Parking: Private parking lots.

Hours: Open seven days a week for dinner 3-9 p.m. (Sat 10). Early Bird Special M-F from 2-5 p.m. Lunch weekdays from 11:30-3 p.m. Sunday Brunch.

Reservations: Suggested

Credit Cards: All major cards

Since 1854, Niederstein’s has been well known for its food and attentive service. It is the place for celebrations and special event.

The ambience reflects the comfort afforded the customers. There are old photographs and a pictorial plate collection adorning the walls, lots of cozy nooks (some with stained glass windows) provide just the right setting for groups large and small. Overhead you can still see the original air conditioning system with belt-driven fans. And, off the bar is a faux library/waiting room where your guests can meet and assemble. The many interesting features of this landmark spot were pointed out to us by one of the managers, Mariah Hockhauser, who also showed us photographs of the founders.

For a before dinner treat, Exec. Chef Peter Schwieger (from Austria) assembled a delightful combination plate of favorite house appetizers containing cream herring, chopped chicken livers, fresh Mozzarella balls, smoked Scottish salmon with horseradish and delicious suelze. Each can be ordered as a separate dish from the menu.

The dinner menu can be started with one of the excellent soups or fruit in season. We followed the appetizers with a glass of the excellent house Pinot Grigio. For the entrée we chose from the house’s famed European specialties. The Bavarian Platter ($21) contained smoked loin of pork, bratwurst and knockwurst on a bed of sauerkraut and caraway seed. The Hungarian Beef Goulash with spatzle (handmade “birds” of dough) arrived hot on a huge platter. Fortunately, our server, Dorota, told us “people bags” are always available for take homes. The red cabbage side dish with both entrees was “just like Oma used to make!” The third member of our group enjoyed a baked flounder stuffed with seafood dressing.

Our shared desserts were a Black Forest Cake and a delightful, large hazelnut sundae.

There are great on-going special events at Niedersteins. Upcoming events are Saturday Night Dancing to the music of The Ambassadors and Senior Lunch/Dinners from 12 to 4pm on April 25th and  May 23, 2002. There is also a planned Murder Mystery Night by the Killing Kompany. For further information on special events, check them out on the web.

No matter what the occasion, you can appreciate the ambience, the service and, most importantly, the food at Niederstein’s. Making reservations will ensure prompt seating and a table most appropriate for your group.