When you see the nine-foot gnome standing outside the building, you’ll know you’re in the right place. Hans (yes, the gnome has a name) is just one of the hundreds of gnomes you’ll find inside Heidelberg Haus, a German cafe and bakery that has been a part of the Lawrence community for more than 55 years. You’ll also find German trinkets, unique gifts, VHS tapes, German magazines, and most importantly for little foodies: German food and baked goods.

German Goods Galore

Once inside, walk through the maze of gnomes — seriously, there are SO many gnomes here — to the German bakery. The bakery houses a variety of German and European desserts, such as danishes, buttercream tortes, cakes, rolls and kuchen, a German cake-like dessert. They also have a delicious assortment of German cookies, which you can purchase individually or by the half pound. 

Sweets and Imported Treats

Sweets are a big draw at Heidelberg Haus. You’ll find lots of treats as you wander the store: Milka and Ritter Sport chocolates, Haribo gummies and many hard-to-find European goodies are around every corner. But for those who love savory bites, Heidelberg Haus also sells German pretzels, loaves of bread, sausages in the refrigerated section, and many other German specialty items. (This is definitely the place to get your tinned herring.) You can also pull up a chair at the restaurant counter and enjoy lunch from their limited menu, which includes German favorites like brats and knockwurst, or the kid-friendly toasted cheese sandwich, which comes with potato chips.

More Info

Address: 7625 Pendleton Pike, Indianapolis

Hours:

Tuesday-Friday, 8:30am to 7 pm
Saturday, 8:30 am-5 pm
Sunday, 11 am-5 pm
Closed Mondays

Website: heidelberghaus.com