Though small, Hirschens Restaurant Wirtsstuben in Parsberg, Germany, offers ample seating. Reservations are recommended, but the service remains consistently reliable. (Lydia Gordon/Stars and Stripes)
On a recent Monday evening in the German town of Parsberg, a famished companion and I were searching without success for an open restaurant.
Our predicament prompted us to decide that the ever-reliable traditional German hotel restaurants were our best option. This resolve brought us to Hirschens Restaurant Wirtsstuben, less than 15 minutes from the U.S. Army garrison in Hohenfels.
Stepping through the automatic doors, we were enveloped by a warm, cabin-like ambiance. The entrance was adorned with chairs and desks displaying books, delicate deer figurines and bottles of wine, coupled with the soft glow of cozy lamplight.
Deer figurines throughout Hirschens Restaurant Wirtsstuben in Parsberg, Germany, complement the restaurant’s rustic charm. (Lydia Gordon/Stars and Stripes)
Deer figurines adorn the interior throughout Hirschens Restaurant Wirtsstuben in Parsberg, Germany. The restaurant is in a hotel and serves traditional cuisine made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. (Lydia Gordon/Stars and Stripes)
An outdoorsy theme throughout Hirschens Restaurant Wirtsstuben in Parsberg, Germany, creates an atmosphere of rustic charm. (Lydia Gordon/Stars and Stripes)
That was the moment I realized this meal might be a tad more upscale than I had anticipated. Having arrived close to the beginning of dinner hours, we sat in the nearly empty restaurant at a table right near the bar.
The outdoorsy charm of the entrance seamlessly carried into the restaurant, where the decor featured an abundance of deer motifs and historical imagery.
Once we received our menus, we didn’t waste any time deciding. I went for the classic German schnitzel, while my friend was instantly drawn to the pretzel cordon bleu.
Every meal at Hirschens Restaurant Wirtsstuben in Parsberg, Germany, begins with a selection of fresh bread and house-made herbal butter. (Lydia Gordon/Stars and Stripes)
Our rumbling stomachs were appeased by a plate of fresh bread paired with a fragrant herbal house butter. The bread had an interesting flavor I couldn’t quite place, but it was satisfying nonetheless. The main dishes were served soon afterward.
My pork schnitzel was served as two generously sized, golden-brown fillets accompanied by cranberry sauce, potato salad and a side of fresh, marinated greens.
The cranberry sauce added a nice sweetness that complemented the savory pork, while the potato salad, a true German classic, proved a magnificent companion to the main dish.
My friend, an unabashed lover of all things pretzel, was thoroughly delighted with her entree. The salty crust, schnitzel and creamy, melted cheese encasing the veal were a splendid ingredient combination. The generous portion left her full, with enough to box up for later.
When I found myself back in Parsberg for the second time in a week, I decided another visit to Hirschens was in order. Just like before, my friend and I were seated immediately, even without a reservation.
The ribeye steak at Hirschens Restaurant Wirtsstuben in Parsberg, Germany, is served with a flavorful sauce, blending savory and sweet. (Lydia Gordon/Stars and Stripes)
This time, we opted for a more American-style meal, choosing a ribeye steak with french fries. Initially tempted to split a tomahawk steak, a shareable-size cut from the rib that can range up to 45 ounces, we learned that it must be ordered a day in advance. So something to keep in mind for future visits.
Once again, the meal did not disappoint. Both of our steaks were cooked medium-rare as requested and paired with a fruity sauce that offered a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors.
A creamy cappuccino at Hirschens Restaurant Wirtsstuben in Parsberg, Germany, makes for an excellent palate cleanser for dessert. (Lydia Gordon/Stars and Stripes)
Hirschens Restaurant Wirtsstuben in Parsberg, Germany, has jars of complimentary candies, allowing guests to top off a meal with a touch of sweetness as they hit the road. (Lydia Gordon/Stars and Stripes)
Not quite ready to end the evening, I followed the European tradition of enjoying a post-meal cappuccino. The coffee was the perfect conclusion to yet another satisfying dinner.
Before leaving, I couldn’t resist making a quick stop at the bar — not for a drink, but to grab a small packet of gummy worms from a vase of complimentary candies. It was a charming final treat to enjoy as I made my way across the street to my car.
The inviting bar at Hirschens Restaurant Wirtsstuben in Parsberg, Germany, offers a quaint spot to enjoy a drink, surrounded by warm lighting and rustic charm. (Lydia Gordon/Stars and Stripes)
Hirschens Restaurant Wirtsstuben, located at the edge of the main street in Parsberg, Germany, offers a cozy atmosphere and serves traditional German cuisine daily. (Lydia Gordon/Stars and Stripes)
Hirschens Restaurant Wirtsstuben in Parsberg, Germany, provides a cozy ambience and serves traditional German cuisine seven days a week. (Lydia Gordon/Stars and Stripes)
Hirschens Restaurant Wirtsstuben
Address: Marktstrasse 1a, Parsberg, Germany
Hours: Daily, 7-10:30 a.m.; 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.; 5:30-9 p.m.
Prices: Breakfast buffet is 27 euros per person; evening appetizers range from 8 to 14 euros, and entrees cost between 18 and 35 euros. The pretzel cordon bleu costs 25 euros; schnitzel is 29 euros; and the steaks ranged around 35 euros.
Information: Phone: +49 9492 6060; Online: tinyurl.com/mr423v9s
