There’s good reason that Schwarzwaldstuben has been written up by nearly every travel guide. With well-prepared traditional German dishes and a toasty dark interior, the beloved eatery offers the chance to savor those basic German flavors without traveling to Swabia. What the tour guides might fail to mention is that while foreigners are treated well, Schwarzwaldstuben’s popularity is not due to Americans scavenging for a Wiener schnitzel (that said, it’s of particular note, not too greasy and accompanied by a dollop of perfectly prepared potatoes).

So what’s the secret? It’s simple, really: honest, tastes-like-home fare continually draw the crowds. On a warm day, sit outside and admire Mitte denizens scooting by on their bikes while sipping a crisp beer.