Richter's Chalet Reviews "One of the few local restaurants to serve such classic German dishes as Sauerbraten, Jaeger Schnitzel and Kassler Rippchen, with accompaniments of sauerkraut and red cabbage, the Richter family's cozy 100-seat spot has managed to survive against trendier competitors since 1970. Founded by Roland Richter Sr., it is now run by his son Roland and his wife, Marianne. Hardly anything has changed here over the years, except for the welcome addition of beer and wine. This is more like a restaurant in a small town than in a big city. It's reassuringly non-trendy and it is comfortable in an old-school way. European desserts and homemade bread are still made by the Richter family." --Molly Abraham, Detroit News Restaurant Critic "What do the Kennedys, Jimmy Hoffa and the Fords have in common? They've all had cakes by Herr Richter. Voted Best German Restaurant for four years by the Free Press, Richter's Chalet has been packing in the people for more than 38 years. They serve imported German beer and wines as well as domestics.  Specialties include fresh European pastries to authentic German entrees as well as American dishes."-- Detroit Metromix "Richter’s Chalet is a throwback to those days before the Food Network, celebrity chefs, Neiman Ranch and Maytag blue cheese allegedly transformed American gourmands into gourmets. And its price structure also recalls another era when two people could enjoy dinner and drinks for $40. German-born Roland Richter Sr. founded his half-timbered restaurant over a generation ago, the chalet seats 100 and serves over a dozen German dinners, supplemented by several daily specials, both of which include soup or salad, averaging around $12. The desserts are another one of Richter’s strengths. Chocolate cheesecake, Raspberry Hazelnut Torte, and the classic Schwarzwaelder Kirsch Torte (Black Forest cherry) are executed well." Mel Small, Metro Times "This was my first experience having German food, and I ended up really liking it.  The decor of this place was cute, and it was very inviting and comfortable.  The staff was very personable, and helpful with suggestions. Our party of six was seated immediately.  There was a convenient coat rack area, and as soon as we were seated, they brought bread and water to the table, along with plates of crackers with some kind of soft cheese spread on top. After scanning through the menu, I decided on the Knackwurst. I figured a sausage sounded like a safe choice. My sister got a schnitzel, and I didn't even know what that was.  Turned out it was a breaded chicken, that came with melted butter and applesauce...pretty good. Each entree came with a few choices of side dishes.  I got the German coleslaw, which was tangy and sweet, but pretty good...not creamy like American coleslaw.  Some of my family members got the German potato salad, and I was envious when I found out how tasty it was.  The entree, knackwurst, turned out to be excellent.  It was two large links of juicy smoked sausage, with just the right amount of snap when bitten into.  They were accompanied by a tube of some kind of yellow German mustard...the perfect accompaniment. We didn't try any of the appetizers, desserts, or the imported beers, but I wouldn't mind sampling more if I come again." Jennifer H "Ich liebe dich Richter's! For my entire 30 some years on this planet we have been coming to this restaurant for fabulous german food. My grandmother loved it here, and she was of 100% german heritage - and not easy to please! Yes, they are closed on Monday. And they have NEVER made potato pancakes on the weekend, but everyone deserves some time off. The potato pancakes are hand grated, and thus labor intesive which is why they are only available on weekdays. The decor is kitchy and wonderful, exactly what you would expect and hope for in a german restaurant, it puts you in the right mood. Dinners start with their famous cheese spread on crackers - people in my family have been known to brawl over the last one. But now the cheese is available to go - don't ask how quickly my cup o' cheese disappears. Then the salads, which are wonderful - try the house dressing, it is homemade creamy dill - I am drooling right now. Served with the best warm bread loaf you will find anywhere - again someone could get hurt over the last piece. Potato pancakes are out of this world, applesauce AND sour cream please, with onions. Sauerbraten is fantastic. Kids love the knackwurst. Hubby had the schnitzel - thought he was getting sausage (dummkopf!). I looked at him incredulously when he told me what he was expecting and reminded him that his grandmother is german too, did he learn nothing? It was good anyway! I would shy away from the sauerkraut bites as an appetizer, not that great, save room for your meal. At lunch specials abound, and potato pancakes are available, but do not come with cheese and crackers - but hey, just order it to go! I have never made it with enough room to even contemplate dessert, but they do all look really good!" --Kelly B

"Top quality food, Top quality service, and under-charged meals... I had a family re-union there for my Mom's side of my family and they were all fully satisfied. We had a great time and since that is the side of the family who are professionals, it says a lot. It was impeccable." --G. Janssen "The German food here is unsurpassed. The staff knowledgeable and helpful and simply the best German food to be had this side of the Atlantic." --Kip from Boston "I am a German Food expert: Absolutely loved everything we tried here.... My Mom is from Germany, and I and my family loved the food here... We would suggest to anyone to go here to eat. Great Food, Very Polite Service, Great Prices." -- Nonna4ty "Richter’s excels in value. The food is freshly prepared on-site by caring hands, served by friendly staff. They began serving beer & wine in late 2006. Mr. Richter’s an award winning pastry chef, so save room for dessert!" --Local patron "Best German Food Outside of Frankenmuth, MI: If you like to eat authentic German food then you'll love this place. Try the french onion soup with the chef's special!" --Andrew G "We've been going to Richter's for about 40 years and have NEVER been disappointed with the food. Great German dishes - I especially recommend the Beef ala Deutsch (not available every day) and the Rindsroulade. Save room for dessert - the pastries and cakes are among the best you will ever eat. You can order their wonderful tortes for special occasions, too! Servers are long time employees and very friendly."  --Marcel "Great atmosphere, very friendly service, and an authentic feel. Richter's is a great place to enjoy home cooking and relax in a family environment. The building, tables, and plates just make you feel at home and so does the food. The interior of the restaurant makes you feel like you're eating in an old German lady's basement, (which is surprisingly comforting). The place is pretty affordable and you get a lot for your money. My girlfriend and I ate for $40, (appetizer, 2 entrees and a dessert). Not to mention, they bring you unlimited homemade pretzel bread and these crackers with some kind of German Cheeze-whiz; Sounds gross, but it is good, trust me. We actually bought a pint of the cheese stuff to take home and enjoy later. In any case, I would check it out if you're in to the usual German food - sauerkraut, breaded chicken with stuffing, red cabbage, etc...All in all, I was impressed and would recommend it." --Kevin "I am a German Food expert: Absolutely loved everything we tried here.... My Mom is from Germany, and I and my family loved the food here... We would suggest to anyone to go here to eat. Great Food, Very Polite Service, Great Prices. We will be going back again, very clean place too." --MaryS "As someone who lived in Germany for a few years as a kid, I can verify that this place is the real deal! (The breading on the Schnitzel is done just right) This place is so awesome and quaint that I have gone here for more than one anniversary dinner with my wife, as well as other occasions. The food is really tasty and made as it is supposed to be, the employees here are so nice all the way to the bussers, who are just kids but work their tails off! From the second you get started here, to the minute you get up to leave, this is a complete package...(and it wouldn't be the same without those little crackers you get with the cheese spread as soon as you sit down) A +++ and worthy of 6 stars! Not only will I be back...I will likely see you there!!" Mic M "Overall yummy food. I always ordered a cheeseburger as a kid, and it was always great. The mashed potatoes and filet mignon are great, as well as the German potato salad. The hot bread at the beginning of the meal is delicious and moist and perfect. Friendly waitstaff, many of whom have been working at the restaurant for many, many years. Kind of a unique place, German restaurants aren't exactly common around here." MS