Extremely disappointed. How does this place have 4.6 stars? We've been going to German fest in Indiana for years and this was a HUGE let down. We have been wanting to try this place for months. They stop serving food at 8 pm even though they are open till 10 so it's always been a challenge to get there beforehand. Then we try to call tonight and make a order for take out. Apparently they don't even serve the German food for take out? 45 minute wait time at that. So despite that and based off reviews we have it a try and we ordered some burgers and chicken fingers.... What a mistake. The chicken was horrible, burgers were just mediocre, fries were gross, potato salad was overpowering and had lettuce? The salad was covered with tomato slices and the balsamic vinaigrette was pretty much only vinegar. The ONLY thing that was good was the dessert. Customer service was rude as well. Please save your money and time and go somewhere else. 50$ down the drain tonight.
Denise S.
This review is long overdue. I appreciate businesses that care and try to put out the best possible product for their customers and Irina's is on point every time! The chef cares and it shows. Her Schnitzel and spetzel are delicious always! We come here every time we visit Oceanside- we live in Arizona. My husband recently ordered the chicken strips and they are the best he or I have ever had. The chef stopped at our table and told us she pounds out the chicken breast before cooking and they literally melted in our mouth, perfectly seasoned. Everything on the menu is delish!
Erich C.
Update to my previous review, boosting them another star. Nothing like a little Oktober in April! We stopped in for dinner on a Friday evening at around 6pm. Granted it was Easter weekend but the place was quite packed! It was by far mostly older folks and it was super warm inside (maybe because it was packed with older folks lol). We found a round table to seat us four adults and we had to do a little shuffling to make room since the tables next to us were populated but it worked out. We ordered: * Oktoberfest Burger - Swiss Cheese & Sauerkraut ($13) * Baja Burger - Bacon, Green Chile & Sauteed Onion * Bratwurst - Sauerkraut, Käsespätzle ($13) * Large House Salad ($10) * Paulaner Hefeweizen ($7) * Hofbräu Oktoberfestbier ($7) * 2 Towns Cider Made Marion ($6) Prices are great honestly. The two burgers we got were huge. We could not finish them. The Oktoberfest burger was very dense. I'm not sure what composed the burger but I don't think it was beef alone. Still, a half burger later and I was stuffed. Fries also came with the burgers, hot & fresh but unsalted The salad was split between two people and I don't know how they did it. It was massive. The bratwurst entree had 2 brats and they were huge. I don't know how my buddy finished the salad and the entree but daaaaam. The German beers were fantastic. The Paulaner and Hofbräu both came in a tall Hefeweizen style pint glass. Looks great on the table and the beer was COLD. We mentioned how warm it was and they turned on the overhead ceiling fans. Once most of the older folks left, they also turned on music. It became a good ol fashioned bar at that point and it was fun. We talked loudly as we guzzled our german pints. Service was OUTSTANDING. I have to say the two servers that helped us were so professionally courteous and were super attentive. They even complimented us as guests when we left. This alone will have me coming back for more. Good food. Good beer. Great service. I'm really glad the pandemic didn't wipe out Irina's from Oceanside. They are truly an iconic neighborhood gem.
lori brittboogay
Delicious German food and large selection of beers. This visit, we tried the sausage pea soup, meatballs with mushroom cream sauce, and fresh homemade sauerkraut. For dessert we enjoyed the custard with raspberry. Everything was superb. The place has a very friendly, family vibe. Our server, Tanya was not only personable but knowledgeable of types of beer and the various dishes. We highly recommend Irena’s in Oceanside!
Stacy J.
We had a great time and the food was awesome! Our party of 4 had the cheese steak, the Edelweiss burger, the classic burger, and the schnitzel and sauerkraut. It was all delicious and the Cole slaw was home made. Would recommend. It's the Cheers! of Oceanside.
Jerry H.
Feb 12, 2022: Our dinner was fantastic. I had the 2 meatballs with spatzel and their mushroom grave and my wife had the pork ragout with spatzel. Both were extremely good and We shared off each other's plates. We started with a Hot Wings appetizer which was very good too. Way better than average. Our waitress Tanya,,,,, who from this day forward will be known by her new adoptive German name Olga, was fun, engaging, efficient and attentive. Thank You Olga. Dessert was unique, refreshing and delicious. We WILL be back soon just to try other items on the menu. Oh,,,, the potato salad was very good but I was looking for a traditional warm vinegary German Potato Salad, not my Irish Grandma's family reunion special. Wish I had taken pictures. Thank You for a very good first experience. Jerry & Lucille Oceanside
Bill K.
