Sometimes the urge for good German food comes over me unexpectedly. It must be the genetic influence of my many Alsatian ancestors. When it’s too far to drive over to Hermann, what do you do? Head for Schneithorst’s, of course. The Bavarian-style restaurant, that dominates the corner across from Frontenac shopping center has been serving German fare for 60 years.
It all started in 1917 when Arthur Schneithorst, Sr. opened a small restaurant in downtown St. Louis, only to be closed during the Depression. Later the family took over Bevo Mills and a number of food concessions at Holiday Inns and the airport.
In 1956, the current Bavarian-style building with the clock tower was constructed at the lively intersection of Clayton Road and Lindbergh. Today the food service tradition is carried on by the 4th generation of the Schneithorst family.
The bar area at Schneithorst’s with its dark walls, stone ceiling, stein and barrel decor is not too unlike the European cellar pubs.
A Bit of Bavaria
For comparison, here’s a photo of a wine cellar I visited a few years ago in Germany. I think it has much the same feel as the bar at Schneithorst’s.
Cyndy and I dropped by the old Bavarian restaurant for lunch recently. We entered through the bar area with its arched, stone ceiling and dark wood trim reminiscent of an underground bierkeller.
Beyond all that, was the dining area enlivened by lighter wood and a variety of seating options: long tables, booths, counter, secluded nooks. We next to a small window and basked in the sun shining through the stained glass. We pondered the many menu options, that included everything from sauerkraut to schnitzel to stroganoff. A goodly array of soups, salads, and sandwiches rounded out the menu, some with a Bavarian twist.
The bright, sunny dining room.
I ordered the brat with German potato salad, though the red cabbage was a strong contender. And Cyndy went for the Turkey Reuben. Our server was pleasantly chatty and helpful. When I asked for a substitute of Germany potato salad in place of the fries, she happily announced, “We can do that.”
Schneithorst’s Brat, Sauerkraut, and German Potato Salad
Turkey Reuben and Fries
There’s lots of nooks and crannies from which to eat at Schneithorst’s. Here are two counter seats, that have been tucked into the well-lighted dining area.
More Bavarian accents highlight the dining room entry.
After lunch, Cyndy relaxed by a toasty fire in the lounge area. Above the hearth, are the words: Inspire, Imagine, Dream. So I tried to imagine I was in an Alpine ski lodge. That wasn’t hard to do with such cozy surroundings and hearty cuisine.
The atmosphere, service and food all combined for a most enjoyable lunch experience. We fought off the urge for dessert, but later drifted into POPtions, one of the village shops, for a bag of decadent popcorn aptly entitled Over the Top. (More on that in a later post.)
Schneithorst’s, 1600 S. Lindbergh Blvd. Open: Mon-Thu 6:30a-9p; Fri-Sat 6:30a-10p; Sun 8a-9p. In addition to the bar, lounge, and dining room, there’s also an outdoor beer garden on the clock tower terrace. OUT OF BUSINESS.
