While visiting McGuire Air Force Base last week, we decided to try out a German restaurant just minutes outside of the gates.
At first glance (hell, even second glance), Sebastian’s did not seem appealing. The exterior was overly decorated. To the point that I almost left the restaurant without stepping inside.
My coworker and I had a quick conversation about visiting another eatery. We ultimately decided to give Sebastian’s a try. I questioned my decision after entering because the interior was more gaudy than the exterior. The place was way over decorated. It reminded me of my grandma’s house.
There was a counter straight ahead after entering. On the side of the counter was some baked goods.
We were instructed to sit anywhere and someone would be with us shortly. The restaurant appeared to be near capacity as there were about 30 guests already seated. There were two tables along the wall open so we grabbed one.
As we soaked up the ambience, a waiter made his way to the table for our drink orders, he provided menus (not pictured) as well. I requested a beer, but was quickly rejected. Sebastian’s only has non-alcoholic beer. Customers are encouraged to bring their own beer or wine, if they would like to drink.
The menu was expansive but a little on the pricier side. Since I was not terribly hungry, I went with the bratwurst and sauerkraut. My coworker ordered the pork schnitzel sandwich.
While we waited for the food to be delivered, we met the owner, Sebastian. He was quite the character. A customer at the table behind us accidentally dropped the pepper shaker on the ground, causing it to break. As she apologized, he assured her it was ok because had it been salt we would all have problems. 😂
He soon came by to check on us. After asking what we ordered, Sebastian jokingly asked why we only requested two items. He then went on to ask if we were broke. 😂 Sebastian then offered us a complimentary bowl of goulash.
As he brought the goulash, my coworker thanked him while I was deep into my phone. He balked before putting it on the table. Addressing me, Sebastian stated he would walk away and return with the goulash but I needed to say thank you as well. Here’s the second exchange.
Sebastian: Hey guys, here is the goulash I promised.
Me: Oh, thank you so much for the dish.
Sebastian: That was fake. I will leave again, when I return please look me in the eyes and then say it.
Me: (laughing hysterically)
Third encounter…
Sebastian: Hey guys, here is the goulash I promised.
Me: (looking into his eyes) Thank you so much for the goulash.
Sebastian: That was much better. I hope you enjoy this FREE goulash.
Me: (more laughter)
The goulash was kind of bland, but really good. I found the different ingredients worked well together. This was my first time ever having the dish.
Our food was delivered a few minutes later. The bratwurst was plain but the sauerkraut and spicy mustard added more than enough flavor to the dish. I ended up taking most of the food to go because there was so much of it.
My coworker stated that her schnitzel sandwich was delicious. It appeared a bit dry to me, but she assured me that it was not.
We finished our meal and prepared to leave, it was at this time that Sebastian asked if I had gotten enough pictures of the restaurant. I assured him that I had. 😆 He thanked us for visiting the restaurant and asked us to return.
Final Word
I did not have high hopes for Sebastian’s Schnitzel Haus after seeing the decorations. It would have been a mistake to leave the restaurant without giving it a try. While the food was ok, the fun atmosphere Sebastian created was something I have not experienced in many restaurants. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience, decorations and all.
