The day feels warm, too warm for early March. That makes it the perfect day to spend exploring something new or just savoring the beauty of springtime. And if your adventure leaves you hungry, there are few better places to stop and grab a bite than Stein and Wein in Clearlake.
Stein and Wein is not just a place to get typical American food. Yes, you can buy a burger here, but you’ll miss out on the intimacy of this one-of-a-kind restaurant. Designed to bring the mountains of Germany to the shores of Clearlake, Stein and Wein does just that. The restaurant is designed to be communal, with large tables that seat plenty, as opposed to smaller 3- to 4-person seating. It’s the kind of place where you can get to know your neighbor, chat, and enjoy some community. If the weather is nice, be sure to enjoy their biergarten, filled with outdoor seating.
But before you dig too far into their amazing food, be sure to order a drink. They’ve got a great selection of both local and German beers on tap. I highly recommend their red beer, which is your choice of beer mixed with some tomato juice, citrus, and spices. It’s the German version of a Michelada, and it’s perfect for a hot summer day or if you’re just in the mood. They’ve also got a huge wine selection, so whatever you choose to eat, you’ll have the right drink to pair it with.
Of course, it’s always a good idea to order a pretzel to start. These pretzels are big, bright, flavorful, and taste best with mustard. Then, you can dig into their food. The Stein burger is a great option if you are looking for something similar to what you’re used to eating but want some variety. It’s served on a Kaiser roll with sauerkraut and bacon, but the clincher to this burger is the obazda cheese–a smooth, creamy spread made with brie, cream cheese, and non-alcoholic beer. Each bite is savory, flavorful, and leaves you with the desire to try just one more bite.
For something a little different, try the pork schnitzel, a breaded and fried pork patty. The key to this dish is to make sure you get it with the Jaeger sauce, an umami-packed brown gravy filled with mushrooms and grilled onion. This sauce brings out the tender flavors of the pork, and, once it soaks into the fries, creates a perfect bite-sized bite of crunchy, gooey goodness.
But before the meal ends, you have to try the apfelstrudel. This is not your ordinary strudel. Created with handmade puff pastry and filled with hand-cut apples and raisins, it’s best eaten warm, as the heat brings out the depth of flavor. It’s best shared and eaten on a full stomach, because, yes, there’s always room for dessert.
As the afternoon sun eases its way to evening, the once-warm March day begins to chill. But it’s still warm and bright at Stein and Wein, and the atmosphere is happy and relaxed. So go ahead, order another beer to help you digest, then watch the sunset slowly fill the sky.
14625 Lakeshore Dr.
Clearlake, CA 95422
(707) 850-9170
