Sauerkraut and bratwurst get rolled into one ball, breaded, fried golden, and served with a creamy mustard sauce. That’s the starter here.
Yes, really.
The sausage recipes trace back to a family packing company founded in 1886. The family is now in its fifth generation of running the place.
I find it interesting that the same name has stayed on the door for so long.
The dining room sits inside an old livery stable on a brick-lined street in Ohio. Live oompah music plays on select nights.
Bratwurst platters come piled with hot kraut, German potato salad, and chunky applesauce.
In my view, that combination explains the weekend crowds better than any ad could. Then there’s the dessert, a cream puff so large it practically needs its own chair.
So where exactly is this place, and how early should you show up?
A Bavarian Detour Without Leaving Central Ohio
Columbus has plenty of trendy restaurants, but few feel as rooted as Schmidt’s Sausage Haus Restaurant. It’s a long-running German eatery in the city’s historic German Village neighborhood.
The menu leans hard into Bavarian comfort food. Think sausages, sauerkraut, schnitzel, and potato salad served the old-fashioned way.
What makes it stand out is how unpretentious it feels. Nobody here is chasing food trends or reinventing the bratwurst.
Instead, the kitchen sticks with recipes tied to the family’s packing house history. That steady approach has turned the spot into a casual Columbus landmark.
Live oompah music adds to the fun on select nights. It gives the meal a festive, slightly theatrical feel that suits big family outings.
The neighborhood itself is part of the appeal. German Village is known for brick streets and tidy homes, which makes the trip feel like more than dinner.
For Ohio day-trippers, that’s a big plus. You get a meal, a stroll, and a little old-world charm in one easy outing.
Of course, the food is the main reason the booths stay full. The sauerkraut balls, bratwurst platters, and towering cream puffs all have serious followings.
Each one gets its own spotlight below. Fair warning: reading about them on an empty stomach is a risky move.
Five Generations and a Packing House Story Worth Knowing
Back in 1886, the J. Fred Schmidt Packing Company started making sausages in Columbus.
That company is the root of everything on today’s menu.
The restaurant grew out of that meat-making tradition. Its sausages still follow recipes linked to those early packing house days.
Family ownership is a big part of the story. The business is now run by the fifth generation of Schmidts, with Kyle Schmidt carrying the torch.
That’s roughly 140 years of one family feeding Ohio. Very few restaurants anywhere can say the same thing.
I appreciate how openly the family embraces that history. They describe their food as recipes made the same way for generations, not as cutting-edge cuisine.
Honestly, that’s refreshing. In a world of fusion menus and foam garnishes, a sausage that stays true to itself feels kind of comforting.
History also shows up throughout the building. Displays and photos share pieces of the family past with diners in a tasteful way.
It turns a simple lunch into a mini lesson on Columbus heritage. Kids may even ask questions between bites, which is always a win.
Knowing the backstory makes the bratwurst taste a little more meaningful. You’re eating something that has survived more than a century of changing appetites.
Not many menu items can claim that kind of staying power. These sausages clearly earned it.
Old Wood, Old Brick, and a Former Livery Stable
Horses once called this building home. Today, the former livery stable holds booths full of diners digging into kraut and sausage.
That reuse of space gives the restaurant real character. Old wood and brick walls carry a sense of age that no new build could copy.
The booths are snug and cozy. Tables sit fairly close together, so the room feels lively and communal rather than hushed.
Some people love that tavern-style closeness. Others might prefer a quieter corner, so timing your visit can help.
Outside, German Village adds its own charm. The neighborhood is filled with homes dating to the 1880s and brick-paved streets made for slow wandering.
It’s easy to see why the setting gets so much attention. The building and the area feel like a step back in time.
Photo opportunities are everywhere, inside and out. The rustic interior and historic street views make great backdrops for family snapshots.
Staff in traditional German-style attire sometimes add to the scene. That small detail makes the room feel even more festive.
Put it all together, and the space becomes part of the meal. You’re not just eating German food, you’re eating it somewhere that feels the part.
Not bad for a building that started out serving hay instead of bratwurst.
Those Golden Sauerkraut-Bratwurst Balls Disappear Fast
Sauerkraut and bratwurst have always been good friends. Here, they finally moved in together.
The Sauerkraut-Bratwurst Balls combine tangy kraut with the restaurant’s own bratwurst. The mix gets coated in crispy breading and fried until golden.
A creamy mustard sauce comes on the side for dipping. That little cup does a lot of heavy lifting, adding a smooth, zippy finish.
The restaurant calls this starter a German tradition. Sauerkraut balls are also a beloved Ohio snack, so they hit home twice.
Ordering them first makes sense. They’re shareable, bite-sized, and perfect for keeping hungry kids busy while platters are prepared.
One order for a big table might feel a bit optimistic. Hands tend to reach in quickly once the plate lands.
