Edelweiss - Disappointment

We were unpleasantly surprised by this restaurant. While searching for a different experience on Saturday night, we decided that German cuisine (both my wife and my heritage) was the food of choice. Never having been to Edelweiss, it seemed a good choice.

I'll just run down the negatives as at this time, we both could not think of any positivies - other than there were only a couple other people in the entire restaurant there on a Saturday evening so although we made reservations, they were not needed.

Negatives:

1. Atmosphere - There was none.
2. Cleanliness - Table coverings were stained with food residue.
3. Menu - When asking the waitress questions on the food (i.e. what the meat was), we were told - "I don't know."
4. Food - When the food was delivered, we were told that the "Spatzel did not have much flavor so I will bring you extra gravy." She was right but the gravy did not help.
5. Food - "Salad Bar" was bowls of salad and pasta sitting on a table in the middle of the room. Did I mention that the bowls were not even cooled by ice. just sitting there with not even a sneeze cover.
6. Service - We literally went to the restaurant entrance, waited, went to the restroom, left, called to make sure we were in the right place, went back downstairs, and then had to go to the bar (6 seats) and ask if we were in the right place just to get seated. Not a good first impression.

To make a bad story short, there are two German families in Indy that will never be going back. Good thing Indy has other options downtown.

Edelweiss Restaurant and German Park is a best kept secret!

I stumbled upon this little corner of the world and was so happy I did. After reading the review above, I can't believe someone could come there and leave feeling that way. I'm very glad that I gave it a chance.

Our experience was fantastic from beginning to end. From the time you enter the property you realize you're no longer going to "just another meal eating out." We drove through the park and enjoyed that we saw trees and smelled fresh pine, not a busy parking lot with everyone fighting for a space. The restaurant itself sits quietly atop a hill and is decorated like something right out of Bavaria.

When we entered the building, there was a beautiful ballroom being prepared for an event later that evening. I'm not sure what the event was, but it looked very pretty. We went down the stairs to the restaurant and enjoyed the woodcarvings and signs in German. Some of the people there were kind enough to translate some of them for us. There were beautiful pictures, flowers, beer steins and the like which all added to the decor.

The restaurant was done beautifully, with lots of color and woodwork, the bar area is beautiful. The entire room has such a warm and cozy feel. Everyone knew each other it seemed and there were many regulars. I got the feeling they keep it secret just for themselves. But they were very friendly and each welcomed us in with open arms.

The food was very good and very affordably priced. We enjoyed our dinner with a cold Warsteiner that went down smooth. Did I mention the restaurant overlooks a biergarten patio and the tree'd area of the lower park? Very nice. Like being on vacation.

When we were leaving, we saw a group of men and women training their German Shepherds out in the park! We stopped and watched with our two sons. As an awesome finishing touch to an already great evening, one of them was nice enough to come say hello to us. He even let my son pet his German Shepherd which the boys just loved. The man welcomed us back again, and I told him he didn't have to worry. My family will definitely return based upon this wonderful experience!! A+++++++++ :)