Schmidt’s Sausage Haus Restaurant

- 240 E Kossuth St, Columbus, OH 43206

For generations, Schmidt’s Sausage Haus Restaurant has stood as a beloved landmark in Columbus, Ohio, transporting diners straight to the heart of Bavaria without ever leaving the state. More than just a restaurant, Schmidt's is a cherished institution that embodies a rich family history and a deep commitment to authentic German cuisine. Since its origins in 1886 as a meatpacking plant, it has evolved into a full-service restaurant that offers a truly immersive cultural and culinary experience. From its signature sausages, passed down through over a century of family tradition, to its legendary cream puffs, Schmidt's provides a unique and memorable dining adventure for locals and visitors alike. It's a place where the vibrant atmosphere, often accompanied by live German music, complements the hearty, flavorful dishes, creating a welcoming and festive environment for all ages. For anyone in Ohio seeking a taste of genuine German heritage, excellent food, and a fantastic time, Schmidt's Sausage Haus Restaurant in German Village is an absolute must-visit destination, a place where every meal feels like a celebration.

Schmidt’s Sausage Haus Restaurant is perfectly situated at 240 E Kossuth St, Columbus, OH 43206, USA, placing it directly in the heart of Columbus’s historic German Village. This iconic neighborhood is celebrated for its beautifully preserved 19th-century architecture, charming brick streets, and vibrant community spirit. The restaurant's location offers excellent accessibility, whether you're a local strolling through the picturesque streets or visiting from other parts of Ohio. E Kossuth Street is easily navigable and connects well with major thoroughfares in Columbus. While street parking is available in German Village, its popularity means it can be busy, especially during peak dining hours or local events. However, the neighborhood's walkability and the proximity to various public transportation options (COTA bus routes serve the area) make arriving at Schmidt's convenient for most. Its position within such a culturally rich and active district means that a visit to Schmidt's can easily be combined with exploring the unique shops, art galleries, and historic sites of German Village, enhancing the overall experience. The restaurant is not just a destination for food; it's an integral part of this cherished Columbus community.

• Authentic German Cuisine: Schmidt's offers a comprehensive menu of traditional German and German-American dishes. This includes their famous sausages (Bahama Mama, Bratwurst, Knockwurst), Schnitzels (Chicken, Hunter, Wiener), Bavarian Cabbage Rolls, and Oma's Meatloaf, all prepared with time-honored recipes.
• Signature Sausage Platters: A highlight of their menu, these platters feature a selection of their renowned sausages, often served with classic German sides like hot sauerkraut, German potato salad, and chunky applesauce. The "Old World Sausage Sampler" is a popular choice for trying a variety.
• Legendary Sandwiches: Beyond platters, Schmidt's offers a range of satisfying sandwiches, including their famous Bahama Mama sandwich, Bratwurst sandwich, and various Reuben creations like the Honey Roasted Turkey Reuben and Mama Reuben.
• Homemade Soups and Appetizers: Start your meal with a bowl of their popular Potato Soup or Chicken Noodle Soup, or share appetizers like Schmidt's Famous Pretzel Nuggets (served with sweet and tangy mustard sauce, with optional beer cheese) and Sauerkraut-Bratwurst Balls.
• Impressive Beer Selection: As a German restaurant, Schmidt's features a curated selection of German and local beers on tap and by the bottle, carefully chosen to complement their hearty cuisine.
• World-Famous Cream Puffs: Schmidt's is incredibly famous for its jumbo cream puffs, available in various flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and peanut butter chocolate, often considered a must-try dessert. Other German desserts like apple strudel and German chocolate cake are also available.
• Dine-In Experience: The restaurant offers a warm and welcoming dine-in atmosphere, often described as a German beer hall, with long wooden tables and Bavarian decor.
• Buffet Option: For those who wish to sample a wide array of offerings, Schmidt's often provides a buffet option, especially popular during busy times.
• Takeout and Delivery: For convenience, many of Schmidt's menu items are available for takeout and delivery through online platforms, allowing locals to enjoy their favorites at home.
• Catering and Banquet Facilities: Schmidt's offers banquet space and catering services, with pre-selected menu options, suitable for private events, family gatherings, and motorcoach groups.
• Live Entertainment: The dining experience is frequently enhanced by live entertainment, often featuring traditional German music with instruments like the tuba and accordion, adding to the authentic atmosphere.
• Presence at Fairs and Festivals: Schmidt's also brings its famous sausages and cream puffs to various fairs and festivals across Ohio via their food trucks, including the Ohio State Fair and Oktoberfest Columbus.

