What San Francisco might lack in autumnal leafiness, we make up for in our love of Oktoberfest and German food. Schroeder’s has been the go-to place for German food lovers in San Francisco since 1893, when many a gentlemen quaffed a few Barvarian style ales with friends. The original structure was destroyed by the 1906 earthquake and fire, before being reopened at its current location of 240 Front Street by Henry Schroeder, who was actively involved in downtown San Francisco’s reconstruction. And once 1970 rolled around, ladies could finally enjoy a beer too as they finally starting letting women in.

With two Dames with German heritage (Dame Alix and Dame Shona!), we knew a trip to Schroeder’s was in our future. Dressed in our finest dridnls, the Dames descended on Schroeders ready for boots of beer and some oh-so-good dark bread and schnitzel.

The potato pancakes were divine and if they’ve been served since 1893, we understand why Schroeder’s is still around! The spaetzle was unusual for its inclusion of tomatoes and corn (not very authentic) and alas, the dessert was not to our liking.

The biggest bummer was when the boot of beer arrived….. in a normal glass mug. Not the classic glass boot! But no worries! We’ll be happy to come back again for another stein full of good ale!

UPDATE 9/15 from Dame Baby Doe: Schroeder’s Restaurant closed for a few months after the Dame visit and underwent an extensive remodel and now offers “upscale German-influenced fare.” From the photos it looks like the remodel has retained some of the original decor…. the Dames will investigate and report back!

Overall Dames aux Gateaux Rating (1, lowest – 5, highest)
Ambiance – 3 Dames forks
Service – 3 Dames forks
Food – 2 Dames forks
Cocktails (well… Beer) – 4 Dames forks
Dessert – 1 Dames forks

Dame Baby Doe – “The dessert looked delicious but tasted like dirty socks”

Schroeder’s Restaurant
240 Front Street
San Francisco, CA 94111
http://www.schroederssf.com