01/31/09

Such a disappointment

by Lillietta

So disappointed! I ordered the Schweinbraten and the pork was old! My friend ordered the Jagerbraten (I think it's called - or Jagetschnitzel) and that wasn't good either - very plain. The decor and atmosphere is so very promising and none the food was fresh, including the red cabbage. If only the menu would live up to the decor. Felt very ripped off. Fresh food is badly needed with much better seasoning.

• Pros: Lovely ambience and decor
• Cons: Bad food

10/05/08

Best German Food

by youngtcer

The servers are down-to-earth, the portions are good...you pay a little more for the quality and the 'ethnic' experience. But it's worth it. This is as St.-Paul as it gets. Great location, they will even accomodate mid-sized groups with a reservation. Very pleasant experience all-around if you like German food or beer. Nothing bad to say!

• Pros: Authentic German Food, great atmosphere and location near downtown St. Paul
• Cons: Hard to find

08/23/08

Great Selection, Fun Atmosphere

by fizgigg

I read the most recent reviews and was a little worried but a friend and I were going to be in the area and as she works at another local German restaurant, we decided to go and compare anyway. I was pleasantly surprised. The menu is extensive and differs from Gastof's menu (I was hoping they weren't the same), the tap and imported bottled beer list has a good variety, and the atmosphere was enjoyable. I've never had Spargeltoast before but believe I will be returning for more! The large windows and German trinkets makes for a bright, cozy feel and the bar brings aged charm to the place. WIth light fare running $8 - $13 and entrees for $12 - $20, I would bring anyone curious about German food in to St Paul to the Glockenspiel. I cannot account for authenticity, but my taste buds certainly were pleased!

• Pros: Food, Atmosphere, Parking lot available

04/10/08

Don't Go - I got sick!

by MarieClare

For several years, this has been our favorite place to go for a beer or to gather the family for dinner. But, there have been changes in the last year (new ownership, we're told) - food presentation and flavor lacking and temperature of food not appropriate - as well as staff turnover. We were last there on March 30 - I ordered the braised pork - a lot of food just heaped on the plate - and became ill even before I left the place! Once home I called to let them know I was sick and they may not want to serve the braised pork again today. I asked for a call from management and am still waiting for that call. I even placed a comment at their own website and left contact information - nothing. I cannot recommend a restuarant that cares so little about their customer.

07/12/07

Do Not Go!!

by amianecki

Looking for a good German meal, my family and I decided to go to this local restaurant, rather than traveling to a proven, delightful German restaurant in Stillwater. We were very disappointed in the attempt to create a German atmosphere; the funeral home across the street had more appeal than this place. Our food was a huge disappointment, also. The appetizer, Wurstteller, contained a nice assortment of meats, but was only served with crackers, not the traditional bread. It was acceptable. We each ordered pork; I did not try my sister's Jagerschnitzel, as she claimed it tasted funny. My Schweinebraten was very fatty and tasteless, and my husband's Schweinshaxe was overcooked. The traditional German gravy was substituted for some over-salted, American brown gravy. After eating some of our meals, we decided to have the Black Forest Torte. Yuck! It was dry, bitter, and the cherries were disgusting. At least they didn?t screw up the beer. $100 wasted! Save your time and money...go to Stillwater.

• Pros: German Beer
• Cons: The food

01/24/07

Friendly service Ok food

by mattm

Servers are freindly but the food is not very German and is only average. Schnitziel was under cooked and soggy and vegtables were cold.

• Pros: Service, German atomsphere
• Cons: food

Downtown St. Paul German favorite offers pounds of pork and plenty of gemutlichkeit.

by Contributor

In Short
Housed in a Czech and Slovak fraternal hall that's a designated historic landmark, Glockenspiel's location fits its spirit. There's murals of bucolic Old World farm scenes and German script on beer tap handles. Royal blue tablecloths that match the servers' aprons as well as the light fixtures on the tin ceiling. Five of eight menu entries feature pork, plan on eating pork, but there's also a fish platter, chicken pork shank and cabbage.

03/27/06

User review by headcase

by headcase

Glockenspiel is a great neighborhood bar and restaurant. Unfortunately, I've noticed a price increase--tap beers that used to be $3 are now $5. The food is standard fare: not bad, but not incredible. It really depends on what you order. Don't get the dumplings with mushroom sauce--terrible. The friday fish fry is a bit dry, but fun, and the fries are thin & sometimes too crispy to eat. My biggest complaint is the absence of a busboy. Basic things get missed--glasses of water, silverware, menus, etc. Silverware arrived a few minutes after my meal on my last visit. Overall, I really like this place. It's not crowded when the Xcel packs all the nearby bars. I hate when I go there and there's no place to sit because the staff is taking up all the available seats.

• Pros: cool place, beer selection, ambience
• Cons: no support staff

10/31/05

Loved It!

by debrasmith

We went for a late dinner, on Sunday and it was great! They don't serve dinner as long on Sunday's and you have to put up with the fact that you might not get to have the daily special. But it was still great! The fruit and cheese appetizer was fresh. The meal was perfect and the service was great (of course there was only one other table when we got there)! We took our young son and the waiter was wonderful at helping him find something on the menu, weiners and fries!

My mom was German and her mother was from the old country and I was completely taken back to my childhood growing up. Really worth the trip. The beer of course was outstanding as well.

• Pros: Wonderful Building, Great Service, Tasty Red Cabbage

09/26/05

Neat Ethnic Place!

by haronik

I came here with some relatives who live in the area and came away with a full stomach. Turns out they are almost regulars and for good reason. All the dishes looked delicious and I could only have one! I will definitely come back.

• Pros: Ambiance, Ethnic Dishes, Many Beers
• Cons: So much food!