• Historic Landmark Status: With a history dating back to 1886, Schmidt's is not just a restaurant; it's a living piece of Columbus's German heritage. It has been a pillar of the community for over 135 years, making it a true cultural landmark.
• Award-Winning Sausages: Their sausages, especially the "Bahama Mama" (a smoky, spicy beef and pork sausage) and the Bratwurst (voted "Best Wurst" by Columbus Monthly), are legendary. These recipes have been perfected over generations and are a cornerstone of their culinary appeal.
• "Out of This World" Cream Puffs: The jumbo cream puffs are arguably as famous as their sausages. Described as "bigger than your fist" and filled with homemade cream, they are consistently praised as "out of this world" and a must-have dessert.
• Authentic German Beer Hall Atmosphere: The restaurant's interior evokes a genuine German beer hall, complete with long wooden tables, traditional Bavarian decor, and often features live oom-pah music from tuba and accordion players, providing an immersive and festive dining environment.
• Exceptional Service and Warm Welcome: Customers frequently commend the "excellent service" and "fantastic interaction with the staff and fellow guests." The atmosphere is consistently described as "warm and welcoming," making diners feel like family.
• Family-Owned and Operated: The Schmidt family continues to run the business, ensuring that traditional recipes and the unique heritage of the restaurant are preserved and passed down through generations.
• Renowned Potato Pancakes and German Potato Salad: Sides like the crispy potato pancakes and tangy German potato salad receive high praise, complementing the main dishes perfectly and showcasing their commitment to authentic German flavors.
• Columbus Bucket-List Experience: For both locals and tourists, visiting Schmidt's is often considered a "rite of passage" and a "must-stop destination" in Columbus, underscoring its iconic status in the city's culinary scene.
• Community Engagement: Beyond the restaurant, Schmidt's maintains a strong presence at local fairs and festivals with their food trucks, bringing their famous dishes to a wider audience across Ohio. They also host Oktoberfest Columbus.

For those in Ohio ready to experience the unique charm and delicious offerings of Schmidt’s Sausage Haus Restaurant, here is their contact information:

Address: 240 E Kossuth St, Columbus, OH 43206, USA

Phone: (614) 444-6808

Mobile Phone: +1 614-444-6808

For the residents of Columbus and the broader Ohio community, Schmidt’s Sausage Haus Restaurant offers an unparalleled dining experience that perfectly aligns with local preferences for quality, tradition, and a welcoming atmosphere. Ohioans appreciate establishments with history and character, and Schmidt's, with its roots stretching back to 1886 in the heart of German Village, certainly fits the bill. It’s more than just a meal; it's a cultural immersion, allowing locals to enjoy authentic German cuisine and a festive, beer-hall ambiance right in their backyard.

The consistent praise for their "excellent food," particularly the legendary Bahama Mama sausages, the perfectly crafted potato pancakes, and the "out of this world" cream puffs, speaks to a commitment to culinary excellence that resonates deeply with discerning palates across the state. The fact that many customers become regulars and eagerly anticipate their next visit, even traveling from afar, is a testament to the restaurant's enduring appeal. Moreover, the warm, friendly, and efficient service, coupled with live German music, creates an inviting environment suitable for family dinners, celebratory gatherings, or a casual night out with friends.

Schmidt's provides a unique escape from the everyday, offering a taste of European heritage that feels both exotic and comforting. Its family-owned legacy and active participation in local events like Oktoberfest further cement its role as a vital part of the Columbus community. For any Ohioan seeking a truly memorable dining experience that combines delicious food, a vibrant atmosphere, and a rich sense of tradition, Schmidt's Sausage Haus Restaurant is not just suitable, it's an essential destination that continues to delight generations.

Schmidt’s Sausage Haus Restaurant

240 E Kossuth St, Columbus, OH 43206, USA