Some desserts are small enough to finish in three bites. The cream puffs in one corner of Columbus are not those desserts.
They are so big that people drive hundreds of miles just to order one, and many carry a second one home in a box. The spot behind them has been run by the same family for about 140 years, and it sits inside an old brick building in a neighborhood full of houses from the 1880s.
There is live oompah music, servers in traditional German outfits, and a dessert counter that tempts almost everyone on the way out. Keep reading to learn where this place is, why its cream puffs became famous, what else is worth ordering, and a few smart tips that can save you a long wait at the door.
A Brick Landmark on Kossuth Street
Every legend needs a home base, and this one sits at 240 E Kossuth St, Columbus, OH 43206, in the United States.
The name on the sign is Schmidt’s Sausage Haus Restaurant, a German eatery tucked into the heart of the German Village neighborhood.
It is officially listed as a German restaurant, not a bakery. Still, the dessert case has earned it a reputation that rivals any pastry shop in the state.
The building itself is a former livery stable, which means horses once lived where diners now sit. That history gives the place a sturdy, old-fashioned look from the curb.
German Village is a small community of homes that date back to the 1880s. Brick streets, tidy houses, and old storefronts surround the restaurant on every side.
The setting matters here, because the neighborhood and the restaurant feel like part of the same story. Many guests spend time strolling nearby streets before or after their meal.
The kitchen serves Bavarian fare, and the dining room hosts live oompah acts. It is casual, unfussy, and proud of it.
So the address is simple enough to find. The harder part is deciding what to order once you get there, and the cream puffs usually win that debate.
Five Generations of Schmidts
Family businesses rarely last a decade. This one has lasted about 140 years.
Schmidt’s is described by its own owners as a 140-year family business. The recipes date back to the days when the family ran a meat packing house.
Today, Kyle Schmidt signs his messages as the 5th generation of the family. That detail alone says a lot about how personal the operation still is.
The owners have never claimed to be cutting-edge. Their goal is to serve sausage made the same way it has been made for well over a century.
That steady approach is part of the charm. Guests come for dishes that have not been reinvented every few years.
The history is also on display inside the restaurant. The family has preserved it and shared it with guests in a tasteful way, so the past feels present without being stuffy.
There are even photo opportunities built into the experience. Plenty of families leave with pictures along with their leftovers.
It is rare to find a place where the name on the door still belongs to the people running it. Here, the story is not a marketing line but a family tree that keeps growing.
The Jumbo Cream Puff Phenomenon
Here is the star of the show. The cream puffs at Schmidt’s are the single most talked-about item on the menu, by a wide margin.
They are huge. Many people describe them as a massive mountain of filling tucked inside a pastry shell, easily the size of a fist.
The restaurant is known for offering a variety of these jumbo cream puffs. Flavors go beyond plain cream, which keeps regulars coming back to try another.
A chocolate version features a filling that guests call light and smooth. A peanut butter fudge option is packed with airy peanut butter cream.
The fame traveled far. The cream puffs gained national attention after an appearance on the TV show Man v.
Food.
That exposure inspired serious road trips. One fan made a 1,025-mile round trip mostly for the dessert.
Not everyone thinks they are perfect. A few folks feel the shell could be fluffier or that the hype runs a bit high.
Even so, the size alone makes them a spectacle worth seeing in person. Ordering one feels less like dessert and more like a challenge you accept with a fork in hand.
Why Your Cream Puff Needs a Box
Smart diners plan ahead. After a full German meal, a fist-sized dessert can feel like a lot.
That is why so many guests take a cream puff home. Regulars recommend grabbing one to go even if you think you cannot manage it after dinner.
The good news is that they travel well. One long-distance fan confirmed a cream puff can survive a very long drive home.
Ordering to go is simple. Guests often pair a boxed cream puff with other take-home items like applesauce.
This approach also solves a common problem at the table. You get to enjoy your meal fully without rushing through dessert.
Families sharing a table sometimes split one cream puff and box another. It is a practical way to sample more than one flavor.
Leftover planning might not sound exciting. At Schmidt’s, though, it is basically part of the tradition.
Think of the to-go box as the encore after the main performance. The show continues at your kitchen table the next day.
Sausages Made the Old Way
Sausage is in the name, so skipping it would be a little odd.
The sausages at Schmidt’s follow recipes from the family packing house era. They are made the same way they have been for generations.
A popular choice is the sausage sampler, which lets diners try several varieties on one plate. Sweet, savory, and spicy options appear side by side.
Currywurst is another draw. Guests who have never tried it before often find it flavorful without being too hot.
Opinions vary, and that is fair. Some call the sausages outstanding, while a few see them as a solid classic rather than a revelation.
The owners openly embrace that honesty. They serve tradition, not trends.
For first-timers, a sampler is the easiest way to find a favorite. It also leaves room, in theory, for that giant dessert.
Tradition sits right on the plate here. Every link is a small connection to a family business that started long before anyone had heard of food TV.
Starters Worth Ordering First
Appetizers at Schmidt’s have their own fan club.
Pretzel bites are among the most popular starters. They are an easy pick for groups who want something to share.
Sauerkraut bratwurst balls are another favorite. Many guests single them out as a highlight of the entire meal.
Potato pancakes also come in an appetizer size. That smaller portion is handy if you want a taste without committing to a full plate.
Not every starter wins universal praise. Some guests find the potato pancakes less impressive than the rest of the menu.
Still, starters are a great way to explore German flavors. They set the tone before the heavier dishes arrive.
