Ol Heidelberg Cafe

I was unsure based on the ups and downs of the reviews. I was NOT disappointed. The food was fantastic, authentic German style, with draft beer and great service. Everyone I interacted with was friendly and welcoming. A great, dim atmosphere for conversation, beer, and hearty food. I would come back again and again. If you don't like German food, or want to watch TV's with dinner this isn't the place. It's Wonderful.

If you’re ever in Huntsville and want some real German food, you’ve got to stop at Old Heidelberg. I went while in town for Back to the Future: The Musical and it was such a great experience. They were super busy when I walked in, but the hostess got me seated quickly. My waitress, Alyssa, was amazing — super friendly and checked on me often. I ordered the Bavarian pork schnitzel, and it was absolutely delicious. They brought fresh bread and salad while I waited, and one of the waiters, Ward, even took time to explain the difference between European and American beer pressure — which was really interesting! Everyone there made me feel welcome, which meant a lot since I was dining alone. And the carrot cake at the end? Huge slice, amazing flavor, and enough to take home and currently eating while writing this review Shout out Alyssa and Ward for the best service I've ever had in a restaurant! I’ll definitely be coming back next time I’m in Huntsville.

First visit in about three years. Second visit overall. The first experience wasn't good. We were never waited on after we were seated. We walked out. Overall yesterday went well. The food was very good. The service wasn't bad but it wasn't great. My wife asked about the special on the board and she knew nothing about it and didn't make an effort to inquire about it. She told us she had been there for seven years. It's a shame. I'm sure we'll be back because the food was very good. I'd recommend the Bavarian pork schnitzel with warm potato salad. I also got the slaw. My wife got the black forest meatballs over spatzel.

Great food, great service, great atmosphere. Warmly greeted when I walked in. Restaurant is decorated like a week loved home, with antiques, pictures, and flowers. Felt warm and inviting. Music was low and conversation could easily be had. Food arrived in a timely manner, and was prepared perfectly. Warm, fresh bread was served before the food. Also--as i was leaving there was a network outage and I couldn't look up directions to my next destination. The manager happily looked up my destination and gave me basic directions to get there. Above and beyond service. Thank you.

I was touring alabama, and I met somebody the day before I arrived in Huntsville. That person told me she comes here every year for her birthday - so I thought I'd give it a try. The name says cafe, but it really is more like a restaurant. I have the pork schnitzel with fried potatoes and a house salad with blue cheese dressing. Everything was great, tasty, and seasoned properly. I especially enjoyed the blue cheese dressing - it actually had nice chunks of blue cheese in it. The staff was quite friendly and attentive, and overall it was a good value.

Honestly, I’m torn because this place is so stinking cute! The vibes are 10/10 and the staff’s uniforms are just adorable. Our server was also a total rockstar—super attentive and really knowledgeable. But the food was a real mixed bag. We went in the early afternoon, and almost everything we got was room temperature. The steamed bread and sauerkraut were hot, but that was about it. I had the Jäger Schnitzel and my friend got the pork schnitzel with a side of lemon; both were cold, and his was so dry and tasteless he had to order a side of gravy just to get through it. The spaetzle tasted amazing, but again, it was barely lukewarm. Even the sausage appetizer (bratwurst and Polish) was pretty bland, and my friend’s Sprite was totally flat. We noticed our server was the only one running food to the table. It felt like our plates probably sat in the window way too long while he was busy with other things. It sucks because the service and atmosphere were great, but the kitchen really needs to tighten things up. But hey- Go for the atmosphere and the sweet staff, but hopefully, you get your food while it’s actually hot!

We took my dad here for his 97th birthday. We each had a different schnitzel and all of them were delicious! My dad even sang along with the German music. Our waitress was prompt, friendly, and efficient. We were too full for dessert but it looked too good to pass up. We enjoyed it much later that evening at home. Altogether a wonderful experience and we'll definitely go there again!

