NOTE: This restaurant had been closed, but has recently re-opened.
This has long been one of my favorite places in Greenville. I remember many years ago talking with a snooty German exchange student about German cuisine. I mentioned Haus Edelweiss, and she derided both the name and the possibilty that authentic German food could be found here. I lept to their defense then, and nearly twenty years later Haus Edelweiss is still turning out excellent food in a charming atmosphere.
Background
Today, I took a moment to talk with the lady behind the counter. She told me that Haus Edelweiss had been in business for twenty-five years. They started out on Stone Avenue, in a location I can’t remember, and moved to their present location in 1986. For awhile, there was a higher-end restaurant on Haywood Road, were Rene’s Fishmarket is now located. That one didn’t make it, and they concentrated on their core business of great German food, catering, deli, and ethinic groceries.
Atmosphere
Located on Wade Hampton Boulevard near Bob Jones, Haus Edelweiss is nearly obscured by the next-door IHOP. The interior of the unassuming white frame building is adorned with Bavarian bric-a-brac and a huge mural of Neuschfanstein (check spelling). A small section of German grocery items and candies line the entrance and wall of the restaurant.
A subtle soundtrack of polka and yodelling played in the background, if polka and yodelling could ever be considered “subtle”. (I was here once when their CD player got stuck on “Climb Every Mountain” over and over again.)
Menu
There is an extensive deli sandwich selection, along with sausages and side dishes. a limited number of entre’s are availble in the evening. Many of the items, including their extensive line of desserts, are available in bulk or for take-out.
The evening entre prices are from $12 – $18, and lunches and sandwiches are from $5 – $7. The prices have stayed fairly consistant in all the years that I have been coming here.
Food
Speaking of consistancy, their food has always been superb and reliable. Today, as usual, I got the sausage platter, which consists of a bratwurst, saurkraut, and German-style potato salad. This comes with a hard roll, and I usually adorn mine with the light mustard provided at the table. Laura just recently started coming here when she discovered their incredible turkey sandwiches. We both love their desserts – my favorite being the apple streusel with vanilla ice cream, and hers being the chocolate torte. Note – these are not diet-friendly foods. This is a once-in-awhile indulgence.
Service
As with everything else, consistency has been the hallmark. Service is always smooth and efficient. Today, at the table next to me, a couple was dining here for the first time. The young waiter answered their questions, and even brought out a complemintary side of potato salad for them to try.
Conclusion
This is one the hidden gems of Greenville. I’m hoping that they will be around for at least another twenty-five years.