Bavarian Inn

Delicious German meals! Very friendly service and great wild game you can rarely find on the menu anywhere else!

Friends invited two other couples to join them at a country inn they had enjoyed recently. The magic must have been lost. After, they apologized for our long drive to a mediocre restaurant. Service bordered on unacceptable. Multiple requests were needed for bread. Ordered items were forgotten. Table clearing was haphazard.
Food was average at best. The crab curry soup had too little curry for my taste. I like curry. Two others found it objectionable. One diner returned his. All agreed there was little crab in the soup. The tuna tartare with crab was watery. Both the crab and tuna were soft and lacked texture. A fair pâté was served with only a few ordinary crackers that did little complement it. Other diners judged the Chateaubriand and German specialties to be only adequate.
Their wine list was the bright spot. It is extensive and reasonably priced. I am pleasantly surprised to find a Grüner Veltliner anywhere. Bavarian Inn offed six. A knowledgable and helpful wine steward suggested a delighful bottle. Later we enjoyed a marvelous Petite Syrah, another varietay not frequently offered.
This is a beautiful Inn. The view is wonderful. The restaurant fell far short of its potential.

This review is for the Rathskeller restaurant in the basement of the inn.
My husband and I were on vacation in the area but didn’t want to have to bring business casual clothing for the upstairs restaurant. We passed it on the way to the basement door. It was half empty. Our destination was completely full, warm and noisy. I wish that we could have been in the more spacious surroundings as the menu is the same.
I ordered lamb chops and when asked how I wanted them done, I replied, medium. They arrived red and barely warm. I asked if this was indeed medium and the waiter took them back and brought them back medium rare which was fine. They were tasty as were the green beans and mashed potatoes accompanying them.
Seating was very tight and as a result we did have a pleasant conversation with the couple next to us as we were basically at one table for four.
For dessert, I had the linzer torte and coffee. The torte was excellent and a bit of whipped cream or iced cream would have helped.
The food needed a bit of help and the seating is really tight. I wouldn’t really go back and be squashed into the table.
It does show you how much people don’t want to get dressed up anymore. Maybe take out is the answer?

Amazing food and atmosphere. Super pricey but well worth the fee! We ate the beef tenderloin for two. Gorgeous views and completely packed for dinner.

Disabuse yourself of the notion that the Bavarian is «Fine Dining» and you will be fine.
You know what they say about restaurants with nice views? Well that’s kinda right for Bavarian. The menu is Half German Half creative/​new American. I wouldn’t call German food elegant but it is good. I like to stick with the German basics like the schnitzel plater with a extra side of sauerkraut and it hits the spot every time. On occasion I have wondered over too the creative side of the menu with limited success. Service is always decent.
There are two areas to eat: the more elegant upstairs is where the view overlooking the Potomac can be had. I would call this area a tad dated but if they holdout 10 more years it will become vintage. The second area is the Rathskeller (bar in the basement) if your trying for a low key dining experience I would suggest eating here. It’s also dated but in a «German guy built a bar in his basement in 1974» sort of way.
There is a very nice wine list with more German wines than you would usually see. They have Spaten Lager and Hefeweizen on draft. Not to go off on rant… I love craft beer but does every beer need to genre shattering? So I do enjoy the well made true too style German beer on tap here.
There’s a pianist sometimes… I think I’m warning you… unless that’s ur thing.
Lots of parking. Per-​Capita Shepherdstown has the most police in the universe and since there isn’t and never was a crime problem all they have to do is hope you go 26 in a 25 or dont make a full and complete 3 second stop after you had 1 too many Kirshwassers. DD or keep it between the lines mister.
I’m thinking 3.5 stars but sadly that’s not a option.

Our stay has always been fabulous. Staff are exceptional. Bring bath bombs for the jacuzzi tub, have dinner in the Rathskellar, and do the Sunday brunch.

