Esther's Kitchen & Beer Garden

Went here a few years ago with my grandfather in law who said that the food reminded him of his mothers cooking. We went back today since we were in the neighborhood and the food was still great! We got the pancakes, roulade, and smoked pork plus a berry milkshake. I just really love their sauerkraut and red cabbage as well. They were really great with my kids and gave my toddler her own water cup in a coffee cup which she loved.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We’ve loved this restaurant for years! Tried again today and will never return.
Nothing in the German chicken sandwich that tasted German. No sauce to taste.
Belgian waffle was actually cold!
Fruit bowl w granola (stale) yogurt (I paid, but it never arrived- didn’t have any! Didn’t offer to refund me the $3.)
Must be new ownership. Awful, I’m sorry to report.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 1

Service: 1

Esther’s Bakery is no longer selling quality food: we were sold two reheated SuperPretzels, each priced as a box of 6 available at any grocery store, in a frozen section. These are not the delicious German pretzels knots we used to buy at Esther’s bakery or Piazza’s. And no, the pandemic does not justify reselling frozen pretzels at a premium price.

I absolutely love this place, the mushroom pork jaeger schnitzel was super flavorful and the staff are super kind. I enjoy the atmosphere for a weekend lunch!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Overly priced for breakfast

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 3

Once upon a time a solid 3.5 stars. Now? A dismal 2 stars. I think either they changed ownership or recipes.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 2

Service: 4

Their Bratwurst Plate & Beef Rouladen were ok, fresh but quite basic. The seasoning seemed ok, maybe it was that the meats were not as juicy as other German restaurants or even Polish restaurants.

Very disappointed they don't offer Sauerbraten at all. NYC German Restaurants serve amazing Sauerbraten, meat is actually soured for days! Can't find good, authentic, actually soured Sauerbraten in the Bay Area.

They used to have these delicious chocolate dipped marzipan cookies which they no longer have. They should bring them back.

*Note: Beer in Germany is served at cooler temperature than room temperature but not cold like here in the US.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 5

Great food and excellent prices

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 5

We arrived at 9:18 am Saturday and the place was closed.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

I ordered 2 main dishes to go for $34 and got the values of max $20. (käsespätzle $14, Pork Schnitzel $20) A bit disappointed since it had good reviews! Won’t go again!

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 1

Service: 3

The D’Lox Omelet was so delicious. I highly recommend this item on the menu to all salmon-in-eggs lovers out there.
Serving it with a cup of fruits made is so much more pleasant to taste!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Good food and nice portions, however I do think it is a little on the expensive side.

We tried the chicken schnitzel, the house potatoes, spaetzle and mushroom sauce. I really enjoyed the chicken and potatoes. The mushroom sauce was also very good.
I don't know why I keep ordering spaetzle, I think it is quite bland and oily/greasy. Not a fan

They have outdoor seating, indoor seating and a back patio. The staff was nice, I just wish they had a lunch menu option.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 3

Delicious German dishes in a casual setting. All delicious. The schnitzel is a bit chewy but makes up for with a good portion. The beef stew with ribbon pasta in sour cream is delightfully tender and tasty. The sausage plate with potato salad and red cabbage is a great mix of unhealthy and healthy diets.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 3

Hmmm this place is interesting. I’ve come here a handful of times over the past years. They used to have these wonderful cheese pretzels, not anymore sadly! There’s a feeling they value German food, and any German food I’ve had does taste good, so I’ll give them that! Expect it to be pricier for the portions than other cuisines.

Vibe wise, the place doesn’t feel deeply cared for. No napkins at the table, service seems disinterested, but it’s simple and gets the job done if you’re just looking to come in for a snack. I probably wouldn’t go near the bakery, the mini cookies were $1 and didn’t taste very fresh.

I do love bratwurst so I do appreciate this place! Just not as cozy as I’d like :)

Service: 3

They used to have good, pretty original Bretzeln. Now they sell you the US stadium version. Was my last time there

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 2

Service: 4