Jiin took us to an old restaurant famous for traditional German smoked pork hocks for lunch to celebrate her first salary. Generous portions of German comfort food with a very old-school country tavern feel!

The Olde Heidelberg Restaurant & Tavern was established in 1860. It originally operated as the Great Western Hotel and served as a stagecoach stop between regional communities, including Berlin (now Kitchener) and Millbank.

Over decades, the Great Western Hotel transitioned into a full-service restaurant and tavern celebrating the local Pennsylvania Dutch (German) cultural heritage and cuisine — hearty meat dishes like ribs, pigtails, and famous smoked pork hocks.

In the late 20th century, new owners expanded the business into the Heidelberg Restaurant, Tavern & Motel, adding features such as banquet space and motel rooms while keeping the historic building active today.