We’ve tried pretty much every high quality restaurant in both Madison and Huntsville areas. This is hands down one of the top 5 best restaurants in northern Alabama. We love bringing our team here for special occasions. Get breaded pork schnitzel with mushroom gravy on top. It’s to die for and such a tasty comfort food. Having been to Germany, I was shocked by how under rated and unknown their cuisine is but this restaurant captures it beautifully. The food and atmosphere legitimately transfer you to Germany! This is a gem for the huntsville area. I would run to eat here, it’s that good!

My friend from Virginia was here visiting and she wanted to go to Ol' Heidelberg to eat cucumbers. Apparently the German restaurants in Virginia do not sell cucumbers in a ranch/sour cream sauce. We arrived at 5:00 which was a good time due to the restaurant being full. We were seated close to the door and were able to see a dozen people standing inside. There were two empty tables close to us but it appeared not enough wait staff for the empty tables. The young lady waiting on us was hustling and moving quickly during dinner service. Hubs ordered a Bavarian Schnitzel with crispy fried potatoes and a side salad. I ordered a Bavarian Schnitzel with crispy fried potatoes and a cup of vegetable beef soup. My friend ordered Wiener Schnitzel, cucumber salad and spaetzle. We had an order of sausages with brown bread and German mustard. The appetizer came out nice and hot. We each had a few bites of the sausages. Next our entrees arrived. My schnitzel and potatoes were not hot. My husband's schnitzel was warm and his potatoes were hot. My friends veal was warm and her spaetzle was hot. I think my order was cooked first and not put under a heat lamp. We did not complain or let the waitress know all of our foods weren't hot. She was busy and the restaurant was full with more people waiting to be seated. We will return again. The food at this restaurant is better than what we had. If you like German food, please stop by and give them a try. If our foods were all hot, I would have given 4 stars.

Great atmosphere with a German flair. The staff works hard at making you feel welcome and assuring you enjoy the experience. My party enjoyed our food immensely. I've eaten there many times now and the sausages and schnitzel are perfection. A favorite of mine is the red cabbage. Their cabbage dishes are a can't miss when I'm there. If you like something different, or enjoy German food, definitely stop in.

It's been quite a few years since I was in Huntsville so decided to stop in on a visit. I remembered this as a 5* place. I have lived in Germany and most recent visit not long ago. Food was good but not as great as I remember. Wasn't particularly busy but food took along time to arrive. Maybe it was due to our waitress leaving but really I think it's just not what it used to be.

Perfect place to come get some authentic German food. It tastes just like in Germany. It was a bit pricey but the portions were nice and filling. The service was great and attentive. I've been to this restaurant a few times when in Huntsville and would definitely recommend and would hold visit again.

Always a great time finding authentic German food. So many varieties of Wiener schnitzels and cold German beverages! The host even wears German outfits and has the accent.....or maybe they are Germans ‍. The dessert choices were amazing! I had to settle with the Black Forrest Cake! It's a must!!

Definitely enjoyed my experience here. I arrived on a weekday after lunch hours and it was very calm and quiet. I chose the Black Forest Ham Sandwich with Euro Slaw. Both were perfect lunch choices. I ordered the sandwich hot. My server "Becky" was awesome. She was also very attentive and kind. She explained patiently what the different desserts at the case were. Spend a little more to try one!!! The decor was also oddly cozy. I ended my meal with the apple crumb pie! Delicious!!! I lament the fact I hadn't been here before but will definitely return.

Ol' Heidelberg is fine. It's a local institution--around for more than 50 years--and it hasn't really changed much other than increased prices. If nostalgia is your thing, you'll be right at home here. Service is good, though I am amazed that they're still making the servers wear those ridiculous German costumes. Regardless, Heather was a delightful host to us--glasses were always refilled, she was very kind, etc. They try hard to make you feel at home. Things started going a bit downhill once we got to the food, however. First, yes you pay now for bread--$1/per person. It's not great, but it was fine. Second, though the food is fine you're likely going to want to ask for spicy mustard (I did) or a salt shaker. My pork schnitzel was well enough prepared, but I'm not used to fried foods being so bland. The hot potato salad was good, and they let me sub some (surprisingly overcooked and scorched in places) green beans for the various cabbage based options. Regardless, if you want a trip down memory lane you could do worse than stop in here. Practical notes: parking is in the shopping center, it's hit or miss. This place wasn't busy during lunch; I think dinner is far more crowded. Bathrooms could use some sprucing.

