Killmeyer’s Old Bavarian Inn
Killmeyer’s is one of the most famous German restaurants in Staten Island. Prior to our group visiting this well-acclaimed restaurant, we were under the impression, that it appealed to only the German ethnicity, and that we would feel very out of place. However, fortunately for us, we couldn’t haven’t been more wrong, and Killmeyer’s was very culturally diverse. This restaurant has done a wonderful job of opening itself up to the community through the aesthetically pleasing scenery, welcoming and helpful staff of employees, and heavy culturally based menu. In other words, there was something for everyone, adding to the overall appealing and pleasant atmosphere. We, as the customers, felt a sense of ease when we entered into this eatery, but more importantly, got a taste of the German culture, as well as a brief background of the history of Germany. Similar to other cultural restaurants we have visited, Killmeyer’s, welcomed all ethnicities with open arms, making the experience at Killmeyer’s, one to remember.
The wide range of clientele and the variety of dishes truly made this an “American” restaurant as much as it is “German.” The Vegetarian menu options and Salads didn’t present themselves as anything exclusively “German.” The waitresses were dressed in traditional lederhosen while the male waiter were in a black shirt and slacks. This added a fitting contrast to the “German American” restaurant. Needless to say, the German influence was everywhere at Killmeyer’s. At the beginning of the dinner the waitress brought over pretzels and Dusseldorf mustard (much like the ones we tried at the Tenement Museum) which served as the German version of bread and butter at any Staten Island Italian restaurant. For an appetizer, potato pancakes were recommended, rightfully so since they were delicious. And peculiarly enough, they were served with sour cream and applesauce.
One dish, the “Weinerschnitzel” was noted on the menu, as a “Classic German dish” and it had to be one to try. The combination of veal and eggs, though not as ordinary as peanut butter and jelly, were a delicious mixture. The side dishes that came along with the Weinerschnitzel were fried pasta and steamed vegetables. Veal was the classic meat used in Schnitzel, however other options like beef and pork were also available.
We were also glad to discover that our waitress had no issue with opening up to us about the cultural background of the place and answering a couple questions for us. We first asked about the bar, and if there was a difference between lager beer and American beer. She told us they had nine spots on tap (draught) and 150 bottled beers, which included all the familiar beers, such as Budweiser and the like,
which are all lagers. She mentioned there were many varieties of German beer and told us about one particular one called Kolsch, a light beer made only in Germany. She also pointed out the motto above the door lintel. She said that it means “Beer is a gift from God.” We asked if she felt the place gives good insight into German American culture, to which she said yes, because
they try to integrate American favorites with German tradition to make an enjoyable atmosphere, giving the example of flamkuchen, German pizza. Finally, we asked about the outfits we had seen. She stated that her dress is called a dirnol and that freulines wear them in Germany. The men were wearing what is called lederhosen, which are like short shorts with crisscrossing suspenders and a hat with a small feather. She said it is most commonly used for Oktoberfest, the celebration of beer and lager.
A great option for the guests (of age) here at Killmeyer’s is the Beer Garden where beer lovers of all cultures can come and enjoy a wide variety of beers and have a great time with friends and live music. This “Biergarten” is placed on a well-kept outdoor patio with a gazebo and bar. The structure of the building is actually quite a difference from the way it first started. The first page of the menu gives you a quick history of the restaurant and how it started as a small barbershop saloon in the 1850’s. After being traded from family to family, it was turned into an inn and finally renovated and restored into the Killmeyer’s we know today.
