Edna C.
Yelp
Insert wurst joke here.
Sorry, I've always wanted to make the wurst pun!
Hopefully this will not be the wurst review.
Anyways, I don't know why The Heidelberg has a mixed bag of Yelp ratings, because I think of it as a charming establishment, providing a taste of Germany and epic beer boots in an escapade from the otherwise tame daily life of Ann Arbor. Although it's not quite upscale enough for a classy dinner or hip enough to become famous on Instagram, it's definitely on the ranks of staples for food and drinks.
We came for Restaurant Week, and they had an amazing deal with $28 for 2 entrees, 1 app, and 1 dessert. (I'm used to SF Restaurant Week dinners $40 or $65 per person, so BOGO at nearly half the price is godsend) The menus are on fancy iPads with pictures of all the dishes.
(+) Wurst sampler (knockwurst, bratwurst and weisswurst served with a tasting of sauerkraut and braised red cabbage): Just the right portion to sample the different types of this classic German specialty. I think I've had more crafty wurst before in SF, though each one does have its own distinct flavor. Also note that to enjoy the sides, you should be someone who does not dislike pickled flavors since it's quite prominent.
(++) Rouladen (thinly sliced top round, thick cut bacon, bell peppers, dill pickle, Swiss cheese and mustard): Slam dunk German comfort food. The heartiness of the beef stew ingredients is perfectly complemented by the savory gravy and thick cut bacon.
(++) Sauerbraten (A marinated brisket prepared by both braising and slow roasting methods then smothered in gravy): Although I was tempted to get their signature wiener schnitzel, I favored braised brisket over a deep-fried slab of meat. The sauerbraten met my expectations, with the tenderness of the brisket reminiscent of Slow's BBQ. The gravy brought everything together, even though it was slightly underwhelming that the gravy of both dishes tasted the same.
(++) Spaetzle: Done well; eggy, chewy, and a tad creamy.
(+) Fried potatoes: Similar to brunch potatoes, can't go wrong and not too unique. Would definitely go for the spaetzle instead next time.
(+) Bread pudding: Decent, but nothing too mind-blowing.
Overall, the unassuming, cozy setting and home-cooked-style food featuring traditional German dishes has its niche in the AA restaurant scene. As one would expect from an establishment named The Heidelberg, it evokes images of pubs where tales of intrigue are born over several rounds of beer late into the night, or weary travelers relishing a good home-cooked meal under warm hospitality at a local inn. There are certain details they could work on for a one-up, but I do appreciate the noticeable effort they put into the excellent service and thoughtful presentation.