Unexpected, very good. Passing through Huntsville on the way to Chattanooga from Memphis, stopped to grab some rain gear from REI. I always look for German/Polish places when I have the chance; I was befuddled that...Huntsville!?!?...had a German joint. I can only surmise that Werner Von Braun and some of his colleagues made it a stipulation that there be a respectable place that served native food before setting up shop at the JPL. And that's the origin story I've made up... As for the food. Dad had a Reuben. It was a Reuben; it was very good though nothing life changing. Portion was respectable for the price. Good portion, side dish of red cabbage was sweet, vinegary, hearty in the acidic realm. I had the Rauchwurst and Knackwurst. Not sure if they were made on site or procured elsewhere, but both very good (and, for unexpectedly found in Alabama, damned good). If passing through again, I'd be hard pressed to choose between the same or to venture and get the bratwurst and polish sausages. The waitress was delightful, despite the campy, er, traditional dress. Southern charm meets hausfrau was a strange, but not unwelcome, combo. All in all, better than average food (gold standard is Polonia in Hamtramck, Michigan; but that's a Bourdain find and was featured on No Reservations, rendering it, and their sausage offerings and world's best sauerkraut life alteringly good), great service, welcoming environs; highly recommended.

As the other German restaurant was closed, we decided on Ol' Heidelberg. First, the hostess was away from her station for a good 5-10 minutes so we stupidly waited through not being acknowledged by staff walking through except by one who became our waitress. Not right away mind you. Our waitress was shy and awkward, but she did ok with everything. Food was ok. Restaurant needs a refresh.

Being from three different states, our childhood memories always take us back here when we are in town. The mushroom toast appetizer is a must. The made in house blue cheese and ranch dressings were both excellent. I ordered the pecan chicken with the potatoes, which were divine. Other members of my group order cordon bleu and schnitzel. It is a really good piece of old Huntsville that never needs to be lost.

First time here in last year. Service good, but food not as good as all other times that we have eaten here. Wondering if ownership changed or something?

Food was five-star rated. The potatoe crushed tilapia with pan fried potatoes and coleslaw were dynamite. Each item were presented in its own dish. I just loved them. Service/billing was terrible. The waitress asked us if we would like some bread. No one would say no. Seven of us were on a business trip. On each bill, a line item of $1 was added. If this were not complimentary, would it be better to tell us up front. The bread was great, worthy of that $1. The waitress brought along a trainee. It took a bit longer than usual to get the bills. I found my drink was not included in my bill. I told the waitress to add it back but she did take it out from the one from my coworker. It took forever to get it right.

Update: we ordered their pick up Easter dinner after C-19 (or as some yelpers call it "the ick") because as most were, we wanted to support local. The dinner, although very reasonably priced and did travel well was overall disappointing. I'm sure the potatoes were good, they usually are here; however the pork loin was nearly inedible, void of seasoning and so. Very. Dry. I checked their website to see if they are offering a similar meal for Christmas this year so I could dissuade you from partaking. Their website did not have any Christmas pick-up meals listed. Maybe they learned from their mistake a couple of years ago.

Having grown up in Huntsville, I have fond memories of this restaurant for special events as a child. I just ate here today, having not visited in 20 years and was pleasantly surprised by the wonderful food and warming atmosphere I recall as a child. We had a wonderful schnitzel lunch with friendly service from Alyssa. The restaurant is well decorated, and amazingly, not a pinch of dust on any of the decorations. The owner apparently truly takes pride in the appearance, decor, cleanliness, friendliness, and food of her restaurant. 5 stars! Cant wait to come back!

I've been to Germany and Austria and I must say that Ol'' Heidelberg is still my favorite by far! Every time I visit Huntsville, I'm eating here! Please don't change! Been coming here my whole life and it never disappoints!

