It has been called “Plano’s little strip mall gem” by Dallas Observer. The Dallas Morning News has reviewed it twice, giving it praise each time. My time at the Bavarian Grill in Plano was a German treat that left me satisfied albeit, a few pounds heavier.

There is a reason why the Bavarian Grill is ranked so highly by so many people throughout the internet and was voted The Best German Restaurant in America for 2009 by GermanDeli.com. It’s just that good. Bavarian Grill is easy to find yet, with the construction around the area, it’s hard to get to. Of course, when I found it, I had to do a double take to make sure I was in the right area. It’s located in a strip mall between a prosthetics office and Fitness 4 Life (ironic), but Bavarian Grill is its own island of German cuisine and culture.

I like saying the word “schnitzel” so I ordered the Jager Schnitzel. For those who wonder, no, they do not use Jagermeister. Instead, this breaded treat is made with a rich sauce and a copious amount mushrooms. I must say that the Bavarian Grill lives up to its claim of having the largest schnitzels in Texas. It took me what seemed like a happiness-filled forever to finish off the schnitzel. The Bavarian Grill has a huge menu and plenty of choices for everyone including vegetarian and gluten-free menu items.

German beer is a large part of the culture and for anyone who might refer to themselves “beer connoisseurs,” the Bavarian Grill is a “must try.” Bavarian Grill offers over 60 different brands of German beer which made choosing my beer the hardest part of my visit. They also have three domestic American beers but ordering one of those would be like bringing a McDonalds cheeseburger to a restaurant known for its filet mignon. After minutes of deliberation, I eventually went with a dunkel “dark” beer named “Franziskaner Hefe Dunkel.” It had a bit of a spice taste and was not too heavy, which I enjoyed. They also have a gluten-free beer and three different kinds of alcohol-free beers.

Bavarian Grill has a “Stein Club” which one become a part of after drinking all Bavarian Grill has on its “Bier Card.” Members of the Stein Club receive a personalized ceramic stein, preferred seating on weekends, free use of the Bier Book Library among other perks. Of course, it will take me awhile to become a member of the Stein Club, but I suppose every man needs a goal.

Wine aficionados also have a club which is called the Wein Club. Bavarian Grill has a plethora of choices of German wines and once you have a glass of all of the choices on the “Wein Card,” you are awarded with your very own “Wein Glass.” Bavarian Grill also has a plethora of schnapps and liquors though there is no club for drinking all of the liquors.

Bavarian Grill hosts happy hours, contests and parties. One particular event that the Bavarian Grill is hosting is the regional qualifying matches of “Masskrugstemmen.” This is an event in which you hold a liter Stein of Bier with one completely stretched out arm that is parallel to the floor. These matches are held at 9:00pm every Friday night fron July 9th until August 13th and at 8:00pm on every Wednesday night from July 14th until August 11th. Or if you and at least 4 friends make yourselves known to the manager on duty, an impromptu Masskrugstemmen match will be held.  If you happen to see me at Bavarian Grill, then I challenge you and your friends to Masskrugstemmen!

So, in closing, I highly recommend the Bavarian Grill for anyone who is looking to experience the best in German cuisine, bier and culture.  The atmosphere is light and an all-around fun place for family and friends to gather.

Bavarian Grill
221 West Parker Road
Plano, Texas
75023 * (972) 881-0705