The Most Delicious All-You-Can-Eat Dining Experience In Columbus You’ll Absolutely Love
Schmidt’s Sausage Haus und Restaurant in German Village, Columbus, offers an award-winning Autobahn Buffet featuring a variety of sausages and traditional German dishes.
This restaurant has been serving the city for five generations, won countless awards, and carries a dish that has been voted as the official food of Columbus. Oh, and yes, they serve an all-you-cat-eat buffet that is quite incredible. Can you guess what I'm talking about? It's the Autobahn Buffet at Schmidt's Sausage Haus und Restaurant!
Schmidt's Sausage Haus und Restaurant is located in beautiful German Village.
If you're surprised to find such a heavy German influence in Columbus, don't be. Many German immigrants came here in the early-to-mid-19th century, and at one point they made up nearly one third of the city's population. German Village was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974 and was made a Preserve America Community in 2007.
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Let's get straight to it: the incredible mouthwatering Autobahn Buffet!
As you might expect, the Sausage Haus is particularly well known for, well, it's sausages. With all kinds of flavors, spices, and textures, the sausages available at the buffet are incredible. You will be tempted to try them all, but be forewarned: there are so many, you might not be able to taste to them all in one visit!
To complement your sausage selection, you will find plenty of other items at the buffet.
This is a traditional half-pound jumbo cream puff. Made with a fluffy dough and the most finger-licking smooth sweet filling, the cream puff comes at a discount to customers who order the buffet. Word to the wise: split this delicious monstrosity with a friend!
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Where better to find German beer than at a Sausage Haus?
Staff wear traditional Bavarian outfits and you'll often find live entertainment as well. You will witness an authentic joyful German dining experience.
The business was established in 1886 and has been operated by the Schmidt family ever since.
J. Fred Schmidt was born near Frankfurt, Germany and came to Columbus in the early 1880s. He opened the J. Fred Schmidt Meat Packing House just around the corner from where the current restaurant is located. The restaurant was opened by J. Fred’s grandson, George F. Schmidt, in 1967. It is currently run by the fifth generation of the family.
To this day, the restaurant makes all its sausages using the recipes that came from the J. Fred Schmidt Packing Company.
The food truck serves many parts of the city, as well as festivals and events. If you can't find time to check out the whole Autobahn Buffet, definitely look for the truck. The Bahama Mama is always available.
Schmidt's Sausage Haus und Restaurant is located at 240 E Kossuth St., Columbus, OH 43206. Reservations are not accepted, so be prepared for a bit of a wait if you visit during busier hours. You can always wander the beautiful streets of German Village while you wait.
Have you eaten at this incredible buffet? Share your experience with us in the comments below. Prost!
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
What food is Columbus, Ohio known for? CBUS offers pretty much endless options for places to eat, so how does one choose? If you'd like to get to know the Buckeye State's food scene a little better, start by eating these long-time favorite dishes. Here are 11 dishes that are so good, they're famous!
The Thurmanator is the king of all burgers. Stacked up high with two 12-ounce burger patties, bacon, ham, sautéed mushrooms and onions, cheddar, mozzarella and American cheese, banana peppers, lettuce, tomato, mayo, and pickles. Whew! That's a lot of flavor stuffed in between two buns! This is one burger Columbusites just can't stop talking about. Is it huge? Yes. Is it too huge? Maybe... but it's absolutely delicious, and you can always save half for an extra meal (or two).
The Bahama Mama is the signature sausage of this well-known and loved establishment. It has a perfect balance of flavor and spiciness, with a great snap (that's how you know it's good!) You can get the Bahama Mama any way you like, whether that's on a bun, or on a plate with extra sides. And walking down this old brick street really puts you in the mood for some old-world recipes.
You might be amazed, but the Turtle Soup has been a special at The Old Mohawk for over 70 years. This soup features its unique strands of meat in a perfectly seasoned tomato broth mixed in with tender slices of veggies. Try it; you won't be sorry! Keep updated on The Old Mohawk Facebook page.
First off: yes, it's really $2 on Mondays. It might sound simple, but this melty, gooey, creamy, crusty sandwich is awesome, and you will savor every bite. Columbusites love starting their Monday evenings with this delicacy. You can also get a bowl of tomato soup for dipping your grilled cheese. Read about other specials on the Columbus Bodega website.
The Saganaki is not only delicious but also incredibly entertaining. Saganaki is a Greek dish featuring tasty fried cheese, and when you order it, you will be presented with a plate of flaming cheese. Yes, it will actually be on fire! After letting it flame for a moment, your server will put it out by squeezing fresh lemon juice over it. See other photos on The Happy Greek Facebook page.
The Northstar Cafe is loved for its absolutely delicious and sustainable vegetarian and vegan options. The Northstar Burger has everybody talking. It's an entirely veggie burger, but before you meat lovers think this is not for you, give it a try. This dish is everyone's favorite! The eatery now has five locations in Columbus. Discover more on the Northstar Cafe website.
Los Gauchos is both the self-proclaimed and resident-confirmed best place for Al Pastor Tacos in Columbus. The Al Pastor Tacos are a fusion of Mexican and Middle Eastern flavors with shawarma meat and delicious fresh juicy toppings. Find other locations on the Los Gauchos website.
To the delight of the guests who have lined up outside to wait for a table - because it's that delicious - a whiteboard exists featuring the pancake special of the day. It's usually a whopper and suits the season. I prefer to order mine with blueberries and chocolate chips. The pancakes in the photo contain fresh strawberries and white chocolate chips. This legendary eatery alone is worth a drive to CBUS.
Endless styles of pizza exist in the world, but at Tommy's, you can try our very own Columbus-style pizza. This thick-crust square-cut plate of heaven will have you drooling as soon as you see it. Tommy's is always generous with the toppings!
These Columbus restaurants are now in three locations. Find out where they exist on the Tommy's Pizza website.
Columbus Fish Market is a long-established and beloved restaurant in the city. The Maine Lobster Bisque is talked about particularly often. This is a perfectly creamy bowl of soup that will make your tastebuds do a happy dance. Make sure you try it. See other photos on the Columbus Fish Market Facebook page.
Buckeyes, while served at many establishments in Columbus, are even better in home kitchens and family reunions! Popular partially due to our love for the Ohio State Buckeyes, these delicious dessert balls have a peanut butter and confectioners sugar filling coated in chocolate. Seems simple, but try these out! You will not be disappointed in this Columbus, Ohio famous food.
What food is Columbus, Ohio known for? Now you have a few ideas about the delicious offerings in the Buckey State. Are you hungry yet? Grab your friends and try all these favorite local dishes. What's the best dish you have ever had in Columbus? Please share in the comments below.
