No visit to Leavenworth is complete without savoring an authentic German meal.  Just steps from downtown’s Front Street park, you’ll find five exceptional dining spots, each offering a distinctive menu with old-world Bavarian charm. Whether you’re craving schweinshaxe, schnitzel, or other German delicacies, these local restaurants promise a dining experience as unforgettable as the village’s picturesque setting. 

Ludwig’s Gasthaus, located on the west end of the village near the community Festhalle, offers both outdoor biergarten seating along the bustling streets and a cozy indoor space. It’s an ideal spot for groups, especially during peak festival times. Their traditional family-style platters are crowd-pleasers, featuring specialties like “schweinhax’n,” rotisserie chicken, schwein schnitzel, and sausage. For those with simpler tastes, the menu also includes classic burgers and spätzle. After a busy day in town, you can refresh with a choice from their extensive imported beer list or warm up with a traditional glühwein on a cool evening. To make your visit even more enjoyable, reservations are welcome. An additional upstairs space is available for groups during the peak holiday season.

Seeking a more refined dining experience? Mozart’s offers an elegant indoor setting with European charm, complete with rich wood beams and stunning views of downtown’s Front Street Park. This family-run gem has been delighting guests for over 25 years with inventive dishes made from locally sourced produce (when available) and quality meats, all complemented by an extensive wine selection. Their signature “Mozart’s Platter” is legendary, featuring a hearty mix of traditional German delights like roasted pork hock, Käsekrainer (a lightly smoked Brühwurst), and pork schnitzel, served alongside fingerling potatoes, savory roasted red cabbage, and a variety of sauces. Don’t miss the chance to enhance your meal with their rich mushroom sauce! If you’re celebrating a special occasion, consider indulging in their Zwiebelrostbraten—an Austrian classic with a steak prepared in a luxurious demi-glace, topped with crispy sautéed onions, and served with fingerling potatoes and Brussels sprouts. Mozart’s also caters to various dietary preferences, offering vegetarian and gluten-free options. Reservations are recommended to ensure a delightful dining experience.

From hearty plates to tempting small bites, Rhein Haus serves up a wide variety of dishes with some of the best views in town. This laid-back, German-inspired spot offers both indoor and outdoor seating, making it perfect for any kind of dining experience. Inside, you’ll find whimsical decor and Bavarian-style architecture, while the outdoor patio is a floral oasis with misters to keep you cool on hot summer days and fire tables for when there’s a chill in the air. No matter where you sit, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of Front Street Park and the town’s iconic buildings.

For a shareable feast, try the “Grillwurst Schmankerl,” a 2-pound sampler bursting with sausages, kielbasa, frankfurters, brats, and veggiewurst, all served with tangy sauerkraut and garlic-roasted mashed potatoes. But that’s just the start—Rheinhaus’ massive menu has something for everyone, from giant pretzels with beer cheese fondue to a simple pear salad with blue cheese. Whether you’re in the mood for a big meal or just a snack, Rheinhaus has you covered with a fun, flavorful dining experience.

Rhein Haus is open for lunch and dinner daily.

Craving a menu that offers a bit of everything, from pizza and burgers to authentic German fare? Bären Haus might just be the perfect spot. Their extensive menu offers a delicious variety of German classics, as well as pasta, pizza, steaks, and sandwiches to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. Plus, their children’s menu is sure to please even the littlest diners.

One of their standout dishes is the mouthwatering Beef Rouladen—a specialty that features thinly-sliced Angus beef wrapped around a savory mix of bacon, onions, carrots, and pickles, all smothered in a sweet, rich gravy. If you can’t decide between German sausage and bratwurst, their combination platter is the ideal choice to satisfy both cravings. Located in a charming historic brick building at the bustling intersection of 9th and Front Streets, Bären Haus is open daily for lunch and dinner.

Descend from Front Street into Andreas Keller, and you’ll discover more than just a meal—you’re stepping into a slice of Bavaria itself. As you nestle into one of their cozy, barrel-shaped booths, grab a seat at the inviting bar, or settle into the vibrant main dining room, the embrace of “Gemütlichkeit” (that untranslatable German word for warmth, friendliness, and good cheer) will envelop you instantly. The walls, alive with colorful murals, and the rustic wooden beams overhead, set the stage for nightly live music that fills the air with festive energy.

Under the expert hand of head chef Anita, “The Keller,” as locals affectionately call it, offers a menu brimming with authentic German flavors that keep it at the top of every food lover’s list. Savor the legendary Schnitzel Cordon Bleu, dive into the hearty sausage sampler, or explore any of the other tantalizing dishes on the menu. Just make sure to save room for their traditional Black Forest Cake, a decadent treat said to be the original recipe straight from Germany—with a signature Keller twist, of course.

Andreas Keller is open daily for lunch and dinner. While they do not offer reservations, diners are encouraged to sign up for their online waitlist through their website.

From schwein schnitzel to brühwurst, Leavenworth offers a taste of Bavaria that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re savoring a leisurely meal or just stopping by for a quick bite after a day on the river, these local gems have you covered. If you’re short on time or in the mood for something more laid-back, indulge in authentic brats and other German delights at these quick-and-casual spots:

Leavenworth Sausage Garten by Cured

München Haus

No matter where you choose to dine, you’re sure to find a delicious reminder of why Leavenworth is Washington’s unforgettable Bavarian getaway.