
Otto's German Bistro
A cozy bistro in Fredericksburg serving creative German fare with locally sourced ingredients. Perfect for date nights or enjoying a unique culinary e...

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Otto's German Bistro

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A cozy bistro in Fredericksburg serving creative German fare with locally sourced ingredients. Perfect for date nights or enjoying a unique culinary experience.
"Experience inventive German cuisine in a charming setting, a must-try for food lovers!"
Secure a Table Early
Arrive early, especially for dinner, as they open at 4:00 PM. Reservations are recommended.
Consider Outdoor Seating
For larger groups, the covered patio offers more space and a pleasant dining alternative.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
German
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Creative German Twists
Experience unique German dishes like crispy duck schnitzel and flavorful sauerkraut balls with creative, modern touches.

Cozy Atmosphere & Patio Dining
Enjoy attentive service in a cozy interior or on the charming, covered patio, perfect for intimate gatherings.

Locally Sourced Ingredients
Savor farm-to-table German fare with a focus on fresh, local ingredients, offering a unique and sustainable dining experience.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Secure a Table Early
Arrive early, especially for dinner, as they open at 4:00 PM. Reservations are recommended.
Consider Outdoor Seating
For larger groups, the covered patio offers more space and a pleasant dining alternative.
Dog-Friendly Patio
Dog owners can enjoy the patio area, making it a great spot for a meal with furry friends.
Explore the Cocktail Menu
Don't overlook the exceptional cocktail menu, which often features unique and interesting ingredients.
Tips
from all over the internet
Secure a Table Early
Arrive early, especially for dinner, as they open at 4:00 PM. Reservations are recommended.
Consider Outdoor Seating
For larger groups, the covered patio offers more space and a pleasant dining alternative.
Dog-Friendly Patio
Dog owners can enjoy the patio area, making it a great spot for a meal with furry friends.
Explore the Cocktail Menu
Don't overlook the exceptional cocktail menu, which often features unique and interesting ingredients.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Otto's German Bistro offers creative German cuisine with a focus on local ingredients, praised for its unique dishes and cozy atmosphere. While many enjoy the innovative menu and attentive service, some find the prices to be on the higher side, and occasional service delays due to understaffing have been noted. It's considered a romantic spot, particularly for dates and special occasions.
"The food was great! I love the salmon poached egg toast (forgot the name of the dish)! The inside of the restaurant is a little crowded. If you have more than 4 people, I recommend you to sit outside. It was hard to move around with tight space between tables inside the restaurant. It’s right across the street from the museum. You can eat here and then go back to the museum if you like. Just remember to keep your ticket for re-entering the museum."
Enjoy Exploring
"The food was okay, some dishes worked better than others. There are several other German restaurants near by that have better food.
The service was lacking, multiple tables were seated, order, received their food, and left, before we received our entrees.
After about an hour of waiting we received our food and were told they were short staffed, I didn't really buy this are we watched as other tables that were seated after us receive the same entree that we ordered.
Additionally we were a party of two and waited about an hour to get our main entrees. In this time our server stopped by our table one time and we had to call someone over from the bar to check on our food.
The atmosphere is nice and intimate, the dining area is quite small but nice. The size of the restaurant added to our frustration as there were only 8 tables in the main dining area and it seemed like we were just forgotten about."
Zach Leners
"We stumbled across this place while in Fredericksburg for an anniversary trip and so glad we did! It was delicious! Most people here seemed to be on a date so I’d say this is a little more romantic than your average restaurant. It was also packed, so I was optimistic, because I had no clue what we were walking in to. Make sure to take a trip to this upscale farm to table restaurant. You won’t regret it!"
kat
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Signature dishes include the crispy duck schnitzel, sauerkraut balls, and wurst plate, all prepared with creative twists and locally sourced ingredients.
Yes, Otto's German Bistro features a covered patio that is dog-friendly and offers a pleasant dining experience, especially for larger groups.
Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends. They open at 4:00 PM, and arriving early can help secure a table if you don't have a reservation.
Yes, vegetarian options are available. The chef can create dishes like a sauteed melange of vegetables and potatoes.
The restaurant is considered upscale, with prices reflecting the quality of ingredients and creative preparation.
