Posted in Columbus
November 13, 2017
The Most Delicious All-You-Can-Eat Dining Experience In Columbus You’ll Absolutely Love
This restaurant has been serving the city for five generations, won countless awards, and carries a dish that has been voted as the official food of Columbus. Oh, and yes, they serve an all-you-cat-eat buffet that is quite incredible. Can you guess what I’m talking about? It’s the Autobahn Buffet at Schmidt’s Sausage Haus und Restaurant!
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If you're surprised to find such a heavy German influence in Columbus, don't be. Many German immigrants came here in the early-to-mid-19th century, and at one point they made up nearly one third of the city's population. German Village was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974 and was made a Preserve America Community in 2007.
As you might expect, the Sausage Haus is particularly well known for, well, it's sausages. With all kinds of flavors, spices, and textures, the sausages available at the buffet are incredible. You will be tempted to try them all, but be forewarned: there are so many, you might not be able to taste to them all in one visit!
You'll see salads, a soup or two, and plenty of other German sides, like sauerkraut and mashed potatoes.
This is a traditional half-pound jumbo cream puff. Made with a fluffy dough and the most finger-licking smooth sweet filling, the cream puff comes at a discount to customers who order the buffet. Word to the wise: split this delicious monstrosity with a friend!
Order a glass or try an assortment with the beer sampler. You'll find many classic German style brews to choose from.
Staff wear traditional Bavarian outfits and you'll often find live entertainment as well. You will witness an authentic joyful German dining experience.
J. Fred Schmidt was born near Frankfurt, Germany and came to Columbus in the early 1880s. He opened the J. Fred Schmidt Meat Packing House just around the corner from where the current restaurant is located. The restaurant was opened by J. Fred’s grandson, George F. Schmidt, in 1967. It is currently run by the fifth generation of the family.
Lots of the recipes for other items on the menu were also brought from Germany by staff who were hired to run the restaurant when it first opened.
The Bahama Mama was voted the official food of Columbus! It is the perfect sausage, with just the just texture and the right amount of spice.
The food truck serves many parts of the city, as well as festivals and events. If you can't find time to check out the whole Autobahn Buffet, definitely look for the truck. The Bahama Mama is always available.
Schmidt’s Sausage Haus und Restaurant is located at 240 E Kossuth St., Columbus, OH 43206. Reservations are not accepted, so be prepared for a bit of a wait if you visit during busier hours. You can always wander the beautiful streets of German Village while you wait.
Have you eaten at this incredible buffet? Share your experience with us in the comments below. Prost!