One bite and you’ll check your phone to see if you somehow landed in Munich.
At Bavarian Grill in Plano, schnitzel isn’t just a menu item — it’s the main event. Golden, crisp, and perfectly tender inside, each plate arrives with the kind of confidence that says, “Yes, this is the real deal.”
The dining room hums with clinking steins, hearty laughter, and the irresistible scent of bratwurst and warm pretzels. Portions are generous, flavors are bold, and the atmosphere feels like a festive European beer hall tucked right into North Texas.
Order the jägerschnitzel, raise a glass, and let the rich gravies and buttery spaetzle do the talking. By the time dessert hits the table, you won’t just be full — you’ll be plotting your return trip.
The Schnitzel That Started It All
Ask almost any regular at Bavarian Grill what they order first, and the answer comes fast: the schnitzel. Specifically, the Jager Schnitzel — a tender, pan-fried cutlet draped in a savory mushroom gravy that hits every note perfectly.
One reviewer even said it tasted “just like mom’s” — and her mom was from Dusseldorf.
The schnitzel here follows traditional Austrian-German preparation, meaning the meat is pounded thin, lightly breaded, and cooked until the outside achieves that satisfying golden crunch. The portion size is generous, and the gravy is rich without being heavy.
Paired with a side of Spaetzle, it becomes a full meal that feels both comforting and exciting.
What makes this dish stand out in a state full of BBQ joints and Tex-Mex spots is the sheer authenticity. The kitchen doesn’t rush it.
Reviewers have noted the food takes a little extra time, and that’s exactly the point — real German cooking is done with care. If you’re visiting Bavarian Grill for the first time, start here.
The Jager Schnitzel is the dish that turns first-timers into loyal regulars, one perfectly breaded bite at a time.
A Beer Selection Worth Raising a Stein Over
Germany and great beer go hand in hand, and Bavarian Grill takes that pairing seriously. The restaurant offers an impressive selection of German beers on tap and in bottles, ranging from crisp lagers to rich, malty dunkel ales.
One reviewer called the Weihenstephaner Hefe-Weizen “one of the best wheat beers I’ve ever had” — high praise from someone trying German food for the very first time.
During Oktoberfest season, the beer menu gets even more exciting. Seasonal brews rotate in, and the festive atmosphere makes every sip feel like a celebration.
Staff members are knowledgeable about the selections and happy to offer samples before you commit to a full pour — a thoughtful touch that takes the guesswork out of ordering.
Fair warning: the beer list is extensive, and the menu formatting can be a bit overwhelming at first glance. But don’t let that slow you down.
Ask your server for a recommendation based on what you usually enjoy, and they’ll steer you right. Whether you’re a craft beer enthusiast or someone who simply enjoys a cold one with dinner, the beer program at Bavarian Grill is a genuine highlight worth savoring slowly.
Prost!
Live Accordion Music That Sets the Mood
Some restaurants play background music. Bavarian Grill gives you a full-on performance.
Greg, the restaurant’s accordion player, has become something of a local legend. He roams the dining room, engages with guests, and even takes song requests — a personal touch that turns an ordinary dinner into something genuinely memorable.
One reviewer shared a story that perfectly captures the magic: she requested an old German folk song her grandfather used to sing to her as a child. Greg played it masterfully, and she cried tears of joy.
That’s not just entertainment — that’s a human connection built through music. Another reviewer described the polka band as “lively” and said they really engaged with the audience, keeping energy high throughout the night.
Even guests seated near the live music section rave about the experience. The accordion adds an unmistakable Bavarian charm that no amount of decor alone can replicate.
It makes the whole room feel festive without being overwhelming. If you’re planning a visit, try to time it for a night when live music is scheduled.
Sitting close to the performer is totally worth it — you might just end up dancing the Chicken Dance between courses.
The Schweinshaxe: A Pork Lover’s Dream
Schweinshaxe — or pork hock — is one of those dishes that sounds intimidating until you take the first bite. At Bavarian Grill, it’s a showstopper.
Reviewers consistently rave about the crispy skin, the smoky aroma, and the fall-off-the-bone tenderness that makes this dish a must-order for anyone who loves hearty, slow-cooked meat.
One guest described it as “super tender, crispy skin and smoky” and noted that the recommended sides paired with it perfectly. The kitchen clearly knows how to execute this dish properly — it takes time to get the skin right, and the team doesn’t cut corners.
The result is a plate that looks impressive and tastes even better than it looks.
Schweinshaxe is a traditional Bavarian staple, and finding an authentic version in Texas is no small feat. Most German-inspired menus in the U.S. skip it entirely because of the preparation time involved.