The occasion was Valentine’s day with my husband, so i looked for a local place to getaway for a night. Decided to try the Bavarian Inn. For an older property it is well maintained. The room was clean, comfortable and the view was beautiful. Gas fireplace, whirlpool tub and very polite and accomodating staff made it a nice place to stay. I didnt like the food as much but I think it would have been better if we didn’t have room service, if we went to one of the restaurants. Even though the veal I had was cooked really well. We agreed that it would be a great place to visit in the summer when you can get out and visit the historical sites that surround this area. Its cloudy and about 27 degrees, and the view is still beautiful, no doubt spectacular in the summer. Nice place to get away and be alone with my guy. We will come back.

Literally one of my best hotel stays ever. Nicest and most helpful staff I have ever encountered. We showed up on a random girls trip with no reservation and were given an amazing room with a great rate and amazing river view. I cannot stress enough how nice everyone is! Affordable room service menu and prompt delivery of food. I went up to the registration desk to buy wine and everyone went out of their way to help me find the right bottle and glasses etc. I work in customer service and I was so impressed with everyone here. The room is perfect; clean, quiet and comfy. We will be back again.

The portions are extremely small and I’ve had way better food for half the price! I wouldn’t recommend this place to even a starving person. Don’t plan on ever coming back.

As John Denver sang, «Almost heaven, West Virginia…» in his song, Country Road, nestled in the sleepy town of Sheperdstown, West Virginia is the Bavarian Inn, a quaint family owned inn modeled like a typical Bayerisch (Bavarian) property. I stayed for three nights, four days and would return again.
The property is a bit dated, but upgrades keep it furnished nicely. My room was nicely furnished, with a balcony opening to the property, big bathroom with two sinks, and a Jacuzzi tub! A small refrigerator and gas fireplace accents the room. Note — for me, the bed seemed a bit stiff so be aware if you have back issues.
As you drive up to the property, there are a few buildings: the building where the reception, dining room, bar (Ratskeller) are located; down the hill is the main building where most of the rooms are located as well as the «gym» and conference room; and three smaller buildings with additional rooms. The architecture reminds me of Bavaria, the high «A» framed rooftops (because of the heavy snow falls), painting on the side of the buildings (Leonhardifahrt, etc). I felt like I was back in Bayern, where I served my first duty station in Germany, so when I walked in to check in, I greeted the staff with the typical greeting, «Gross Gott,» translated, «God is great.» Needless to say, the staff looked at me as if I was speaking Chinese… I explained that it was the typical Bayerish greeting.
Dining on site is outstanding. The chef prepares authentic Bayerish cuisine to include wild game (haffenpheffer (rabbit), boar); fish is the catch of the day (one night, it was swordfish, another, it was yellow fin tuna (ahi)). To make things even better, the Ratskeller (bar in the basement) serves authentic Bayerisch beer on tap, Spaten lager, Spaten Octoberfest, and Becks (not Bayerisch). In addition to the beer on tap, other beers are available in addition to a great selection of liquor and wine. I stuck to the Spaten served in chilled German style mugs.
One of the only downside to the Bavarian Inn is the «gym» which consists of a treadmill, elliptical, and bike in a small room in the basement of the main building. However, you can receive a daily pass from the reception desk to work out at the fitness center in at Sheperds University about a mile from the property. The center is awesome! It has an Olympic sized pool, indoor track on the second floor where ten lap equates to a mile, and all the cardio (elliptical, thread mills, recumbent bikes), first class machines, and free weights, and equipment (mats, balls, etc.) that you want or need. The machines and equipment are well maintained and cleaned — it seemed daily because the three days that I worked out, I saw staff wiping down the equipment or mopping the area.
Pro:
* Great property with an attentive staff
* Dining is outstanding on site — did not leave for any meals
* Ratskeller — Bayerish beer… need I say anymore?
Cons:
* A bit of a drive from D.C., but it’s beautiful and the drive relaxing
* Gym on site is not worth mentioning, but you have access to the Sheperd University gym — it has everything you need or think you may want
So, a bit of nostalgia of Bayern in the place where John Denver sings, «…Country roads, takes me home…»