Yes, Otto's is often described as a romantic spot, perfect for anniversary dinners and intimate evenings.
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Top Local Restaurants In Fredericksburg Texas
Given Fredericksburg’s strong German heritage, it would be a shame not to visit a German restaurant when dining out in the city, and Otto’s, a beautiful bistro serving authentic regional German and central European fare, is a particularly fine example. At Otto’s, traditional recipes are paired with locally grown produce and creative presentation, resulting in tempting dishes such as the Venison Klopse Appetizer, venison meatballs sourced from neighboring Luckenbach served with home fries, horseradish gravy and lingonberry jam, and the paprika schnitzel entrée of tender pork with spatzle, red cabbage, paprika gravy and pickled peppers. Wash down your meal with a local beer, wine or a handcrafted cocktail.
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At his bright and charming bistro, chef Henry Gutkin focuses on some of Germany’s lesser-known dishes, reimagined with creative, refreshing twists. Sauerkraut balls are served with sausage, whole grain mustard, and a dollop of crème fraîche; crispy duck schnitzel comes with red cabbage and spaetzle; and a wurst plate features house-made bratwurst, caraway sauerkraut, and homemade mustard. And while there’s plenty of beer here to keep your stein full, as well as a focus on German and Austrian wines, the exceptional cocktail menu should not go unnoticed.
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Otto’s German Bistro is where Fredericksburg’s German-influenced cuisine shines the most. Unlike other bars and bistros flanking Main Street, Otto’s understated interior pays homage to the city’s heritage with nary a flag in sight. Instead, Otto’s menu does all the heavy lifting.
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The Vaudeville-Living Bistro, located on a beautiful building on Main Street, provides a seamless blend of European elegance with the Texas Hill Country warm hospitality for retail and food. The Vaudeville building houses a boutique, the V Supper Club and Wine Club, and the Bistro provides daily lunch specials, pastries, and dinners. The food at the Vaudeville Bistro focuses on European-inspired cuisine, such as delicate French-inspired charcuterie and cheese boards to Italian beef carpaccio, pizzas, and vegan options catering to diverse eaters.
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Located in historic downtown Fredericksburg, Otto’s German Bistro continues the long tradition of German heritage in the area with its farm-to-table, organic, and sustainable menu in a cheerful, upscale environment. A more intimate and upscale option in the main downtown area, the bistro features a seasonal menu of German-inspired fare, such as a classic mushroom strudel with crispy phyllo and local wild mushrooms. Germanic and Austrian wine, artisan beer, and craft cocktails also enliven the scene.
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Otto’s is a great, casual restaurant – so good that you have to book your reservations early to secure a spot. Walk-ins are allowed, and the wait time for a free table is about 30- 60 minutes. A superb romantic spot in Fredericksburg for mid-morning Brunch, offering outstanding service, with indoor/outdoor sitting in the heart of Fredericksburg, TX. It’s also a popular date night bistro in Fredericksburg, and you will enjoy decent food and good ol’ German beer in a quaint environment.
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Farm-to-table German cuisine at this upscale bistro is served in a lively atmosphere that provides a fun experience for all!. Otto’s German Bistro serves up a seasonally focused menu of modern twists on traditional German and Austrian dishes, using ingredients sourced from local farms, ranches and artisans far and wide. German and Austrian wines, craft beers and carefully crafted cocktails add even more to your dinner experience while Sunday brunch is a can’t-miss.
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Otto’s German Bistro, set in a quaint house just a block off Main Street, exemplifies a modern take on German food, with its small, ever-changing menu featuring locally sourced ingredients. The duck schnitzel with spaetzle is a must-try specialty. (Two words: duck cracklins!) Otto’s also reigns supreme when it comes to craft cocktails, featuring an evolving cocktail menu that often highlights obscure and interesting ingredients.
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Otto’s German Bistro in Fredericksburg, TX is a culinary oasis that transports diners to the heart of Germany, without ever leaving Texas. The restaurant is a tribute to the traditional flavors and hearty cuisine of Germany, and offers a unique dining experience that is both authentic and innovative. Otto’s German Bistro is like a time machine that takes diners on a journey through the rich culinary history of Germany.