The fact that Bavarian Grill includes it — and does it well — speaks volumes about the restaurant’s commitment to genuine German cuisine. Order it with a dark beer and you’ve got one of the most satisfying meals Plano has to offer.
Just make sure you bring your appetite.
An Atmosphere That Transports You to Bavaria
Walking into Bavarian Grill feels like stepping onto a movie set — except everything is real. Nostalgic German decorations line every shelf.
Costumed staff weave through the dining room with steins in hand. Model trains run along tracks overhead, delighting kids and adults alike.
One reviewer said it felt like “dining at grandma’s” — cozy, warm, and full of personality.
The restaurant recently moved to a larger location at 3425 Premier Dr in Plano, and longtime fans were relieved to find the new space kept all the charm of the original. It’s bigger and more modern, but the Gemutlichkeit — that untranslatable German word for warmth and good cheer — is still very much alive.
The design manages to feel both spacious and intimate at the same time, which is a genuinely difficult balance to strike.
For families, the atmosphere is a big win. The model trains alone can keep kids entertained for an entire meal, giving parents a rare chance to actually enjoy their food.
For couples, it’s romantic in a quirky, unexpected way. And for groups celebrating birthdays or special occasions, the staff goes the extra mile — one reviewer had happy birthday played on bells, which she called “so cool.” The vibe here is simply unlike anything else in the DFW area.
Friendly, Knowledgeable Staff That Make You Feel at Home
Great food means little if the service lets you down — and at Bavarian Grill, the staff is one of the restaurant’s most celebrated features. Servers like Franklin, Lance, Abby, Tiffanie, Jordan, and Sabrina have each earned shoutouts in glowing reviews, praised for their warmth, patience, and genuine enthusiasm for helping guests navigate an unfamiliar menu.
For first-time visitors trying German food, that guidance is genuinely valuable. Knowing the difference between a Jager Schnitzel and a Wiener Schnitzel, or understanding which beer pairs best with pork hock, can make or break the experience.
The staff at Bavarian Grill doesn’t just take orders — they help craft the meal. They offer samples, make recommendations, and check in without being intrusive.
Of course, like any busy restaurant, service can occasionally feel stretched thin during peak hours. A few reviewers noted that servers seemed rushed or that wait times ran a bit long.
But the overwhelming consensus is that the team genuinely cares about making each visit special. The restaurant’s owners actively respond to every review — positive or critical — which signals a culture of accountability and pride.
When a restaurant takes that kind of care, it shows in how the staff treats every single guest who walks through the door.
Desserts and Celebrations Done Right
Saving room for dessert at Bavarian Grill is not optional — it’s a strategy. Reviewers have described the desserts as “insane,” which is high praise from people who just finished plates of schnitzel and Schweinshaxe.
The sweets menu rounds out the meal with traditional German-inspired options that feel indulgent without being over the top.
Birthdays are also a big deal here. One guest celebrated her birthday and had the staff play happy birthday with bells — a charming, unexpected touch that made the evening feel truly special.
The restaurant leans into celebrations with enthusiasm, and that energy is contagious. Whether you’re marking a milestone or just treating yourself, the team knows how to make moments feel meaningful.
The combination of great desserts and a staff that genuinely enjoys celebrating with guests makes Bavarian Grill an excellent choice for group dinners, anniversaries, and birthday outings. Keep in mind that the restaurant adds a gratuity charge for larger parties, which is standard practice for groups of that size.
Plan ahead, come hungry, and save space for something sweet at the end. After all, no authentic German meal is truly complete without a little something to finish it off on a high note.
The Sauerbraten That Slow-Cooks Its Way Into Your Heart
Some dishes demand patience, and sauerbraten is the perfect example. Bavarian Grill’s version features beef marinated for days in a tangy blend of vinegar, spices, and aromatics before being slow-roasted to fork-tender perfection.
The result is a deeply flavorful roast that carries both sweet and sour notes in every single bite.
Paired with traditional potato dumplings and braised red cabbage, this plate is a full German experience on one dish. Regulars often say it reminds them of Sunday dinners at a German grandmother’s table.
If you appreciate slow-cooked comfort food done right, this one is an absolute must-order.
Outdoor Patio Vibes That Bring the Biergarten to Texas
Not every Texas evening calls for sitting indoors, and Bavarian Grill knows that well. The outdoor patio area channels a classic German biergarten vibe, complete with communal seating and a relaxed, festive atmosphere that makes strangers feel like old friends by the end of the night.
On cooler evenings especially, the patio becomes the most coveted spot in the house. Guests sip cold German lagers under string lights while the faint sound of accordion music drifts outside.
It’s a surprisingly transportive experience for a suburb of Dallas. Grab a stein, find a seat, and let the evening take care of itself.