• In 1683, a group of Quakers and Mennonites founded the first permanent German settlement in what would later become the state of Pennsylvania. Form 1727 through 1775, an additional 65,000 German immigrants settled in the eastern portion of the state, explains the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. The influence of German culture is still present in the state, and a number of German American restaurants are found there as a result.
  
  

Otto's Brauhaus

• Established in January 1930, Otto's Brauhaus is in Horsham, Pennsylvania, a community 30 minutes north of Philadelphia. The restaurant held "Zagat" dining guide ratings of "very good to excellent" for its service and "good to very good" for its food and decor. The menu begins with 19 appetizers, such as the rauchfleisch, smoked pork accompanied by sliced onions, gherkin pickles and rye bread. A featured entree is the farmer's feast, a platter of bratwurst, knockwurst, kassler rippchen, pork loin, sauerbraten and sauerkraut. The wine list features 20 selections, including five German vintages, and the bar serves more than 50 draft and bottled beers. Otto's Brauhaus serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Reservations are not taken. Casual attire is appropriate. A children's menu is available for young diners.
  
  Otto's Brauhaus
  
  233 Easton Road
  
  Horsham, PA 19044
  
  215-675-1864
  
  ottosbrauhauspa.com
  
  

Brauhaus Schmitz

• Located along South Street in Philadelphia, Brauhaus Schmitz opened in June 2009. Nine appetizers lead the menu, such as the laugenbrezel, a Bavarian-style, warm soft pretzel served with white radishes. The entree specialty is the bratwurst, which is made in-house and available in portions for one or two people. Another featured entree is the kasespatzle, dumplings with caramelized onions and Emmenthaler cheese. For dessert, try the black forest cake. The menu features 20 draft beers and around 100 bottled selections from Germany and around the world. Brauhaus Schmitz serves lunch and dinner daily and is open late everyday. Reservations are taken only for parties of five or more. Casual attire is the norm.
  
  Brauhaus Schmitz
  
  718 South St.
  
  Philadelphia, PA 19147
  
  267-909-8814
  
  brauhausschmitz.com
  
  

Max's Allegheny Tavern

• Max's Allegheny Tavern is located in the North Side neighborhood of Pittsburgh in an area that served as a community for German immigrants during the late nineteenth-century--the restaurant is in a building constructed at that time. Each Sunday, the restaurant features an all-you-can-eat buffet featuring numerous German specialties. To start the meal, diners can choose one of 13 appetizers, such as the herrings in sour cream. A specialty entree is the hasenpfeffer, braised rabbit in a red wine sauce served with a choice of two side dishes like potato pancakes and sauerkraut. The apple strudel is a favorite dessert. The bar features more than 40 draft and bottled beers, and German wines are available among the restaurant's more than 20 selections. Max's Allegheny Tavern serves lunch and dinner daily. Reservations are suggested only for parties of five or more. Casual attire is acceptable.
  
  Max's Allegheny Tavern
  
  537 Suismon St.
  
  Pittsburgh, PA 15212
  
  412-231-1899
  
  maxsalleghenytavern.com