101 W. 22nd St.
Grünauer
Kansas City has a number of interesting sounding European and other ethnic restaurants, but I had never been to a restaurant that specialized in Austrian food as Grünauer did. I think most people would consider it to be a German restaurant, as I would, from looking strictly at the menu. The restaurant’s web site, however, points out the fact that there are as many differences between German and Austrian food as there are similarities. Furthermore, some large elements of Austrian food include cold salads, light soups, and fresh fish. Much of the food served in Austria is seasonal. Additionally an Austrian Gasthaus serves European comfort foods such as Hungarian goulash or German roast pork (Schweinsbraten). All of these items seem to be offered on this restaurant’s formidable but delicious looking menu.
The Food
Wiener Schnitzel
My first visit was at lunch where they have less expensive items on the lunch menu as well as the “regular” dinner menu (sans the dinner specials). I came here with my friend and traveling companion who knows Austrian food firsthand, and we decided to try the Wiener Schnitzel–probably the iconic Austrian dish. Pictured above is the full plate available on the dinner menu, featuring the schnitzel, potato salad, cucumber salad, and ligonberries. Also included was a half lemon covered with a paper that allows the lemon juice to be drizzled onto the meat without any of it being squirted into anyone’s face (apparently this is widely used in Europe).
Lunch portion of Wiener Schnitzel with ligonberries and a squirt-controlled lemon
My Wiener Schnitzel was the half order available on the lunch menu with the same items except for one cutlet instead of two. To me this was a delicious schnitzel made the right way (I make this statement made largely based on comparisons with other excellent schnitzels I have had such as the one at Gaby’s in Denver)
Cucumber salad and potato salad
My vegetables were served on a separate plate, but they are the same that are served on the regular dinner. They must be very Austrian because I have not had this style of potato salad or cucumber salad at any German restaurant, and this is the first Austrian eatery I have tried. Both were good but my favorite was the ligonberries, shown in the previous photo.
Dinner
Stajerska Schnitzel
The one thing you cannot order at lunch is a dinner special, which for me made it worth coming in the evening. Thanks to the recommendation of the waitress I ordered the Stajerska Schnitzel, which looks like it is covered with a salad. It tastes as if you are having a complete meal with vegetables, and all of them are good.
Hungarian Gulasch
I also got to taste the Hungarian Gulasch, another good choice if you want to get away from the standard schnitzels. Most of the flavor is in the sauce but a large number of noodles make sure you do not walk away hungry. It also has generous portions of meat.
Fritz Muller
I was initiated into some European drinks which included a Fritz Muller non-alcoholic sparkling wine.
Spezi
The Paulander Spezi is a mix of German cola and orange soda.
Other Comments
There are few menu items other than schnitzel but the schnitzels here are elevated to a level you will not find at most restaurants. The ligonberries were a very nice touch. The spray-proof lemon alone made the schnitzel a special experience, not to mention the excellent flavor and quality of the meat. I would pay attention to the nightly specials unless one of the regular items just seems to be calling to you.
RATING: 26
Cuisine: Austrian
Cost: $$$
Hours: Dinner Daily; Lunch Wed-Sun
Accessible: Yes
Smoking: No smoking
Alcohol: Full Bar
Most Recent Visit: Jun. 9, 2026
Number of Visits: 2
Best Items: Wiener Schnitzel, Stajerska Schnitzel, Potato Salad, Cucumber Salad, Ligonberries
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Wiener Schnitzel |
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Stajerska Schnitzel |
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Hungarian Gulasch |
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Potato Salad |
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Cucumber Salad |
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Ligonberries |