Making a two-day adventure out of a one-night food and wine pairing dinner in San Antonio, we point the nose of our car north toward Fredericksburg and Altdorf Biergarten. It is wildflower season. Altdorf’s will be open. It’s just a slight detour. We are retired — I think I’ve sufficiently justified our excess.

Altdorf – A Restaurant Since the 1970’s

We have been dining at Altdorf’s for over thirty years, making it a planned stop whenever visiting or passing through Fredericksburg. Michael loves the German food. I love the tattered and torn, warm and mellow ambiance of the old stone German house. Dining outside in the sunshine is a major bonus.

One day we drove up to Altdorf’s only to find it closed and shuttered. Disappointment reigned. Since then, each time in Fredericksburg we check on its status. When finally it was once again open for business, we always managed to arrive for lunch on a day when it wasn’t. We now know to never plan on dining at Altdorf’s on a Monday or Tuesday.

Today is Thursday. We are safe, and arrive early enough to snag a parking space in front of the biergarten. Making our way through the stone entryway to the interior hostess desk, we request an outside table.

Renovation and Discovering History

The new owners have done an amazing job!  Everything shines and gleams. Oil paintings grace the walls and a wonderful bronze depicting a scene of the old west sits on a side table leading to the dining room. I sneak a look—it is also scrubbed and waxed and gleaming.

Below me, in the middle of the floor is a thick clear glass covering, protecting the original well–discovered during the renovation process–giving you a good idea of where the original home ends, and the renovated restaurant addition begins. Perfectly round and lined with old stone, it was hand-dug in 1846 by the original owner of the home, currently lighted so that you can see to the bottom. It is an amazing fete of determination and hard work by an early German immigrant. I try to imagine digging the hole, stacking the stone, and I cannot.

Lunch

Following the hostess, as she shows us to our table, I can’t help but notice the beautiful and clean outdoor space. New, low stone walls protect the outdoor biergarten and cleanly swept flagstone covers the once graveled ground. Large green umbrellas protect each table from the Texas sun.

Looking at the extensive menu, there is no question about what we will order. Glancing over the wide assortment of appetizers, sandwiches, burgers, and salads, and ignoring the Southwestern dining options, we go straight to the German dinners. I do, however, relent and ask Michael if he is willing to share an order of potato skin appetizers. I feel I have to try something else. And being in a biergarten I feel an obligation to order a beer.

The potato skins are delicious. Totally loaded, they could be a meal on their own. I order my jagerschnitzel with the portabella mushroom gravy on the side—because I prefer my schnitzel crisp—and it is! Crispy edges and tender center. The hot German potato salad and the German Sauerkraut are both excellent. Michael’s zwiebelschnitzel—a breaded pork cutlet served with sautéed onions, bacon and brown gravy—is plated the way it is intended to be eaten, smothered. And he is a happy man. We are both delighted to have Altdorf’s back in our life.

Altdorf Biergarten

Altdorf is a classic German beer garden with a shady patio serving tap beers, traditional dishes, and eclectic fare. They also have musical entertainment on Friday and Saturday. Reservations may be made on Open Table.
Address: 301 W Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
Hours:
Sunday 11 am–3 pm
Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 11 am–9 pm
Thursday 11 am–9 pm
Friday 11 am–9pm
Saturday 11 am–9pm

Phone: (830) 997-7865