Old Europe

"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."

"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!"

"Go, go, go! For an authentic German evening go to Old Europe, the minute you walk in the door you are taken back to a time of a classy restaurant with German roots, from the steins on the walls, the country coats of arms, the German towns, and the art work, all this before you even sit down. Then the beers, what a choice, the menu is superb too, so much to choose you will want to go back again and again. We chose the charcuterie board, then the chefs special of the day and a flight of beers. All I can say is, this restaurant has been there 75 years and you know why when you eat here, it is an institution in its own right on Wisconsin Ave. You will not be disappointed. Next time in DC this is back on our list of restaurants to visit."

"You literally feel like you walked out of DC and into a small family tavern in Germany here. The dishes were good. Friendly and attentive service. Would have hoped for more than four beers on tap, but at least they are good quality and varied styles."