Written by: Leyton Furlong
If you’ve ever wanted to try authentic German food but don’t have the budget to travel, this article’s for you! Located on the corner of Lafayette and 27th, the Cabbage Roll has been a staple of St. Joseph’s cuisine for over 37 years.
Old-World Charm From the First Step
Right away, you are hit with the aroma of bratwursts cooking and cabbage being boiled. It’s also hard to ignore the Central European charm. Off in the background, you may hear a speaker playing Bavarian Yodeling or Frankie Yankovic’s renditions of classic polka hits. Throughout the building, you’ll find countless knick-knacks, paintings, beer steins, photos, and other antiques tied to the German countryside. I must say it was pretty dedicated; I was not expecting to see so many historic photos and old-world decor.
The Story Behind The Cabbage Roll
St. Joseph’s strong Germanic and Slavic legacy often goes unappreciated, so the Cabbage Roll’s homage to that legacy feels like a breath of fresh air. For the restaurant’s co-owners, Andy Halamar and Larry Matt, such dedication is all a part of the plan. Andy’s father, Anton, was a Polish prisoner of war of Ukrainian origin who married Emma Hausmann, a German local, towards the end of World War II. After the war, the couple originally had plans to move to Australia, but soon settled for a new life in Southside St. Joseph, Missouri. His partner Larry’s ancestors were also German immigrants who had come to America much earlier. In the 1980s, the two men began plans for St. Joseph’s very own German restaurant that incorporated their families’ taste for genuine Central European cuisine. Thus, in 1989, the Cabbage Roll officially opened its doors as a family business.
Comfort Food Classics and Sweet Treats
Ever since then, the Cabbage Roll has been a popular spot for locals. There’s something for everyone. Popular options include their Ukrainian-style pierogies, potato salads, Polish Sausages, sandwiches, pork jaegerschnitzels, and, of course, their cabbage rolls. But if those aren’t your thing, or if you have a sweet tooth, the Cabbage Roll has you covered. Their options for dessert are like something straight out of the story of Hansel and Gretel. Options include a variety of German and American torte-cakes, red velvet cakes, sunshine cakes, coconut pies, carrot cakes, chocolates, and (my personal favorite choice) cheesecakes. If you’re in a hurry, they also provide take-home cheesecake mixes and quick sweets for later.
Specials, Groups, and the Full Experience
Every week, they feature specialty items such as their HeideBurger, which comes with a side of tater tots or quiche with a muffin choice. For large parties, the Cabbage Roll provides a large party room featuring a large backdrop of the Neuschwanstein Castle. Their staff are also highly personable and love to chat with their customers, treating everyone there as a friend.
I don’t want to spoil any more of the fun, so I’ll leave it at that. The Cabbage Roll is something that words or reviews can’t quite do justice. It’s something magical that I believe is the kind of place you have to experience in person.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
The Cabbage Roll
2641 Lafayette Street, Saint Joseph, MO 64507
(816) 233-4444
Monday – Friday 11 AM – 1:30 PM
Email: remmington@stjoelive.com