Mary A.

We met up on a Sunday afternoon here, since none of us have ever had German food before. Parking was a little busy since Sunday is San Carlos' farmers market day, but it was easy to get seated right at opening at 11 am. We opted to sit in their outdoor dining space, since it was a nice day but the overhead was covered, providing the perfect environment. It was our waitress' first day at the restaurant, but she did a great job attending to us! Most of us ordered schnitzels (I ordered a Chicken Breast Schnitzel) and a variety of beers. We also ordered the German Molten Cake and Apple Streusel to share for dessert. The schnitzels are Huge!! I only ate half of mine, saving the rest of it for a future meal. You can tell it was freshly breaded and cooked, and it went really well with the cream sauce. My friends all really enjoyed their schnitzels. The desserts were absolutely divine. The apple streusel was served warmed, which made it go well with the a la mode. The chocolate molten cake was freshly baked, and the chocolate ooze was perfect. This was a great spot to come out to experience German food! Nice unique find as there's not many German spots in the Bay Area.

Marie L.

Service is excellent, Food is good, not salty or heavy on any seasoning. Brats are also delish Good spot in San Carlos

Saba E.

Being from Vienna, Austria, it was absolutely unbelievable to us what was served to us as schnitzel. I have never seen schnitzel looking like this anywhere in Austria or Germany. I recommend the cook to just look up how schnitzel should look like and learn how to make it. Breading texture was off as you can see in the photo: Classic schnitzel (especially Wiener schnitzel) should have: * An even, golden-brown color * A puffy, airy, slightly bubbly crust Ours looked: * Patchy * Flat * Dark in spots and pale in others That usually means: * Oil wasn't hot enough * Not enough oil (schnitzel needs to "swim" a bit) * Breading wasn't properly fluffed (crumbs pressed too hard) I can't believe we paid for the worst schnitzel we've ever had a higher price than the best schnitzels we have eaten in best restaurants in Austria or Germany.

Diana M.

Wonderful service and intimate vibes. The potatoes are so delicious! The german rolls are a great pick for apps. I Loved the Hanover sausage. My partner got the Pork Schnitzel and enjoyed the jager Sauce with it. He mentioned it was very crunchy and super filling. Would love to be back to try more! Really recommend ig you've never had German food before. Lava cake for dessert is very sweet and split delightfully between the two of us.

Jack R.

Like my coworker said, the word "Bistro" for a German restaurant might mean it's like a cafe and to lower our food expectations. Came here for lunch and it was empty which is never a good sign. First off the service was great, no complaints there. The food however was very bland. The sausage I got tasted like underseasoned pork. That's it. The mashed potatoes tasted like they're from a TV dinner and so did the cabbage and sauerkraut. Just complete underwhelming. I'd rather have some name brand chicken apple sausage from a packet in the grocery store. My coworker's pasta was greasy and lukewarm, but I think the saddest dish was their strudel. Nothing like a cold apple strudel with like a couple of raisins and barely any flavor for like $10. More than underwhelming, just plain sad. Personally I can't see this place surviving in San Carlos.

Elena C.

Vibes: 4/5 Service: 2/5 Drinks: n/a Food: 3.5/5 Value: 4/5 Bistro Mitte means bistro downtown. But Mitte also means middle, which is a pretty appropriate rating for this place. Before I get to the food. I have to address the service, or better the lack of it. -I was completely ignored at the front door by the two staff members who just kept walking past me. -When approaching the bar to place my to-go order, the woman working behind the counter didn't immediately approach me when she saw me and instead straightened things. -There was no warm greeting when she finally came over. - Since the menu lists the German name of the dish I placed an order for the Schweinshaxe only to be corrected by her with a "You mean pork shank." ugh - No indication was giving how indication how long my to-go order would take. -I wasn't offered any beverage or water while I waited even though it was a hot day and it was rather warm inside the restaurant. There was ZERO German hospitality, which was very disappointing Food: -Bavarian Pretzel (4/5): the pretzel itself was pretty good. Some salt and Lauge, and was nice and soft. I also really enjoyed the mustard they provided. I'm not sure what the yellow dip was, but it looked and tasted like runny mayo rather than cheese. A hard pass! -Schweinshaxe (3.5/5): This was the main reason why I came here. A traditional haxe is rather large and has a ton of crispy skin (my favorite part) encasing juicy pork meat. To my disappointment, they don't give you the full shank (the portion was small) and it was pretty much skin-free. There was a small piece of skin on the side which was very soggy, indicating that they don't just bake it as indicated on the menu, but likely braised (either fully or to finish it). The flavor was nice, but not at all what I was looking for. The accompanying mashed potatoes and red cabbage were good but in dire need of salt and pepper. -Honey cake (4.7/5): The cake itself was amazing: I'm not sure why they chose to cover the cake in raspberry sauce which overpowers the flavor of the cake. So when you place your order, ask them to skip the decor ;) I originally was impressed with the lower prices of the apps and main dishes compared to other German restaurants in the Bay Area. But after seeing how small and not authentic the Haxe was, I would rather get it from the other establishments. Not sure if I would try this place again due to the service, but the food is worth a try.

