I still remember the first time someone told me about a restaurant in Jasper where the schnitzel was so good that people made special trips just to eat there. At first, I thought they were exaggerating, but after my first visit to Schnitzelbank, I understood completely.
This German restaurant has become legendary across Indiana, drawing hungry travelers from Indianapolis, Evansville, and everywhere in between. The aroma of authentic German cooking fills the air the moment you arrive, and the portions are so generous you’ll probably need a to-go box.
What makes this place truly special isn’t just the food, though that alone is worth the drive. It’s the combination of old-world recipes, genuine hospitality, and a dining experience that transports you straight to Bavaria without ever leaving southern Indiana.
The Authentic Schnitzel That Made Them Famous
Walk into Schnitzelbank and ask any regular what to order, and they’ll point you straight to the schnitzel. This isn’t some frozen, mass-produced version you might find elsewhere.
Each piece is hand-pounded, breaded fresh daily, and cooked to golden perfection.
The pork schnitzel stretches across the entire plate, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. That signature crunch when you cut into it tells you everything about the care that goes into preparation.
They’ve been making it the same way for decades, following traditional German methods passed down through generations.
What really sets their schnitzel apart is the quality of the meat and the seasoning in the breading. Some restaurants take shortcuts, but not here.
You can taste the difference in every bite, from the perfectly seasoned coating to the juicy meat underneath.
Located at 393 Third Ave in Jasper, Schnitzelbank serves this masterpiece with authentic German sides that complement the dish beautifully. The red cabbage adds a tangy sweetness, while the spätzle soaks up any remaining flavors on your plate.
First-timers often underestimate the portion size and end up taking half their meal home, which just means you get to enjoy it twice.
The Charming Bavarian Atmosphere That Transports You
Stepping inside feels like crossing an ocean without boarding a plane. The Swiss clock mounted on the roof gives you the first hint of what awaits inside.
Dark wooden beams stretch across the ceiling, and Alpine-themed decorations cover the walls, creating an atmosphere that’s both cozy and authentic.
The dining rooms feature traditional German touches at every turn. Hand-painted murals depicting Bavarian village scenes add character to the space.
Wooden booths offer comfortable seating for families and groups, while smaller tables accommodate couples looking for a quieter meal.
Everything about the decor feels intentional and genuine, not like some theme restaurant trying too hard. The staff often wears traditional German attire, adding to the immersive experience.
You might hear polka music playing softly in the background, just loud enough to enhance the mood without overwhelming conversation.
This attention to atmosphere makes Schnitzelbank more than just a place to eat. It’s a destination where you can escape everyday life for an hour or two.
Families celebrate special occasions here, couples enjoy date nights, and travelers make it a must-stop on their Indiana road trips. The combination of authentic food and genuine German hospitality creates memories that keep people coming back year after year.
Generous Portions That Guarantee Leftovers
Nobody leaves Schnitzelbank hungry, and that’s practically guaranteed. The serving sizes here follow old-world German traditions where hospitality means making sure guests have more than enough.
Your plate arrives piled high with food, often covering every inch of available space.
The main courses alone could feed two people comfortably. Add in the sides, and you’re looking at enough food for multiple meals.
This generosity isn’t an accident or a special occasion thing. Every single day, every single order comes out with the same abundant portions that have become part of the restaurant’s reputation.
Many first-time visitors make the mistake of ordering appetizers, soup, salad, and an entrée, thinking restaurant portions will be modest. By the time the main course arrives, they realize they’ve vastly overestimated their appetite.
The waitstaff has seen this countless times and will gently suggest starting with just the entrée.
This approach to serving sizes reflects a philosophy about food and hospitality that’s becoming rare. You’re not paying for a tiny, artfully arranged plate with three bites of food.
You’re getting a real meal that satisfies completely and often provides lunch for the next day. For families watching their budget, this value proposition makes the drive to Jasper even more worthwhile.
The Sauerbraten That Locals Rave About
Beyond the famous schnitzel lies another German masterpiece that deserves equal attention. The sauerbraten represents everything great about traditional German cooking: patience, proper technique, and layers of flavor that develop over time.
This isn’t something you can rush, and Schnitzelbank doesn’t try.
