Old Europe, Washington DC

I had high expectations from this place but was a bit underwhelmed by the food. To start off I got the curry wurst, which was really good. For mains, I got Jagerschnitzel. While the mushroom sauce in this dish was on point.the spaetzle in the dish was chunky rather than noodle like and was flavourless. To end things off, I got the apple strudel, which was soggy instead of flacky. It did taste decent but was definitely average. Overall, I would say the atmosphere is really good, service is good too but the food was average.

We visited Old Europe on a Friday evening, around 5pm. It wasn’t very busy, and I was a little concerned walking in due to the small size, but quickly felt right at home. It’s a small place, being in business since I think she said 1948, although run by different people, whom I might add, had been working there. So, it’s been kind of passed down, if that makes sense. The atmosphere is very warm, cozy, and friendly. There are a lot of decorations consisting of model ships hanging from the ceiling, portraits of persons from long ago, coats of arms placed around the restaurant, plenty of hunting trophies mounted on the walls, along with a super large hunter’s cuckoo clock watching over everyone. Our server, I can’t remember her name, took our orders for some beer and potato pancakes. My wife got a half liter of Paulaner and I got the Weizenbier. The wait was not quick, but like at a friend’s house, arrived just in time. Different types of bread and butter came out to the table along with different types of mustard. My wife ordered the Ungarisches gulasch mit spätzle and I ordered the old Europe’s sausage combo. Now what’s really cool is, the owner actually walks out to deliver the food. He came out, dropped off our food, checked on us, along with others that were eating, answered questions for us, then went back into the kitchen. I got a really good feeling eating here. It is like eating at your German grandmother’s house. The food was delicious. As we sat, the owner walked by again and I asked him if he ever served hasenpfeffer, to which he replied, no. Most of the customers weren’t fans of rabbit I suppose. He did say he had something and would be right back. We ordered some after dinner digestif. My wife had a Wild Cherry Schnapps (Berentzen) and I had a Kirschwasser (Schladerer), a Black Forrest cherry brandy. The owner returned with a taste of Venison stew. Wow. It was great. I barely got a bite, before my grandson ate the rest and slurped up all the juices. Our server came out with a desert tray with cakes, mousse, cheesecake, black forest cake, among others. We got the black forest cake to share. This place is our new favorite German restaurant. It was as if we were in their home and being served a great, family dinner. Highly recommend you visit, take your time, and enjoy the atmosphere, food, drinks and company. Loved it and will be back.

Absolutely wonderful food and service. All of the food was cooked great and service was so good we didn’t have to make any requests. And the dessert was wonderful! I’ll definitely be coming back here!

Highly recommend! Wait staff was excellent and the food was five star! The best apple strudel I have ever tasted. Loved it! I don’t especially like German food but changed my mind after tasting the food at Old Europe.

You Must visit this place! Great food and great hospitality! We had a party of 15.one of the two iconic places in d.c. To have authentic German food

The cuisine is not tasty at all, and all the dishes! There are only 4 types of German beer on tap, and it’s not a fact that it’s German. A glass of beer 0.5l is $13, which is 2 times more expensive than in any restaurant. In general, the reviews are probably false, this establishment is not worth its rating. If you know anything about beer, don't come here. This is not German cuisine at all!

The food is decent. Your experience depends on what you order, just like every other restaurant. Probably not salty enough but that is pretty typical. Atmosphere matches the name in more ways than one. Clean and well kept, albeit dated decor. Food arrived fresh and quick. Plates have more than enough food for one person. Wait staff was average (props to the young man filling the tiny water cups though, he was on point). Ordered a couple items that didn't make it to the table. European in my group did not find the meal to their liking based on their regional differences in some recipes (a subjective opinion, of course). Overall, was just okay. Likely will not return. Your mileage may vary.

Best German food in the area! Lovely atmosphere with a family-owned vibe and excellent service. The food is authentic and exceptional. Boots of tasty beer are an excellent touch! Wouldn’t think of getting German food anywhere else.

Fantastic restaurant. The interior is warm and comfortable with a lot of decor that feels like a nice dinner room in a European location.

Order a special and was really happy with the meal. The spätzle was tasty and the german potato salad was fresh. The whole meal tasted really great and did not feel over stuffed or too full at the end.

I'll be headed back here for sure.

My wife and I had an exceptional dining experience starting with an excellent German beer selection and a savory dinner offering.

The very friendly and warm demeanor of the staff mirrored that of Alex, the proprietor. It was an evening I will forever cherish.

Very good German cuisine in a rustic ambience! The main courses and the side dishes were super delicious! Like at home! It was good value for money too! If you're homesick, you should definitely eat here! Definitely come back!

Perhaps the best restaurant in the area for German food. I love the food at this restaurant.

The worst service and communication possible. Took an expensive ride across town only for them to turn me away as they had a "private party". Don't bother with this place, they are never open and don't care if they have customers or not.

Environment is great, small, cute and friendly place. Makes you feel welcomed. Food was delicious, only schnitzel was a bit dry but still tasted so good. Staff were really sweet friendly and kind. Definitely will visit and try other dishes!

It used to be the most authentic German food restaurant in the DMV area but unfortunately the food quality as well as the service is terrible as of now and I hope they can fix what ever issue they have. Extremely overpriced.

Despite having friends that have frequented Old Europe, I finally made it with my friends. All I can say is "Wow"! This place was fantastic. The food was phenomenal and the atmosphere is spot on. Since we had a a large group (~15), the service was a little lacking near the end but good overall. Definitely recommend going in smaller groups in the future. Oh and get the Ocktoberfest bier!

And the dessert. Oh my goodness. I had the German chocolate. Absolutely wonderful.

Highly recommend, will return again!

I chose Old Europe in Washington DC as our caterer for an Octoberfest Client Appreciation Party. Alex was extremely professional and majority of our communication was done via email. He put together a wonderful selection of authentic German food.

The schnitzel was a hit and our clients fell inn love with this quintessential German dish. The Laugen Pretzels were soft and buttery. The sauerkraut and the mustard trio was a huge hit.

The house made potato salad was fantastic. It stayed cold through the event. The potato pancakes with apple sauce and sour cream was a must have item.

The assorted sausages that consisted of Brat, Bauren, Knack, Debreziner and Weisswurst was delicious.

The quartered Backhahchen Octoberfest style roasted chicken was seasoned perfectly.

Finally, the Octoberfest Gingerbread Hearts was the perfect touch for placing on the tables.

Alex delivered the items to us and provided set-up, disposable chafers with stereo and serving utensils.

We will definitely use Old Europe again as it is hands down the best place for authentic German food.