I find it interesting how a humble side like sauerkraut becomes the star when you bread and fry it. Suddenly, even kraut skeptics start paying attention.
The contrast is the fun part. A crisp outside gives way to a savory, tangy center packed with sausage flavor.
Pair them with pretzel bites or potato pancakes if you’re building a full starter spread. That’s a strong opening move for any weekend visit.
Just save room. The bratwurst platters are coming next, and they don’t do small.
The Bratwurst Platter That Built the Weekend Rush
Lean pork, light seasoning, and natural casings form the backbone of the classic bratwurst here. Simple, sure, but simple done well rarely goes out of style.
The traditional bratwurst platter is a full spread. The sausage rests over hot kraut and pork instead of sitting alone on the plate.
German potato salad rides along as a side. So does chunky applesauce, which brings a sweet note to all that savory goodness.
A split top bun completes the platter. Build a sandwich or eat everything separately, the choice is entirely yours.
That mix of sweet, sour, and savory is the real draw. Each forkful can taste a little different depending on what you grab.
The German potato salad deserves its own mention. It’s one of the most talked-about sides on the menu, and it fits this plate perfectly.
Portions here lean generous. Many folks leave feeling very well fed, which is exactly the point of a German comfort meal.
In my view, this platter is the best starting point for first-timers. It shows off the house sausage alongside the sides that make it shine.
Hearty eaters will feel right at home. Light eaters might want to share, or plan on a box for later.
Either way, nobody leaves wondering where the flavor went.
Can’t Pick One Sausage? Order Four
Choosing just one sausage at a sausage haus feels unfair. The Old World Sausage Sampler fixes that problem nicely.
It brings together four sausages made from the J. Fred Schmidt Packing Company’s 1886 recipes.
That’s a lot of history on one plate.
The sampler ranks among the most popular orders. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a full tour without committing to a single link.
Spice lovers should know about the Bahama Mama Platter. It features a spicy, hickory-smoked sausage that’s become one of the restaurant’s signatures.
The Knockwurst Platter takes another route. It uses hickory-smoked beef and pork sausage with a hint of garlic.
So yes, you have options. Smoky, spicy, garlicky, or classic, there’s a sausage for almost every mood.
Sides keep things balanced. Sweet-and-sour red cabbage with apples and tangy kraut help cut through the richness.
Sharing works wonderfully here too. A sampler in the middle of the table lets everyone compare favorites and argue happily about the winner.
I appreciate that the menu treats sausage like a craft rather than an afterthought. Each one has its own personality and backstory.
For a restaurant born from a packing house, that focus makes total sense. Sausage isn’t just on the menu here.
It’s the family business.
Schnitzel, Sauerbraten, and Grandma’s Meatloaf Hold Their Own
Not a sausage fan? Somehow, you’re still covered at Schmidt’s Sausage Haus Restaurant.
Wiener Schnitzel brings a crispy, breaded cutlet to the table. It’s a German classic and a natural pick for anyone who loves fried comfort food.
Haus Sauerbraten offers something slower and richer. This traditional pot roast style dish is a cold-weather favorite with deep, tangy flavor.
Then there’s Oma’s Meatloaf. “Oma” means grandma in German, so you already know it’s meant to feel homey.
The meatloaf has a soft texture and a seasoned blend that includes applesauce. That touch of sweetness makes it a little different from typical diner versions.
Soups round things out nicely. Potato soup loaded with bacon and a sausage and white bean soup both appear on the menu.
A Reuben also earns plenty of attention. It’s a hearty sandwich option for anyone visiting at lunchtime.
Spaetzle, mac and cheese, and potato pancakes make easy sides. Picky younger eaters can usually find something familiar among them.
I find it interesting that a place named for sausage offers such variety. It means mixed groups can all leave happy.
That flexibility is a quiet reason the weekend crowds keep coming back. Everyone at the table gets a vote.
An All-You-Can-Eat Autobahn for Big Appetites
Indecisive eaters, your moment has arrived. The Autobahn Buffet lets you sample a little of everything without making a single hard choice.
This all-you-can-eat spread features Schmidt’s recipe sausages. Traditional German and American sides fill out the rest of the line.
Expect sauerkraut, cabbage rolls, and potato salad among the offerings. Sweet applesauce and tangy red cabbage also show up regularly.
The name is a playful nod to Germany’s famous highways. Fitting, since you can cruise from one dish to the next at your own pace.
For newcomers, the buffet doubles as a crash course. You can taste sweet, sour, smoky, and savory flavors all in one sitting.
It’s available at both lunch and dinner. That makes it handy for a midday stop during an Ohio road trip.
Families with big eaters may find it especially practical. Teenagers can go back for seconds, and thirds, without anyone flipping through a menu again.