The beef marinates for days in a special blend of vinegar, spices, and seasonings before ever touching a pan. This lengthy process tenderizes the meat and infuses it with complex flavors that you simply can’t achieve any other way.
When it finally reaches your table, the meat practically falls apart at the touch of your fork.
The rich, tangy-sweet gravy that accompanies the sauerbraten is legendary among regulars. Some people claim they could eat it with a spoon like soup.
It pairs perfectly with the tender beef and the traditional sides, creating a harmony of flavors that showcases German cuisine at its finest.
Many Indiana residents make the drive to Jasper specifically for this dish, especially during cooler months when hearty comfort food hits the spot. The recipe has remained unchanged for years, maintaining the authentic taste that keeps people coming back.
If you’re torn between the schnitzel and sauerbraten, ask your server about the combination plate that lets you try both.
The Historic Location In Downtown Jasper
Jasper itself adds another layer to the Schnitzelbank experience. This southern Indiana town has deep German roots that go back generations, and you can feel that heritage everywhere you look.
The restaurant sits right in the heart of downtown at 393 Third Ave, making it easy to explore the area before or after your meal.
After eating, take a short walk to the Jasper Riverwalk along the Patoka River, with the main plaza located at 150 Third Ave. The scenic trail offers a peaceful way to work off some of that generous meal while enjoying views of the water. In warmer months, families gather here for picnics and outdoor activities.
The Jasper Arts Center at 951 W 15th St showcases local talent and hosts performances throughout the year. If you’re visiting on a day when they have a show, it makes for a perfect cultural addition to your dining trip.
The Dubois County Museum at 2704 N Newton St tells the story of the area’s German settlement and provides fascinating context for understanding why authentic German restaurants thrive here.
St. Joseph Catholic Church at 1029 Kundek St features stunning architecture worth seeing if you appreciate historic buildings. The town’s German heritage isn’t just a gimmick for tourist appeal.
It’s woven into the community’s identity, making your visit to Schnitzelbank feel like part of a larger cultural experience.
The Homemade German Sides That Complete Every Plate
Great entrées deserve equally great accompaniments, and Schnitzelbank delivers on every side dish. The red cabbage alone has converted people who claimed they didn’t like cabbage.
Sweet, tangy, and perfectly cooked, it provides a bright contrast to the rich main courses.
The spätzle, those little German egg noodles, are made fresh and have a tender texture that store-bought versions can never match. They’re simple but perfect, with just enough butter to make them irresistible.
Many diners find themselves requesting extra servings before they’ve even finished what’s on their plate.
German potato salad at Schnitzelbank follows the traditional warm style with a vinegar-based dressing rather than mayonnaise. The potatoes are sliced thin and absorb all the tangy flavors, creating a side dish that’s both comforting and refreshing.
Some regulars order extra portions to take home because they can’t find anything comparable elsewhere.
The green beans are cooked German-style with bacon, giving them a savory depth that makes vegetables actually exciting. Even kids who typically avoid their greens often clean their plates here.
Each side dish receives the same attention to quality and authenticity as the main courses, ensuring that every component of your meal meets the same high standard. This commitment to excellence across the entire menu explains why people drive hours for dinner.
The Breakfast Menu That Starts Your Day Right
Most people think of Schnitzelbank as a lunch and dinner destination, but the breakfast menu deserves serious attention. Opening at 8 AM on Wednesdays and most other days, the restaurant serves morning meals that blend American classics with German touches.
The result is a breakfast experience you won’t find at typical diners.
The German sausages at breakfast are the real deal, not the mass-produced links you find at chain restaurants. Paired with eggs cooked exactly how you want them and hash browns that are crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, it’s a hearty way to fuel up for the day.
The pancakes are huge, easily covering a dinner plate, and come with real butter and syrup.
Many locals make Schnitzelbank their regular breakfast spot, especially on weekends when they have more time to linger over coffee. The morning atmosphere is slightly different from dinner service, more relaxed and unhurried.
You might overhear conversations about local events or see familiar faces greeting each other from across the room.
Starting your day with breakfast here also means you can explore Jasper and the surrounding area afterward. The restaurant’s location at 393 Third Ave puts you within easy reach of several attractions.
Whether you’re planning a full day of sightseeing or just want a special breakfast before heading home, the morning menu offers excellent value and quality.
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