If you’ve lived in Portland for a while, then you’ll be aware that there’s quite a large German presence – especially within the food scene. It’s no secret that the USA is made up of many German immigrants, so it’s not surprising that they’ve made their stamp on the restaurants of Portland.

If you haven’t eaten German food then you’re seriously missing out. The good news is that there’s plenty of it here in PDX. Before giving you my top PDX German restaurants, here are a few of the classic dishes to expect.

German cuisine is characterized by hearty, savory dishes that often include meat, potatoes, and vegetables. Some common German dishes include:

1. Schnitzel: A thin, breaded cutlet of meat, usually pork or veal, that is pan-fried and served with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes and red cabbage.
2. Sausages: Germany is known for its variety of sausages, such as bratwurst, weisswurst, and currywurst. Sausages are often served with mustard and a side of sauerkraut.
3. Spätzle: A soft egg noodle that is similar to Italian pasta, often served as a side dish with gravy or sautéed onions.
4. Sauerkraut: Fermented cabbage that is often served as a side dish, or used as a topping for sausages or hot dogs.
5. Pretzels: A soft, chewy bread that is shaped into a knot or twisted shape and often served as a snack or appetizer.

In addition to these classic dishes, many German restaurants also offer a selection of beers and other beverages. German beer is known for its quality and variety, with many different styles and brands to choose from.

When dining at a German restaurant, you can expect a casual and welcoming atmosphere, with communal seating and friendly service. Portions are often generous, and the overall dining experience is meant to be warm and comforting.

Stammtisch

Stammtisch is a popular German pub-style restaurant located in the Northeast Portland neighborhood. The restaurant has a cozy and casual atmosphere, with communal seating and a large selection of German beers on tap. The menu features a variety of classic German dishes, including schnitzel, sausages, and spaetzle. They also have a selection of vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Address: 401 NE 28th Ave, Portland, OR 97232

Edelweiss Sausage & Delicatessen

Edelweiss is a German deli and bakery located in the Southwest Portland neighborhood. The deli offers a wide selection of German sausages, meats, breads, and pastries that are available for takeout. There’s also a small eatery where you can enjoy classic German dishes like schnitzel, bratwurst, and potato salad.

Address: 3119 SE 12th Ave, Portland, OR 97202

Gustav’s Pub & Grill

Gustav’s is a Pacific Northwest chain of German-inspired restaurants that has locations in Portland, Vancouver, and Tigard. The restaurants offer a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, with a variety of German beers on tap and a menu featuring classic German dishes such as sausages, schnitzel, and spätzle.

Address: PDX Concourse C 7000 NE Airport Way. Portland, OR 97218

Urban German

Urban German is a food cart that serves classic German dishes, such as bratwurst, currywurst, and schnitzel. The cart is located in the Southeast Portland neighborhood and has a casual atmosphere, with outdoor seating available.

Address: 6635 N Baltimore Ave Suite 201, Portland, OR 97203

Prost! Portland

Prost! is a German pub-style restaurant located in the North Mississippi neighborhood. The restaurant has a welcoming atmosphere, with a large selection of German beers on tap and a menu featuring classic German dishes like sausages, pretzels, and schnitzel. There’s also outdoor seating available with fire pits for cooler evenings.

Address: 4237 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, OR 97217