Elisa H.

My first time here and this restaurant makes a good first impression. First of all the service is attentive and the bread is great, but it is the herbaceous, garlic compound butter that was the standout item for the whole meal. I mentioned this and my waiter made certain to add an extra portion of the butter in my to go bag. Expect to take home leftovers because portions are large. I haven't had schnitzel since I was in Germany in 1984, but on this cold Sunday night, it sounded good. I opted for Jǎger Schnitzel with mushrooms and pork tenderloin. I also chose German style potato salad in lieu of house fried potatoes. The vinegary potato salad with pickles and capers had a little of textures, crunch and bright pops of flavors. Hungry as I was, I quickly consumed half of the elevated, crispy, tender pork - which stayed crunchy, even after dousing in the mushroom demi-glace. I brought home a huge meal for my son. A welcome new addition to Laurel Street offering unique German dishes.

Shylo B.

I wanted to try something different for my Birthday dinner. I felt like German food. Quick search and I find Bistro Mitte. The reviews look good on Yelp. There is some concern on other sites saying menu changed or name changed or something... I almost changed my mind but thought what the heck. What's the worst that can happen? It's no good? So we don't return.... I'm glad we went. There was three of us. We ordered some non alcoholic beers, they brought out bread that was hot and delicious with a herbed butter. We ordered apps 1. My husband got the Curry wursts- omg this is delicious! 2. I got the Spätzle - delicious. Yes its shape is different, but it's amazing! 3. Friend got the Lentil soup yum Dinner 1. Cordon bleu -fabulous 2. Chicken Schnitzel very tasty 3. Beef Rouladen amazing Black Forrest cake scrumptious! JayJay was super nice. Great atmosphere and excellent food.

Takako S.

Six of us had a wonderful lunch on Monday. We all agreed that the dining room was nicely decorated and very comfortable. The female staff was very patient with our many questions and helpful. Although we took forever to order, she was kind and pleasant. The food was really tasty! I had a beet salad and chicken schnitzelI with mushroom sauce. It was so good and also enjoyed the leftover later too! I would definitely return and like to try other items on the menu and beer/wine. Thank you!!

Stephanie F.

My friend and I were meeting up for lunch and since I had never been to Bistro Mitte, I suggested that we try it. She works in San Carlos and had never been either. We practically had the entire place to ourselves, since there was only one other small party there. Fresh bread and butter was brought to our table immediately after we ordered, which was a great start. The crust had a nice crunch and the herb butter was surprisingly very flavorful. We shared two entrees, the bratwurst and the portobello mushroom jager schnitzel. The bratwurst came with two plump sausage links, mashed potatoes, sauerkraut, red cabbage and German mustard. We also added the currywurst sauce. The portobello mushroom arrived with two deep fried mushrooms, Jager sauce, mashed potatoes and vegetables. Everything was incredibly delicious! The bratwurst were not dry at all! The sausage paired really well with the sauerkraut and both sauces. The red cabbage was perfectly seasoned and not too sweet. The portobello mushrooms had a great crunch and it wasn't greasy at all. The Jager sauce was really savory and tasty. I really enjoyed the vegetables that was served with the mushrooms. They were seasoned well and perfectly cooked, not mushy at all. Our server was very kind and didn't rush us at all. Overall, it was a very enjoyable experience. I ca't wait to go back with the family and try other dishes!

