Frankenmuth, MI decent German dinner on a budget

[cjackearl]

Because of my hubby's fond memories of Bronner's from when he was a child, we'll be spending a night in Frankenmuth next week. We'd like to go out for an "authentic" Bavarian meal, but don't want to break the bank. Any suggestions for a restaurant that's decent but budget?

 

[stsomewhere]

Most people go to Zender's or Bavarian Inn. They are across the street from each other.

We usually go to Bavarian Inn but are flexible due to wait times.

It is about $21 pp for all you can eat family style. Everyone at the table will need to order family style.

 

[*pixie*dust*]

If you want similar food but in a more cafeteria style setting, there is a counter service place in the basement of Zender's that serves some of the same dishes at a lower cost. Really, though the cost for Zenders or Bavarian Inn are really not much more than your chain restaurant prices -- most are probably $12 -$20 for entrees. Also they do have a "lunch menu" if you prefer a plated meal instead of family style.

 

[Kellydelly]

I don't think you will find a budget restaurant in Frankenmuth besides McDonald's . We were there two days ago and ate at Zehnders. It was lunch time and they had the buffet for $22 per adult. The waitress looked really put out when I ordered a 2 piece chicken dinner instead (wasn't hungry enough to justify another $10!). I prefer to have my all you can eat chicken dinner served to me . I know at Bavarian Inn you can upgrade their chicken dinner to include some German meat dishes. Look at the restaurant menus online to see what your husband is hungry for. There are other German restaurants in town but none of them are budget .

 

[asgt]

Search for a coupon. We go to Frankenmuth all the time and are perks club members and it seems like everywhere we go there is BOGO half off coupons. I believe you can even print one on BI's website. Half fun!

 

[bamagirl@hrt]

We ate at the Bavarian Inn for lunch in October. There wasn't a buffet, but the food was very reasonable and very good. And the restaurant is beautifully themed - reminded me a lot of a Disney restaurant. We just happened upon Frankenmuth on our way home from Ontario. We loved it there! Ate lunch, shopped, and spent the night at the Holiday Inn Express by the interstate. Wonderful visit!

 

[lisajl]

I also suggest the counter service in the basement.

Last time we were there we ate in the dining room and it was quite pricey.

 

[Colleen27]

This just landed in my inbox today. Maybe it will help some? http://bavarianinn.com/partners/00404/file_library//Coupons/bir_halfoff_coupon_code2.pdf

 

[cjackearl]

Thanks for all of the suggestions. I knew this was the place to ask. Colleen, thank you so much for the coupon! The Bavarian Inn looks like the kind of place my husband would really like. I should have thought to check for coupons, but didn't. Has anyone been to the brewery?

 

[fakereadhed]

OP, your quotes around authentic made me chuckle. DH works for a German company and when a German comes over someone always sends them to Frankenmuth. They always come back wondering where people get the idea that they eat fried chicken.

I love the Wunderbar Pretzel Sandwich on the Bavarian Inn lunch menu. Yum!

 

[kid-at-heart]

Zehnders used to send you a 2/1 coupon or something similar if you subscribed to their website. It has been a couple of years since I registered on their site so they may have changed their promotion.

http://www.zehnders.com or

http://www.zehnders.com/zehnders-promotions/index.php/category/coupons/

Edited to add, if you go to Zehnders, go downstairs to their Z-cafe, food is cheaper there and still very tasty.

 

[Leajess99]

Thanks for all of the suggestions. I knew this was the place to ask. Colleen, thank you so much for the coupon! The Bavarian Inn looks like the kind of place my husband would really like. I should have thought to check for coupons, but didn't. Has anyone been to the brewery?

The Bavarian Inn is our favorite restaurant in Frankenmuth. It is served family style and you can get refills on everything so well worth the money.

We have been to the brewery as well and we were not impressed by the food.

 

[Family Fun Mom]

I absolutely love Frankenmuth! I've eaten at the Bavarian Inn and Zehnders and honestly didn't find a difference between the two, taste wise. I love them both. Their chicken dinners are dyn-o-mite! And not too pricey. Enjoy!

 

[Colleen27]

Thanks for all of the suggestions. I knew this was the place to ask. Colleen, thank you so much for the coupon! The Bavarian Inn looks like the kind of place my husband would really like. I should have thought to check for coupons, but didn't. Has anyone been to the brewery?

No problem. We go once or twice a year so I'm registered on both Bavarian Inn and Zehnders mailing lists. Bavarian Inn sends more coupons butZehnders is particularly nice because they send a coupon for a free lunch/dinner for your birthday that is good for the whole month. I've got a May birthday and that's such a nice time to go up!

I haven't been to the brewery yet. We're creatures of habit when we go up - we stay at Splash Village, spend most of our time at the waterpark, and just dry off long enough for lunch at Zehnders or Bavarian Inn and maybe a stop at Bronners or the newer shops near the covered bridge. Just a nice way to get away when we're sick of looking at our own 4 walls, but we really don't take the time to do a lot of sightseeing any more.

 

[S. C.]

We also belong to the birthday club at Zehnders, we had to sign up for it. They send you a card that is good every year the month of your birthday for B1G1free, you also get a free ornament from Bronners. DH's birthday is in Feb, mine is in Aug so we go at least 2x a year. You should be able to sign up for the birthday club on their websites.

 

[Pembo]

We always eat in the counter service place in the basement of Zehnders! You get to choose what you'd like and it's the same food as upstairs, just cheaper. And then when you're finished, walk to the other side of the room and get some amazing baked goods for dessert! YUM!!!!

 

[cinderella97]

We will be here tomorrow! I quick get away. We earned a free night from Marriott so we are staying free for the hotel!! No coupons for our dinner though. I'll take the hotel for free...

 

[S. C.]

We will be here tomorrow! I quick get away. We earned a free night from Marriott so we are staying free for the hotel!! No coupons for our dinner though. I'll take the hotel for free...

I'll wave to you as we pass by the exit. Our DD and her family live 20 minutes north of there we are going to see them tomorrow. Enjoy your stay.

 

[geishagirl81]

I have a coupon from my Entertainment book for the Bavarian Inn. "Enjoy one Upgrade to our Ultimate family Style Dinner with 4 complimentary German meats with the purchase of one family style Chicken dinner". No idea what that costs. If interested, I will gladly mail it to you tomorrow, just pm me your address.

 

[cjackearl]

We'll definitely go downstairs @ Zehnder's to get some goodies to bring back to the room! AND we'll sign up for the birthday club.

Our birthdays are in the fall, so maybe an excuse to go in a different season. Ooh, maybe they do something for Octoberfest!

Thanks again! I'm starting to get excited now.