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Otto’s German Bistro has some of the tastiest food in the area; featuring dishes like duck schnitzel {pictured, above}, and ingredients sourced from local farms, you simply cannot go wrong. Best of all, the name, Otto’s, despite sounding like it’s inspired by the areas German heritage, is actually named after the owners’ former pet duck. Don’t worry, Otto the duck did not succumb to a future in schnitzel.
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Otto's German Bistro is a trailblazer in bringing farm-to-table German cuisine to the heart of Texas Hill Country. We are dedicated to sourcing fresh, organic produce locally from neighboring vendors. Our seasonally focused menu not only offers the authentic flavors of Germany and Austria but also takes you on a culinary journey through the Germanic cuisine of Alsace, Northern Italy, and even Texas.
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For an elevated German meal, Otto’s German Bistro does the job with variations on the classic theme such as sumptuous duck schnitzel. Hilda’s Tortillas serves up Tex-Mex plates, while Vaudeville Bistro puts its spin on contemporary New American cooking. Brunch at Fredericksburg Herb Farm, which also has cozily elegant cottages for sleep and play, and a stellar spa inspired by its own gardens.
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Otto’s is great place to go for upscale German fare with a farm-to-table twist. From bratwurst to schnitzel, the seasonal menu is a nod to Fredericksburg’s German heritage. It features the Germanic cuisine you find in Germany, Austria, Alscaem Northern Italy and even Texas.The cocktail and craft beer menu is also excellent, and they have a lovely outdoor patio as well as a stylish restaurant.
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Otto's German Bistro is a culinary haven that beautifully marries the rich heritage of German cuisine with the charm of the Texas Hill Country. This family-owned bistro offers a menu brimming with traditional German dishes crafted with a modern twist. From hearty schnitzels and bratwursts to mouthwatering pretzels and spätzle, Otto's showcases the flavors and culinary traditions of Germany.
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Another Fredericksburg restaurant, Otto’s (316 E. Austin Street) continues the tradition of fine dining using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, but their menu focuses on interpretations of Germanic and Austrian cuisine. Klopse, an authentic German meatball appetizer, is served with caper gravy and beet jam. Mustard, mushrooms, and root vegetables make appearances in other appetizers.
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If you’re looking for a local experience - BestFest takes place each October, where you’ll find all-you-can-eat specialty sausage and German sides at Marktplatz, or the Doss Fish Fry which takes place each September bringing thousands to rural Doss Texas for fried catfish and free beer while you wait or an entire festival dedicated to peaches at the Stonewall Peach Jamboree each June.
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Fredericksburg is rich in German heritage, so you know we need to have a German-inspired restaurant on the list. Otto’s is a fantastic bistro that serves authentic German and central European cuisine. All of their ingredients are locally sourced, and dishes include Benison Klopse Appetizer, venison meatballs, horseradish gravy, and lingonberry jam, and a paprika schnitzel entree.
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You can’t go wrong with duck schnitzel at Otto’s, an upscale bistro plump with hard-to-find-elsewhere German offerings. Otto’s hand-breaded duck breast sits on a shallow bed of käsespätzle (German-style mac n’ cheese) and rotkohl ( red cabbage). And if you’ve had too much schnitzel already, opt for the Wurst Platte – wild boar wurst, mashed potato, and house-made German pickles.
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Just off Main Street, Otto’s German Bistro is like an elevated version of an oma’s kitchen—if Granny also had exceptional taste in wine. The menu changes seasonally but the wurst platte is a mainstay, beloved for its heavy helping of sausage, German potato salad and housemade sauerkraut and spicy mustard. For dessert, stop by Pritzer Sweet Shop for their sweet German pretzel.
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Enjoy premium food at Otto’s German Bistro alongside their wide selection of delicious wines. You can also choose from a wide range of their entrees, including the duck schnitzel, seared ora king salmon, and beer-braised short rib. You can also choose from their wealth of appetizers as you wait on your order or one of the fabulous cocktails to enjoy with your main course.
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Otto’s German Bistro introduced the farm-to-table German cuisine ( What Wine Pairs Perfectly With German Cuisine) to the Texas Hill Country. They are dedicated to locally sourcing fresh, organic produce from neighboring vendors. Their seasonally-focused menu showcases not only German and Austrian cuisines, but also cuisines from Alsace, Northern Italy, and Texas!