This review is for the restaurant.
My partner took us here for Thanksgiving Dinner. As other reviewers have mentioned, this restaurant strives for fine dining but fails on many fronts. The restaurant décor is dated and in many cases, dirty. Cobwebs on the artwork, dust on the cuttlery, and there were even stains on the tablecloth at the original table they sat us on. Dirty dishes were kept on the table and our drinks were never refilled. The server, while entertaining, was also inappropriate making several snide comments towards other wait staff and guests.
As for the food? We ordered their thanksgiving special — corn chowder, turkey, and a dessert. The corn chowder was the highlight of the meal — flavourful, full of corn kernels, and just delightful. The turkey dinner consisted of turkey which was closer to turkey loaf than actual turkey. Potatoes were boxed, the vegetables frozen, and the stuffing bland. For dessert, we had some black forest cake «made fresh» that was frozen solid in the middle.
Do yourself a favour and spend the $ elsewhere.

This review is based solely on my dining experience at the Rathskellar, outside the Bavarian inn. This was the first time I have ever been to a German Restaurant in West Virginia and I was not really expecting too much from the experience since I really didn’t know what was really considered authentic German cuisine. Since I am not too fond of wild game or anything that is too gamey in flavor I tried to play it safe and went with the Tenderloin Tips «Stroganoff style» with German spaetsle, mushroom, bacon cream, crispy baby beets, and pickled cucumbers. To my disbelief I was truly surprise at how good my entrée was. The food was fresh and all the ingredients truly accompanied each other in the most perfect way. The meal was one of the best meals I had in the two weeks that I was in West Virginia.
For desert I opted for the apple strudel with vanilla ice cream which was one of the best desserts I have ever had. The apple strudel came out straight from the over with a perfectly crispy outer shell that just flaked apart with a moist and perfectly seasoned apple delight in the middle. I was honestly in heaven when I was done with my desert.
The service was excellent and the décor reminded me of a medieval bar tavern. The whole experience was one of the best I have had in a while and I would highly recommend anyone to give this place a try. I will definitely be back if I ever get a chance.

