We are the MRLA Feature: Metzger's German Restaurant
Owner Name: John Metzger
Company: Metzger's German Restaurant
City: Ann Arbor
Year Founded: 1928
Website: metzgers.net
MRLA Member Since: 1955
What is your business’ niche/specialty?
We are in our in the 10th decade of serving traditional German food in a charming environment decorated with cuckoo clocks, steins, and plaques from Germany. In addition to serving savory German dishes from our family recipes such as Sauerbraten and Wiener Schnitzel, we offer steaks, prime rib, fresh seafood and incredible daily specials.
Why is the MRLA important to you and your business?
The MRLA is a wonderful support community and advocacy organization with a wealth of resources for current issues, the status of the restaurant climate in Michigan, and legal and professional leaders for small restaurant owners, like Metzgers.
The MRLA provides excellent training opportunities for our staff including ServeSafe. Especially during the last year and a half with the COVID-19 pandemic, the MRLA provides guidance and up-to-date information in the ever-changing rules and mandates for our industry.
Metzger's German Restaurant Highlights
Company: Metzger's German Restaurant
City: Ann Arbor
Year Founded: 1928
Website: metzgers.net
MRLA Member Since: 1955
What is your business’ niche/specialty?
We are in our in the 10th decade of serving traditional German food in a charming environment decorated with cuckoo clocks, steins, and plaques from Germany. In addition to serving savory German dishes from our family recipes such as Sauerbraten and Wiener Schnitzel, we offer steaks, prime rib, fresh seafood and incredible daily specials.
Why is the MRLA important to you and your business?
The MRLA is a wonderful support community and advocacy organization with a wealth of resources for current issues, the status of the restaurant climate in Michigan, and legal and professional leaders for small restaurant owners, like Metzgers.
The MRLA provides excellent training opportunities for our staff including ServeSafe. Especially during the last year and a half with the COVID-19 pandemic, the MRLA provides guidance and up-to-date information in the ever-changing rules and mandates for our industry.
Metzger's German Restaurant Highlights
- Four Generations of Family Dedication: Our Großvater (grandfather), Wilhelm Metzger, started the restaurant on Washington Street in Ann Arbor after he immigrated to the United States in the 1920s. Following in his footsteps, his son Walter Metzger took over the business in 1959 and then his son, John, took over in the 1980s and is the current owner. Ryan Dunkelberger, our nephew, is the Chef and is the fourth generation of the Metzger family dedicated to continue the legacy of the family. Our staff is also part of our family as well. Our managers, Betsey and Amy have been with Metzger’s for 40+ years! Our dedicated family and staff provide a friendly family environment.
- Traditional German food: Almost 95 years in business does not come by accident. People come to Metzger's and say that the food is just as good as, if not better than in Germany. We offer a variety of savory dishes such as Sauerbraten, Wiener Schnitzel, Zwiebelroastbraten, a variety of sausages, and so much more, all which come with side dishes such as spatzen (German noodles), potato pancakes, German fried potatoes, and many traditional small salads from German recipes. People come from miles around to taste our traditional Pig Hocks. We feature specials such as Short Ribs and Königsberger klopse. German desserts such as Apple Strudel, Black Forest torte and bread pudding are also a customer favorite.
- German Beer and Wine: German food tastes even better with German beer and wine. We have a full bar service and a large beer and wine selection. We have an excellent selection of German draft and bottle beer. Drink out of a glass or stone stein or get the large boot – a fun drinking tradition. Prost!
- Steins, Steins, More Steins, and Cuckoo Clocks: When you walk into Metzger's, you walk into a gallery of German steins, plaques and clocks. Several hundred steins and German memorabilia of all shapes, sizes, and colors decorate the shelves and were collected by our family for over 90 years. Children love looking at and hearing the cuckoo clocks, all timed to go off during your visit. Upon entry, there is a hand-carved German sign that says “Gut Trinken und Essen ‘tu Nicht Vergessen” – “Good eating and drinking is not to be forgotten.” A motto we stand by every day through good cooking, good service and a warm and welcoming environment.
- Not just your Typical German Food: Customers are surprised at the unique menu options and daily specials that Metzger's serves. German food is definitely worth coming in for, but our other dishes and daily specials are also things to rave about. We prepare daily fish specials and our Prime Rib rivals all the nearby steak houses. Metzger's is a place that everyone can find something to love.
