Travelers and locals hunting for an unforgettable meal packed with history and old world charm, you need to head straight to Columbus, Ohio. Nestled right in the middle of the brick paved streets of the historic German Village neighborhood, you will find Schmidt’s Sausage Haus Restaurant. Located at 240 E Kossuth St, this legendary, family owned institution has been a cornerstone of the central Ohio food scene for generations. The second you pull up to the historic building, you can smell the smoky aroma of grilled sausage drifting through the air, welcoming you to a true culinary tradition.
The roots of this business go all the way back to 1886 when a German immigrant named J. Fred Schmidt opened the J. Fred Schmidt Meat Packing House on the south side of town. The family built an incredible reputation for handcrafted sausages, using traditional recipes from the old country. They even became the oldest food concessionaire at the Ohio State Fair, serving up treats starting in 1914. While the packing plant eventually closed its doors in the 1960s, the family legacy did not disappear. In July of 1967, the founder’s grandson, George F. Schmidt, transformed a historic former livery stable just around the corner from the old plant into a full service restaurant. Today, fifth and sixth generations of the family still handle the day to day operations, keeping the unpretentious hospitality alive.
The vibe inside is pure celebration. The dining room embraces its heritage with beautiful historic brick architecture and a warm, bustling atmosphere. Five nights a week, the room fills with the festive sounds of live oompah and polka music, making it the perfect spot to kick back with friends or family. It is loud, cozy, and completely authentic. Because they operate on a first come, first served basis and do not accept standard reservations, you should expect a line on busy weekends. But do not worry, the staff moves incredibly fast, and you can easily pass the time by strolling through the surrounding neighborhood shops or checking out the Schmidt’s Fudge Haus just down the street while you wait.
When it comes to ordering, you cannot talk about Schmidt’s without mentioning their most famous creation: the Bahama Mama. This spicy, hickory smoked sausage is crafted from premium cuts of pork and beef, heavily seasoned with a secret blend of spices. It has won countless local awards and has even been officially recognized as the signature sandwich of Columbus. You can order it straight up on a bun with plenty of mustard and sauerkraut, or you can go all out by ordering the Old World Sausage Sampler to try a little bit of everything.
If you bring a massive appetite, your best bet is jumping right in line for the famous all you can eat sausage buffet, affectionately known as the Autobahn. The buffet is loaded with heaping trays of traditional German comfort food, including house made bratwurst, frankfurters, sweet and sour cabbage rolls, warm German potato salad, chunky applesauce, and savory spaetzle. It is a meat lover’s paradise that allows you to sample the exact original recipes the family used back in their packing house days.
Just make sure you pace yourself because you absolutely must leave room for dessert. Schmidt’s is world renowned for its award winning jumbo cream puffs. These things are absolutely massive, rolling in at around half a pound each. The kitchen staff uses traditional dessert recipes handed down from the local German women who helped run the kitchen back in 1967. They take a giant, light, flaky pastry shell and stuff it to the brim with a rich, pillow soft vanilla or chocolate whipped cream filling, finishing it off with a heavy dusting of powdered sugar. Trying to eat one neatly is completely impossible, but it is easily one of the most satisfying treats in the entire state.
They are open daily for lunch and dinner, welcoming hungry travelers from 11 AM to 9 PM on Sundays and Mondays, and staying open until 10 PM from Tuesday through Saturday. Whether you pull up a chair in the lively dining room or grab a quick bite from one of their famous food trucks roaming around Ohio, a visit to Schmidt’s is a delicious journey into Midwest history.