House of Gerhard in Kenosha

After thinking about it for a moment I thought this restaurant deserved it's own thread.

Cathy2 wrote:CSD,

Going ever so slightly south to Kenosha, there is House of Gerhard German restaurant when Route 50 turns NE and continuing east is 75th St. What do you think of their offerings?

House of Gerhard
3927 75th Street (Hwy. 50)
Kenosha, WI 53142
Phone: (262) 694-5212
Fax: (262) 694-5201

Regards,

Happened to be in the Kenosha area and after a day of fun in the outdoors we had a strong need for feed.

Our first choice was Frank's Diner. What a great little gem but we were running too late as they close at 2:00 pm. I am going to have to make a special trip to give it a try.

Our second choice was The Spot and we were actually parked with a carhop at the window but My Bride was not too fond of the prospect of eating in the car. She was in the mood for a nice sit down dinner.

So I was out of programmed spots and we were looking for a place while driving back to the highway and once I saw House of Gerhard I know that would be our destination as the old school German exterior just shouted out at me.

Parked, entered thru the lounge area and into the dining room. The place was full at just before 6:00 and we were told that there would be a 45 minute wait. We grumbled a bit, talking amongst ourselves and the hostess mentioned, that if we didn't mind, we could be seated at a table near the coat rack and not too far from the front door.

We gladly accepted! It wasn't that breezy at all.

Menu's in hand and drink orders in there began a progression of complementary appetizers. From the kidney bean salad to the fresh baked dinner rolls (served cold) and peach mini muffins. Also there were crackers with a liver pate. A nice little tray of small garlic toast rounded out the offerings.

All the above items were well prepared and tasty! Set the mood for the evening.

A traditionally garbed waitress in the German vein came along with a menu board that was placed next to the table and offered explanations of the specials offered.

The Beef Rouladen caught my eye as well as one of my friends and the Beef Stroganoff, My Brides. Smoked Pork Chops and Mahi Mahi Salmon rounded out our orders.

Everything was great without a miss in the group. The Rouladen included 2 beef rolls and managed to avoid the dryness that the thinner cut of meat will often bring on. A personal favorite for me and My Bride was the Beef Stroganoff. A rich and flavorful gravy served with the meat in a small side cast iron skillet. We both agree it was the best we have ever had. I am not a fan of sour cream but it had been blended into the gravy very nicely.

Some side notes, The dinner salads were filled with several extra items (including a slice of pickled beet), the soups rich and filling. The spaetzle was a bit on the soft side and could of used a touch more butter.

I was the only one with enough room for dessert and ordered the special of the day, apple pie which was served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. Good buttery crust with a nice tartness to the filling.

All in all one of out better 'outdoor activity outing' dinners and a must visit anytime we are in the area.

Awesome! But what would you expect from a German restaurant in Wisconsin.

http://www.houseofgerhard.com/

Hi,

Thank you for taking one for the team. I have passed House of Gerhard countless times and never went in. Your report just placed it higher on the list of places to visit in Kenosha.

Sometimes the German exteriors on restaurants are rather theatrical with the food inside less than exciting. Equate this to tpeople's response to the Irish-ish pubs popping up all over Chicago. Often regarded with a show-me response until tested.

I hope to go there sometime soon.

Regards,

One major oddity....no beer on tap......in a GERMAN restuarant...found that odd..

The next time you're in the Kenosha/Racine area, visit the Deli Station in Racine. Go for the corned beef sandwich on rye, imported from Detroit. If you've even been to Zingerman's, you don't have to ask.

Deli Station
1516 State Street
Racine, WI 53404
262.634.0075
Monday 10:30am-3:00pm
Tues-Sat 10:30-8:00pm
Closed on Sunday
http://www.czerniec.com/2009/03/08/deli ... essen.html

chicagostyledog wrote:The next time you're in the Kenosha/Racine area, visit the Deli Station in Racine. Go for the corned beef sandwich on rye, imported from Detroit. If you've even been to Zingerman's, you don't have to ask.

Deli Station
1516 State Street
Racine, WI 53404
262.634.0075
Monday 10:30am-3:00pm
Tues-Sat 10:30-8:00pm
Closed on Sunday
http://www.czerniec.com/2009/03/08/deli ... essen.html

Hi,

I love these moments of internet circularity: this blog links to a Burt's Deli thread I originated.

While you compare this deli to Zingerman's, I am quite happy the prices are not Zingerman's level: "Regular sandwiches are generally priced at at about $8.25, and juniors at $6.25." Zingerman's is not shy to ask $12+ for a sandwich.

BTW - what do you think of Gerhard's?

Regards,

Cathy,

The corned beef is the same product found at Zingerman's. The rye comes from a Detroit bakery. I haven't been to the House of Gerhard in since 1980.

chicagostyledog wrote:The next time you're in the Kenosha/Racine area, visit the Deli Station in Racine. Go for the corned beef sandwich on rye, imported from Detroit. If you've even been to Zingerman's, you don't have to ask.

Deli Station
1516 State Street
Racine, WI 53404
262.634.0075
Monday 10:30am-3:00pm
Tues-Sat 10:30-8:00pm
Closed on Sunday

Actually, Deli Station is closed every day, at least until they pay their utility bills. Call first!

20 Jan 2010

Hi,

Thanks for the heads up. I was hoping to check them out next weekend.

Regards,