Around The Bend: Moser's Austrian Cafe

Prost! Tucked away in the charming town of New Carlisle, Moser's Austrian Cafe brings the heart of the Alps straight to The Bend. From the first bite of schnitzel to the last sip of imported beer, this cozy spot serves up old-world flavor with warm, European hospitality. Whether you're stopping by for Oktoberfest or a quiet meal steeped in tradition, Moser’s is your passport to authentic Austrian fare without ever leaving the Midwest.

Around The Bend takes a deeper look into the stories of beloved favorites and hidden gems throughout St Joseph County that make this place unforgettable. These places we cherish didn’t just appear—they were built with passion, purpose, and stories worth telling.

An Authentic Austrian Experience in the Heart of New Carlisle

Break out your dirndls and your lederhosens! Moser’s Austrian Cafe is a must-try while visiting The Bend.

Just to the west of South Bend in New Carlisle, Moser’s Austrian Cafe brings the heart of the Alps straight to the Midwest. From the first bite of schnitzel to the last sip of imported beer, this cozy spot serves up old-world flavor with warm, European hospitality.

Born and raised in Austria, Werner Moser wanted to bring his culture and food to his new hometown. He opened Moser’s Austrian Cafe in downtown New Carlisle. A smaller building than its current location. They became so busy, they needed a larger venue.

In 2014 they moved in next door to Carlisle Coffee & Sweets owned by Margaret Czarnecki.

“We were ecstatic because people come into town just to go to Moser’s,” shared Czarnecki.

Moser decorated his restaurant with items from their original home in Austria. Everything is unique. When you visit you will notice a small lederhosen hanging on the wall. That was indeed Werner’s when he was a child.

The building itself is historic and currently fashioned after an Italian restaurant in San Diego as its inspiration.

Moser eventually retired in 2021 and Czarnecki along with her husband, Derrick, took over ownership.

“We don’t want to change anything he did because he made this a wonderful place. Werner knew everybody and everybody in town knew him. A lot of them are thankful we took it over, so the business didn’t close…we felt it was really important to keep it here.”

The popular dining destination hasn’t changed a thing, including its chef.

The food you will try at Moser’s is just as you would taste in Austria. Except, in the true American way, you can try 12 different types of schnitzel. In case you’re curious, the jaegerschnitzel is the most popular, topped with a red wine, bacon onion and mushroom sauce.

As for the choice of meat, your schnitzel can be pork, veal, chicken, or portobello mushroom. The most common is pork.

“Our schnitzels are spot on. They’re exactly like they are over there.”

Schnitzels are served with Spaetzle (say that five times fast) which is like a noodle. It has consistency like gnocchi. They are also served with purple cabbage.

And they make it all from scratch.

“We have the best sauerkraut ever. People come here and get our rubens. And they don’t understand why our rubens are so good and it’s the sauerkraut.”

The food isn’t the only authentically Austrian experience. All of Moser’s beers are imported from Austria or Germany.

“We are the number one seller of Stiegl beer in North America.”

Moser’s wine comes from Croatia.

“We have a guy over in Merrillville (IN) and his mother makes it in Croatia. He sells it here in the United States.”

True local connections to Europe are woven into the fabric of Moser’s. And their employees embrace the culture and spirit.

“We have great workers. The girls and the guys are all wonderful. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday they wear dirndls and lederhosens. During Oktoberfest the kitchen wears theirs.”

Moser’s hosts an annual Oktoberfest celebration in September. A German band comes to play, there are stein holding contests, dancing, and of course, lots of delicious food and beer.

Photo courtesy of Moser's Austrian Cafe

It’s hard not to be in the spirit while surrounded by Austrian tchotchkes and memorabilia. And lots, and lots of beer steins. Most belonging to the German band and regulars that visit frequently.

“It makes us so happy. We have a couple groups come in every Friday because they just absolutely love our beer…we’re starting to know the people. We’ve been here 15 years now. People appreciate us. The town really appreciates us.”

Moser’s is a favorite of those near and far.

“People come from all over. People come from Goshen (IN). We had a family, they’re from Chicago, but they had a house up on the river in Muskegon. They came here because they were looking for something different. We have some people from Pittsburgh that come back every year.”

A bonus to visiting Moser’s, the Carlisle Coffee & Sweets shop is right next door. The shop sells Venni’s chocolates, any coffee drink your heart desires, pastries (that are also served at Moser’s), and their famous German chocolate cake.

“(This customer) comes in every Thursday for German chocolate cake. He said, ‘Your German chocolate cake is what put New Carlisle on the map.’ We have the best baker in the world. She’s amazing.”

If you would like to try authentic Austrian food, dive into some German chocolate cake, for fill a growler of Stiegl beer, stop by any time 11:30am to 8pm ET. Consider experiencing Christmas in New Carlisle and enjoy their German band, where you can sign up to play alongside them. Krampus also makes an appearance.  

“We are just so appreciative of Werner. That’s all I can say. He comes back in town once in a while. We are thankful for all of our customers that appreciate us and we do appreciate them.”

Prost!