Sauerkraut, like guitar solos and incriminating legal papers, is best when finely shredded. Enjoy a slice of the Old World with today's Groupon: for $20, you get $40 worth of German cuisine and drinks at Schnitzelbank Restaurant in Jasper.

Since opening its doors in 1961, Schnitzelbank has preserved the Bavarian traditions of hearty cuisine and bountiful beer as one of southern Indiana's only German restaurants. The extensive menu builds transatlantic bridges with a cornucopia of traditional German specialties, American favorites, and an enormous supply of suspension cables. Limber chomping muscles for a marathon meal with the full Wunderbar salad bar or the chef's special kraut balls, which marry seasoned ground beef and pork with sauerkraut and cream cheese under a veil of toasty breadcrumbs ($7.95). In the beef rouladen, bacon, green peppers, onions, and mushrooms snuggle together in a sirloin-tip sleeping bag, while Wednesday and Saturday evenings delight guests with a two-inch thick hickory smoked pork chop slathered with a signature barbecue sauce ($21.95). Schnitzelbank's lunch menu presents traditional southern German and American dishes between curtains of fresh bread for a savory midday aside or bratwurst-inspired soliloquy. Customers can also feast from the Lenten seafood buffet on Friday's through Easter Sunday, April 24.

Visitors are welcomed into the charming, Gothic-style structure by the cheerful tones of a glockenspiel housed in a clock tower above the restaurant. Exposed timber ceiling beams stretch over a Bavarian-style hall complete with dirndl-donning servers ferrying dishes fresh from a kitchen powered solely by a large accordion. A canopy of stained glass hovers above the wooden bar where glasses brim with German beers and schnapps as well as a throng of imported and local wines. There is lodging in the area for those making a long-distance trip. Catering is also available.

Reviews

TripAdvisors give Schnitzelbank Restaurant an average of 3.5 owl eyes, eight Yelpers award an average of three-stars, and 86% of Urbanspooners like it:

• They have the best salad bar I have ever had, home made dressing, fresh ingredients, great variety, and COLD plates. Fresh baked breads and apple butter are great. And there is something for everyone on the menu from the adventurous to meat and potatoes. Great atmosphere and the service is always excellent. – Angela, Urbanspoon
• Quick Friendly service. Good beers. Nice salad bar. Good food – Chris C., Yelp, 8/24/08