As entered Zum Stammtish I was hit with an overwhelming feeling of deja vu. Having spent time during my travels in Munich the restaurant felt so familiar to the classic Bavarian restaurants of southeastern Germany that I loved so much. Zum Stammtish located in the village of Glendale in western Queens is a true classic. This is a place that has it all . . . fantastic German cuisine, a wonderful atmospheric feel, and genuine high-spirited warmth. Zum Stammtish, means "Family Table" this year celebrates its 45th anniversary, it is a jewel, truly one of my favorite ethnic restaurants in NYC.

Zum Stammtish is large, but at the same time cozy. There are two main dining areas separated by an active bar. I prefer dining in the original "older" room which feels part Alpine hunting lodge, part Bavarian folk art museum. The other room is not as ornate, but ideal for large groups. In the original room I especially love the deep booths carved in heavy wood, and an array of stuffed animal heads (moose, wild boar) and classic beer steins. Please note the written inscription over the booth ""Lebe Gut, Lache Oft, Liebe Fiel" which translated is  . . . "live well, laugh often, love a lot." 

For my appetizer I had the traditional dish of Kasepatzle - which is comprised of pan fried Spatzle, cream and Emmentale Swiss cheese then topped with bacon and fried onion. Very hearty.

Zum Stammtisch does an outstanding job at preparing the Bavarian German classic dishes, such as "Kassler Rippchen" (smoked loin of pork served with potato salad and sauerkraut, or "Jagerschnitzel" (breaded veal cutlet with sauce of fresh mushrooms and veal stock), and an array of wursts, and the above, my personal favorite, Sauerbraten - the German translation "sour roast," the beef is marinated in wine/vinegar up to several days. The beef amazingly tender and the dark rich gravy so succulent. This is a dish highly recommend! It is served with potato dumplings and red cabbage. 

The restaurant goes to great detail in creating an atmosphere that feels as if you are truly transported to southern Germany. An array of paintings, pottery, beer steins abound. German music is played.

The waitresses are seasoned professionals are extremely warm and look right out of central casting of what you would expect from a Bavarian restaurant. Here is Nerina who has been at the restaurant for twenty years.

Football (soccer) is a very big part of the culture at Zum Stammtish as banners of several of Germany's clubs hang over the bar, such as; Bayern Munich, Hamburger SV, Hannover 96, Borussia Dortmund, Eintracht Frankfurt. And while you watch football there is a tremendous selection of German biers to choose from, including: Hofbrauhaus Original Lager, Hofbrauhaus Dunkel, Spaten Lager, Reissdorfer Kolsch, and several wheat beers. Over the bar there is also a painting of the late founder John Lehner who immigrated to the states from the village of Freising in Bavaria where he was a coppersmith. John passed away in 1993, his sons Werner and Hans now run Zum Stammtsch with the same love and sensibility on keeping it authentic, which it indeed is.

German language lesson - "Hello" (halo)  "Thank you"  (danke)  "Delicous"  (fostlich)

Interesting fact - There are 35 dialects spoken in Germany.

Address - 69-40 Myrtle Avenue Glendale (Queens)  (718) 386 - 3014