101 W. 22nd St.
Grünauer
Kansas City has a number of interesting sounding European and other ethnic restaurants, but I had never been to a restaurant that specialized in Austrian food as Grünauer did. I think most people would consider it to be a German restaurant, as I would, from looking strictly at the menu. The restaurant’s web site, however, points out the fact that there are as many differences between German and Austrian food as there are similarities. Furthermore, some large elements of Austrian food include cold salads, light soups, and fresh fish. Much of the food served in Austria is seasonal. Additionally an Austrian gasthaus serves European comfort foods such as Hungarian goulash or German roast pork (schweinsbraten). All of these items seem to be offered on this restaurant’s formidable but delicious looking menu.
The Food
Wiener Schnitzel
I came here with my friend and traveling companion who knows Austrian food firsthand, and we decided to try the Wiener Schnitzel–probably the iconic Austrian dish. Pictured above is the full plate available on the dinner menu, featuring the schnitzel, potato salad, cucumber salad, and ligonberries. Also included was a half lemon covered with a paper that allows the lemon juice to be drizzled onto the meat without any of it being squirted into anyone’s face (apparently this is widely used in Europe).
Lunch portion of Wiener Schnitzel with ligonberries
My Wiener Schnitzel was the half order available on the lunch menu with the same items except for one cutlet instead of two. To me this was a delicious schnitzel made the right way (I make this statement made largely based on comparisons with other excellent schnitzels I have had such as the one at Gaby’s in Denver)
Cucumber salad and potato salad
My vegetables were served on a separate plate, but they are the same that are served on the regular dinner. They must be very Austrian because I have not had this style of potato salad or cucumber salad at any German restaurant, and this is the first Austrian eatery I have tried. Both were good but my favorite was the ligonberries, shown in the previous photo.
Other Comments
There are other menu items that I am sure I would like, and probably would like more than the schnitzel. The ligonberries alone convinced me that this is a very special restaurant. The spray-proof lemon alone made the schnitzel a special experience, not to mention the excellent flavor and quality of the meat.
RATING: 26
Cuisine: Austrian
Cost: $$$
Hours: Dinner Daily; Lunch Wed-Sun
Accessible: Yes
Smoking: No smoking
Alcohol: Full Bar
Most Recent Visit: Jun. 28, 2024
Number of Visits: 1
Best Items: Wiener Schnitzel, Potato Salad, Cucumber Salad, Ligonberries
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Wiener Schnitzel |
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Potato Salad |
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Cucumber Salad |
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Ligonberries |