Review Summary
Overall Impression After Several Visits
Paulaner in the Squaire is one of the better choices for a proper German meal near Frankfurt Airport and the long-distance train station. Across several visits, I tried pork knuckle, roast pork, schnitzel, white sausage, Bavarian pan dishes, potato leek soup, salad, Kaiserschmarrn, apple strudel, and Paulaner beer. The portions were generous, the beer was usually very good, and the prices were reasonable for an airport location. Still, not every dish was equally strong. The schnitzel changed noticeably from visit to visit, the vegan pesto gnocchi was disappointing, and the service was not always consistent during busy hours.
Visit Time and Waiting Time
Lunch Visit
Lunch was the easiest time to visit. I usually got a table quickly, and the food arrived without a long wait. Soups, salads, and lighter dishes came out especially fast. A normal lunch with a main dish cost around €20–30 per person. For anyone eating before a train or flight, lunch is the safest time to go.
Dinner Visit
Dinner was much busier. Around flight and train transfer times, many tables were full, and larger groups needed more patience. Regular dishes took around 15–20 minutes. Pork knuckle took around 20–30 minutes. If time is tight, I recommend white sausage, bratwurst, soup, or schnitzel instead of pork knuckle. For groups, a reservation is the better choice.
Detailed Food Review
Pork Knuckle
If I had to recommend only one dish, I recommend the pork knuckle. The skin was crisp, the meat portion was large, and the potato dumplings and sauerkraut worked well with it. Pork knuckle with potato dumplings, sauerkraut, and beer came to €35.60. For a restaurant in this location, that was fair. On one visit, the dumplings and sauerkraut were lukewarm. After reheating, the dish was fine, but pork knuckle is still a dish to order only when you have enough time.
Schnitzel
The schnitzel was inconsistent. The onion schnitzel with a small salad cost around €20–30 and was good on one visit. The portion was solid, and the salad matched the meal well. On another visit, the meat was tough and the coating was too greasy. The breading felt heavy and had absorbed too much oil. If you want schnitzel, it is better to order it outside the busiest hours.
Roast Pork
The roast pork was a reliable choice. The beer gravy was rich, the potato dumplings fit well, and the sauerkraut had enough seasoning. The portion was large enough for a full meal. This dish cost around €20–30. If you want a hearty German meat dish with sauce, roast pork is a good order.
Bavarian Pan Dishes
The Schlemmerpfännchen and Bayern Pfännchen were among the most satisfying dishes I tried. The creamy sauce was rich, and the separately served spaetzle worked very well with it. Eating the meat and spaetzle together made the dish filling and flavorful. The price was around €30–40. This is a strong dinner option when you are hungry.
White Sausage and Bratwurst
The white sausage was a good choice when I wanted something lighter. With radish and pretzel, it made a proper Bavarian meal without being too heavy. The roasted sausages also worked well with sauerkraut and beer. These dishes cost around €20–30. If you do not have much time, I recommend sausage dishes over pork knuckle.
Soups and Salads
The potato leek soup was warm, creamy, and satisfying. The beef broth was salty, strong, and a good starter before a main dish. The side salad was larger than expected. Cabbage, green salad, and yogurt dressing balanced the heavier meat dishes well. The fitness salad is also a good option when you want something lighter.
Kaiserschmarrn and Apple Strudel
The Kaiserschmarrn was large and sweet. After pork knuckle or a creamy pan dish, it is better to share it. As a dessert, it was a good finish. The apple strudel was warm and well made. If you still have room after the main dish, Kaiserschmarrn or apple strudel is worth ordering.
Vegan and Vegetarian Dishes
Vegetarian options were clearly marked, and there were several choices. The vegan pesto gnocchi, however, was not worth the €16.90 I paid. The gnocchi tasted too much like plain potato dough, the sauce was salty, and the balsamic flavor dominated the dish. For a vegetarian order, I recommend veggie flatbread, spinach dumplings, or salad instead.
Beer and Drinks
Paulaner beer is one of the strongest reasons to visit this restaurant. The draft beer was usually fresh and worked very well with pork knuckle, roast pork, and sausages. A one-liter beer cost around €9.20. For this location, that was acceptable. Non-alcoholic beer was also available. On one visit, the beer was not cold enough, but overall the drink quality was good.
Price and Payment
Price Level
The prices are acceptable for an airport restaurant. Light meals, soups, and smaller dishes cost around €10–20. Schnitzel, sausages, and roast pork were usually around €20–30. With a main dish, beer, and dessert, the bill was closer to €30–40. Pork knuckle with beer came to the mid-€30 range.
Payment
I paid by card and received the receipt right away. On one visit, the tip prompt felt too direct. Tipping should stay voluntary. When the service was good, leaving a tip was fine. When the service was unfriendly, pressure around tipping lowered the overall experience.
Staff Friendliness and Service
Good Service
On most visits, the staff was fast and friendly. Drinks arrived quickly, even when the restaurant was busy. The kitchen also worked at a good pace, and the bill came quickly when I needed to leave for a train or flight. That matters a lot in this location.
Weaker Service
The service was not perfect every time. On one evening, the staff was visibly rushed, and questions were answered too sharply. On another visit, the receipt was handed over in an unfriendly way. The food and location are strong, but the service depends heavily on the time and the person serving the table.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The biggest advantage is the location inside The Squaire near Frankfurt Airport and the long-distance train station. You can eat German and Bavarian food without going into the city. Pork knuckle, roast pork, sausages, and beer are the best choices here. Portions are generous, and the prices are fair for this location.
Cons
The quality is not equally stable across all dishes. Pork knuckle and roast pork were strong, but schnitzel was not always convincing. I would not order the vegan pesto gnocchi again. During peak hours, the service can feel rushed. The music did not match the Bavarian atmosphere on some visits.
Satisfaction and Revisit Intention
Satisfaction
Overall, I was satisfied. If you order Bavarian classics and beer, you can have a good meal here. It is not perfect across the whole menu, but for pork knuckle, roast pork, sausages, and beer, it is a strong option near Frankfurt Airport.
Revisit Intention
I would return when I have time for a meal at Frankfurt Airport or near the long-distance train station. For a first visit, I recommend pork knuckle with beer. If time is limited, I recommend white sausage or bratwurst. If there is room for dessert, share the Kaiserschmarrn.
Location Description
From the Airport and Long-Distance Train Station
From Terminal 1, follow the signs toward the long-distance train station and The Squaire. After entering The Squaire, continue toward the dining area near the station. The restaurant is in the same general area as ALEX Frankfurt The Squaire, Scom Frankfurt Flughafen Squaire, and RISE Restaurant. From the Hilton side, walk through The Squaire toward the long-distance train station. From the REWE area, take the escalator or elevator up one level, and Paulaner in the Squaire is within a short indoor walk.
Check the restaurant location on the map
Food Photos
This review is connected to the city review page below.
Frankfurt Place Reviews