I am someone who enjoys salivating over food related television shows, occasionally getting inspired to try and up the level of my own cooking. Some of the more spirited shows have even encouraged a few friendly competitive challenges between Emme Rogers and myself. ( I totally beat her in an onion peeling contest inspired by Bob Blumer’s Gluten For Punishment!) I also quite often find myself pining away for travel when I watch shows that showcase different establishments around the world. Knowing this, you can imagine my excitement when one day while watching Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives, they featured a little restaurant called The Brats Brothers only 5 minutes away from my house! The crazy thing is … I had never even heard of this place.
My cousin was in town visiting, which was perfect because we grew up eating a lot of Hungarian and German food, and this place promised amazing bratwurst, sauerkraut, and beer! She was the perfect person to accompany me on my ‘as seen on TV’ dining experience.
The ambiance was just right for the occasion. We sat at picnic style tables surrounded by rustic decor, all providing a bit of a Bavarian drinking hall type of vibe. Speaking of drinking … they have authentic German beer on tap here, and they even have their own home brew! If you have never enjoyed a true German beer, you must know there is something so fresh and pure about the taste.
Now, knowing me and my inability to make decisions when faced with so many great ones, you can imagine how it took me a whole beer to choose from the extensive list of brats they have. I knew it was going to be good no matter what I chose, because of the interesting ensemble of ketchups and mustards they had.
My cousin and I finally discovered and settled on their sampler plate so we could experience at least 4 of their different brats. We of course included sauerkraut and their little house dumplings called spaetzle. This ended up being a grand idea!
Our favourite brat turned out to be the spicy Hungarian one. Having a grandmother who made sauerkraut and dumplings all the time, I have to say that this place is pretty authentic! I classify it as one of those places that only the locals would know about (despite having been featured on TV), which I think always have the best food and the best patrons. Let this stand as my tip for you then, should you ever be in the San Fernando Valley: look up The Brats Brothers and then stroll around the main street of Ventura Blvd for some great little independent store shopping!
Wow this looks like an amazing place to dine. The food looks delicious.