11725 Pacific Hwy SW
Lakewood, WA 98499
(253) 719-7181
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Blink and you miss it. Bruno's European Café is but a blip on the visual radar while driving down Pacific Highway in Lakewood. Open for just six months now, Bruno's features a well-rounded menu filled with home-style entrees, soups, cabbage rolls, piroshky, potato salad and sandwiches. The tiny café seats 18 people, at only four tables, making for quite a cozy dining experience. Kristina Tomaszewska acts as greeter, waitress, cashier and prep cook - making piroshky by hand - while husband Bruno cooks every dish. Portions are plentiful and average price is $7.95 - cash only.
I couldn't pass up a dish named frikadeller. The meaty pork cutlet covered with gravy contrasted nicely with a refreshingly cold salad of thinly sliced cucumber doused with sugared vinegar and oil. Mashed potatoes were a simple affair.
While it may come as a surprise to the non-foodie, the term "pancake" doesn't always equate to a plate of sweet, syrup-covered breakfast. The German potato variety are dubbed pancakes due to shape and method of cooking; they're patted out flat and round and grilled golden in a pan until the edges are crispy with oil. At Bruno's, a thick tomato-sauce-based pork stew with carrots, onions and peppers was loaded between pancakes and topped with more tomato sauce and a fat dollop of sour cream.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays
User Reviews of Bruno's European Cafe (5)
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J.S said on Dec. 10, 2010 at 7:05pm
One word describes Bruno's; Delicious!!! I grew up in German, for half my childhood, and my fondest memories were my grandmother cooking all kinds of german dishes for us to eat! The Frikedelle which are mentioned in the article are to die for and bring make all sorts of childhood memories. As stated they are NOT Pork Cutlets, Its actually Pork ground into small roundish patties, pan fried, and topped with a creamy mushroom gravy. I perfer the dumplings over the mashed potatoes, which are fluffy potato based dumplings, and are just magnificent, specially with the mushroom gravy on top. It is a small quiet little eatery, with just 4 tables, (1 table seats 6) the rest are 4 seats. There are no windows, and you have a small walk way to get to the ordering window, with the tables behind you while ordering. Bruno and kristina are the only ones ive seen there, so its very family oriented, very friendly. Only down side is you better have cash, no checks, no cards etc... CASH ONLY!! But its well worth the trip to the ATM to stop at this fine eating establishment!!! 5 stars, and 2 thumbs up!! Dont miss this gem!! And they are moving into a much larger location after january of 2011.... so get your new location maps today!!! Available on site at the current location!
regina said on Feb. 18, 2011 at 5:47am
Food is awsome, but be aware, they are moving. They will be in Parkland, right off 512. Should be open by mid March
Tim said on Feb. 25, 2011 at 5:35pm
First day at their new location: Generous portions, great service, and authentic dishes. Best jaegerschnitzel I have had in this country.
Courtney said on Oct. 06, 2011 at 8:24pm
Food was horrible and only had the flavor of grease. Had to wait almost 45 minutes to be seated because the waitresses forgot about us. When we finally got a booth, our menus were so small we could barely read it and all drinks were in what appeared to be kid cups. Would not recommend and will not go back.
connie green said on Dec. 17, 2011 at 10:23am
The best German Restaurant......Tastes like Grandmas cooking....Friendly owners.....I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone who loves German food.
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