The best German cuisine and atmosphere that Huntsville has to offer. This place has been a staple since long before I moved to town decades ago. It never disappoints! An early Tuesday dinner with my wife was pleasant. No wait, an atmosphere that is true to expectation, excellent service, and my Weiner Schnitzel with boiled potatoes, greens, and house Ranch was fabulous as always. Almost just like Germany (I've been there a lot). The biggest difference...the beer, of course, and the lack of nearby castles to tour. You'll have to settle with the beer menu they have (not bad) and the pictures of castles on the wall. Ol' Heidelberg is well worth the visit. Five stars for what it is. I almost took one star away because they were a little stingy with that house made ranch dressing, but they made that right with a minor mention. Nothing to complain about here...fantastic place.

Has been a while since first eating here. Was taken here by a German colleague and wanted to taste my favorite dish Schnitzel (Schweineschnitzel) made the proper way, with veal. I have a few other faves but it was a great experience. The service was fabulous and they wore traditional German dress and even gave me the opportunity to order my meal in German. The ambiance was perfect and allowed us to get caught up. We used to sing classical together(Opera) in German, Italian, Spanish, etc. Not sure how much has changed but they're still situated after nothing but noodles and tmobile on University Drive in the GigaParts mall. Closest university across from Five Guys restaurant.

Stopped in with the family after a day at the US Space and Rocket Center. We had been told that there were a lot of German engineers that ended up in Huntsville after WW2 and the rumor is that the community still has many excellent restaurants serving German style food. Do not know if that is true but Ol' Heidelberg definitely has excellent food. The entire family enjoyed their meals but one dish rose to the top where everyone said when they go back they are having the Chicken Berlin. It is a large breast which as been breaded, pan fried, topped with Jarlsberg cheese, sautéed onions and apple slices. The meal came with a slaw topped with bacon and a choice of potatoes. We all had the fried and there were none left on any plate. They rivaled the best we have ever had in breakfast dinners we have been in. Bread basket was offered but we passed on the additional carbs. Service was excellent. Prices were fair and quality was exceptional. Ambiance is something I would expect in an old world Bierhaus. I would say that this is close to an authentic German experience you can get in the States and its in Huntsville, AL.

We met family here while in town. I ordered the goulosh and it was delicious. I love the fresh bread that they bring to the table. Our waitress was excellent.

Ole Heidelberg is one of my absolute favorite local German restaurants. I always get spatzle and cuke salad with schnitzel cordon bleu. Good portion. The servers wear those neat Bavarian outfits. The back dining room has a fireplace and decor is German authentic looking. I'm sure the booze is good; and the deserts look killer but I'm always to full to get one. Look epic though.

Great service with friendly staff. Food was pretty good. Had some sort hash with potato salad and cheese

I took my employees here for Christmas lunch before the holiday. I had called the restaurant in advance to see if they took reservations and they do not. They told me I could call an hour ahead to have my name added to the list. But come to find out they don't hold tables, so she said your name just goes before people who just walked in. We came at 1130, so there wasn't a wait yet.! We were seated and I quickly noticed all of the quaint decor. The lighting is very low, which I appreciate sometimes. I ordered the Bavarian schnitzel with the cucumber salad and German potato salad. The schnitzel was tiny. About half the size it should be for a German schnitzel. Saving grace was the flavor was good. The German potato salad was lovely. The cucumber salad was a little bland. Pricing was confusing. On the menu we record all the schnitzels were $20 and up. But I got the bill and it was $77 total for 5 people, which I though was great. Just doesn't add up? Service was good. Bathroom was small, only 1 stall.

Consistently delicious! Love it so much! The desserts are literally to die for! The cucumber salad and honey pecan chicken are my fave!

My family is always impressed with the attentive staff and food. We have gluten free diners are they receive the utmost care with their meals to avoid contamination. The selection is great and the taste is superb.

