Yelp released a list of the top 30 German restaurants across the country, and six spots in California made the list.
Screen grab from German Guys’ Facebook
For those who are craving bratwurst, hot pretzels, sauerkraut or schnitzel, six restaurants in California are among the top spots for German food in the country, according to Yelp.
Yelp released its “top 30 German eateries worth traveling to this winter,” and restaurants and delis across the state made the Nov. 30 list, including in Big Bear Lake, Palm Desert, Calimesa, Orange, Stockton and Campbell.
To find the top German restaurants in the US, Yelp identified businesses in the German category and ranked them based on the total volume and ratings of reviews.
The Old German Deli —Big Bear Lake
A small resort city in Southern California is home to one of the top German spots in the United States.
The Old German Deli serves sandwiches, soups, bratwurst and other sausages.
“After eating here, I now understand why there are so many 5-star reviews. The sausages are SO tasty and served on perfectly-toasted buns along with some delightful sides,” one Yelp reviewer wrote.
Sides include sauerkraut, potato salad, potato soup, or split pea soup (only if it’s winter.)
Big Bear Lake is about 100 miles east of downtown Los Angeles.
Alps Village —Palm Desert
In Coachella Valley, the Alps Village is another top contender on Yelp’s list.
The family-owned restaurant offers spaetzle, pretzels, schnitzel and other popular German dishes. Yelp reviewers raved about Mama Milkas stuffed cabbage rolls, the cevapcici and the chicken paprikash.
“Great food, festive vibe, fantastic service, ice cold beer and friendly staff. It’s no wonder this place has a line out the door,” another reviewer wrote.
The restaurant is about 20 miles southeast of Palm Springs.
George’s Market — Calimesa
George’s Market, a German deli in Calimesa, was also recognized.
The grocery and deli spot is popular on Yelp for its German hot plate, pastrami sandwich and Black Forest ham.
“The pastrami is melt in your mouth tender. We go there as often as we can,” said one reviewer.
The deli also has a patio where dogs are allowed on a leash, one reviewer said.
“Decor is cute, nostalgic, and quaint. There’s inside and outside seating and you can tell that it’s a hit with the locals, seeing as it looks like everyone knows each other and with how packed the parking lot was,” another reviewer wrote.
Calimesa is about 20 miles southeast of San Bernardino.
Matter Sausage & Deli — Orange
Customers can order sandwiches at Mattern Sausage & Deli in Orange, but the deli also serves a vast selection of cold-cut meats, sausages and cheeses.
Yelp reviewers recommend ordering the salami to go or getting it in a sandwich.
“Got a pound of German salami, a poor boy sandwich, a smoked brat with Gouda and a roast beef sandwich. Brought it home and the family loved every bite,” one reviewer said.
Orange is about 30 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles.
German Guys — Stockton
In Stockton, a couple from Germany opened German Guys with the goal of serving original German recipes.
Their restaurant also made it among Yelp’s top German restaurants in the country.
And Yelp reviewers seem to agree.
“We love finding those little out of the way, family-owned places that leave you with a full tummy and a warm heart. German Guys ticked all those boxes for us,” one reviewer wrote.
Other reviewers also noted the restaurant being a bit out of the way, but worth the drive.
“You drive and drive, and then just when you’re sure you’re lost and doomed to live in your car … it’s on the left. TOTALLY WORTH IT! I’d drive twice as far for this food,” another reviewer wrote.
Dishes on the dinner menu include a wide list of schnitzel, including lemon schnitzel and the gipsy schnitzel with a creamy tomato, onion and sweet bell pepper sauce.
Stockton is about 50 miles south of Sacramento.
Naschmarkt — Campbell
A Bay Area restaurant in Campbell also made Yelp’s top German spots in the country. But Naschmarkt’s main cuisine is Austrian.
“Naschmarkt has been a new Modern European staple in downtown Campbell for numerous years, and it is one of the best if not better spots on Campbell Ave,” one reviewer wrote.
Like other restaurants on Yelp’s list, Naschmarkt also offers German staples, including pretzels, spaghetti and sausage.
Yelp reviewers recommend the Hungarian beef goulash, the apple strudel and the double cooked pork belly.
“The Beef goulash was tender, full of earthy, bright paprika and perfectly balanced with cream and a side of spaetzle,” one reviewer said.
Naschmarkt has another location in Palo Alto.
Campbell is about 8 miles southwest of San Jose.
Helena Wegner is a McClatchy National Real-Time Reporter covering the state of Washington and the western region. She’s a journalism graduate from Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. She’s based in Phoenix.