This Vintage Texas Restaurant Serves a Reuben Sandwich You’ll Remember for Days

Walking into Schilo’s feels like stepping out of modern San Antonio and straight into another century. Sitting on East Commerce Street just a short walk from the River Walk, this place has been feeding people since the late 1800s, and somehow it still feels effortlessly relevant.

I came expecting a good meal and left wondering why I do not eat German food more often. The smell alone pulls you in. Sausages sizzling, cinnamon rolls baking, and that unmistakable deli aroma that tells you something great is about to happen.

This is where I learned why people will argue, passionately, about a Reuben sandwich. Layers of corned beef stacked high, tangy sauerkraut, melted Swiss, and that house dressing that ties it all together.

Schilo’s does not feel like a tourist stop. It feels like a tradition people are proud to share.

The Legendary Reuben That Started It All

Schilo’s Reuben isn’t just another sandwich. It’s a towering masterpiece of pressed corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, melted Swiss cheese, and that incredible homemade Russian dressing all grilled between slices of perfectly toasted rye bread.

Every component works together like a symphony, creating flavors that dance across your palate with each bite.

Travelers from across the country make special detours just to sink their teeth into this legendary creation. The corned beef arrives tender and flavorful, seasoned to perfection and piled so high you might need both hands to tackle it.

That housemade Russian dressing adds a creamy, slightly tangy kick that elevates everything it touches, making this Reuben stand out from every other version you’ve ever tried.

Regular customers swear by this sandwich, often ordering it visit after visit because nothing else quite compares. The generous portions mean you’ll likely have leftovers for later, though many find it impossible to stop eating once they start.

Paired with a side of crispy potato pancakes or a bowl of split pea soup, this Reuben becomes a complete meal that satisfies both hunger and soul, leaving you planning your next visit before you’ve even finished your first.

Homemade Root Beer in Frosty Mugs

Walk into Schilo’s and you’ll notice almost every table has at least one frosted mug filled with their famous homemade root beer. This isn’t your typical store-bought soda.

Schilo’s crafts their root beer using a secret family recipe that’s been perfected over generations, creating a beverage so distinctive that customers rate it as the best they’ve ever tasted.

Served ice-cold in mugs pulled straight from the freezer, the root beer arrives at your table with frost clinging to the glass like a winter morning. That first sip delivers a unique aroma and flavor profile that somehow manages to feel both nostalgic and completely original at the same time.

The carbonation hits just right, neither too fizzy nor too flat, with a smooth finish that keeps you reaching for more.

Many visitors order multiple glasses during their meal, unable to resist the refreshing appeal of this house specialty. Some opt for the root beer float, which adds creamy vanilla ice cream to the mix for an even more indulgent treat.

Whether you’re cooling down after exploring San Antonio’s attractions or simply looking for the perfect complement to your German feast, this root beer deserves its legendary status among the restaurant’s devoted following.

Authentic German Schnitzel Done Right

Schilo’s brings a taste of Bavaria to Texas with their perfectly executed schnitzel that rivals anything you’d find in Munich. Available in both pork and chicken varieties, the schnitzel arrives at your table with a gorgeously golden, crispy breaded exterior that shatters satisfyingly under your fork.

Inside, the meat stays incredibly moist and tender, proving that the kitchen knows exactly how to handle this classic dish.

The breading adheres flawlessly to the meat, seasoned just right without overwhelming the natural flavors beneath. Each piece gets pounded thin before breading and frying, following traditional German preparation methods that create that signature tender texture schnitzel lovers crave.

Served alongside classic German sides like red cabbage, spaetzle, or those famous potato pancakes, the schnitzel becomes the centerpiece of a meal that transports you straight to a German biergarten.

Visitors who’ve actually traveled to Germany consistently praise Schilo’s schnitzel for its authenticity, noting that it captures the real deal rather than some Americanized approximation. The generous portion size means you’re getting plenty of protein for your money, often with enough left over for a second meal later.

Whether you choose pork or chicken, you’re getting a dish prepared with respect for tradition and executed with skill that comes from decades of practice.

House-Smoked Bratwurst and Sausages

Sausage-making reaches an art form at Schilo’s, where the bratwurst and various German sausages represent some of the restaurant’s most beloved menu items. Perfectly seasoned, tender, and bursting with flavor, these sausages taste worlds away from anything you’d find in a grocery store package.

The kitchen prepares them with care, ensuring each bite delivers that satisfying snap followed by juicy, flavorful meat.

Customers rave about the seasoning, which balances traditional German spices without overwhelming your palate. Served alongside tangy sauerkraut and a dollop of spicy mustard, the bratwurst becomes a complete flavor experience that showcases why German cuisine has remained popular for centuries.

The sausages pair beautifully with nearly any side dish on the menu, though many regulars insist the sauerkraut is non-negotiable for the full authentic experience.

Whether you order sausages as part of a breakfast plate, lunch entree, or simply as an addition to another dish, you’re getting quality meat prepared by people who understand German culinary traditions. The generous links arrive hot and fresh, with that perfect combination of crispy exterior and juicy interior that separates great sausages from mediocre ones.