Food was decent. My pallette found the pork schnitzel a little bland but the beef vegetable soup was perfectly seasoned and very chunky. Service was friendly. Ask for Billy he'll show you a good time.

On our monthly trip to "town," about 30 miles away, my husband got hangry and we pulled in to an unassuming shopping center, where we providentially stumbled upon this delightful restaurant. I have an aversion to most "chain" dining establishments, because there's no "love" in the food. Today, we found the love. Thanks to our attentive, yet non-annoying waiter, Billy, who took the time to elaborate on my dark stout order to the point of smoothness and local sourcing, we ordered and enjoyed an authentic, leisurely (European-style) lunch, copious amounts of the most delectable, warm bread, and the carrot cake to top all carrot cakes. Amazing. Why, oh why, would you spend money on mediocre fare and rude, condescending wait staff when you could be whisked off to Heidelberg for an hour or so? Thank you, chef, and Billy...vielen dank! Wir werden wiederkommen!

Soup of the day is not soup of the day, it's sour and old Sausage is good, very authentic German cooking

We sat down at our table, placed our order and waited an hour for our food. Our server seemed to pay more attention to other tables. Can you at least refresh my drink or better you bring us a glass of water? Having lived in Germany for 4 years the food was tasteful but not as authentic as I was expecting. Service was extremely slow.

I haven't had a good German meal in a while, so I went all in. Got the Bavarian pork schnitzel with a side of pan fried potatoes and dish of spatzel. Don't get in a hurry. The food is great but it's made to order, so that takes time. They give you some complimentary hot bread and butter. It's dimly lit, so the pictures don't do justice. I finished with a piece of 6 layer carrot cake. Best I've ever had!

It is pretty good but lacks alittle authenticity of German food. Don't get me wrong. It is good but just a tad less like German.

The food was delicious and the service was fine. Our waitress was friendly and the other waitresses all helped one another out as far as delivering food to tables and grabbing dishes from folks who were finished with their plates. Great wine prices for by the glass and bottle but it's cheap wines. Still delicious for the price!

Great food and service! This is an all time favorite, that only keeps getting better and better. Hands down, one of the best restaurants in town!!

Very good, authentic food, and good service. Best German food in Huntsville. And good selection.

This is a Huntsville legend!! A German restaurant that has maintained high standards and an awesome consistency over the years!! Great service and very reasonable prices!! Highly Recommend!!

Quality of food has really changed for the worse. Server was not friendly and prices are very high. We won't be returning or recommending.

I used to work at a German restaurant so I feel I've got a good reference point for comparison. I'm giving a 3 out of 5 because the food was pretty good, but for the cost the portions were a little small. It was also weird that our sodas were given to us warm in plastic bottles with a glass of ice. I had the Bavarian schnitzel and my wife had the veal cordon bleu. Again, both were pretty good, but for the price I was expecting either a larger portion or the taste to blow me away. Charging a buck or two for bread basket seemed kind of cheap too. The only other issue was my fried potatoes. There were a lot of them that were burnt to the point of not being edible. Oddly enough, my wife's were all cooked nicely. You can see the difference in the photos. Not sure what happened with mine.

I be been to Germany many times the food at ol' Heidelberg is amazing the service was outstanding ez parking 5 stars

Food 5 stars, service 5 stars, beer/deserts 5 stars, salads 5 stars. Ambiance 3-4 star.

This was my first time here and I love it!!! The food was tasty and the beer was delicious. The decor is so authentic it made me feel I was back in Europe. Laura, the floor manager, was our server and her knowledge and work ethic are true assets to the restaurant. I will come back here for sure, especially if Laura is there. She made our time there so enjoyable.

My first time in this place and it had a bit of an old touch to it. I'm guessing that's why it has Ol' in the name. Went with a few guys that had been to Germany and they said the food was good. So overall it was a good experience.

My first visit, the food was great and the waitress was nice and efficient. My second visit was a bit disappointing. The waitress seemed to be running behind so was slow bringing our food and check, and my bowl of vegetable beef soup had no beef in it. My Schnitzel was still very good. If my second visit had been as good as the first, this would have been a 5 star rating.

