Oktoberfest season is nearly over, but you can still find a good beer, brat, or soft pretzel in the Burgh. Doug Heilman, host of The Pittsburgh Dish podcast, joined City Cast Pittsburgh’s Megan Harris to talk about their favorite spots for schnitzel and spaetzle — and where they can’t wait to go next!
The food is just as good as the old-school ambiance at Max’s in the historic Deutschtown section of East Allegheny. Sit under a vintage stained glass lamp in the diner-style bar for a brew and bavarian stuffed pretzels.
“All of the sausages are great, and they make a lot of old world favorites,” Doug says. He’ll never forget his first sauerbraten, a roast beef dish with a sweet and sour gravy, that he ordered on an eighth grade field trip. Megan recommends the enormous buffet-style Sunday brunch.
This German club in East Allegheny dates back to the late 1800s and keeps traditions alive through its “Ratskeller and Biergarten.” Try the Bavarian smoked pork or one of their grilled wurst sandwiches with a side of potato pancakes and sauerkraut.
Join the club to learn more about Bavarian-Tyrolean culture and traditions, including German language studies, folk dancing, marksmanship, genealogy, and more.
Get everything from German favorites to a “Pittsburgh salad” at Penn Brewery. (Francesca Dabecco / City Cast Pittsburgh)
Go to Troy Hill to drink in beer caves, eat classics with American twists, and admire the copper brewing system. Find Megan at the bar with a hazy IPA and the schnitzel with gravy on the side, and/or one of their huge, fresh salads.
“One of the things that I love at Penn Brewery, besides a Penn Pilsner, is the way that they do spätzle, the little drop egg noodles,” Doug says. “They really turn that up like a mac and cheese with breadcrumbs on top, roasted tomatoes, and you can add protein.”
Enjoy the river views at this brewhouse chain in the South Side, right off the Riverfront Park and Trail. The large tables make it a great spot to bring a crowd for beers, pretzels, brats, and schnitzels, plus a lengthy list of vegetarian fare. The costumed servers are especially kind to the youngsters on college nights.