Add a frosty mug of root beer and you’ve got yourself a meal that honors Schilo’s German heritage while satisfying modern appetites.

Freshly Baked Cinnamon Rolls

Sweet temptation awaits in the form of Schilo’s freshly baked cinnamon rolls, which have developed their own loyal following among the restaurant’s diverse menu offerings. These aren’t tiny, wimpy pastries.

Schilo’s cinnamon rolls arrive substantial and generous, swirled with cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with creamy frosting that adds the perfect finishing touch to an already delicious treat.

The dough itself achieves that ideal balance between fluffy and substantial, soft enough to pull apart easily but with enough structure to hold all that cinnamon goodness inside.

Fresh from the oven, these rolls fill the dining room with an irresistible aroma that makes it nearly impossible to resist ordering one, even if you came in planning to stick with savory options.

The sweetness level hits just right, satisfying your dessert craving without overwhelming your taste buds with sugar.

Many customers order cinnamon rolls to go, taking extras home for breakfast the next morning or sharing with friends who couldn’t make the trip. Others save room after their meal specifically for this sweet ending, knowing that skipping dessert means missing out on something special.

Whether you enjoy your cinnamon roll with coffee for breakfast or as a mid-afternoon treat, you’re experiencing another example of Schilo’s commitment to quality baking and traditional recipes that have stood the test of time.

Classic Deviled Eggs Done to Perfection

Sometimes the simplest dishes reveal a restaurant’s true skill, and Schilo’s deviled eggs prove this point beautifully. These classic appetizers might seem basic, but the kitchen elevates them through careful preparation and quality ingredients that transform familiar flavors into something worth ordering every single visit.

Each egg half arrives perfectly piped with creamy filling, garnished traditionally, and seasoned just right.

The filling achieves that ideal consistency, smooth and creamy without being too loose or too stiff. Seasoning makes all the difference here, with just enough tang and spice to make these eggs interesting without straying too far from the classic preparation that people expect and love.

Customers frequently mention the deviled eggs in their reviews, noting them as a perfect starter or side dish that complements the restaurant’s heartier German offerings.

Ordering a plate of these eggs to share at the table has become a tradition for many regular visitors, who appreciate having something lighter to balance out the richer entrees. The eggs also work wonderfully as part of a breakfast spread, adding protein and flavor variety to your morning meal.

Whether you’re a deviled egg enthusiast or someone who usually skips over them on menus, Schilo’s version deserves a try for demonstrating how proper technique and fresh ingredients can elevate even the most familiar dishes into something memorable.

Cheesy Spaetzle and German Sides

German comfort food reaches new heights with Schilo’s selection of traditional sides, particularly their cheesy spaetzle that adds the perfect accompaniment to any entree.

These tiny German egg noodles arrive tender and flavorful, tossed with melted cheese that creates a dish similar to mac and cheese but with its own distinct character and texture that feels more sophisticated.

Beyond spaetzle, Schilo’s offers other classic German sides that round out your meal beautifully. The red cabbage brings tangy sweetness that cuts through richer dishes, while the corn casserole adds a touch of sweetness and comfort that even non-German-food lovers appreciate.

Sweet potatoes prepared German-style offer another interesting option that bridges familiar American flavors with European preparation methods.

What makes these sides special isn’t just their individual flavors but how thoughtfully they complement the main dishes. The kitchen understands that sides shouldn’t just fill plate space but should enhance and balance the entire meal experience.

Customers regularly praise the variety and quality of side options, noting that even the supporting players at Schilo’s receive the same attention to detail and commitment to quality as the star attractions.

Whether you’re building a sampler plate of multiple sides or choosing accompaniments for your schnitzel or sausages, you’re getting authentic German preparations that honor tradition while satisfying modern palates.

The Historic Atmosphere and Vintage Charm

Stepping into Schilo’s feels like traveling back in time to when San Antonio was still finding its identity as a major Texas city.

The building itself dates back to the 19th century, and the restaurant has preserved that historic character through vintage decor, old photographs, and an atmosphere that feels authentically aged rather than artificially distressed.

You’re not just eating in a restaurant but dining inside a piece of San Antonio history.

The old-school charm extends beyond just visual aesthetics. Service maintains that friendly, attentive style that feels increasingly rare in modern dining, with servers like the frequently mentioned Joseph who bring genuine warmth and knowledge to every interaction.

The space manages to feel both cozy and spacious, accommodating crowds during busy lunch rushes while still maintaining an intimate, welcoming vibe that makes solo diners feel comfortable too.

Located just steps from the famous River Walk but offering a completely different experience from the tourist-heavy restaurants along the water, Schilo’s provides a glimpse into authentic San Antonio character.

The veteran ownership adds another layer of respect and appreciation to the experience, connecting the restaurant’s long history to continued service and dedication.

Whether you’re a history buff, a food enthusiast, or simply someone seeking a memorable meal in unique surroundings, Schilo’s delivers atmosphere that enhances every dish and creates lasting memories beyond just the food itself.

Address: 424 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205