Schmidt’s Sausage Haus Restaurant

The Capital of Ohio Has a New Chocolate Treat Trail With 17 Stops

"Schmidt’s Sausage Haus in Columbus’ German Village has been a family-operated mainstay since its transition from a meat packing house to a restaurant in 1967. The Schmidt family legacy dates back even further, to 1886, when J. Fred Schmidt, a German immigrant, opened a meat packing business in south Columbus. His grandson, George F. Schmidt, later established the restaurant, known for its signature Bahama Mama spicy sausages and oversized cream puffs. Fifth-generation co-owner Matt Schmidt continues to honor this rich history, which includes the luscious cream puffs. Among them is the Buckeye cream puff, which I found to be a treat trail standout. This indulgent dessert’s lightly dusted pastry shell is overstuffed with vanilla pudding and whipped cream, enriched with a distinct peanut butter base, and topped with a generous layer of chocolate fudge and chopped peanuts. “Everyone in Columbus knows and loves the buckeye flavor,” Schmidt says. “It was a no-brainer to create this cream puff that resonates so well with our local Buckeye football fans.”" - Wendy Pramik