Lake Ariel eatery serves authentic German fare
Jun. 22—An authentic German restaurant in Lake Ariel gives patrons a taste of the Old World.
The menu at Nurnberger Bierhaus, 2136 Lake Ariel Highway, consists of a selection of wursts, game sausages, and traditional German dishes and beers. Patrons can dig into their food in the main dining room, at the bar or outside in the biergarten plus hear bands perform throughout the summer.
Chef's Table recently chatted with Jenny Manger, who co-owns the business with Linda and Pete Gill.
Q: When did you open?
A: August 2020 in the midst of COVID-19, which was an interesting time.
Q: What is the history of the restaurant?
A: Nurnberger Bierhaus originated in Staten Island, New York. (It was) created by Bob Kelly, a retired detective who was born in Nuremberg, Germany. After retiring, he wanted to open his own restaurant. We took his idea and menu and brought it to Lake Ariel when we all moved here from Staten Island. Kelly consults for us and provides us with the same quality menu with special ingredients that you can only get from New York City. We also have specialty items flown in straight from Germany.
Q: What kind of food do you serve?
A: (We serve) traditional German food including all the favorites, such as Schnitzels, Sauerbraten, Rouladen, a large selection of wursts and game sausages. We also have some vegetarian and pescatarian (mussels, salmon, tilapia) options as well. My personal favorite dish is the Rack of Lamb. Our desserts are from Mother Mousse, Staten Island. We also have an extensive selection of German beers, with 12 on tap. Irving Cliff Brewery makes us a special Apple Strudel Cider (that's) made locally.
Q: How did your menu come to be?
A: The recipes are family recipes passed down by generations (from) Bob's mother and grandmother. We visit every two years to make sure our palates are still on point.
Q: What are your most-ordered menu items?
A: The Sauerbraten is our No. 1 seller because it's the most authentic German dish there is and is the definition of comfort food. The Wurst sampler (Drum Dram) is a favorite, as you get various Getman wursts, a smoked pork chop and a slab of bacon. The Schnitzels are also crowd pleasers for first-time German eaters, as it's simple fare (two breaded cutlets with sides). We offer veal, chicken or pork Schnitzels. Our mussels also are a crowd favorite, served with crusty bread and a white wine sauce made for dipping. Our steaks, our prime cut, (are) brought up from our New York City butcher (and) also fly off the shelf.
Q: How would you describe the restaurant's atmosphere?
A: Very Old World German, similar to what you would see in Bavaria. Lots of wood, steins, beer banners and taxidermy.
Q: What type of seating do you have?
A: We offer main dining room seating and bar seating. We also have a back room with a beautiful fireplace that is available for overflow seating and special events. We also have a large outdoor biergarten with its own bar and grill.
Q: What entertainment do you offer?
A: We have bands throughout the summer as well as large festivals (Maifest and Oktoberfest) and craft fairs.
Q: Do you offer catering, event space, etc.?
A: Yes, we offer catering, and we have plenty of space to accommodate events.
Q: What kind of dining, takeout and delivery do you have?
A: Indoor full menu and outdoor biergarten menu. For takeout, we offer it when the kitchen allows, but you have to call to check. No delivery.
Q: Where do you see the restaurant headed?
A: Outdoor expansion, destination for future concerts and, down the road, cabin accommodations.
Contact the writer:
lrysz@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100, x5228