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Otto’s German Bistro serves fine dining combined with an extensive wine list. A variety of dishes are available for you to select from, such as the beer-braised short rib, seared ora king salmon, and duck schnitzel. While you wait for your order, you may also select from a wide variety of appetizers or one of the amazing cocktails to go with your main course.
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Helmed by a chef from Dusseldorf, Otto’s is a great restaurant for dinner in downtown Fredericksburg. This upscale bistro offers modern German specialties like duck schnitzel and Bavarian beef soup along with other European dishes on a menu that changes regularly. Many ingredients come from nearby farms in the Hill Country, which are highlighted on the menu.
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Otto's German Bistro is an upscale bistro serving Germanic cuisine in a convivial setting. With a seasonally changing menu, we source quality local meat and produce as well as the finest organic and sustainable ingredients available. Our Beverage program features an extensive German-Austrian wine list, craft beers, and handcrafted cocktails.
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Sample the authentic flavors of German cuisine at the popular Otto’s. This fine dining establishment is extremely popular among both locals and visitors for its widespread menu inspired by European cuisine. Everything from the ambiance to décor, food to wines, and seating arrangement to lighting welcomes you to have a memorable experience.
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Austin St. (www.ottosfbg.com; tel. 830/307-3336), does a contemporary spin on traditional German cooking, with a weekly changing menu that relies on local and organic products—you might find duck schnitzel with apple-mustard lyonnaise sauce for a main course, Cambozola cheesecake for dessert. The killer cocktails alone justify a visit.
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Started in July 2013 by local couple Evelyn and John Washburne, Otto’s has truly made a name for itself as a Fredericksburg staple. Serving authentic yet incredibly creative German dishes, the menu is seasonal so you are sure to try something new each time. If you are a wine or foreign beer connoisseur, then Otto’s will be your heaven.
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Immerse yourself in the authenticity of German cuisine when you visit Otto’s German Bistro. For the most traditional, farm-to-table German-inspired fare in all of Texas Hill Country, Otto’s is your best bet. By combining Austrian wines, German beers, creative cocktails, the dining experience is paralleled to that of dining overseas.
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And north of Main on Austin Street, John Washburne has established a burgeoning fine-dining district with Otto’s German Bistro and La Bergerie, a wine bar that cures its own charcuterie. Washburne’s mother, Leslie, owns the Hoffman Haus, a multi-cottage inn and wedding venue that’s aimed, its website says, at “discerning guests.
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Otto’s German Bistro offers farm-to-table German cuisine on a seasonally-focused menu crafted by the culinary team. They are dedicated to using local, organic produce, as well as only high-quality product sourced further afield, and I can highly recommend this dining experience as one of the best restaurant’s in Fredericksburg!
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On our first night, we had dinner at Otto’s, a recommendation from my friend Amy. We started off with their Flammkuchen (flatbread with crème fraiche, cambozola, gruyère, caramelized onions, arugula candied bacon, aged balsamic). It had all the ingredients I normally love, but I thought the flavors fell a bit flat.
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If you ask the residents where to eat German food in Fredericksburg, TX, and have a great meal, this is likely to be mentioned. Otto’s is a relatively newer premium restaurant on the culinary scene, having launched in 2013, but it’s already a crowd favorite. What is their area of expertise?
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Otto's German Bistro offers a farm-to-table dining experience, serving Germanic cuisine with a modern twist. The seasonally changing menu features locally sourced meats and produce, complemented by an extensive selection of German and Austrian wines, craft beers, and handcrafted cocktails.
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Looking for an excellent outdoor dining experience where you can enjoy the weather as you eat in Fredericksburg?. Otto’s is famous for its ambiance and its mouth-watering foie gras. It is located at 316 E Austin St and is considered one of the best German restaurants, TX, by the locals.
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Otto’s was the first restaurant in Fredericksburg to introduce farm-to-table German cuisine to the Texas Hill Country. Their menu changes seasonally. You won’t have trouble finding a drink to pair with your food thanks to their large selection of wine, cocktails, and craft beers.
