauteed in Riesling white wine sauce that is so flavorful ($28). Kudos for the traditional Sauerbraten which is marinated, slow-cooked beef. The sweet, sour, and savory flavors melt in your mouth, served with red cabbage and spätzle and is the ultimate German comfort food. Our kind server brought out a massive pork shank resting on its own gravy with sauerkraut, and a dumpling made of pretzel bread and bacon.
For lunch or dinner, you must try some of Zum Stammtisch’s wursts, or sausages. Order the Wurstplatter with two kinds of sausage and choose knockwurst, bratwurst, or krainerwurst. A giant Bavarian pretzel with mustard is fun to dip into everything and enjoy.
Each night of the week features a special dish, such as Wednesday’s roast loin of pork, and roast duck and prime rib on Saturday and Sunday. Homemade warm apple strudel served with vanilla ice cream or Black Forest cake layered with cherries and whipped cream top off your meal along with a shot of Jaegermeister to help wash it all down.
Zum Stammtisch is open for lunch and dinner from noon until 10pm. Visit their website for tantalizing photos, menus, videos and accolades from several TV shows and The New York Times. You can also order online from there. It’s time to reserve your holiday office party, family party, Thanksgiving, and Christmas events. We salute Zum Stammtisch for 54 years of traditional German cooking, fine service, and warm hospitality. Danke!
www.zumstammtisch.com