In business since 1886 and located in the heart of Columbus, Ohio's historic German Village, Schmidt's Restaurant and Sausage Haus is without question one of the finest German restaurants in the United States. If you haven't had one of their brats, you haven't experienced what makes Oktoberfest Oktoberfest (besides the beer, of course).

Schmidt's Menu

•    Bratwurst
•    Bahama Mamas
•    Jumbo Frankfurters
•    Jumbo Cream Puffs
•    Sauerkraut
•    German Potato Salad

Der Braumeister is considered by many the last true German restaurant in the City of Cleveland. Marked by exquisite dark woodwork that appears to've been cut from the same Black Forest where they get the cake, and a near life-size mural of Neuschwanstein Castle, Der Braumeister just feels German. In other words, this is no converted Taco Bell. It's the genuine article.

In fact, the restauraunt itself has been situated on the corner of West 130^th and Lorain since back in the days when it was a roadside stand. Over all those years, restaurant ownership has only changed hands once (some may remember when it was called Herzog's).

The question is, how has Der Braumeister managed to survive where so many other traditional German restaurants have perished? Try their food and you'll realize that the answer goes beyond atmosphere. It is traditional German fare at its finest, with the occassional signature twist that makes it distinctly Der Braumeister's. Ever had a Black Forest Parfait or a Potato Pancake Reuben Sandwich? Probably not, but they do sound good... and they are!

Der Braumeister Menu

•    Sauerkraut Balls
•    Hungarian Goulash Over Spaetzel
•    Potato Pancake Reuben
•    Landjager Platter (Smoked Sausage & Cheese)
•    Sausage Platter: Knackwurst & Bratwurst, German Potato &
     Sauerkraut
•    Chicken Paprikash over Spaetzel
•    Sausage Sandwich: Bratwurst or Knackwurst Topped with
     Sauerkraut
•    Black Forest Ice Cream Cone
•    Bavarain Cream Ice Cream Cone
•    German Potato Salad
•    Potato Pancakes
•    Sauerkraut
•    Red Cabbage

The Oktoberfest Planning Committe would like to note that we consider it our duty to test out all restaurants before inviting them to take part in Oktoberfest. It requires a great deal of intestinal fortitude, but after our meal at Seven Roses, it seemed like all that eating had finally paid off, and we just wouldn't take no for an answer (even if it meant being a thorn in Seven Roses' side).

Located in the heart of Slavic Village on Fleet Street, Seven Roses (Siedem Róź) is a bright light in an area long known for fine ethnic cuisine. Fortunately, this Polish delicatessen is not only surviving, but flourishing amongst stiff competition, thanks in large part to a combination of exceptional food and a wonderful atmosphere. The building itself is classic Cleveland, with a stunning interior, high molded ceilings, 15' library shelves with sliding ladders, marble tiles, etc. And like many such impressive feats of local architecture, were it not in Slavic Village, it could have been left to decay and eventual blight. But fortunately for us, and the city of Cleveland in general, the people of Slavic Village are fine stewards, fiercely committed to maintaining their community. Seven Roses took over the building, polished the place up, packed the shelves with ethnic goods and spices, set up a deli counter overflowing with a miniature Westside Market's worth of exotic meats and delicassies, created a cozy seating area, and suddently you're worried about lines at lunchtime and hoping word doesn't spread too fast. It just goes to show that exceptional results come from delivering exceptional products. And we couldn't be more thrilled to announce that Seven Roses will be sharing those products with us come Labor Day Weekend!

Seven Roses Menu

•    Potato Pancakes
•    Stuffed Cabbage
•    Kielbasa
•    Sauerkraut
•    Pierogis

With the only suggestion on how to improve the Oktoberfest being the over-long food lines, Oktoberfest will address this issue in 2011 by bringing in a new vendors like Frank's Bratwurst, Balaton, the Bier Haus, and also by opening its new Bavarian Dining Hall. Oktoberfest patrons can select between two buffet lines, and eat while enjoying entertainment on our new Bavarian Dining Hall stage.

H odge Podge is the latest Food Truck put into service by Dim & Den Sum owner Chris Hodgson. Now featured on the Food Network's, The Great Food Truck Race, Chris can be seen speeding from city to city, serving up "the C-Town love." In support of Chris and the show, the Cleveland Oktoberfest will host a watch party on Sunday, Sept 4th, so come on out and share in the fun as we watch the pig-rig squeal around the corners of North America in pursuit of a $100k prize.

Voted the top Hungarian restaurant in the greater Cleveland area by Scene Magazine, Balaton Restaurant is most famous for its superb Wiener Schnitzel and a variance of that, the Chicken Schnitzel. Other fine offerings on the menu include: Stuffed Cabbages, Langos, Goulashes, and the Hungarian Lecso, a yellow paprika and tomato based summer stew, and of course Chicken Paprikash.

Dinner then culminated with a delightful dessert, not too sweet... just right.... the home made blincess, or Crepe Suzette, or Palacsinta with apricot, walnut, sweet cottage cheese, or poppy seed fillings. There are other deserts making dinner complete.

Special Highlights!

TOP RATINGS awarded by both reader choice polls as well as many accredited food writers for publications including: Cleveland Magazine, Northern Ohio Live Magazine, Ohio Magazine, Buon Appetit, The Cleveland Plain Dealer, Scene, Free Times, Connections, Shaker Magazine and more!

