First time visit at Old Europe and was hoping to find a great German restaurant in DC. Having spent much time in Germany my expectations might be high. For appetizer I tried the Curry Wurst (which resembled the traditional street food) and Potato Pancakes which a bit on the heavy side. For the main course I had veal jaegerschnitzel with spaetzle and red cabbage. The veal was a bit dry while the spaetzle left something to desire - it had a hint of cinnamon to it and was very dark. The red cabbage was overcooked and tasted more of apple than cabbage (I know German red cabbage is supposed to have apple but there is such a thing as too much). For dessert I tried the German Chocolate cake which was very dry. Overall the food was not bad but didn't meet my expectations. It was not special enough for me to come back. Ambiance resembles a German inn. Service was ok. Price was about $60 per person plus tip.
Joshua Songy
I grew up in Germany as a military child. This place brought me back to my childhood, the food was very authentic.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
David Yates
It took an hour and a half to get our food. Drinks where not refilled. On top of that the food was bland and uninspired. Worst potatoe pancakes I have had. Wont be back.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 1
Emily Thaler
First time visiting here and came with my family. I ordered the veal stew and it was one of the most delicious meals I’ve ever had! Staff was also very kind, will be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Chris Mark
There was a bus load of middle schoolers from WI there when we arrived, so it was extremely boisterous, but after they left, the place was practically dead. The service was fine. The food was nothing spectacular. Definitely had the atmosphere of traditional Germany. All that was missing was an Oompah band.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Y
Good food but not sure why we were charged for bread that was brought out without asking for it? You could at least inform your diners that the ‘complimentary’ bread is an extra item.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 2
Mary Ann Turney
Way overpriced.The server took 20 dollar bill from beside my plate... she had already been tipped on the credit card. She ended up with a $40 tip on a 90 dollar lunch for 2.All other servers were very good!Parking: We knew ahead of time that parking would be a challenge, so we used Uber.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 3
Michelle Altenberg
Unfortunately lacking in flavor. I had the chicken schnitzel with ham, cheese, lingonberry sauce and mushrooms. It was average—not worth the price. My husband’s schnitzel was also mediocre. Disappointed as we now live nearby and it could’ve been a new go-to. Delivery, however, was fast and efficient.
Food: 3
Shashank Ravi
I had high expectations from this place but was a bit underwhelmed by the food. To start off I got the curry wurst, which was really good. For mains, I got Jagerschnitzel. While the mushroom sauce in this dish was on point. the spaetzle in the dish was chunky rather than noodle like and was flavourless. To end things off, I got the apple strudel, which was soggy instead of flacky. It did taste decent but was definitely average. Overall, I would say the atmosphere is really good, service is good too but the food was average.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Curry Wurst
Jim
We visited Old Europe on a Friday evening, around 5pm. It wasn’t very busy, and I was a little concerned walking in due to the small size, but quickly felt right at home. It’s a small place, being in business since I think she said 1948, although run by different people, whom I might add, had been working there. So, it’s been kind of passed down, if that makes sense. The atmosphere is very warm, cozy, and friendly. There are a lot of decorations consisting of model ships hanging from the ceiling, portraits of persons from long ago, coats of arms placed around the restaurant, plenty of hunting trophies mounted on the walls, along with a super large hunter’s cuckoo clock watching over everyone. Our server, I can’t remember her name, took our orders for some beer and potato pancakes. My wife got a half liter of Paulaner and I got the Weizenbier. The wait was not quick, but like at a friend’s house, arrived just in time. Different types of bread and butter came out to the table along with different types of mustard. My wife ordered the Ungarisches gulasch mit spätzle and I ordered the old Europe’s sausage combo. Now what’s really cool is, the owner actually walks out to deliver the food. He came out, dropped off our food, checked on us, along with others that were eating, answered questions for us, then went back into the kitchen. I got a really good feeling eating here. It is like eating at your German grandmother’s house. The food was delicious. As we sat, the owner walked by again and I asked him if he ever served hasenpfeffer, to which he replied, no. Most of the customers weren’t fans of rabbit I suppose. He did say he had something and would be right back. We ordered some after dinner digestif. My wife had a Wild Cherry Schnapps (Berentzen) and I had a Kirschwasser (Schladerer), a Black Forrest cherry brandy. The owner returned with a taste of Venison stew. Wow. It was great. I barely got a bite, before my grandson ate the rest and slurped up all the juices. Our server came out with a desert tray with cakes, mousse, cheesecake, black forest cake, among others. We got the black forest cake to share. This place is our new favorite German restaurant. It was as if we were in their home and being served a great, family dinner. Highly recommend you visit, take your time, and enjoy the atmosphere, food, drinks and company. Loved it and will be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Potato Pancakes, German Chocolate Cake
Wonderfully authentic German food. Great service and staff!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
April Ward
Absolutely wonderful food and service. All of the food was cooked great and service was so good we didn’t have to make any requests. And the dessert was wonderful! I’ll definitely be coming back here!
Dj Theo
Great experience for a special birthday! Our waitress was really helpful explaining some of the German dishes. Mr Alex came out and sang happy birthday to our dad who turned 80. And our mom worked at old Europe restaurant in the 60s. It was a great experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Chef Jorge Lopez
First time here we had a per set menu for our party and where things was wonderful. The beer selection very true german beer and
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Wiener Schnitzel, Jaeger Schnitzel with Spaetzle, Potato Pancakes, German Chocolate Cake, Chicken Weiner Schnitzel
Brit Ruyak
Best restaurant in all of DC! The best chicken schnitzel, sausage, and potato pancakes! We love Alex so much!