Of course, ordering off the menu has its perks too. Some dishes, like the sauerkraut balls, shine brightest fresh from the kitchen.
A smart plan is mixing both approaches across visits. Try the buffet once, then order a platter next time.
Either way, pace yourself. Dessert here deserves real stomach space.
Save Room, Because the Cream Puff Is Enormous
Big doesn’t quite cover it. The Jumbo Cream Puff at Schmidt’s Sausage Haus Restaurant is basically a dessert landmark.
These oversized pastries are stuffed with light, whipped cream filling. A dusting of sugar finishes them off.
Cream puffs are easily the most talked-about item on the entire menu. Some people plan whole trips around one.
Flavors go well beyond vanilla. Chocolate and peanut butter fudge are favorites, and seasonal versions rotate in throughout the year.
The peanut butter fudge version gets special attention for its airy filling. Chocolate fans have plenty to celebrate too.
Too full after dinner? No problem, cream puffs can come to go.
That’s actually a popular strategy. Grab one for the road and enjoy it later, when your bratwurst has settled.
Other desserts compete for attention as well. Apple strudel and German chocolate cake both earn loyal fans.
In my view, splitting a cream puff at the table is the best move. It’s festive, a little silly, and perfect for photos.
Kids especially love the sheer size. Adults usually pretend they’re sharing for the kids, then grab the biggest spoon.
Whatever flavor you pick, don’t skip it. Leaving without a cream puff is like visiting Lake Erie and never looking at the water.
Oompah Tunes, Snug Booths, and a Room Full of Cheer
Accordion music changes the mood of any meal. On select nights, live oompah acts fill the dining room with bouncy, cheerful sound.
The music pairs perfectly with the old wood and brick. It feels a lot like a traditional German tavern.
Expect a lively, busy room when the band plays. Noise levels can climb, but that energy is part of the experience.
Families tend to love this setup. Kids can bop along to polka tunes without anyone shushing them.
Couples looking for a festive date night will find plenty of charm too. So will groups of friends celebrating birthdays or reunions.
Travelers passing through Columbus get a real taste of local character. It’s an easy stop on a longer Ohio trip.
That said, it’s not a whisper-quiet spot. Anyone wanting calm conversation may prefer a weekday lunch or an earlier dinner.
Service has a friendly, down-to-earth style. The overall vibe stays casual, so there’s no need to dress up.
I appreciate that the restaurant doesn’t take itself too seriously. Lederhosen-style outfits and oompah tunes are meant to be fun, not fussy.
That playful spirit welcomes everyone, from first-timers to multigenerational families. It’s hard to stay grumpy with an accordion nearby.
Smart Moves for Beating the Weekend Wait
Timing matters at a place this popular. Weekends and holidays can fill the house quickly, so a little planning goes a long way.
You’ll find the restaurant at 240 E Kossuth St, Columbus, OH 43206. It sits right in the heart of German Village.
Hours run from 11 AM to 10 PM Tuesday through Saturday. On Sunday and Monday, doors close a bit earlier at 9 PM.
An online waitlist is the best trick in the book. Joining it before you arrive can shorten your wait considerably.
Parking takes a bit of know-how. A small lot sits behind the restaurant building, and it’s easy to miss.
When that fills up, street parking nearby is an option. Plan for a short walk on the neighborhood’s brick sidewalks.
Waiting doesn’t have to be boring, though. German Village is lovely for strolling, so a short loop can pass the time nicely.
Prices are generally considered reasonable for the portion sizes. Families can eat well without the meal feeling like a splurge.
Early dinners and weekday lunches tend to be calmer. They’re ideal for anyone hoping to skip the biggest crowds.
Columbus is an easy drive from much of Ohio. Pick a Saturday, join the list early, and let the bratwurst do the rest.
Why This Old-World Classic Earns a Spot on Your Ohio List
Some meals are about novelty. This one is about tradition, served warm with a side of kraut and a giant cream puff for good measure.
Schmidt’s Sausage Haus Restaurant has stayed true to its roots for around 140 years. That consistency is exactly what keeps families coming back.
The sauerkraut balls make a crunchy, tangy first impression. The bratwurst platters deliver hearty comfort with sweet and savory sides.
Then the cream puffs steal the show. Few desserts in Ohio get this much attention, and the size alone explains part of it.
The setting seals the deal. A former livery stable in German Village feels miles away from modern chain dining.
Is it the fanciest meal in Columbus? No, and it never tries to be.
Instead, it offers something sturdier. You get family history, festive music, and generous plates in one memorable stop.
In my view, that makes it a perfect weekend outing. Pair dinner with a walk through the neighborhood, and the afternoon practically plans itself.
First-timers should start with the sauerkraut balls and a bratwurst platter. Returning visitors can explore the sampler, schnitzel, or buffet.
And everyone should leave with a cream puff. Even if it’s just for later, your future self will be grateful.