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Old Germany Restaurant (Closed)
15920 S.E. 29th St.Choctaw, OK
It seems as if people from Oklahoma City have always had the opportunity to drive a short distance
east of the city for some of the best German food in the country at Old Germany, but the restaurant
actually started in 1976. Old Germany's web site tells of its humble beginnings when many people were
unaccustomed to German food, and of the gradual introduction of a variety of dishes that have become
popular since then.
With several good German restaurants in the OKC Metro, I pretty much took it for granted that
German food was one of the several varieties of ethnic cuisine available to American diners until I found
out that Oklahoma City's situation was quite unique for medium sized cities. Both the quantity and
quality of the German restaurants in the city are comparable to those in much larger cities. Old
Germany, though, is probably the best known, and has loyal clientele from throughout the Oklahoma
City metro.
A large dining room in front is supplemented by a second dining room and the bar that includes
additional dining tables. Smoking is not allowed, so to me any of the dining rooms would be more than
comfortable.
The German beer on tap is hard to resist, and several varieties are available. I will have to say,
though, that trying to order beer here has somewhat detracted from my overall experience at Old
Germany. More than one size is served, but the "default" size (if you do not specify what size you
want) was both larger and more expensive than I expected (I learned the hard way that I needed
to ask how big it was before ordering). In addition they are subject to running out of certain
varieties, and I did not find the suggested substitute very appealing. Still, though, these experiences
may be unique to my case since I am not accustomed to ordering beer in restaurants except with
German food.
The restaurant's web site indicated that appetizers were offered free with the meal on
certain weekdays, and this was the case when I ordered. Even if customers have to pay extra, though,
the appetizers here are well worth it. I sampled the Gulasch Soup and thought it was quite good.
Having been to a Czech restaurant in West, Texas (a town on IH-35 near Waco) I had what I thought was
the ultimate gulasch, and I have not been quite as impressed with the German versions I have
tried. Old Germany's version, though, was one of the better ones.
The Mushroom Soup at Old Germany was excellent, giving the unmistakable impression
that it was home made (although I sometimes wonder if I am misuing the term "home made" when
applied to food from a restaurant). I cannot think of any other terms, though, to describe the flavor and
freshness of this soup. To me it was one of the all time greats I have tried.
Jäger Schnitzel is one of several meat dishes served that come with a mushroom sauce
topping. This is not the ordinary mushroom sauce, having a light and fresh flavor that is somewhat
incongruous with its dark color (if you have ever been to chain steak houses that serve mushroom
sauce you will likely know what the other kind tastes like).
Several types of meat are available with the Jäger Schnitzel. The chicken was excellent, and
was even better than several other very good non-German chicken dishes I have had in upscale
Oklahoma City restaurants.
Wiener Schnitzel is supposed to be the specialty of Old Germany, and the restaurant's web
site indicates that this was the first dish to be served in 1976. I thought this was an almost perfect dish of
flavors and texture, with the breading being one of the best parts.
Like other dishes served, a choice of meat is available with the wiener schnitzel. Veal is the
consensus favorite from those who have tried it, and the one I tried was excellent. The plate shown
in the photo is actually a half order with a half order of German Fried Potatoes as well. This was
a full order split between two persons, so a small order for one person might look slightly different.
In addition to splitting an order, Old Germany has other means of cutting down the cost and portion
size including serving lunch portions and smaller dinners for seniors.
Schwabian Schnitzel is one of several dishes served as weekly specials, and that are
not available every day. This was a dish I did not order but sampled, and personally I preferred the
plain breaded schnitzel described previously. My dining companion also thought the meat was not
tenderized sufficiently as it would have been done in Germany, but to me the toughness of the meat
was not as noticeable as some that I have tried in other restaurants. The ham was very good, and
this is coming from someone who normally does not eat or like ham.
With most other German restaurants, my pet peeve is that either the main dishes will be excellent but
not the side dishes, or vice versa. Old Germany impressed me though, that almost all the food was
equally good. The German fried potatoes were cooked so that I enjoyed them almost as much as the
meat. The Red Cabbage was probably the best one I have sampled in a restaurant, although
I only have a few recent visits at other restaurants with which to compare it.
The Potato Salad was not as memorable as the German fried potatoes, and I think some
better versions are served in Oklahoma City. It was still quite good, though.
Two types of dark Bread are served with dinners, and refills are given. I think almost every
other German restaurant has better bread, but like the potato salad, I thought the bread here was
perfectly fine, and I enjoyed it. At least the bread has the advantage of being free (I know that
nothing in restaurants is really free, but I am glad Old Germany serves this bread with the food).
Desserts come from the local La Baguette bakery, and these are generally considered to be
among the best in OKC. Choices include a large variety of cakes so that just about all tastes can
be accommodated.
One thing I appreciate about Old Germany is that the posted hours are kept, and they do not close
early if there are no customers. With a drive to the town of Choctaw being a longer than normal one for
most people in Oklahoma City, it is important to know the restaurant will be open when you get there.
I have gone to Old Germany both right after it first opened and more recently. If anything, I think it is
better now than before. I say this not only because Old Germany now has more variety, but also because
many other restaurants have not remained the way I remember them the way this one has.
Old Germany's main dining room
Gulasch soup
Mushroom soup is one of the choices for an appetizer
Chicken Jager Schnitzel at Old Germany
Half order of Wiener Schnitzel
Schwabian Schnitzel is one of several specials served on a rotating basis
Complimentary bread
Dessert case at Old Germany is very tempting, if you have any room left
My Comments in a Nutshell |
What I like most:
|
RESTAURANT DETAILS
RATING: 24
Cuisine: German
Cost: $$$
Hours: Closed Sun. & Mon.
Accessible: Yes
Smoking: No Smoking
Alcohol: Beer, Wine
Most Recent Visit
Apr. 7, 2009
Number of Visits: 4
Best Items
Wienerschnitzel, Jagerschnitzel, Mushroom Soup
Special Ratings
Wiener Schnitzel:
Jäger Schnitzel: chicken
German Potatoes:
Red Cabbage:
Mushroom Soup:
Potato Salad:
Bread:
Restaurant Web Site
Old Germany