Inspired by the everyday cooking that they grew up with, you'll feel at home savoring a great meal in the casual and relaxed dining room of Strongsville's, The Bier Haus. Their extensive collection of fine beers and fully stocked bar is the perfect atmosphere for fun with friends and family. Experience their inventive cuisine, attentive service, and friendly atmosphere; go see what makes The Bier Haus one of the most popular, trendy, and upcoming restaurants in town!

Oktoberfest will have its own stand offering a variety of favorite German dishes. John Roberto, owner of Roberto's Restaurant, will be preparing a host of items to keep Oktoberfesters' mouths watering.

Oktoberfest Menu

•    Hand Breaded Wiener Schnitzel
•    German Potato Salad
•    Potato Pancakes with Applesauce
•    Sauerkraut
•    Bratwurst
•    Bread
•    Chicken Paprikash

Oktoberfest will be offering patrons the option of enjoying a clam bake, brought to you by Chef Roberto, Owner of J&J Catering. A fall tradition in the Midwest, our fresh baked clams will come with all the sides you've come to expect at a customary clam bake.

Clam Bake Menu

•    One Dozen Clams
•    Clam Chowder
•    Corn on the Cob
•    Fresh Bread & Butter
•    Red Skin Potatoes
•    Half Chicken or Strip Steak
•    Extra Dozen Clams

L ocated in Cleveland's historic West Side Market, Frank's Bratwurst was established in 1970. They have since garnered a reputation for serving some of the best brats in the Cleveland area. Their brats are so good, in fact, that Scene Magazine voted them the Best Brats in the Cleveland area.

C hef’s Choice Meats and Gourmet Market features source verifiable (I can call the farmer who raised my cattle) Anti-Biotic and hormone free Ohio Signature Beef. We bring in swinging beef the old fashion way and specialize in USDA Prime dry aged beef.

We also feature Daisyfield pork from Sandusky, Gerber Chicken from Kidron, Albright Turkeys from Dayton, and when in season, wild Alaskan Salmon.

I make over 60 varieties of hand crafted sausages, salamis and lunch meats, including smoked Polish, Slovenian, Hungarian, Cajun Andouille, German Knockwurst and All Beef Frankfurters. My veal Weißwürst (Bratwurst) is the bomb. On the fresh side, I do traditional Sweet and Hot Italian, kielbasa, Easter Sausage, Hungarian, Slovenian and Beer Brats (featuring Cornerstone Brewery’s Stout Beer). On the dry cured side, I do Portuguese Linguisa, Italian, Pepperoni, Sopressata, Genoa Salami and German Hard Salami. In addition, we have Honey Maple cured Bacon, Beef Bacon, Celena and Peppered Bacon. Hruka, Cottage and Ol’ Fashion bone-in Hams, Tasso ham and Canadian and Pea Meal Bacon. My cold smoked Salmon is just killer.

I truly believe in scratch cookin'. Starting with the finest ingredients we hand craft all our salads with taste and flair, and our line up of Heat N’ Eat prepared foods includes Schnitzels, Bohemian Goulash, Chicken Paprikash, meatballs, Eggplant parms, etc. and heaping deli sandwiches, using house made deli meats and world-class ingredients—all while supporting as many Ohio Farms and Businesses as possible. Taste the difference. Chef's Choice Meats & Gourmet Market, your neighborhood connection for flavor.

We’ve been reviewed by Elaine Cicora, Doug Trattner, Barb Collier, and David Moss. I’ve been described by one adoring customer as the “Meat Man to the Gods.” – Scene Magazine.

Sincerely from the hardest working man in meat business,

Chef Kris Kreiger
Chef/Owner

T

here's just something about a fondue pot that invites conversation. Invites laughter. Invites coming together.

The Melting Pot Restaurant offers a unique, interactive dining experience like no other, creating memorable moments with family and friends. From the time the first piece of bread is dipped and the last piece of dessert is savored, you'll be graced with the time to discover new things about people you thought you knew. And, those you're getting to know.

The Melting Pot is the premiere fondue restaurant in the Cleveland area, and as such the Cleveland Oktoberfest is excited to have them as part of our event. Though they're only handling dessert at the Oktoberfest, note that if you go to one of their restaurants, you'll find that they've turned fondue into an art form, with savory selections for every meal course... whether appetizer, entrée, or dessert!

Oktoberfest will also feature outside vendors selling niche traditional foods as well as non-traditional foods. On the traditional side, you'll find Helmut's Strudel and German baked goods from Michael's Bakery. On the non-traditional side, you'll find Honey Gourmet Frozen Custard and Maple Side Farms' farmer's market featuring fresh fruit and veggies. See below for a full list.

If all that wonderful food makes you thirsty, we can take care of that. Event Co-Sponsors Hofbräu & Budweiser will be offering a variety of different flavors of beer, and for the teetotallers / designated drivers among you, we also have gourmet coffee, fresh cider, lemonade, soda and other beverages. See detailed list below.

Beverage Menu

•    Hofbräu Dark
•    Hofbräu Original
•    Hofbräu Oktoberfest
•    Warsteiner Pilsner
•    Warsteiner Dunkel
•    Warsteiner Oktoberfest
•    König Ludwig Weissbier
•    Budweiser
•    Bud Light
•    Jägermeister
•    Red Bull
•    Oktoberfest Microbrew Competition (more...)
•    Wild Bill's Root Beer
•    Gourmet Coffees
•    Schloss Zell German Wine
•    Fresh Cider from Maple Side Farms
•    Grilled Corn
  
•    Lemonade
•    Coke
•    Diet Coke
•    Sprite
•    Water