Groups often order two or three to pass around. It turns the first part of the meal into a friendly tasting round.
Just pace yourself. Somewhere behind the kitchen doors, a cream puff is waiting for its moment.
Plates Beyond the Sausage
Sausage may headline, but the supporting cast is strong.
Wiener schnitzel shows up often on tables. Sauerbraten with spaetzle is another traditional option on the menu.
German potato salad is one of the most mentioned sides. Some find it buttery and memorable, while others notice a tangier style than they expected.
The sweet and sour cabbage includes apples. Potato soup comes loaded with bacon.
There is also a Reuben that guests call hearty. A meatloaf made with applesauce in the mix has its own loyal fans.
Portions are large. Many people leave with containers, and prices are often called reasonable for the amount of food.
A platter known as the Bahama Mama shows the playful side of the menu. It proves the kitchen has a sense of humor along with its history.
Variety is the quiet strength here. Even picky eaters in a group can usually find something that fits.
The Buffet Question
Can’t decide? The buffet exists for exactly that problem.
Schmidt’s offers a buffet option at both lunch and dinner. At one recent point, it cost about $25 per person.
Many guests love it. Regulars who return every year for conferences name the buffet as a main reason they keep coming back.
It works well for first-timers who want to sample a little of everything. Sausages, sides, and classic dishes can all fit on one plate.
Not everyone agrees it is the best route. Some diners prefer ordering fresh from the menu instead.
Prices can change, so it is smart to check the current rate before you go. The restaurant website is the best place to confirm.
A buffet also moves quickly, which helps on busy nights. Less time waiting means more time talking.
Buffet or menu, both paths end at the same place. The dessert counter is always the final stop.
Oompah on the Menu Too
Dinner comes with a soundtrack at Schmidt’s.
Live oompah acts and polka music are part of the experience. Accordion music often plays while guests eat.
Some staff members wear traditional German clothing, including lederhosen-style outfits. Not everyone dresses up, but enough do to add to the theme.
The dining room has old wood, snug booths, and exposed brick. Many say it feels like a tavern somewhere in Germany rather than Ohio.
That lively mood has a trade-off. The room can get crowded and loud on busy nights.
Tables sit fairly close together. Booths help create a bit of separation.
For families and groups, the energy is part of the fun. Kids and grown-ups alike tend to enjoy a meal with live performers.
Quiet date night? Maybe choose an off-peak hour.
For everyone else, the music is half the reason to show up.
Desserts Past the Cream Puff
Cream puffs get the spotlight, but they do not have the dessert stage to themselves.
German chocolate cake is one of the most mentioned sweets. Apple strudel also earns plenty of praise.
There is an extensive deli and dessert counter with many options to go. Guests often stop there on the way out.
Across from the restaurant, you will find a gift shop and a fudge shop. That makes the block a small shopping trip of its own.
Many people recommend saving room for dessert. Others simply buy extra and take it home.
The counter also stocks deli items. It is a handy place to grab goodies for later.
Families visiting from out of town often use it for souvenirs. Edible gifts tend to be popular.
So if a cream puff feels too big, there are smaller paths to a sweet finish. No one has to leave empty-handed.
Beating the Wait Like a Local
Popularity has a price, and here it is usually measured in minutes.
Waits of 20 to 35 minutes are common during busy times. Sunday evenings and holidays can fill the house quickly.
The best trick is the online wait list. Guests can join it through the restaurant website before they arrive.
Some people join the list while parking and find a table ready when they walk in. It is a simple step that saves a lot of standing around.
Early dinners help too. Even at 5 pm on a Sunday, tables are already filling up.
Waiting does not have to be dull. The neighborhood is pretty, and many guests stroll around German Village until their table is called.
Plenty also take a drive through the area after eating. The streets are worth seeing either way.
A little planning goes a long way. The cream puff will still be there, but your patience might not be.
Hours, Parking, and Other Handy Details
Practical details can make or break a visit, so here they are.
Schmidt’s opens every day at 11 am. It closes at 10 pm Tuesday through Saturday, and at 9 pm on Sunday and Monday.
Parking is available in a small lot on site. It sits behind the restaurant building, which is easy to miss.
Street parking nearby is another option. Some guests park about 10 minutes away and walk in.
Bar seating is available for smaller groups or solo diners. That can sometimes speed things up.
Prices are generally considered reasonable, especially given the large portions. Service is often described as friendly and attentive.
The restaurant has even welcomed a well-behaved dog with open arms. Call ahead or check the website if you plan to bring one.
Current details, menus, and the wait list all live at schmidthaus.com. A quick look before heading out saves surprises.
A Sweet Case for Going
Some restaurants chase trends. Schmidt’s keeps doing what it has done for about 140 years.
The result is a place that thousands of people clearly love. With more than 12,000 opinions posted online, it holds a strong 4.7-star average.
The appeal is a mix of things. There is family history, a former livery stable, live oompah music, and hearty German plates.
Then there are the cream puffs. They are the reason many first-timers walk in, and the reason plenty walk out carrying a box.
It is not trying to be fancy. The owners say so themselves, and guests seem to appreciate that honesty.
Families, out-of-town travelers, and longtime locals all find something to like. The neighborhood adds even more reason to linger.
Go hungry, join the wait list, and take a walk on the brick streets. Save room for dessert, or better yet, plan to bring it home.
A fist-sized cream puff is a fine reason for a road trip. At Schmidt’s, it is also a delicious slice of Columbus history.
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