If you’re craving amazing German food but don’t want to fly over to Germany to get it, the best place to get German food in Maryland awaits. Nestled deep in Anne Arundel County in Edgewater, sits a restaurant that has defied the odds and thrived for over two decades. Old Stein Inn was founded by a German couple who’ve since retired and passed the torch onto their son.
Old Stein Inn has grown in popularity over the past few years as it’s been named one of the best places to experience Oktoberfest by the Washington Post. I always recommend making a reservation, not because getting a table is impossible, but rather you just never know when they might be booked up and it would be a shame to miss out on such a feast of a meal.
When you pull up to the restaurant and walk in, you feel like you’re walking into a inn somewhere outside of Munich. Request to sit outside if weather permits, because it’s a wonderful atmosphere that again takes your imagination to thinking you’re in a different country. The Owners have tried to create a beer garden ambiance, and they’ve achieved it without being cheesy or over the top. It’s understated and to the point.
Once you sit down, you’ll notice a menu that has tons of delicious options for you to choose from. The starters at Old Stein Inn are enough for a meal, because they are so good. Every time I come here, I can’t resist and I have to order several appetizers of the menu. My recommendations: the fried cheese curds, liverwurst, wurst plate, or the Bavarian soft pretzel. Honestly you can’t make a wrong decision, even if you don’t choose these. The fried cheese curds though, they are incredible. The cheese curds are coated in a delicious beer battered and then served to you hot and fresh right out of the deep fryer (#Amurica). Once you’ve engorged yourself on all their delicious appetizers, you now have to try one of the amazing main courses.
They serve traditional German fare that meets the standards of most Germans, although I was told that the cabbage is nothing compared to the stuff back home. The schnitzel is a must get, if it’s your first time eating here, get this. You have the option of chicken, pork, or veal I say go pork. The breading is perfect and it’s pan fried to perfection so that it’s not too crispy where it loses the juiciness. It comes with spaetzle, but ask them to give you kaesespaetzle instead (it’s cheesy spaetzle), it’s heavenly. The meal is enormous so you can save half for later if you want.
If schnitzel is not your jam, opt for the Sauerbraten or the braised pork shank. The Sauerbraten is a rich slow braised (enormous) piece of short rib that’s topped with a vinegar sauce, it’s very German, and very very good. I didn’t get to try the pork shank but it looked amazing.
If you’re going dessert, I’d recommend the apple cheesecake or apple strudel both are divine.
Overall, Old Stein Inn rarely misses the mark, it’s affordable prices, warm atmosphere, and easy accessibility makes it a favorite of mine. If you visit, you’ll soon see what I’m talking about.
Final Grade: A
