Friday, September 27, 2013

Dakota Inn @ 17324 John R Street, Detroit. 9 out of 10.

So this week I went to a place that I knew would have tables -- Kurz Dakota Inn Rathskeller. Long name, but a really cool place. I parked in their large lot and noticed a school bus -- 25 kids came pouring out of the restaurant as I entered the restaurant. Wish my HS German teacher would've taken us to a place like this...

Inside, the decor was 100% German. There was even a Schnitzelbank poster on the wall. There were no windows, but there was enough artwork on the walls that it didn't really matter. Thankfully, there was a bar for me to eat at, so I pulled up a seat to a guy named Wilson (he was older than Cast Away, so don't get any ideas) who was enjoying a German draught. If you like beer, it would probably be better if you went to Dakota Inn after work instead of for lunch. There were about seven different German beers on tap.

After ordering an iced tea, I delved into the menu. Typically German food doesn't agree with me, mainly because of my pork-free diet. However, their Dakota Twister caught my eye -- corned beef and sauer kraut between two potato pancakes and a side of apple sauce. The service was kind of slow because the manager was booking evening reservations for Okotoberfest. However, the food was unique and delicious. Oddly, the applee sauce was served in a plastic to-go cup. Also, I don't think the iced tea was fresh-brewed. But otherwise, a solid restaurant.

At one point someone started playing the piano, then later we all sang along to Schnitzelbank. In the middle of it, a lady started choking on her food. It was the first real-life application of the Heimlich Maneuver that I've ever seen. Overall, I give Dakota Inn a 9 out of 10. If you'd like to try it, remember that they're only open for lunch from Wednesday thru Friday. Also open for dinner Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

Flowers behind Dakota Inn
Students from Garden City stopped to eat lunch
Dakota Twister! Corned beef, sauer kraut, & potato pancakes
Menu artwork


History of Dakota Inn
Menu
Interior View

Family Crest
Big parking lot w/ guard shack
Signage
NYC bus in someone's yard by the state fairgrounds