Location: Great, Pool Tables: Added Bonus. Juke Box: Added Bonus. The Jaegerschnitzel with Spatzel: Outstanding. The: "rindsfrikadellen in pilzrahmsoße" two pan-fried meatballs (beef) in a light cream sauce w/ mushrooms + onion ...... good, not great. Needed more zing to it. Potato Salad: Perfect. Beers: Short list, but good ones. Munich Oktoberfest Bier and Paulaner Hefeweizen among them. Prices: Reasonable Staff: Really nice people ------- Will we come back? Heck yes. Lots more on the menu to try.
Rachel H.
My husbands friend lives in the area and knowing that we are German said that it was a great place to get some German food and beer! That is very exciting! We live in Lake Forest and decided to make the 50 minute drive down for a date night. The location is easy to find, fun signage, great parking! Instantly a good welcoming vibe with good seating, pool tables, and fun decor. We were welcomed to sit anywhere and brought 2 menus for alcohol and food. I got the Currywurst und Wein und my husband got the Kohlroulade und da Paulaner Hefeweizen Bier. It is very hard, especially in Southern California to find comfort German Lebensmittel. All the staff were very attentive, kind, fun to talk with and seemed appreciative of us to be in. When driving home we talked about how excited we are to go back! vielen Dank für die tolle Erfahrung!
Annalise Lara
If you like Juicy food and dipping sauce ???????? ??️ This Is the Place for YOU!!!???? Lol
LeiLani G.
Typical bar atmosphere. Tables and chairs are not very comfortable. They food.is good but nothing to brag about.
Longtime go to spot for our German food fix + reliably oh-so fresh Paulner on tap. My mouth is watering just writing this. Every time we pop in it's always the same order, always exactly the same every time! I must admit my Husband has been coming here for well over a decade and it took me years to get on board, because, well... mmmm, I was a bit judgmental of its hole in the wall quality. One day I finally gave in and decided to tag along. I ordered a nice big beer Stein of Paulaner Octoberfest on tap and went with his go-to the jägerschnitzel. From that moment forward I became a dizzy with delight, slobbering fool for this spot. It's been a very, very long time since I've visited Germany, but my people come from Germany. So this place is all kinds of right, and not so surprisingly exactly what it should be. Humble, simple, straightforward, hearty, ridiculously and stupidly good... and let's not forget - worthy of accolades. It's a "where have you been all my life" food and beer extravaganza. For those of us that have German blood running through our bones, this is one special spot. I recommend you try their sides as well as mains... but, my heart belongs to the jägerschnitzel all the way!! It's a splurge that is well worth its weight in the comfort food you know you want. This spot is a what it is, pretty much a dive where you can expect to see regulars at the bar having an after work beer, watching the game. Atmosphere is dark and small, a simple sports bar, with a very appreciated twist on the back of the menu. It is modest in appearance, but from what I know has a cult following. Myself being one of those people. For the many years we have been coming back for more, you can rely on the same service and food. No frills, no fuss, just a spot that almost feels like your German mom is cooking you up Sunday dinner. This is definitely what you'd expect from a place that feels like a longtime family run spot. We are lifers here. Go - you can thank me later.
Suzanne Chana
Brought my friend and her son to have German food. I had been there before many times and the food was great. My friend and her sons food came out and I told them to start eating. My food came out after 1 1/2 hours. I asked the waitress to put my food in a to go container and to remove it from my bill. Another waitress came over and said that the other waitress had told me it would take 45 minutes to get my meal. This never happened. The other waitress came with the to go container and told me that the owner said I was not welcome back? Funny? I’m being punished for them taking 1 1/2 hours to make my meal. The owner was there and didn’t have the common decency to explain this to me. I won’t be back!
Bjørn Magnússon
Went in at 8pm on a Thursday night and the kitchen was closed.Tried a few weeks later at 11:30 AM on a Wednesday only to learn that they're only open from 4-10pm. But at 8pm the kitchen is closed.Get your good in the four hour window, I guess.
Ken Erback
Not fancy, but great German beer on tap, acceptable but not incredible German food (very good for the low prices). Very nice people & service.
