Used to be, Baltimore had tons of German restaurants, such as Haussner's, etc. Hell, 200 years ago, the predominant language spoken at the Harbor was German. But for some reason, dining trends shifted away from Bavarian food and it's a shame. The cuisine of mittel Europe -- German, Czech, Hungarian, etc. -- has a great tastiness and is very comforting, accessible to palates. Schmankerl Stube is located in Hagerstown, but it definitely worth the drive from Baltimore: the recipes are quite good and the quality of their ingredients is excellent. Everything is made in-house. Make it a complete evening, like I did, and take in a show afterwards at the gorgeous Maryland Theater right across the street.
The restaurant is come as you are, but festive enough where it can also be a special occasion destination, too. Servers are dressed in traditional Bavarian costume. Make sure to make reservations, because locals definitely know its value! Start off with one of their excellent German beers, the gold standard of beer. In warm weather, there's a whole biergarden in back, for fun outdoor seating.
I've been there for their Sunday brunch buffet, which is excellent and chock full of German favorites, like all klnds of salads, wursts, schnitzels, etc.: Spectacular Sunday Brunch October - April: Every Sunday from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
May - September: The last Sunday of the month from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
The menu thoroughly explains each item; don't feel like you have to be an expert on Bavarian cuisine to pick out what you'd like.
Diners start out with fresh bread with butter and kase (cheese spread). It's a mild orange cheese spread with fresh parsley, capers, and anchovies. It's a subtle way of adding snap to the spread. I later also tried it spread on my schnitzel, which was also excellent. The tanginess of the spread contrasted nicely with the buttery-crispy batter fried meat.
If you're going there for the first time as a couple, why not try the combo platter for two? Their apple flavored red cabbage is sweet, with dessert spices, and extremely delicious. It may be some of the best red braised cabbage I ever had. Meats, including the wursts, are all flavorful and tender. The spatzle is delicate and creamy- tender in the mouth, served with a rich, hearty meat gravy.
Combo Platter for Two Beef Filet Medallions, Schnitzel, Nürnberger Grillbratwurst, Spätzle, Potato Salad, Sauerkraut, Apple Flavored Red Cabbage & Green Beans wrapped in Bacon
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