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Otto’s offers a modern take on traditional German cuisine, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients in a cozy bistro atmosphere. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a more refined, modern restaurant with some truly high-quality ingredients. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
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If you ask the locals where to eat German food in Fredericksburg, TX, and have a fantastic dining experience, chances are this name will come up. Having opened in 2013, Otto’s is an upscale bistro that is slightly newer on the culinary scene, but it’s already a crowd favorite.
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Embrace the German heritage of Fredericksburg at Otto’s German Bistro. This cozy eatery combines old-world charm with a modern culinary approach. Indulge in classic German dishes like schnitzel and bratwurst while savoring the romantic atmosphere of this charming bistro.
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Extensive list of German-Austrian wines, craft beers, and handcrafted cocktails. Otto’s German Bistro is a masterclass blending European cooking and Texas hospitality. The convivial setting, with its elegant outdoor patio, is the classiest German restaurant in town.
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The German influence is strong here in the Hill Country as German settlers were the only ones able to co-exist with the native Comanche Indians who ran off others attempting to put down roots. Today, you’ll see examples of German culture everywhere.
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Located in downtown Fredricksburg Otto’s is an upscale German-style restaurant. Something that makes Otto’s one of the best restaurants in Fredericksburg is its intimate atmosphere. After all, this is one of the best German towns in Texas!
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Rathskeller Located in the basement of an old hospital with a few street-level tables, this snug, rustic spot serves up both German and American plates. For dessert, don't skip the famous peach bread pudding with homemade caramel sauce!
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Otto’s Bistro is an upscale German-style restaurant that is located in downtown Fredericksburg. A unique characteristic of the restaurant is its cozy and intimate atmosphere, ideal for a romantic evening or a memorable meal.
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I highly recommend Otto’s German Bistro if you want German cuisine in a fine dining experience. This farm-to-table restaurant creates a seasonally focused menu of traditional German and Austrian cuisine with a modern twist.
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Ottos is pretty well regarded as the "best" restaurant in FBG but their menu just never has pulled me in. had good experiences, but just not a menu that's for me. highly recommend a reservation, they use Tock
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Beef Brisket Tacos with Roasted Poblano Cremaat Otto’s German Bistro seamlessly marries Texan barbecue with Mexican influences, featuring tender brisket tacos topped with a flavorful roasted poblano crema.
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For a taste of Fredericksburg’s German heritage, dine at The Auslander or Otto’s German Bistro. After our early dinner, we retreated to our Airbnb for a relaxing evening in the hot tub and cowboy tank.
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Otto’s – Bistro style dining featuring creative European-German-inspired cuisine using locally sourced produce and meats. Menus change seasonally. Fine wines, artisan cocktails and craft beers.
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Otto’s German Bistro: For a taste of authentic German cuisine, head to Otto’s German Bistro. The cozy atmosphere and mouthwatering dishes make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
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316 E Austin St. Fredericksburg, TX 78624Traditional German fare sourced from local farms. Premium supper cocktails and entrees such as duck schnitzel and veal loin or beef tenderloin.
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I’ve never eaten here, but all of my friends and colleague rave about the menu. They’re located in a smaller space, so reservations are limited (more intimate dining experience).
Eat in
Otto's offers delicious Gourmet German fare made with care in Fredericksburg, Texas. Locally sourced produce and meats. Local Beers & Wines on Tap, Handcrafted Cocktails.
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With a seasonally-changing menu, Otto’s German Bistro sources quality local meats, organic and sustainable ingredients in a farm to table atmosphere.
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The joke goes like this: Ask people who know Fredericksburg where you can get good German food in Fredericksburg: “You can’t.” Keep laughing.
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Otto’s: Perfect for a lazy Sunday brunch, with items such as Lemon Ricotta Pancakes and fresh frittatas you’re in for a Fredericksburg treat.
Explore Fredericksburg with a Stay at
Cozy eatery offering fine German fare using locally sourced ingredients, with cocktails & a patio. 316 E Austin St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
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This cozy spot has fine German fare using locally sourced ingredients, with cocktails and a patio. 316 E Austin St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
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Otto’s German Bistro is a popular place – I’ve tried to go there twice but each time the waitlist was at least an hour long!
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