Kara S
Hidden Gem of Oceanside, local favourite to grab a drink and some authentic German food. Don’t be foolish and make plans to stop here. You won’t be disappointed. The jagerschnitzel is amazing.
Extremely disappointed. How does this place have 4.6 stars? We've been going to German fest in Indiana for years and this was a HUGE let down. We have been wanting to try this place for months. They stop serving food at 8 pm even though they are open till 10 so it's always been a challenge to get there beforehand. Then we try to call tonight and make a order for take out. Apparently they don't even serve the German food for take out? 45 minute wait time at that. So despite that and based off reviews we have it a try and we ordered some burgers and chicken fingers.... What a mistake. The chicken was horrible, burgers were just mediocre, fries were gross, potato salad was overpowering and had lettuce? The salad was covered with tomato slices and the balsamic vinaigrette was pretty much only vinegar. The ONLY thing that was good was the dessert. Customer service was rude as well. Please save your money and time and go somewhere else. 50$ down the drain tonight.
This review is long overdue. I appreciate businesses that care and try to put out the best possible product for their customers and Irina's is on point every time! The chef cares and it shows. Her Schnitzel and spetzel are delicious always! We come here every time we visit Oceanside- we live in Arizona. My husband recently ordered the chicken strips and they are the best he or I have ever had. The chef stopped at our table and told us she pounds out the chicken breast before cooking and they literally melted in our mouth, perfectly seasoned. Everything on the menu is delish!
Update to my previous review, boosting them another star. Nothing like a little Oktober in April! We stopped in for dinner on a Friday evening at around 6pm. Granted it was Easter weekend but the place was quite packed! It was by far mostly older folks and it was super warm inside (maybe because it was packed with older folks lol). We found a round table to seat us four adults and we had to do a little shuffling to make room since the tables next to us were populated but it worked out. We ordered: * Oktoberfest Burger - Swiss Cheese & Sauerkraut ($13) * Baja Burger - Bacon, Green Chile & Sauteed Onion * Bratwurst - Sauerkraut, Käsespätzle ($13) * Large House Salad ($10) * Paulaner Hefeweizen ($7) * Hofbräu Oktoberfestbier ($7) * 2 Towns Cider Made Marion ($6) Prices are great honestly. The two burgers we got were huge. We could not finish them. The Oktoberfest burger was very dense. I'm not sure what composed the burger but I don't think it was beef alone. Still, a half burger later and I was stuffed. Fries also came with the burgers, hot & fresh but unsalted The salad was split between two people and I don't know how they did it. It was massive. The bratwurst entree had 2 brats and they were huge. I don't know how my buddy finished the salad and the entree but daaaaam. The German beers were fantastic. The Paulaner and Hofbräu both came in a tall Hefeweizen style pint glass. Looks great on the table and the beer was COLD. We mentioned how warm it was and they turned on the overhead ceiling fans. Once most of the older folks left, they also turned on music. It became a good ol fashioned bar at that point and it was fun. We talked loudly as we guzzled our german pints. Service was OUTSTANDING. I have to say the two servers that helped us were so professionally courteous and were super attentive. They even complimented us as guests when we left. This alone will have me coming back for more. Good food. Good beer. Great service. I'm really glad the pandemic didn't wipe out Irina's from Oceanside. They are truly an iconic neighborhood gem.
Delicious German food and large selection of beers. This visit, we tried the sausage pea soup, meatballs with mushroom cream sauce, and fresh homemade sauerkraut. For dessert we enjoyed the custard with raspberry. Everything was superb. The place has a very friendly, family vibe. Our server, Tanya was not only personable but knowledgeable of types of beer and the various dishes. We highly recommend Irena’s in Oceanside!
We had a great time and the food was awesome! Our party of 4 had the cheese steak, the Edelweiss burger, the classic burger, and the schnitzel and sauerkraut. It was all delicious and the Cole slaw was home made. Would recommend. It's the Cheers! of Oceanside.