I have no doubt that this is one of the, if not the premier dining experiences in West Virginia. If that is what I was used to then perhaps I would be leaving a much higher rating. My star rating and my review below is left in the context of The Bavarian Inn billing itself as «Fine Dining» and «Luxury» and «World Class Service» and «Gourmet Dining». When I view my experience against those claims (made on the Bavarian Inn’s own website) then the two-​star review is warranted. If I made this review in a vacuum or perhaps only having lived in West Virginia my entire life then I imagine my review would be higher.
The Location:
Interior is done up like a standard country club dining room– white tablecloth, flowers, tea lights, soft lighting. The dining attire that I saw ranged from suit and tie down to polo shirt/​short sleeve button up and khakis. The interior is a stark contrast to what you see out the windows, which is a view of the parking lot and of (at least during my Saturday night dinner visit) the occasional hotel guest strolling by in flip-​flops and t-​shirt sans sleeves, sporting a beer belly and smoking a cigarette. The exterior view *KILLS* any claim to luxury or elegance that the Bavarian Inn might have been able to salvage– if the restaurant was located at the top of the bluff with a great view of the river, for example, then it would have been an absolute stunner of a setting. However, I got to see: on one side a side lawn full of folding chairs in preparation for their Octoberfest event, and a parking lot with a backdrop of the outsides of their chalets on the other two sides.
The Food:
Amuse-​bouche was a seafood gallate (with a small seaweed salad and two dollops of demi-​glacé) which my dining partner reported was extremely good. My appetiser of four German-​style salads (cucumber, beet, rutabaga, and potato salad) was decent enough with the cucumber option being the most disappointing (tasted like a very under-​spiced tzatziki sauce).
I had the wurst sampler for dinner and again, it was decent enough. The mustard was honestly the best part. Wursts were perfectly acceptable although really not anything «knock my socks off» and the sauerkraut was also just pretty good.
Dining partner had the steak tips which was served over spaetzle and said it was very good. I did not have a taste because I am gluten-​free and this dish was not.
Overall, the food was «pretty good” — neither spectacular enough that I will be raving about it in the future nor bad enough that I would classify it as bad. However for the price (apps in the $ 10ish range, entrees in the $ 20−30+ range) the food was just OK. If this had been a $ 50ish dinner I would have considered it a good value. However, dinner with tip was closer to $ 85 and the food didn’t justify the price, doubly so when you factor in the abysmal view out the windows of the dining room.
The Drinks:
I had a glass of the house Reisling which was very good, a mix between a sweet and dry Reisling and fruity without venturing into perfume territory like some do. I was extremely disappointed at the «by the glass» selection of wines; the house Reisling was the only German/​Austrian wine offered by the glass on the menu. If you want to try some wine (s) expect to have to buy the bottle.
The Service:
The vast majority of the servers seem to be from the local college, which is not a ding against the servers but a commentary on the type of servers that are working here– seasonal and just working for a paycheck as opposed to at other upscale dining spots where the servers have made an occupation out of serving in fine dining. If you’ve ever experienced that type of server then you know that having a server who has been in fine dining for a while is quite different than any other dining experience you could have. Everyone was very polite and attentive although I think that the Inn could do with a bit more fine dining education for their waiters as there were several incidents of reaching across my face to take a plate and of not pouring the wine correctly (again, not a ding on my server specifically but more of ding against a place that bills itself as «fine dining» and «business dress required» but yet doesn’t take the time to educate their servers on how to pour from a bottle of wine). Overall service was good, polite, pleasant, and attentive however I would not say it was on par for «fine dining».
I give this place two stars specifically for the Unilocal description of a two-​star review: «Meh, I’ve had better».
Why am I being so harsh? Because it seems like, on Unilocal and on TripAdvisor, this place is heralded as some sort of shining beacon of fine dining and also because for the prices they are charging I expect more than what I got. My advice to anyone with a five-​star review is to take a trip to Old Europe in DC and then go back to The Barvarian Inn and re-​evaluate.

Returned for Fathers Day brunch this year but wisely reserved an inside table. We had the nicest table, window side with a lovely view. The food was so, so good. I especially loved the seafood — fried jumbo shrimp, oysters, and all sorts of seafood crudités and appetizers. The German fare was wonderful too — we had a little of everything. My husband had an omelette and lots of sausages — he wished they would cut the sausages in half for a smaller portion — you want to try so much but hate to leave food on your plate.
The patio was still hot, not enough umbrellas, but not our problem this year! Felt sorry for the poor sweltering, sweaty guests sitting outside.
5 stars for the food and service, less one for the lack of adequate coverage outside.

The Inn situated on the Potomac River did not disappoint us. The view from the room was great and the mini balcony provided just enough room to sit comfortably to take in the view and watch Groundhogs feed near the building. I was apprehensive at first walking down a flight of stairs to our room. It had a feeling of walking down into a dungeon or an ancient basement from years past due to their slight renovation they had going on but was pleasantly surprised by the room itself. It was clean, very clean. the Shower was hot and hard and the towels were more than adequate.
We didn’t have time to check out the restaurant but be forewarned. The main dining room does have a dress code for dinner. Long pants for gents. Oh, and by the way, the infinity edge pool is a great spot to have a crink in the pool and take in the view. Poolside bar service was above average.
Cheers!

We went for brunch this morning. Very impressed by the staff this is our second time at the Bavarian Inn in everyone was very attentive polite and the service was excellent. Our waiter, Dale, did a great job staring us in the right direction keeping our coffee hot and saying to all of our needs.
The food was unbelievable and it would take many pages to describe everything we had. All the seafood dishes were wonderful. They seem to prepare everything in smaller batches so it doesn’t stay long on the tables.
Service was excellent.
Can’t wait to go back.

The place is stuck in the 80s & past glories.
The photos that proudly show that Regan once dined there seems to show when the food served here was last in fashion.
Don’t get me wrong, the food is good, just outdated. Just like the décor of the place, you can smell the mothballs.

