Review of Restaurant zum Schuetzen, Aarau, Switzerland
Popular, longstanding place offering Swiss classics:
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My recent review about a restaurant in my home region was about a country inn, now I am assessing an inn in a more urban area, Restaurant Zum Schuetzen in Aarau. In contrast to its surroundings however, this is for me an establishment that I consider as typically rural. There is traditional Swiss food on offer, the restaurant is conventionally refurbished, and it is a popular place for family gatherings – by the way, the reason for my two dinners here so far, one recently, the other more than ten years ago. Having said this, with the second generation, which took over the family business some years ago, some things seem to be on the move …
Location
As I already mentioned, Restaurant zum Schuetzen (means hunter) can be found in the town of Aarau, albeit not exactly in the center but not far away. It can be reached from the historical old town in a few minutes by foot. It is located just across a big parking lot and a former industrial facility – whose company canteen it used to be –, which does not exactly contribute to an attractive setting.
Ambiance
Also here I gave a hint in the introductory words … When it comes to the restaurant style’s, it is a bit difficult to categorize. It cannot be called modern, but it is not exactly traditional anymore. It is a large room, which is divided into several compartments. Whereas some get more natural light, a few are rather dark – the latter was the case where I was seated on my recent visit. There are various rooms for events as well as a modernly styled bar/longue area and a large outdoor seating.
Food concept
Restaurant zum Schuetzen caters for many tastes, you get here simple dishes, traditional Swiss food but also more refined courses. When going through the current menu, I even discovered something that seems quite adventurous for a more traditional restaurant, zander ceviche with coriander, peppers & chickpeas. Thoughtfully, it is also explained on the menu what it is about. In fall – when I dined here on my recent visit –, you get game dishes, too. The restaurant is well-known for these, maybe because some of the owners are also hunters and therefore at the source.
When comparing my two visits here – more than a decade apart –, then I notice some changes in the direction of a more contemporary offer, probably due to the mentioned generation change.
Sampled food
Opting for game dishes in hunting season in a restaurant that is named after it and whose owners are also into it, seems a good thing to do and it proved its worth!
A tasty starter was the home-made game terrine with celery salad and fruit chutney.
A tasty starter was the home-made game terrine with celery salad and fruit chutney.
Also the main course worked out well, escalope of venison with port wine-game-cream sauce accompanied by sauted apple, red cabbage, ragout of Brussel sprouts, chest nuts and grapes as well as spaetzle.
A good way to finish the meal was a Kirsch schnapps-cream tarte with vermicelles (chestnut mousse) paired with nut ice cream and meringue.
Staff
On the occasion of my recent dinner at this restaurant, it was very busy and noisy. Half the town seemed to have family gatherings here, there were almost only groups present. Notwithstanding that, the staff was up to their task most of time, only at the beginning service was slow. Once the meal started, things went smoothly. The young employees were friendly, attentive and unobtrusive.
Upon leaving we met some members of the family and they chatted with us. When catching sight of my camera, one of them even offered to take pictures of our party, a nice touch.
Upon leaving we met some members of the family and they chatted with us. When catching sight of my camera, one of them even offered to take pictures of our party, a nice touch.
Pricing
One reason for the popularity of this restaurant apart from offering good food is certainly the fact that you get here sound value for money. Considering the affordable prices, it is fair to claim that Restaurant zum Schuetzen is “the last People’s House in Aarau”, as the former owner (second generation) once did.
Overall
This family owned restaurant near the beautiful old town of Aarau has been in business for almost 25 years, now for some time under the lead of the second generation. While the place still caters for many tastes and different kind of guests, a breath of fresh air can be noted here and there, especially in terms of some contemporary options on the menu. Apart from that, you get here mainly well-made Swiss classics, without frills, fairly priced in a pleasant ambiance.
· Costs: starters from 8 to 15.80 SFR, mains (with fish or meat) from 22.80 to 42 SFR, desserts from 6.80 to 15 SFR, 3/4-course tasting menu 58/72 SFR
· Cuisine: mid-range; traditional Swiss cuisine, sometimes with a twist; game specialties
· Note: always open
· Address: Schachenallee 39, 5000 Aarau, Tel. +41 62 823 01 24, E-Mail info@gasthausschuetzen.ch
Date of visit: November 2017
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