Feb 12, 2022: Our dinner was fantastic. I had the 2 meatballs with spatzel and their mushroom grave and my wife had the pork ragout with spatzel. Both were extremely good and We shared off each other's plates. We started with a Hot Wings appetizer which was very good too. Way better than average. Our waitress Tanya,,,,, who from this day forward will be known by her new adoptive German name Olga, was fun, engaging, efficient and attentive. Thank You Olga. Dessert was unique, refreshing and delicious. We WILL be back soon just to try other items on the menu. Oh,,,, the potato salad was very good but I was looking for a traditional warm vinegary German Potato Salad, not my Irish Grandma's family reunion special. Wish I had taken pictures. Thank You for a very good first experience. Jerry & Lucille Oceanside
Location: Great, Pool Tables: Added Bonus. Juke Box: Added Bonus. The Jaegerschnitzel with Spatzel: Outstanding. The: "rindsfrikadellen in pilzrahmsoße" two pan-fried meatballs (beef) in a light cream sauce w/ mushrooms + onion ...... good, not great. Needed more zing to it. Potato Salad: Perfect. Beers: Short list, but good ones. Munich Oktoberfest Bier and Paulaner Hefeweizen among them. Prices: Reasonable Staff: Really nice people ------- Will we come back? Heck yes. Lots more on the menu to try.
My husbands friend lives in the area and knowing that we are German said that it was a great place to get some German food and beer! That is very exciting! We live in Lake Forest and decided to make the 50 minute drive down for a date night. The location is easy to find, fun signage, great parking! Instantly a good welcoming vibe with good seating, pool tables, and fun decor. We were welcomed to sit anywhere and brought 2 menus for alcohol and food. I got the Currywurst und Wein und my husband got the Kohlroulade und da Paulaner Hefeweizen Bier. It is very hard, especially in Southern California to find comfort German Lebensmittel. All the staff were very attentive, kind, fun to talk with and seemed appreciative of us to be in. When driving home we talked about how excited we are to go back! vielen Dank für die tolle Erfahrung!
If you like Juicy food and dipping sauce ???????? ??️ This Is the Place for YOU!!!???? Lol
Typical bar atmosphere. Tables and chairs are not very comfortable. They food.is good but nothing to brag about.
Restaurantji Recommends
Longtime go to spot for our German food fix + reliably oh-so fresh Paulner on tap. My mouth is watering just writing this. Every time we pop in it's always the same order, always exactly the same every time! I must admit my Husband has been coming here for well over a decade and it took me years to get on board, because, well... mmmm, I was a bit judgmental of its hole in the wall quality. One day I finally gave in and decided to tag along. I ordered a nice big beer Stein of Paulaner Octoberfest on tap and went with his go-to the jägerschnitzel. From that moment forward I became a dizzy with delight, slobbering fool for this spot. It's been a very, very long time since I've visited Germany, but my people come from Germany. So this place is all kinds of right, and not so surprisingly exactly what it should be. Humble, simple, straightforward, hearty, ridiculously and stupidly good... and let's not forget - worthy of accolades. It's a "where have you been all my life" food and beer extravaganza. For those of us that have German blood running through our bones, this is one special spot. I recommend you try their sides as well as mains... but, my heart belongs to the jägerschnitzel all the way!! It's a splurge that is well worth its weight in the comfort food you know you want. This spot is a what it is, pretty much a dive where you can expect to see regulars at the bar having an after work beer, watching the game. Atmosphere is dark and small, a simple sports bar, with a very appreciated twist on the back of the menu. It is modest in appearance, but from what I know has a cult following. Myself being one of those people. For the many years we have been coming back for more, you can rely on the same service and food. No frills, no fuss, just a spot that almost feels like your German mom is cooking you up Sunday dinner. This is definitely what you'd expect from a place that feels like a longtime family run spot. We are lifers here. Go - you can thank me later.
Brought my friend and her son to have German food. I had been there before many times and the food was great. My friend and her sons food came out and I told them to start eating. My food came out after 1 1/2 hours. I asked the waitress to put my food in a to go container and to remove it from my bill. Another waitress came over and said that the other waitress had told me it would take 45 minutes to get my meal. This never happened. The other waitress came with the to go container and told me that the owner said I was not welcome back? Funny? I’m being punished for them taking 1 1/2 hours to make my meal. The owner was there and didn’t have the common decency to explain this to me. I won’t be back!
Went in at 8pm on a Thursday night and the kitchen was closed.Tried a few weeks later at 11:30 AM on a Wednesday only to learn that they're only open from 4-10pm. But at 8pm the kitchen is closed.Get your good in the four hour window, I guess.
Not fancy, but great German beer on tap, acceptable but not incredible German food (very good for the low prices). Very nice people & service.
Hidden Gem of Oceanside, local favourite to grab a drink and some authentic German food. Don’t be foolish and make plans to stop here. You won’t be disappointed. The jagerschnitzel is amazing.