Authentic food and relaxing ambience. The staff sees to your satisfaction. Delicious every time.

We stopped in for a date night to get a taste of some great German fare at Ol' Heidelberg. This review is written with the caveat that I still believe Hildegard's is the best German restaurant in Huntsville. That being said, I have no complaints with Ol' Heidelberg, and therefore I will give it a 5. In reality, I guess it's a 4.5 for me. Anyway. Styled a bit like a campy German lodge, the walls of this restaurant are forest green, and oompa music plays in the background. Yes, it's dim inside the restaurant. I rather liked it. The waitstaff maybe wasn't as...effusive or warm as I typically like, but they were prompt, not unfriendly, and patient when we asked to go look at the dessert case. Our food and drinks came out quickly. My boyfriend's medium size beer was the perfect amount for him. I had the chicken schnitzel and he had the jaeger schnitzel, both with pan fried potatoes. Each dinner comes with bread and cucumber salad. The bread was pretty simple -- two slices of white, two slices of dark, but both were warm and dense and went well with butter. The cucumber salad was also tasty and about what you'd expect, with some cucumbers sliced a little too thick. Yummy and refreshing. Our schnitzels were both delicious. They weren't pounded as thinly as I typically expect schnitzel, but they were still very yummy. They were also particularly crispy, with a slightly heavier breading, which any fan of fried food should love. Jaeger gravy was so thick, smooth, savory, and buttery. You could drown in it. The pan fried potatoes were, dare I say, maybe a little TOO crispy, as they had a bit of a crust on them that bound them together, rather than separate potato chunks. Again, still tasty. Portions were large, overall, but I do feel the prices are a little high. We also binged and got two pieces of cake, as we couldn't pick just one. We had the 7 layer chocolate, and took the German chocolate home (yes, I know German chocolate cake is not actually German. It is, however, delicious). Both were good, with preference going to the 7 layer chocolate. Dense, moist, and not too sweet. Very dark chocolate-y. Again, I'd have to give Hildegard's the edge in basically every category...but if I'd never been there, I'd regard this as excellent German food. What I'm trying to say is, this place is very good and I'd definitely recommend it. It's not my favorite place, but it deserves high marks all the same.

We had a Chicken Marsala special and the Veal Schnitzel with the German potato salad. Very good. The service is very friendly and was reasonably prompt. The decor is typical old style German and is comfortable.

Fantastic lunch meal, pork schnitzel with pan feted potatoes. Had a flashback of being stationed at Mannheim Barracks in early 2000.

This restaurant was opened by Germans who moved here in the 1950's and it has been a gathering place ever since. We went back today for lunch and I was DAZZLED! They have maintained their excellent in the kitchen, reminding me of the first time I visited! The food is SO great and the dessert we chose was the carrot cake, so soft and fresh it is a work of art we will nibble on for the whole weekend! Thank you for your fight for excellence and great service!

Had not been back in 4 years and was so disappointed. Their portion size had been cut by 50% on everything I ordered. They were out of spetzle so had to sub German potato salad. The food quality was good, overall, but you don't get much for your $$ anymore.

Hi Guys I was so excited to get to go to Ol' Heidelberg as it was once my favorite restaurant for fine German food. Now the food is mediocre and the best thing we had was draft beer. It was a great selection of imported beer. They didn't have a huge selection but they had a very diverse and just enough variety to satisfy any ones taste from lager to IPA. Food was not very hot. Took a while to get it. It needed a ton of salt to have any flavor. Very sad. No one refilled bread or tea. Or asked if we needed another draft. Service was slow, but you could tell they were new! I thought our server and bartender were very nice. I'm not in a hurry to return.

Another new favorite restaurant. Everything we ordered was amazing and the staff is so sweet. We tried the escargot, it was perfect in a garlic sauce. The veal schnitzel was awesome. The king Ludwigs chicken was superb: a creamy delicate sauce! We also tried some sausages and sauerkraut , they were on point. Great selection of German beer too!