If you crave a plate that crackles at the first fork tap, East Side Restaurant in New Britain delivers a schnitzel that means business. This lively German haven blends steins, songs, and serious culinary standards into one unforgettable evening.
You will be greeted with smiles, spirited cheers, and a menu stacked with Old World comfort. Come hungry and curious, because the details here are what make the story worth savoring.
The Schnitzel Standard: Thin, Crisp, Golden
The schnitzel at East Side Restaurant is pounded thin, breaded with care, and fried to a clean, audible crunch that never tastes greasy. Each plate proves the kitchen respects timing, oil temperature, and resting, so your cutlet arrives crisp as lace.
Lemon wedges arrive ready to brighten every bite.
You can choose classic pork or chicken, with options like Jaeger gravy or a simple squeeze of citrus. The coating stays intact when cut, a small signal that technique matters here.
Pair it with spaetzle or mashed potatoes and let the juices mingle.
Service moves briskly, keeping schnitzel hot from skillet to table. Portions feel fair for the price, and the plate looks inviting rather than overloaded.
You will notice that first crunch and understand why regulars insist on it.
Ask your server about schnitzel specials, since seasonal sides and gravies rotate. If you like a lighter bite, split one and add potato pancakes.
For newcomers, start plain to appreciate the craftsmanship, then return for mushroom gravy next time. It is a masterclass in restraint and confidence.
Potato Pancakes and Starters That Set the Tone
Before schnitzel, open with potato pancakes that balance crisp edges and tender centers. They come with apple sauce and sour cream, a sweet-tangy duet that keeps every bite lively.
Add fried mozzarella, corn fritters, or wings if your table runs large.
Complimentary cottage cheese with crackers and sweet German slaw sets an old-school welcome. The ritual feels generous, like a pregame to the main show.
It helps if you are dining with kids, since snacks arrive quickly.
Order times are steady even during Oktoberfest highs, though weekend waits can happen. The staff coordinates starters well, staggering plates so the table shares in stride.
Portions are shareable without becoming a meal by themselves.
If you like variety, build an appetizer spread with potato pancakes at the core. Mix textures: something fried, something creamy, something pickled.
You will appreciate how these openers preview the kitchen’s balance of comfort and brightness, priming your palate for schnitzel or pot roast.
Year-Round Oktoberfest Energy
East Side keeps Oktoberfest spirit alive regardless of the calendar. Expect lively chants, accordion melodies weaving through the dining room, and servers who lean into the fun.
If you want quiet, ask for the calmer room, otherwise embrace the beer hall vibe.
Boots and steins amplify the spectacle, but be mindful of glassware charges. Ask clearly about deposits or fees before ordering a liter in a boot.
That way, you enjoy the show without surprises on the bill.
Families fit right in because the energy is celebratory rather than rowdy. Kids tend to watch the music, clap along, and nibble appetizers between cheers.
It feels like a friendly club you joined at the door.
Plan ahead on weekends, especially during fall, when reservations disappear quickly. If upstairs seating is open, it adds breathing room and a different vantage on the action.
You will leave humming a chorus and plotting a return, ideally with more friends at the table.
What to Order Beyond Schnitzel
There is depth here: Sauerbraten with a tangy-sweet gravy, German pot roast braised until spoon-tender, and goulash with paprika warmth. Red cabbage brings gentle acidity, while spaetzle soaks up sauces like a sponge.
Even picky eaters find comfort with accessible sides.
Daily specials often layer seasonal vegetables or feature roasts that sell out early. If you like richer flavors, choose Jaeger sauce over schnitzel or pair pot roast with mashed potatoes.
Ask your server for pairing tips based on beer availability.
Portions trend reasonable, not oversized, which keeps the meal balanced. That lightness means dessert can still happen, like Black Forest cake.
Consider splitting mains so you can sample more plates.
If you want a Bavaria sampler experience, order one traditional entree and one American-leaning pick. Rotate bites and notice how tangy cabbage and buttery spaetzle reset your palate.
You will appreciate the kitchen’s comfort-first approach without losing nuance.
Beer, Boots, and Smart Ordering Tips
The beer list covers German classics and seasonal styles, with liters that make the night feel celebratory. Order a liter if you love the ritual, but mind your pace.
The staff encourages fun, and you should still listen to your limits.
About the boot: ask upfront about any extra glassware fees or deposits. Transparency keeps everyone smiling when the check arrives.
If you prefer smaller pours, go half-liters and try multiple styles.
Pairings are straightforward: crisp lagers with schnitzel, malty festbiers with pot roast, and dunkels with sauerbraten. If you like contrast, a hefeweizen’s clove notes are great with potato pancakes.
You can always ask for a quick sampling recommendation.
Weekends get busy, so order refills when you are a third from empty. That keeps the flow smooth without interrupting the accordion show.
Responsible choices ensure the only headache you take home is from singing too loud.
Atmosphere: Lively, Welcoming, Themed
From wood-paneled rooms to lederhosen-clad staff, the theme reads Bavarian without feeling like a gimmick. Music threads the space, and chants spark spontaneously.
You can choose a quiet room or a community room depending on your mood.
Servers orchestrate a lot: large groups, family celebrations, and date nights. They keep the energy supportive and playful.
It feels like hospitality practiced as a team sport.
Décor details reward a wandering gaze. Steins, banners, and historical touches create layers that feel collected over time.
It is the kind of place where regulars claim favorite corners.
If crowds are not your thing, arrive early on weekdays. The vibe softens then, and you can linger over conversations.
Regardless, the welcome remains warm, and you will sense pride in every hello.
Pricing, Portions, and Value
East Side sits roughly in the midrange, with most mains under thirty dollars. Portions are balanced, not oversized, which keeps meals comfortable.
Appetizers are easy to share and help stretch value across a group.
Expect some items to feel premium when paired with steins, especially during busy nights. Clarify any add-ons like boot glass charges before committing.
That small step helps align expectations with fun.
Lunch hours on weekends can be a smart budget play for families. Weekday evenings are calmer and sometimes come with specials.
Ask your server about seasonal promotions or set menus.
If you prioritize quality over quantity, you will feel satisfied. The kitchen executes classics with focus, letting simple techniques shine.
That kind of confidence turns a fair price into a good deal.
When to Go and How to Book
Check hours before you plan because Mondays are closed and opening varies by day. Thursday and early weeknights are calm, while Friday and Saturday bring the big energy.
Sundays feel family-friendly with a shorter evening window.
Reservations are wise for groups, especially during Oktoberfest season. Decide between the community room and the quieter room when booking.
If you want live accordion nearby, request it politely in your notes.
Parking is tight, so arrive early or plan for nearby street spaces. Be patient on busy nights, as turnover can slow with group celebrations.
The staff manages the flow but cannot create spots.
If upstairs outdoor seating is open in warmer months, pounce on it. The fresh air adds a relaxed twist to the beer hall vibe.
You will thank yourself for planning ahead when the music starts.
Desserts and a Sweet Finish
Save room for desserts that swing classic, like Black Forest cake layered with cherries and cream. It is sweet but not cloying, especially after savory mains.
Ask about rotating sweets if you want something lighter.
Pair dessert with coffee or a final half-liter to stretch the night. The mood often crests with one more song.
That last bite lands like a period at the end of a cheerful chapter.
If you are splitting plates, dessert becomes the table’s encore. Portions make sharing easy, and you can always box leftovers.
Kids will rally for one more forkful of chocolate.
When you step out onto Dwight Street, the music might still echo in your head. That is the sign of a night well spent.
A crisp schnitzel, a shared toast, and a slice of cake complete the story.