Are you looking for freshly home cooked and high quality Polish and German food in Raleigh at lunch or dinner time? Well look no further than to J. Betski’s, a German/Polish restaurant located near Seaboard Avenue, next to Peace College or the newly renamed William Peace University.
Almost all ingredients used here come from local farms to ensure the highest quality dining experience. Because of this, the menu varies with each season and for the occasional daily specials. Chances are that each dining experience will never be the same due to this; even on some days the menu is completely different at lunch and dinner times.
For sausage lovers, the fresh kielbasa or the smoked beef-and-pork kielbasa on toasted roll with a side of fries and paprika mayo come highly recommended. Just add an Einbcker Pils or Aventinus Doppelbock draft beer to that order, and it would be almost like going to a German themed pub in Poland.
For vegetarians the potato and cheese pierogies (Polish ravioli) are highly recommended and are usually in stock year round. However with sausage platters, the pierogies, with a choice of different fillings, are also offered. Occasionally for some seasons, pierogies can be ordered as appetizers for dinner time.
When it comes down to dinner time, the menu changes radically from standard pub fare to high classed dining. One of the most highly recommended and delicious dishes are the pork schnitzel with its crunchy outside and moist inside.
With each season the desert offerings changes; however the chocolate-hazelnut torte with sea salt, caramel and crispy bacon seems to stay year round. The current autumn favorites are the warm apple strudel and warm gingerbread with Altbier Sabayon. When it’s in season the chocolate rice pudding, which is this reviewer’s favorite dessert from J. Betski’s, is highly recommended.
Can make your mind up? The waiters and waitresses here are very knowledgeable about everything on the menu, including where the wine and beer originated from. Service here is very fast and efficient. J. Betski’s easily five-stars worthy and one of the best restaurants in Raleigh.