Ask someone outside Ohio about sauerkraut balls and you will probably get a confused look, but around Akron they are as familiar as a Friday fish fry. These crunchy, golden bites of tangy kraut, often mixed with sausage or ham and rolled in breadcrumbs, are widely credited to Akron’s kitchens in the mid-1900s, and they have been spreading across the state ever since.
Today you can find them on menus from Cleveland’s west side all the way down to the river towns near Cincinnati, served with everything from mustard to thousand island dressing. Here are six Ohio bars and taverns still frying them up, each with its own reason to make the trip.
1. The Merchant Tavern, Akron, OH
Starting in the snack’s hometown just makes sense. The Merchant Tavern sits at 1824 Merriman Rd in Akron’s Merriman Valley area, and its sauerkraut balls are a natural opening move at a place that leans into upgraded American comfort food.
The space has a vintage-inspired look with a casual, laid-back feel. It works well for a solo dinner at the bar or a group night out watching the game.
Once the kraut balls are gone, the rest of the menu keeps things interesting. The Merchant Nachos are a popular pick, and the poutine has a loyal following, with a vegan version available too.
Other menu highlights include mussels, a soft pretzel, Cajun gouda grits, goat cheese mac, and a maple apple glazed salmon BLT. A full vegetarian menu makes it easy for mixed groups to share the table.
Plan around the hours. The tavern is closed Mondays, opens at 4 PM Tuesday through Friday and Sunday, and starts at noon on Saturdays.
Friday and Saturday evenings are the busiest stretch, while Wednesday nights tend to be quieter. Reservations are accepted, and there is outdoor seating where dogs are welcome.
2. Sammie’s Bar and Grill, Tallmadge, OH
Just a short hop east of Akron, Tallmadge keeps the hometown tradition rolling. Sammie’s Bar and Grill, at 498 South Ave, is a family-owned spot where the sauerkraut balls are one of the appetizers regulars point newcomers toward.
Burgers are the big draw here, and the menu goes beyond typical bar fare. You will find fried perch, chicken parmesan, a wedge salad, sweet potato fries, and even a side of spaghetti.
I like this stop for families. There is a kids’ menu, high chairs, and changing tables, plus a fireplace that makes winter visits extra comfortable.
Prices are friendly, usually around $10 to $20 per person. Hours run from 11 AM on weekdays and Saturdays, with a noon start on Sundays.
Parking is free and plentiful, and you can choose dine-in, takeout, curbside pickup, or delivery. Reservations are accepted if you are bringing a crowd on a Friday night.
3. Der Braumeister Restaurant, Cleveland, OH
Old-world charm runs deep on Lorain Avenue. Der Braumeister has been a fixture on Cleveland’s west side for years, and its folksy decor makes it feel like a step into a Bavarian dining hall.
The Classic Sauerkraut Balls arrive with two sauces on the side, which means you get to experiment with every bite. They are a strong contender for the best order in the house, and that is saying something at a German restaurant.
The rest of the menu reads like a greatest hits list. Sauerbraten, potato pancakes, Hungarian goulash, chicken paprikash, Kassler Rippchen with sausage, and knackwurst with kraut all make appearances.
Save room for dessert. The strudel and cream puffs are popular ways to finish the meal.
Hours are limited, so check before you go. The restaurant is open Wednesday evenings from 4 to 9 PM and Thursday through Saturday from 11:30 AM to 10 PM, closed the rest of the week.
A kids’ menu, private dining room, free parking, and reservations make it an easy pick for family lunches and group gatherings.
4. Byrne’s Pub, Columbus, OH
An Irish pub serving a German-style Ohio snack might sound unusual, but Columbus has never been shy about mixing things up. Byrne’s Pub, at 1248 W 3rd Ave in Grandview, lists sauerkraut balls right on its menu next to shepherd’s pie.
The family-run pub has a lively personality. Darts leagues, trivia nights, and regular live music keep the calendar busy.
It is also a late-night option. Byrne’s opens at 11 AM most days and stays open until midnight or 2 AM, depending on the night.
Budget around $10 to $20 per person. Reservations are not accepted, so arrive early on busy Monday, Friday, and Saturday evenings.
Parking can be tricky, even with a free lot and street spots nearby. A little patience pays off with a basket of kraut balls and a seat near the darts.
5. Kreimer’s Bier Haus, Cleves, OH
Since 1982, the Kreimer family has been serving German and American comfort food along OH-128 in Cleves, just west of Cincinnati. The riverside setting and outdoor seating give this stop a scenic bonus.
The sauerkraut balls here are packed with kraut rather than heavy dough, and they are often paired with thousand island dressing. Some folks around Cincinnati consider them the best in the area.
Portions run generous. Menu standouts include schnitzel, chicken cordon bleu, the Bavarian pork chop, a jumbo Bavarian pretzel, and scalloped apples.
Mett and kraut also shows up as a dinner special, which feels right in a region that takes its sausage seriously. NY strip steaks are on the menu for anyone craving something heartier.
The restaurant opens at 3 PM Monday through Thursday and at noon on weekends. A fireplace, kids’ menu, live music, and plenty of free parking round out the appeal.
6. Carillon Brewing Company, Dayton, OH
History buffs, this one is for you. Carillon Brewing Company sits inside Carillon Historical Park at 1000 Carillon Blvd in Dayton, and it recreates historical recipes with staff dressed in period costume.
The kitchen focuses on European comfort food, so fried sauerkraut balls fit right in. Pair them with the German soft pretzel braid and cheese sauce for a classic combo.
Other menu picks include a Reuben, a wurst platter, loaded mac and cheese, smoked wings, and the Carillon Burger. It is an easy lunch stop during a day exploring the park.
Hours are Wednesday through Sunday from 11 AM to 7 PM, and it is closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Saturday afternoons are the busiest time, so weekday visits are calmer.
Free parking is available on site and on the street. I would save this one for a road trip that mixes Ohio history with a plate of the state’s favorite fried snack.
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