Schnitzel Haus Brooklyn: Authentic German and Austrian Cuisine in Bay Ridge

Schnitzel Haus Introduce

If you are a New Yorker seeking an authentic culinary escape to the heart of Central Europe without leaving the city, then look no further than Schnitzel Haus. Located in the vibrant Bay Ridge neighborhood, this beloved establishment proudly bills itself as Brooklyn's only authentic German restaurant. Since opening its doors in 2007, it has been serving up classic German and Austrian fare, drawing from two generations of treasured family recipes brought to life by owners Fred and Amber Urban.

More than just a place to eat, Schnitzel Haus offers a full dining experience that transports patrons right into a cozy, wood-lined 'Gasthaus' (guest house). It's a place where hearty food, an impressive beer selection, and a warm, inviting atmosphere come together, making it a neighborhood favorite for locals and a must-visit destination for anyone craving traditional German comfort food in New York City.

The menu is an extensive celebration of traditional cooking, featuring signature dishes like various preparations of Schnitzel (pork, veal, and chicken cutlets prepared in styles like Jaeger with mushroom gravy, Paprika, and the classic Wiener Schnitzel). Beyond the namesake dish, guests can indulge in rich classics such as Sauerbraten, a traditional marinated beef roast, and a variety of flavorful Würste (sausages) like Bratwurst, Knockwurst, and Kielbasa, often served with authentic German potato salad and tangy sauerkraut. The commitment to authentic preparation and generous portions ensures every meal is both satisfying and deeply flavorful.

Beyond the main courses, the appetizers (Vorspeisen) menu is also rich with German and European specialties, including Nürnberger Bratwurst served with warm German potato salad, Gebackener Camembert (fried breaded Camembert cheese), and Kartoffelpuffer (potato pancakes) served with applesauce and sour cream. Vegetarian options like Swabian Style Kaesspatzen (cheese spaetzle) and various vegan pierogi are available to accommodate a broader range of tastes.

Location and Accessibility

Schnitzel Haus is conveniently situated in the heart of Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, a neighborhood well-known for its diverse culinary scene and strong community feel. Its location on Fifth Avenue positions it centrally for easy access by residents of Brooklyn and other boroughs of New York City.

The full address is: 7319 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11209, USA.

For New Yorkers relying on public transportation, the restaurant is reasonably accessible. Bay Ridge is serviced by the R train, with the nearest stops being a manageable distance from the establishment. For those driving, Bay Ridge offers street parking, though as with most of NYC, availability can vary, and customers have noted the presence of valet parking as a feature of the area, which can be a convenience.

The neighborhood of Bay Ridge itself is part of the restaurant's charm, providing a comfortable, less frenetic backdrop compared to the bustle of Manhattan, enhancing the restaurant's cozy and authentic German atmosphere.

Services Offered

Schnitzel Haus provides a range of services designed to offer a complete and flexible dining and event experience. They aim to be a welcoming spot for both casual diners and those planning larger gatherings.

Authentic German/Austrian Dining: Open daily for both lunch and dinner, serving a huge selection of traditional German/Austrian dishes and hearty stews, all made with fresh ingredients and based on family recipes.
Extensive German Beer Selection: Boasts ten German draft lines and an extensive variety of bottled German and Belgian beers and wines, carefully curated to complement the cuisine.
Live Entertainment: The restaurant frequently hosts a lively schedule, including live music each weekend, as well as karaoke, trivia, and bingo nights, ensuring a memorable and entertaining night out in Brooklyn. Reservations are strongly recommended for Friday and Saturday evenings.
Private Party Facilities: A dedicated private party room or lounge is available for guests looking to host events, celebrations, or private functions.
Catering Services: Schnitzel Haus offers a full catering menu for events held at an external location—whether at your home, office, or another venue—bringing the taste of the “old country” to your event.
Online Ordering & Delivery: For maximum convenience, the restaurant supports online ordering for both pickup and delivery through various platforms, making it easy to enjoy German comfort food at home.

Features / Highlights

Schnitzel Haus stands out in the New York food scene by focusing on authenticity, atmosphere, and hospitality. Several key features contribute to its reputation as a leading German restaurant in the area.

Brooklyn's Only Authentic German Restaurant: A rare find in New York City, the restaurant is the only one in Brooklyn to officially claim and deliver on an authentic German dining experience.
Two Generations of Family Recipes: The menu is built upon tested, beloved recipes passed down through two generations of the Urban family, ensuring a genuine taste of the “old country.”
Cozy, Wood-Lined Atmosphere: The dining room is designed with rustic charm, featuring wood-lined walls that create a warm, inviting, and traditionally authentic German 'Gasthaus' vibe, transporting diners away from the urban environment.
Signature Schnitzel Selection: The extensive schnitzel offerings—from the classic Wiener Schnitzel (Veal) to the creamy Rahm Schnitzel and the hunter-style Jaeger Schnitzel (Pork)—are a cornerstone of the menu and highly recommended by patrons.
Outstanding Beer Program: With 10 German draft lines and a comprehensive selection of bottled German and Belgian biers, the drink menu is designed to be the perfect accompaniment to the hearty cuisine, catering to enthusiasts of both dark beers (like Doppelbock) and classic lagers.
Varied Entertainment Schedule: The combination of quality dining with a lively atmosphere, including live music and various weekly theme nights, provides an excellent setting for a memorable social outing.

