Scharf's Schiller Park restaurant is currently enjoying a renewed appreciation by new and former customers. The owners announced that they might have to close and/or relocate due to dwindling customer base in July. Shortly after that announcement people began to flock to the restaurant to support it in the time of need and they haven't stopped. I've been to Scharf's about six times since the closing was announced and almost every time the place has been filled with people enjoying the authentic German offerings.
The building has had a long and interesting life; the portion that the bar occupies was originally built as a small chapel. Later it was expanded and converted to a bar. During Prohibition it served as a popular speakeasy and it has been Scharf's Schiller Park restaurant since 1967.
Schiller Park has lost most of the German institutions that were once prominent in the neighborhood like the Deutsches Haus on Genesee Street, which closed over fifteen years ago.
The atmosphere at Scharf's is unlike that of any other restaurant in the City of Buffalo. Many old time customers can be found at the bar enjoying German beers while speaking in their native language. Their oldest customer just celebrated his 103rd birthday at the restaurant and has been going to Scharf's for as long as anyone can remember. The location is quite unique as well. The restaurant is located at the end of residential street and next to a park. Neighbors are welcoming and those who have been to the restaurant always have something positive to say.
For those who have yet to enjoy the many great dishes at Scharf's I recommend starting with one of the fine beers on tap, ordering potato pancakes for an appetizer, the wiener schnitzel for the entrée and then finish off with the apple strudel. Trust me, you'll go home full and satisfied every time. It's the perfect time to go if you're doing your last minute holiday shopping at the Walden Galleria and want something much better than the food court offerings, it's less than 10 minutes away.
Scharf's Hours:
Monday & Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday & Thursday: 11am to 8pm
Friday: 11am to 9pm
Saturday: 4pm to 9pm
Sunday: 4pm to 8pm
For additional photos of the Schiller Park Neighborhood, check out my Flickr page by clicking here.
That is what C-O-M-M-U-N-I-T-Y is all about!