Do not go! BUGS! DIRTY!
We went for a relaxing getaway, because of the ick factor, our stay was anything but *relaxing.*
When we first arrived, there was salt and sand all over the carpet in our room. You did not want to take your shoes off.
We paid a little extra for a riverside suite so we could enjoy the view. There were greasy handprints all over the inside of the windows.
We walked a few miles along the C&O Canal and wanted to freshen up before dinner. The first thing I did when checking in the room was take a shower. There were empty shampoo bottles on the shower door left from a previous guest.
The restaurant was impeccable. The food was delicious and all homemade, the service was upstanding. That’s the only reason there is a star in this review.
We get back to the room and there are bugs everywhere. In the sink, in the tub, on the towel, next to your toothbrush. EVERYWHERE. Not wanting to bring any bugs home, I had to shake out my clothes before I packed anything in my suitcase.
I emailed the Inn, the manager wrote me back one time. I emailed him twice afterward and I never received another reply from the Bavarian Inn.
To pay money to go here, and spend a precious day off of work in a dirty establishment with bugs, dirty floors, dirty windows and dirty bathrooms just doesn’t make any sense.

While visiting Shepherdstown, West Virginia for the day, we wanted to have a special dinner. It seemed like there were three nice, fancier restaurants in town so I called all of them to inquire about their vegan options. Bistro 112, the French restaurant, basically said they really couldn’t accommodate. The Press Room and Bavarian Inn said they could, but couldn’t tell me what would be served as it would be off-​menu and up to the chef. So, I had to take a chance and I went with the Bavarian Inn.
I chose the Bavarian Inn because I knew it was a beautiful setting. It’s a hotel that looks like it is set in Germany with English tutor buildings and stone entrances. The restaurant is located in the main building. There is a casual dining area and a fancier one. We chose the fine dining room. We were seated at a small table near a window with a nice view. The carpet and furniture had an old, outdated look to it. I felt like I had gone back in time.
The bread that was served was vegan so we snacked on it while waiting for the waitress to return.
When she stopped by she explained that they could do something with a variety of vegetables and their pesto rice, which happened to be vegan. I thought that would be fine.
To start, the chef sent out an amuse bouche of mushrooms and rutabaga. It wasn’t very good and I was afraid this was indicative of what was to come.
I was right. I was served a vegetable plate, but the vegetables weren’t very good. The grilled squash was overcooked, but probably the best part of the dish. The eggplant was doused in oil and barely tasted like anything. The mixed vegetables were just plain. And the steamed asparagus was good because you really can’t mess up steamed asparagus. Oh, and the rice wasn’t very good at all. I was pretty disappointed.
That’s not to mention that the service wasn’t great either. The server barely checked on us, we ran out of water, and it took forever for us to find someone when we had a question. For a $ 19 vegetable plate, I’d say this place left something to be desired. I wish I had gone to the more casual Blue Moon Café instead.

I went here as a guest with some close friends that are local and go here a lot. It was obvious because everyone seem to know each other it is a local favorite hangout. We did not go to the upstairs diner witch was really nice from what I could see. We went to be cellar which reminded me of a German brew pub and had all the décor with low ceilings. crowded but in a friendly way. My hosts are regulars so they were treated like family. It was a Sunday night and somewhat crowded. Even with reservations for 630 PM we had to wait. There was no place to sit so we stood and had a beer while we waited. Plenty of parking since it is in its own stand alone property.
The outside was really nice and they had an infinity pool and a number of very pretty chalets that apparently you can rent. The weather was cold so nothing was really open. I had an Oktoberfest draught beer and it was great. They also have a full bar and great selection of wines. I ordered the 3 bratwurst dinner which came with three different sausages on mash potatoes and a vegetable. It normally comes with sauerkraut, which I did not want. The service was friendly and the meal was excellent.
A great meeting place and I would go again. I give it a 4 and quite honestly if I had eaten in the restaurant upstairs, probably a 5. No it is a 5 anyway.