Schinderhannes, Weiden, Germany

Ever wanted to eat a Schnitzel bigger than your head? If you’re in the Graf/Vilseck area I would suggest trying it out. I’ve never had the urge, but we ventured out to Weiden (a town about 25 minutes away from us) for dinner. We went with my friend from work, who was heading back to the states with her family. Since they were the ones leaving Germany we decided to let them choose where they wanted to go to dinner. They chose the Gasthaus Schinderhannes in Weiden who are known for their large Schnitzel.

It took us about 30 minutes to get to the restaurant from the Graf area. It looks like it is in the middle of nowhere, but it is hard to miss. The outside looks like a mini castle!  The outside seating area (biergarten) was open for seating, but full, (guess the Germans wanted to take advantage of the beautiful weather too) so instead we found a seat inside. It was pretty empty, we didn't have to wait for any tables to be open. In Germany, and the majority of Europe, you don't have to wait for a hostess to seat you. You can just walk in and sit anywhere you want. We've been here for 2 years and I'm still having trouble remembering that.

Some back story to the Schinderhannes, 

(Taken from their website)  Johannes Bükler (c.1778- 21 November 1803), nicknamed Schinderhannes, was a German outlaw who orchestrated one of the most fascinating crime sprees in German history. He was born at Miehlen, the son of Johann and Anna Maria Bückler. He began an apprenticeship to a tanner, but turned to petty theft. At 16 he was arrested for stealing some of the skins, but escaped detention. He then turned to break ins and armed robbery on both sides of the Rhine, which stood as the border between France and the Holy Roman Empire. At the time, the west bank of the Rhine was under French occupation and the peasantry was happy to celebrate anyone who was able to thumb his nose at the law. 

The legend of Schinderhannes grew with every new escapade. The fact that Schinderhannes largely targeted Jews for robbery and extortion and left the peasants alone did not hurt his standing. After things began to get too hot for him, Schinderhannes fled across the Rhine and enlisted in the Austrian Army under the assumed name of Jakob Schweikart. He was recognized, however, by a former associate, handed over to the French authorities and imprisoned in a tower of the medieval defensive wall of Mainz (the so called "Holzturm"). After his mistress, Juliana Blasius, was threatened with being charged as an accomplice, Schinderhannes rolled over and testified against his fellow gangsters. Nineteen of his associates were sentenced to death. Despite his cooperation, Schinderhannes was sentenced to death as well. On September 21, 1803, he was guillotined before the gates of Mainz. More than 40,000 spectators witnessed his execution. He remains Germany's most famous outlaw. His legend still attracts a great deal of tourism to the region wherein his gang operated. He did 130 crimes, mostly thefts, extortion and robberies which could be proven to date.

I love the font they chose!

I thought this was super cute!

The interior is even decorated with bandit artwork!

For the most part, I think they're used to a lot of American's coming to their restaurant, they had a specific menu in English! Majority of the time when we go out to restaurants we try to blend in and deduce what some things are, we've picked up enough German to semi get by (Swine is pork, Ente is Duck, Huhn is Chicken). But mostly we're using Google Translate, or Word Lens to translate for us. This time we didn't have to guess! :)

Since this place was known for their Schnitzel both my husband and I decided to get it. They have other things besides schnitzel, but since that's what they're known for that what we wanted to get. They have Fish, (it is deep fried, if you’re into that) and roast beef, pork knuckles etc. They have other authentic Germany food as well.

There are two sizes of Schnitzel, they have a normal size portion which is the size of a huge plate, then they had a smaller portion, we both got the large portion not realizing how big is actually was. You could split the large portion between two people! It was reasonably priced, the most expensive thing on the menu was about 9 euros. Which is not bad at all! 

Look at how big it is!

Drew's looked even bigger!

Our schnitzels were 6.70, and the smaller portion which is a half size is 5.70. Next time I will definitely be getting the smaller portion. It comes with your choice of potato salad, or fries, and a salad on the side. My husband was stuffed when we left. I even finished my schnitzel, but I didn't eat my fries or salad, I didn't think I would've made it if I ate anything else.

We had a great time at the restaurant even though our waitress was kinda rude. Or maybe that's just how she is? German's aren't rude by nature, but they just don't have the patience that American's are used to. But then again I have German friends who are extremely patient, so its a toss up. 

I enjoyed dinner, and was glad I got to hang out one last time with Miranda before she PCS'd back to the states. One thing about the military life is that goodbyes are always going to happen. It just sucks, but it's a part of life. I'm just thankful for all the friendships I get to make along the way.