--- FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED FOR OVER 80 YEARS! ---
The East Side Restaurant has been continuously family owned and operated on the same site for over 80 years. Steffi and Eddie Walters were the original owners. They established the restaurant, formerly a grocery store, back in the days when trolleys ran on Dwight Street. When they sold the restaurant to Bill and Ruth Bloethe, the Walters moved on to running the successful Dock and Dine in Old Saybrook. The Bloethes ran the restaurant for over 40 years while raising their four children. They expanded the original booth side to include the Heidelberg dining room. They also commissioned the mural in the dining room. Local artist, Kenneth Larson, utilized the grapes and wooden plaques (symbols of Old Heidelberg), in a classical style to transform the dining room into a terrace overlooking the ancient city. Their festive demeanor is captured by the brilliant jewel-like colors and vivid details.
Nick, Barbara and Shari Augustino purchased the business before the turn of the century. They represent the first time that two generations have owned and operated the restaurant. Nick, Barbara and Shari worked alongside the Bloethes to ensure the continuation of the most important of the East Side traditions: hearty, generous German-American fare in a "family friendly" atmosphere. Keeping one foot solidly grounded in tradition, we also instituted some advancement. The renovations in 2004 not only enhanced our appearance, but improved our efficiency.Our newest upper level expansion in 2009 consists of our "Munich" Room and Englisher Bier Garden. Both of these areas were meticulously detailed after the Hofbrauhaus in Munich, Germany. The Munich Room has a state of the art beer dispensing system, which pours a perfect 32° beer. That goes perfectly with our 5° shots from our spectacular Icy Shot Tower. Our granite tables have snow rails to keep your beverages ice cold. We now have a little of the old world and new world Germany combined and as always "No Passport Required!!"