Karne N.

We stopped here for lunch today because it was convenient and we've been wanting to try this restaurant now for a while. We asked the waiter if it was possible to get service in time to be out an hour later for a kid's soccer game and he assured us we would be. He was right. The service was terrific. Our waiter was funny, personable, and very attentive. Because it was lunch, I did not choose one of the heavier dishes that I thought I would enjoy like rouladen, but instead picked the Thuringer bratwurst, which was accompanied by red cabbage, as well as white and potatoes. The dish was excellent, although given that Ditmer sausages always are excellent, I'm not surprised. What convinced me of the authenticity and quality of the cooking was the potato salad. If you don't find dill pickle and a very clear vinaigrette on a potato salad, it is not German. This most definitely was, and we loved it. The pork weiner schnitzel was also excellent as was the frankfurter sausage, although the thuringer had more flavor. The beer (Dunkle) we had was the perfect drink with the food. We all agreed to return soon for a full dinner. Great addition to Laurel Street!!

Elaine Y.

Went here after an afternoon of walking around Fioli Gardens so we were pretty hungry! Had reservations for 8 and got seated pretty quickly. The service was friendly and pretty fast. We got the Spaetzle and Bavarian pretzel (2) as appetizers! OMG they were amazing! The pretzel came with a cheese sauce and a honey dijon mustard. I would suggest - eating it with the cheese sauce first so you can get the flavor because once you dip in the honey dijon - you want that full on flavor! The pretzel was pretty spot on - we had gone to Germany and tried all kinds and this one was pretty good. The spaetzle was a little different than what I was used to? It was thin and long - like chopped up spaghetti noodles - where the ones I'm used to are more curled? BUT regardless the flavors were so good and texture was perfect. That caramelized onion in the sauce really makes the flavors POP!! Could have gotten another order but luckily we didn't. Most of us got either the schnitzels (Jager) or the German Beef Rouladen. Nephew just got the hamburger but he seemed to really enjoy it! :) First off the schnitzels were so tender and juicy on the inside and crunchy on the outside - and the Jager sauce (Mushroom) - honestly you can't go wrong. My dad LOVED the potatoes - the way they cut it had flavor all around. Needed a bit of salt but I love that they let you decide how salty you want it. The salad was "eh" with very little dressing but it provided me less guilt cause I did eat my veggies! :) We actually tried the pork and the veal. Veal was delicious - a bit thin but the pork was AMAZING. Very juicy and next time I'm going for the pork... Hubby and middle got the German Beef Rouladen - it's beef that has been pounded and rolled with their mustard, bacon, onions and pickles and came with a wine gravy/sauce on top of mashed potatoes - they also got veggies and pickled cabbage. I wish our schnitzel had picked cabbage - it was delicious - cuts the heaviness of the food and more effective that a a salad of spring greens. Overall we definitely will go back - in fact this will be my choice for girls get together when it's my turn to choose!! LOL

Amitaabh M.

Prost to the Pints, but the Brat Needs a Boost! If you're looking for a place where the staff are as warm as your first sip of gluhwein in winter, look no further than this bierhaus! The servers are a delight--like an Oktoberfest hug in human form. They've got a great selection of traditional German beers on tap, which is fantastic, because nothing says "I'm cultured" like sipping on a fine Pilsner while contemplating the mysteries of life. And for those who like to keep it classy, there's even a wine list! Because nothing says "Germany" like pairing your weinerschnitzel with a fine Cabernet, right? Speaking of food, it's a bit of a mixed bag. The weinerschnitzel? Pretty good! Crisp, flavorful, and makes you feel like you're in the heart of Bavaria. But then there's the bratwurst. Ah, the bratwurst. Let's just say it's not quite the wurst but could definitely be better. It's like they took a detour through Kansas before landing on my plate. I mean, I've had more authentic brats at a baseball game. So, come for the beers, stay for the banter, and maybe skip the bratwurst if you're a purist. Prost!