A reason to leave the 'haus'

With spring already at hand and summer quickly approaching, many students are looking for new places to go and a change from the typical weekend fare of movies and clubs. Luckily for those students, there are many destinations throughout Columbus that provide an alternative to the campus scene.

Located near the bars of the Brewery District, German Village occupies 233 acres and is bound by Livingston Avenue, Pearl Street and Grant Street. The area prides itself on its heritage, history and culture.

During the 1800s, German immigrants infused the area and settled, founding the community.

Although anti-German sentiments during both World Wars forced out many inhabitants and destroyed the neighborhood, the community swung back in the 1960s from slum status to become one of the largest privately owned historic communities in America.

"We think German Village is the most charming destination in Central Ohio; a neighborhood that is historic, but thriving in contemporary," said Katharine Moore, executive director of the German Village Meeting Haus.

German Village is known for its cobblestone streets and antonymic mix of old architecture and new traditions. The quiet quaintness of the area is a stark contrast from the traffic and congestion of downtown.

"We have swimming pools and coffee shops and all kinds of things tucked into the brick streets and historic homes," Moore said.

Third Street has been described as the gateway of German Village and is lined with shops and stores, as well as the Official Meeting Haus. The Meeting Haus is the historical center of the village where a person can learn the history of the area and grab a handy map which highlights all the shops and restaurants.

Restaurants are big businesses in the village.

The food ranges from high-class to bars and delicatessens in flavors which span Germany, America, Italy, Spain and France.

"Come to eat in German Village, because there's anything your heart desires," Moore said.

Fine dining

G. Michael's Italian-American Bistro & Bar, 595 S. Third St., is acclaimed throughout the city as one of the best restaurants in Columbus. This dinner-only restaurant has a seasonal menu which has grown from its Italian roots into a more American array. All food is prepared daily, and President G. Michael Reams said the chef loves to experiment. Overall, the restaurant specializes in fish dishes.

Reams said the restaurant is very customer-conscious because it is independently owned, and they treat their customers individually - not like a number, which is the case at many chain restaurants.

The restaurant offers many extras, such as a jazz pianist on Wednesdays, a six-table courtyard and valet parking. There is also a full bar. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.

Reams' tip to the college guy: "If you want to surprise and impress a date, bring her here."

One of the other most acclaimed restaurants in German Village, and in Columbus in general, is Barcelona, 263 East Whittier St. This restaurant is known for the variety of its cuisine, which includes a mix of Italian, Spanish and French dishes, with a focus on vegetables and seafood. With an ever-changing seasonal menu, usually one item changes every two weeks. It is best known for its paella, a rice-based Spanish dish, and calamari.

Despite being considered one of the best restaurants in Columbus, Barcelona has broken free of the taboo surrounding fine dining etiquette by embracing casual dress.

"You can come in with (anything from) jeans and a Polo to tuxes; everyone is comfortable," said owner Scott Heimlich.

He said he wants to dispel the notions of restaurants being stuffy or only for special occasions.

"We don't want the restaurant to be intimidating," Heimlich said.

Barcelona offers all the luxuries of fine dining without the pretense. The casual contemporary atmosphere is infused with a jazz guitarist on Sundays and Tuesdays, and on Fridays it hosts a live DJ. The bar offers its own tapas menu of appetizers, and according to Heimlich, many people combine tapas to make meals and share with friends. Barcelona's tropical and fully enclosed patio has been ranked one of the best patios in Columbus and is highly demanded in the summer.

Heimlich said that the restaurant has something for everyone.

"Everyone finds their niche; we can please everyone," he said.

Low-cost dining

For an authentic German meal, Schmidt's Restaurant and Sausage Haus, 240 E. Kossuth St., is the place to go. After 117 years of business, Schmidt's has become a household name in Ohio. Originally in the meat distribution business, Schmidt's is known as the creator of the original Bahama Mama, which has become a summertime favorite for picnics and barbecues. Schmidt's is also known for their wienersnitzle and cream puffs.

As part of the authentic German dining experience, the female servers wear dirndls - traditional dresses. On Wednesdays and Saturdays during the summer, a live band plays traditional German music.

Customer Joan Vosbury said the restaurant is very authentic, and although it is known for Bahama Mamas, it also has a great buffet. And, of course, Schmidt's offers a variety of German beers.

Across the street from Schmidt's Restaurant is Schmidt's Fudge Haus und Gifts, 220 E. Kossuth St., where tourists come to watch owner Tim Dick make homemade fudge, which is cooked in kettles and rolled on a marble table.

The Haus hosts 20 flavors of fudge, which are a favorite of Martha Stewart.

"She loves it," Dick said. "It's very quaint."

The store is also home to football-shaped Tressel truffles, and part of the proceeds of the confection's go toward the German Village Society in honor of Tressel's mother.

Besides fudge and frankfurters, German Village is home to restaurants like Roosters, Max & Erma's, numerous bars and pubs, as well as delicatessens.