Mr. Dunderbak's Biergarten and Brewery

Mr. Dunderbak’s is more than just a restaurant it’s a time capsule of authentic German heritage and flavor. From the first bite to the last sip, every dish carries the same old-world quality and attention to detail that made their original University Square Mall location such a Tampa landmark. The sausages, the sauerkraut, the fresh-baked pretzels, and that unmistakable aroma of imported beer and grilled goodness instantly brought me back to my childhood.

The staff are friendly, the portions are generous, and the atmosphere feels like stepping into a cozy Bavarian tavern. It’s rare to find a place that stays true to its roots while still evolving with the times. Mr. Dunderbak’s continues to do just that serving up memories as rich as the flavors on every plate.

If you grew up in Tampa and remember the old location, you owe it to yourself to relive that experience again. A truly authentic gem that stands the test of time.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Check out this FB group about Mr. Dunderbaks. The demand is still there for this restaurant: You grew up in Orlando, if… Group page.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The food is really good. Authentic German food. Today service was very slow and it wasn't that busy. The restaurant has picnic tables with table seating with chairs. There is a lot of German food, wine, deli, snacks, steins, wine, beer, etc that are available for purchase. There is not much room to move around because it is so packed full of merchandise. It's a neat place overall.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 3

Waiter was nice but the food wasn't seasoned so great. Probably a lot better when you're drunk. The place is jam-packed with beer floor to ceiling. Pretty expensive for the quality of food you're getting. Also they were out of the tofu sausage. Prost.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 1

Service: 3

After living in Germany for 9+ years, this place will transport you back!! The food is on point, the service team is excellent and the live music is fun... We will be back!!

The authentic German grocery items are an added bonus.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Absolutely awesome German food!! Great atmosphere and a nice little market with German beer, wine and various gourmet items. Highly recommend

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

German to their core. Great place. Great atmosphere. Great food.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Could have been a little better and accurate German food

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

There is celebrated history for my family aligning with German culture as my oldest daughter was born in Bavarian Germany. So naturally, we try our best to find the local German cuisine and festivities everywhere that we travel and live. Luckily for us, we discovered Mr. Dunderbak's, which wasn't incredibly too far from Lutz.

We came mid-afternoon on a Sunday and the parking lot was full - fortunately, we were able to find some spots without waiting too long. As it was the end of September, Mr. Dunderbak's also hosted some Oktoberfest observations and festivities. This meant a bit of a wait for our family of four to be seated inside, but it was worth it!

As you walk up to the restaurant, you are greeted with the unique Bavarian-esque calligraphy of its name in bold, golden hue. There was still outdoor seating available when we went in the form of tables and benches that situated in the parking spaces in front of the venue. Approaching the entrance, you will encounter a set of oaken doors that set the stage for your welcome. The doors then open up to a short corridor that which is adorned with wall hangings and lined with cases of beer along its walls, while the incandescent lighting contribute to the tone and ambiance of the restaurant before opening up to the immersive dining space.

Immediately, we were reminded of our time spent living in Germany, as well as our travels to Austria. The noise-level was definitely suited for the space and environment that you find at a Biergarten. While the lighting was somewhat dim, the atmosphere was lively and vibrant which didn't rely on the light musical faire playing in the backdrop. There was a playful arrangement of seating areas - from biergarten benches and tables to formal tables with even a dining table under a gazebo centered in the dining space - making Mr. Dunderbak's even more festive. Flanking either side of the main dining space were two smaller rooms, with a full bar.

What makes Mr. Dunderbak's even more unique is the mini-store that lines around the main dining space, along with a fully operational deli, offering an assortment of German meats/sausages and groceries (comparable to the Cracker Barrel concept, but better and without the negative media).

As for the food, we definitely were able to satisfy our German-cuisine cravings. The menu was rather robust offering a variety of schnitzels and wursts (yes, they have currywurst), while offering a unique American flare with their other menu items. While I did not get any beer to accompany my meal, my wife ordered a Radler - and a grapefruit one at that - which arguably made her day. The jagerschnitzel, sauerkraut, and potato salad were solid, while the nurnberger (wursts) and spatzle were a hit with my kids.

Overall, we had a great experience at Mr. Dunderbak's and will definitely be back again. This is a great place to go with groups and to simply enjoy company! Prost!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Jägerschnitzel, Currywurst

We had not been to Mr. Dunderbak's for quite some time because our previous experience was not as great as the many times we had been there before. This time more than made up for whatever wasn't quite right the last time and we enjoyed our visit thoroughly! The food was excellent, the service was great and the atmosphere was good. Thanks Mr. Dunderbak, we'll be back!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Jägerschnitzel, Beer Cheese, Oktoberfest Sausage Platter, Currywurst

I really hate to write this review as I have been coming to this restaurant for 20 years, back even when it was at University Mall. The food and service has always been great, as it was today as well. What made it a horrible experience was the actions of one of the owners. When my husband and I sat down at the bar, the woman owner was washing dishes and began yelling at the hostess for moving a paycheck that was sitting on the bar as she sat us. We then watched her berate her staff multiple times, but we could not take it when she threw a glass of water on one of her staff. I was hit with that water and at that point, my husband had to say something. We told her that she was abusing her staff and being incredibly disrespectful to them. She began to complain about fighting with the manager. The fact that one of the owners would act like that in the front of the house, in front of customers, is one of the most unprofessional things my husband and I have seen in a restaurant. The poor manager and other servers/bartenders should not have to work in that kind of hostile and abusive environment. The owner does not have to be in the building, and she would serve it best by never stepping inside it again. The other owner, whom we briefly spoke to apologized to us, but he needs to do more to protect his staff from this unhinged woman. The only reason this restaurant has survived all of these years and has been successful is due to it's hard-working employees. To think an owner would denigrate them, and in front of customers no less, is abhorant. We will not be back to this restaurant, which is unfortunate because we love the food, service, and atmosphere. To see an owner, so hateful to the people that has made her and the other owner successful is truly heartbreaking.

Best Germany restaurant in Tampa. Must visit especially during Octoberfest. Come see accordion Joe.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Enjoyed the atmosphere and food was good . However I really thought they would have sauerbraten.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 3

We came here on a Friday night, so it was a little busy and we had to wait ~25 minutes for a table, which was totally fine. Inside smells.. bad to say the least - like a mildewy, rotting scent. I am very disappointed in the service we received here. We were seated, and SEVERAL tables (4+ just in our own section) seated much later than us got their orders taken and/or received their food way before us. We waited 40 minutes for our food, and our waiter was impossible to flag down to even get our order taken. When we got our food, it was lukewarm. The food is what you’d expect of German bar food. I liked what I got, which was the Zigeuner Schnitzel with spicy sour cream sauce and the warmed potato salad. Overall, I probably wouldn’t go here again unless some friends REALLY wanted to. Food was average, vibes were off, and service was trash. My boyfriend has been here a couple times and said it’s not usually like this, so give it a chance if you really like German food I guess - although I personally wouldn’t.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 1

Recommended dishes: Two Haus Made Potato Pancakes, Sour Cream Schnitzel

Me and my husband got recommended to come here while we were in Florida visiting. I would say the environment is immersive and the food was not disappointing. We got the potato pancakes appetizer 10/10, pretzel with cheese 7/10, Bavarian sausage 4/10 (was dry), perogies 7/10 (neutral), schitznel pork 7/10, German chocolate cake 8/10!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Two Haus Made Potato Pancakes