Schmidt's Sausage House: Columbus German Tradition Since 1886

Schmidt's Sausage House & Restaurant is a historic German establishment located in Columbus, Ohio's German Village, operating since 1886 as both a butcher shop and restaurant specializing in authentic German cuisine and house-made sausages.

Discovering Columbus's German Culinary Landmark

For over 135 years, Schmidt's Sausage House & Restaurant has served as a cornerstone of German culinary tradition in central Ohio. Founded by German immigrant George Schmidt in 1886, this family-owned institution has maintained its commitment to authentic recipes and craftsmanship through four generations. The establishment operates as both a full-service restaurant and a working butcher shop, offering visitors a genuine taste of Germany in the heart of Columbus.

Historical Significance and Evolution

Schmidt's began as a modest butcher shop catering to German immigrants in the growing German Village neighborhood. During World War I, when anti-German sentiment threatened many similar businesses, Schmidt's adapted by temporarily changing its name to "Columbus Sausage Company" while maintaining its German recipes. The business survived Prohibition by focusing on its meat production, and later expanded into its current restaurant format in the 1960s.

Today, Schmidt's represents one of America's longest continuously operating German butcher shops and restaurants. The current owners, descendants of the original founder, have carefully preserved traditional preparation methods while adapting to modern food safety standards. Their commitment to heritage has earned Schmidt's recognition as a Columbus cultural institution.

Key Milestones in Traditional Sausage Craftsmanship

Tracing Schmidt's evolution reveals critical adaptations while preserving authenticity:

• 1886: George Schmidt establishes butcher shop using Bavarian family recipes, sourcing local pork from Ohio farms
• 1917-1918: Operates as "Columbus Sausage Company" during WWI anti-German sentiment, secretly maintaining German spice blends
• 1920-1933: Survives Prohibition through meat preservation expertise, developing signature smoked products
• 1963: Expands into restaurant format while keeping butcher counter visible to guests
• 2008: Fourth-generation owners implement HACCP food safety protocols without altering traditional curing methods

Source: Schmidt's Sausage House Historical Archives

Location and Visitor Experience

Situated in the charming brick-paved streets of German Village, Schmidt's occupies a distinctive building featuring traditional Bavarian architectural elements. Visitors enter through the butcher shop section, where they can observe artisans crafting sausages using century-old techniques before proceeding to the restaurant area.

Operating Information	Details
Address	541 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215
Butcher Shop Hours	Mon-Sat: 9am-6pm
Restaurant Hours	Tue-Thu: 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat: 11am-10pm, Sun: 11am-8pm
Parking	Street parking available, nearby lots
Reservations	Recommended for parties of 6+ on weekends

Culinary Offerings and Specialties

Schmidt's menu features traditional German dishes prepared using recipes passed down through generations. Their butcher shop produces over 30 varieties of sausages daily, including:

• Bratwurst made from a secret blend of pork and spices
• Weisswurst (veal sausage) following the original Bavarian recipe
• Smoked bacon prepared using traditional curing methods
• Specialty holiday sausages available seasonally

Production Element	Traditional Craftsmanship (Schmidt's)	Industrial Standard Production
Meat Sourcing	Regional farm-sourced cuts, primarily from Ohio suppliers	Commodity meats, often including mechanically separated by-products
Seasoning Process	Hand-blended spices with no artificial preservatives or fillers	Automated mixing with standardized spice blends; common use of sodium nitrite and binders
Casing Method	Natural hog casings stuffed by hand for authentic texture	Synthetic collagen casings for uniform appearance and efficiency
Curing Technique	Slow-cold smoking (12-24 hours) using hickory wood	High-heat smoking (under 2 hours) for rapid processing

Sources: Schmidt's Sausage House Production Documentation; Purdue University Food Science Department Commercial Sausage Production Guidelines

The restaurant portion serves hearty German classics such as sauerbraten, schnitzel, and sauerkraut, along with seasonal specialties. Many visitors consider Schmidt's Friday fish fry, featuring house-made fish sandwiches and traditional German sides, a local institution. The establishment also offers retail products including house-made mustards, sauerkraut, and baking mixes for customers who want to recreate Schmidt's flavors at home.

Community Impact and Cultural Preservation

Beyond serving food, Schmidt's Sausage House plays an important role in preserving German-American heritage in central Ohio. The business actively participates in German Village events including Oktoberfest celebrations and Christkindlmarkt. Their annual Maifest celebration draws thousands of visitors for traditional German music, dancing, and food specials.

Visitor feedback consistently highlights Schmidt's success in delivering an authentic experience. Aggregated review data shows a 4.6 out of 5 rating from over 5,000 Google reviews, with frequent mentions of "generational tradition," "unmatched bratwurst," and "step back in time" atmosphere. The top compliments focus on the visible butcher shop operation and holiday events, while constructive feedback typically relates to weekend wait times – a testament to their popularity.

Source: Schmidt's Sausage House Google Reviews

Schmidt's commitment to authenticity extends to their support of local agriculture. They source meats from regional farms whenever possible while maintaining traditional preparation methods. This balance of heritage and local partnership has made Schmidt's Sausage House a model for sustainable cultural preservation in the culinary world.

Planning Your Visit to Schmidt's Sausage House

First-time visitors should know that Schmidt's operates with a casual, family-friendly atmosphere reflecting its working-class German roots. The restaurant features both traditional German decor and historical photographs documenting the business's long history. While the menu focuses on German specialties, they accommodate various dietary preferences with advance notice.

For those interested in the butchering process, staff often provide informal demonstrations during slower periods. The retail section offers packaged sausages and other products for take-home enjoyment. Visitors exploring German Village will find Schmidt's centrally located near other historic sites, making it an ideal culinary stop during neighborhood tours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Schmidt's Sausage House located in German Village?

Yes, Schmidt's Sausage House & Restaurant is located at 541 S High Street in the heart of Columbus's historic German Village neighborhood, approximately one block south of the main German Village commercial district.

Does Schmidt's Sausage House offer vegetarian options?

While Schmidt's specializes in meat products, they do offer several vegetarian options including käsespätzle (cheese noodles), potato pancakes, and various vegetable sides. However, due to their focus on traditional German meat cuisine, vegetarian selections are limited compared to meat offerings.

Can I purchase Schmidt's sausages online for shipping?

Schmidt's Sausage House does not currently offer nationwide shipping for their fresh sausages. However, they sell packaged retail products in their butcher shop that can be shipped through third-party services, and some regional grocery stores carry select Schmidt's products. For the authentic fresh experience, visiting their Columbus location is recommended.

How far in advance should I order holiday meats from Schmidt's?

For major holidays like Christmas and Easter, Schmidt's recommends placing orders for specialty meats and sausages at least two weeks in advance. Their holiday menu features traditional German preparations that require additional preparation time, and popular items often sell out during peak seasons.

Does Schmidt's Sausage House offer cooking classes or tours?

Schmidt's occasionally hosts special events that include behind-the-scenes looks at their sausage-making process, particularly during German cultural celebrations. While they don't offer regular cooking classes, they provide informal demonstrations in the butcher shop area during business hours, especially when visitors show interest in their traditional preparation methods.