Contact Information

For reservations, inquiries about catering, or general information, you can contact Schnitzel Haus directly.

Address: 7319 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11209, USA

Phone: (718) 836-5600

Mobile Phone: +1 718-836-5600

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing a restaurant in New York City often comes down to looking for a unique, high-quality experience, and Schnitzel Haus delivers on that promise, particularly for fans of German and Austrian cuisine. The strongest appeal of this Brooklyn gem lies in its dedication to culinary authenticity and the immersive environment it provides.

If you are exploring the menu for the first time, starting with the restaurant's namesake is highly recommended. The sheer variety of schnitzels ensures there's a preparation for every taste, from the traditional Wiener style to heartier, sauced options like the Jaeger Schnitzel with its rich mushroom sauce. Many patrons consider the quality of the breading—golden, crisp, and cooked in clarified butter—to be truly top-notch.

Beyond the schnitzels, the Sauerbraten, a labor-of-love dish where the beef is marinated for seven days, is another must-try for those seeking traditional, comforting flavors, often served with red cabbage and a potato dumpling. For those interested in a sampler of traditional meats, the Wurst Platte offers a flavorful combination of sausages, pierogies, and sauerkraut.

A large part of the Schnitzel Haus experience is the full German package, meaning you should definitely explore the German beer menu. With ten rotating draft lines and a variety of imported bottles, pairing your meal with an authentic German Doppelbock or a crisp Helles lagerbier will complete your culinary journey. The knowledgeable staff can assist in finding the perfect beer to complement your food choice.

It is also important to consider the social atmosphere. The restaurant's policy of offering live music each weekend and hosting various entertainment nights, such as karaoke and trivia, makes it an excellent choice for a vibrant group outing. However, some customers have noted that the quality and volume of the live music can occasionally impact the dining conversation, so if you prefer a quieter meal, a weeknight visit or requesting a table away from the entertainment area may be advisable.

Finally, while the restaurant is renowned for its welcoming atmosphere and the quality of its German fare, potential visitors should be aware of reported issues regarding payment methods. While some sources mention a non-cash adjustment fee, multiple customer reviews indicate the restaurant frequently operates as cash-only without clear upfront signage, which can cause inconvenience. New York diners should plan ahead by bringing cash to ensure a smooth transaction at the end of their meal. Overall, for an authentic taste of Germany in a lively Brooklyn setting, Schnitzel Haus is a compelling and unique choice in the New York dining landscape.

Schnitzel Haus Photos

Schnitzel Haus Location

Schnitzel Haus

New York Kings County Bay Ridge 5th Avenue

7319 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11209, USA

Schnitzel Haus Reviews

Update: after such a nasty response by the owner I highly doubt we will be back.Good food, nice service but somewhat slow taking into account that there were no other customers at the restaurant. The place only accepts cash. Who carries so much cash with them these days? It was a big group of us and it was extremely annoying that we had to run to an ATM machine in order to pay for our meal. You can always add an option to use a credit card for additional fees instead of having your customers run to an ATM machine after having a meal or let them know ahead of time that this is a cash only place so they don't feel trapped.
January 13 · Inna Vayner
This was my first time trying German food, and it was definitely an acquired taste for me. I ordered the chicken paprika, and I found myself liking it more with each bite. It did take a while to come out, but the menu mentioned that it takes longer to prepare.Unfortunately, there was a band playing that made the experience less enjoyable. The vocal mic was way too loud, and honestly, I’m not sure who told the singer he could sing.On top of that, when it came time to pay, I was told it was cash-only, which confused me. I didn’t see any cash-only signs, and the menu clearly states there's a 4% non-cash adjustment fee, so I knew I could use my card for payment. Plus, there was a lit credit card machine at the register. When I asked the server (who I believe is the owner's wife) if it was a cash-only night, she said it’s always cash-only.I’m not sure if that’s true, but I didn’t want to make a fuss, especially with the loud singer. I just went to get cash and paid.I don’t think I’ll be returning to this place.
October 21 · Dania Ali
I found new favorite flavors with every dish they brought. Every dish tasted good and was served properly. Plus, the workers maintain a positive demeanor. I was surprised by how neat and trendy everything looked. Appreciate good cooking!
August 22 · Uggg Ghbv
The restaurant is located in the Bay Ridge section of Brooklyn. They serve German food and have a large bar. The dishes include various schnitzel which are similar to breaded chicken and veal cutlets. German style soups, salads and bratwurst are also available. Dessert options include black forest cake. The restaurant is currently a cash-only business.
September 12 · Steven Nechamkin
I had dinner with my friend. The house spiced cider was perfect, highly recommend you try that. We ordered beef goulash and potato leek soup; they were delicious and big serving size too. For the entrees, we got the pork tenderloin and pork schnitzel; one entree was enough to feed two people. The sauce was delicious, just a bit too much salt on the meat for me. Customer service was wonderful. Definitely give this place a try if you want German food.
November 15 · Zhigen Lin