Oakhaus, a new German-style restaurant, opened in June at 3413 Broadway. It features a number of traditional German dishes. The restaurant is part of the revival of the Oak Park neighborhood.
Over several visits this author, and spouse, enjoyed the sausage plate, schnitzel, turkey leg, roasted Brussel sprouts, prime rib, potato salad (similar to one prepared by this author’s German grandmother), au gratin potatoes, and German chocolate cupcakes. Eating at the bar, we found a friendly and attentive bartender who also took our food order.
Various sandwiches are on the menu for lunch, and salads are available all day. A small number of veggie dishes are included. Breads, including a rye for the pastrami sandwich, are baked in-house.
The owners, brothers Tom and David Schnetz, along with chef Matt Ridgeway, also founded La Venadita last year, a popular Mexican eatery that is a block to the east on Third Avenue and Broadway.
What would a German restaurant be without offering a stein of light pilsner beer to quench the thirst? To satisfy discriminating beer-drinkers there are 14 beers on draft. Four taps have German beers, including Paulaner hefeweizen and the rest are largely craft beers brewed in the Sacramento region (including Track 7 and Auburn Ale House). Over 25 additional beers are in bottle or can, including imports such as Saint Pauli Girl from Germany.
The traditional one-liter steins, with hefty handles and thick glass bottoms featured at Octoberfest in Munich are available, as well as the tall narrow pilsner glasses and conventional pints. Several wines are also available including Riesling, a light crisp floral and fruity white wine, a variety popular in Germany and Austria.
The restaurant reminds one of a beer-hall with thick top wooden tables and benches, large ceiling beams, and posts. Smaller round tables for parties of two or four are scattered through the dining room.
One wall is full of wooden cuckoo clocks. The bar is constructed from large slabs of timbers. Colorful ceramic beer steins decorate the shelves behind the bar. Also prominently featured is a collection of vintage audio equipment. A large dog friendly biergarten patio with broad umbrellas and a fire pit overlooks Broadway.
Bike parking is available on the front sidewalk. Hours are: Wednesday–Thursday and Sunday Noon–9 p.m., Friday and Saturday Noon–10 p.m.
More info, including menus are at: www.oakhaussac.com
Craig McCulloch Viewpoint staff writer