Dining reviewer WENDY JOHNSON finds herself at the Harmonie German Club wondering why she’s never been there before.

After my first visit to the Harmonie German Club, I asked myself a big question: “How is it that I have lived in Canberra for decades and never visited?”

I was stunned by the number of people buzzing about on a Tuesday, but it was, after all, schnitzel night. The atmosphere was boisterous, fun and lively. Staff were frantic but held their cool and warmly greeted everyone – willkommen!

Authentic, hearty German dishes are the go, and a signature dish is pork knuckle, which takes 4.5 hours to prepare, so best to call ahead to order. The dish is sooo famous that the restaurant is affectionately called Knuckles. Note to self for future visit: “Knuckles Madness” is the Thursday night special.

Accompanying the food is fully imported German bier (on tap and by the bottle) and a line-up of schnapps as long as the King’s Highway (the annual Winter Schnappsfest is July 3). The wine list is decent and well-priced.

I went with three friends, two of whom frequent so often they’re part of the furniture. They walked me through the “deal”. 

The Tuesday schnitzel menu is available for lunch and dinner until sold out. Choose chicken, veal, pork or tofu, a gravy and a side, with red cabbage and sauerkraut popular. 

Here’s the kicker on the price. Schnitzels – which are HUGE and YUM – are only $12 for members and $15 for non-members. 

Two of us ordered veal, and I added the special German Jager sauce, a classic creamy, mushroom-based gravy. The veal on both schnitzels was the right thickness, tender and haus-breaded, meaning the breadcrumb coating isn’t pre-packaged, pre-breaded or pre-frozen. I loved the wedge of lemon, fresh salad, crunchy chips and that gravy. My, oh, my.

One friend ordered his all-time fave, the chicken Italian parmi, available Tuesdays for a $4 upgrade. What a whopper of a dish, featuring a tasty Napoli sauce, leg ham and gooey grilled cheese. This is not a meal for those counting calories, but who counts calories when at the German Club?

We don’t always dive into desserts, but we didn’t regret the apple strudel with custard sauce AND ice cream ($11.50 members; $12.50 non-members). We indulged in a sensational vanilla bean brûlée, the caramelised sugar top making that comforting crack sound when hit with a spoon ($11 members; $12 non-members). 

The Harmonie German Club, in Narrabundah, is huge, with many dining zones. Opened in October 1964, the place has a fascinating back story. It also has a rich history in the performing arts (live music and shows) and is home to the Canberra Blues Society. Special events include the epic Oktoberfest (October30-31) and German Winter Market (June 21) – deli, grocer, haus beer, wine, crafts, specialty stalls.