By Charles Boespflug – Reservations
“Das ist ein gut wurst, ya??” Sausage and brats crackling over a grill, condiments in buns…What could be more German! But did you know that evidence of sausage-making dates back over 5,000 years, to ancient Sumeria?? With all that fat and protein, it’s no wonder our forebears thought the long oblong sticks of meat were so delicious.
Hearty and Delicious
Even Hamurabi’s cooks could not have predicted how tasty some of the beef franks, currywurst and Kielbasa from Leavenworth Sausage Garten and Munchen Haus would one day become. Or how great Ludwig’s schnitzel pairs with some of the world class beers brewed right here in Leavenworth (Blewett brewing and Icicle, I’m looking at you!) Typically more savory in flavor than their spicy Italian counterparts, Leavenworth’s sausages, schnitzels and other meat based dishes are a great complement to a long ski day or a tough hike. Speaking of long walks, did you know that our friend’s at Cured by Visconti’s use a recipe that was once used by the Australian military in the 1880s!
And for all you vegetarians out there, not to worry, there are many non-meat options too, like the several kinds of spätzle (a homemade, dumpling shaped egg noodle) they serve at Andreas Keller restaurant, or the fried potatoes at King Ludwig’s.
Oh, and don’t think that just because German food’s good for dinner that that means it’s not good for dessert too! After all, Vienna, one of the world capitals of pastries, is in the same cultural region as Bavaria. Which is why I always recommend stopping by the Bavarian Bakerei (Bakery) for an eclair or a slice of bundt if you’re on the hunt for a breakfast treat.
Plan Ahead
If you’re in a hurry, run by Visconti’s sausage garten for some of their pre-packaged options, or some bulk meats for you and your friends to grill up later. (It’s pet friendly too).
Make sure to make a reservation if it’s a wintertime or summertime weekend though, as our restaurants fill up fast with hungry revelers. Most of the aforementioned restaurants are kid friendly, so don’t hesitate to bring the whole family.
Some final thoughts…
But note that while the traditions come from far away, Leavenworth’s gastronomers do what they call to source as many ingredients as they can locally. And since our area’s flagship agricultural export is grapes and apples, don’t forget to pair your wurst plate with one of Chateau Faire Le Pont’s dry gewurstaminers or stop by Yonder cider in Cashmere for a tasty gala seltzer! (Just remember to designate a driver, we don’t want anyone ending up in the river).
We don’t want to leave any one out, so here’s a comprehensive list of all of the establishments commonly serving some of the best German food in Leavenworth:
- Andreas Keller
- King Ludwig’s
- Baren Haus
- Rhein Haus
- Stein
- Colchuck’s
- Mozart’s Restaurant
- The Bavarian Backerei
Guten appetit!
We hope this can inspire your tastebuds while you’re galavanting through Leavenworth’s many treasures. And remember, if you need more recommendations for fun ways to be fed or watered, Love Leavenworth vacation rentals is only a phone call away!