First time visit at Old Europe and was hoping to find a great German restaurant in DC. Having spent much time in Germany my expectations might be high. For appetizer I tried the Curry Wurst (which resembled the traditional street food) and Potato Pancakes which a bit on the heavy side. For the main course I had veal jaegerschnitzel with spaetzle and red cabbage. The veal was a bit dry while the spaetzle left something to desire - it had a hint of cinnamon to it and was very dark. The red cabbage was overcooked and tasted more of apple than cabbage (I know German red cabbage is supposed to have apple but there is such a thing as too much). For dessert I tried the German Chocolate cake which was very dry. Overall the food was not bad but didn't meet my expectations. It was not special enough for me to come back. Ambiance resembles a German inn. Service was ok. Price was about $60 per person plus tip.
I grew up in Germany as a military child. This place brought me back to my childhood, the food was very authentic.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
It took an hour and a half to get our food. Drinks where not refilled. On top of that the food was bland and uninspired. Worst potatoe pancakes I have had. Wont be back.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 1
First time visiting here and came with my family. I ordered the veal stew and it was one of the most delicious meals I’ve ever had! Staff was also very kind, will be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
There was a bus load of middle schoolers from WI there when we arrived, so it was extremely boisterous, but after they left, the place was practically dead. The service was fine. The food was nothing spectacular. Definitely had the atmosphere of traditional Germany. All that was missing was an Oompah band.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Good food but not sure why we were charged for bread that was brought out without asking for it? You could at least inform your diners that the ‘complimentary’ bread is an extra item.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 2
Way overpriced.The server took 20 dollar bill from beside my plate... she had already been tipped on the credit card. She ended up with a $40 tip on a 90 dollar lunch for 2.All other servers were very good!Parking: We knew ahead of time that parking would be a challenge, so we used Uber.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 3
Unfortunately lacking in flavor. I had the chicken schnitzel with ham, cheese, lingonberry sauce and mushrooms. It was average—not worth the price. My husband’s schnitzel was also mediocre. Disappointed as we now live nearby and it could’ve been a new go-to. Delivery, however, was fast and efficient.
Food: 3
I had high expectations from this place but was a bit underwhelmed by the food. To start off I got the curry wurst, which was really good. For mains, I got Jagerschnitzel. While the mushroom sauce in this dish was on point. the spaetzle in the dish was chunky rather than noodle like and was flavourless. To end things off, I got the apple strudel, which was soggy instead of flacky. It did taste decent but was definitely average. Overall, I would say the atmosphere is really good, service is good too but the food was average.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Curry Wurst
We visited Old Europe on a Friday evening, around 5pm. It wasn’t very busy, and I was a little concerned walking in due to the small size, but quickly felt right at home. It’s a small place, being in business since I think she said 1948, although run by different people, whom I might add, had been working there. So, it’s been kind of passed down, if that makes sense. The atmosphere is very warm, cozy, and friendly. There are a lot of decorations consisting of model ships hanging from the ceiling, portraits of persons from long ago, coats of arms placed around the restaurant, plenty of hunting trophies mounted on the walls, along with a super large hunter’s cuckoo clock watching over everyone. Our server, I can’t remember her name, took our orders for some beer and potato pancakes. My wife got a half liter of Paulaner and I got the Weizenbier. The wait was not quick, but like at a friend’s house, arrived just in time. Different types of bread and butter came out to the table along with different types of mustard. My wife ordered the Ungarisches gulasch mit spätzle and I ordered the old Europe’s sausage combo. Now what’s really cool is, the owner actually walks out to deliver the food. He came out, dropped off our food, checked on us, along with others that were eating, answered questions for us, then went back into the kitchen. I got a really good feeling eating here. It is like eating at your German grandmother’s house. The food was delicious. As we sat, the owner walked by again and I asked him if he ever served hasenpfeffer, to which he replied, no. Most of the customers weren’t fans of rabbit I suppose. He did say he had something and would be right back. We ordered some after dinner digestif. My wife had a Wild Cherry Schnapps (Berentzen) and I had a Kirschwasser (Schladerer), a Black Forrest cherry brandy. The owner returned with a taste of Venison stew. Wow. It was great. I barely got a bite, before my grandson ate the rest and slurped up all the juices. Our server came out with a desert tray with cakes, mousse, cheesecake, black forest cake, among others. We got the black forest cake to share. This place is our new favorite German restaurant. It was as if we were in their home and being served a great, family dinner. Highly recommend you visit, take your time, and enjoy the atmosphere, food, drinks and company. Loved it and will be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Potato Pancakes, German Chocolate Cake
Restaurantji Recommends
Wonderfully authentic German food. Great service and staff!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Absolutely wonderful food and service. All of the food was cooked great and service was so good we didn’t have to make any requests. And the dessert was wonderful! I’ll definitely be coming back here!
Great experience for a special birthday! Our waitress was really helpful explaining some of the German dishes. Mr Alex came out and sang happy birthday to our dad who turned 80. And our mom worked at old Europe restaurant in the 60s. It was a great experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
First time here we had a per set menu for our party and where things was wonderful. The beer selection very true german beer and
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Wiener Schnitzel, Jaeger Schnitzel with Spaetzle, Potato Pancakes, German Chocolate Cake, Chicken Weiner Schnitzel
Best restaurant in all of DC! The best chicken schnitzel, sausage, and potato pancakes! We love Alex so much!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bratwurst, Potato Pancakes, Chicken Weiner Schnitzel