Bites Nearby: Chalet Alpina Restaurant

Looking for some traditional European Fare in the neighborhood? Try

Due to requests from patrons, Chalet Alpina Restaurant recently added a few Mediterranean dishes, such as pasta, shrimp and lobster tails, to its menu, but in all other aspects this quaint Metropolitan Avenue establishment has been completely German and Austrian for 71 years.

The lamps are imported from Austria. The tables feature tiles with designs of animals, fruits and flowers, as is the norm in Germany. Steins, a traditional wedding gift in both countries, share wall space with Deutschland flags and paintings of Old World scenes. On tap is a variety of Hofbrau, Spaten, Weihenstephan and Warsteiner brand beers that patrons drink  from weizen glasses.

Every Saturday and Sunday, accordion player Wilma Jagusch, a Queens native whose parents are German, performs.

The cheapest entrees are Bratwurst (made from pork) and Weisswurst (made from veal), while the most expensive dishes are Zwiebel Rostbraten (black angus shell steak) and Grilled Baby Lamb Racks.

Other popular items are Munchner Sauerbraten (marinated pot roast with sweet and sour sauce), Zuricher Geschnetzeltes (sauteed veal strips, onions and mushrooms in a cognac and cream sauce) and Goulasch "Nach Oma's Art" (beef goulash in a dark paprika sauce).

Of course, many of the wines on the menu come from Germany and Austria, but there are others from places like California and Italy.

The homemade desserts are a majordraw, and co-owner Lenny Grbic says that a different special is offered each day. The mainstays are the Warmer Apfelstrudel and Linzer Torte with roasted hazelnuts and raspberry puree.

And in keeping with the authentic German experience, in the back dining room is a plaque informing that the site was the original meeting place for worshippers of what is now on Union Turnpike.

98-35 Metropolitan Ave., corner of 70th Avenue.

Phone: 718-793-3774.

Hours: Closed on Monday unless there's a special occasion (such as Valentine's Day); 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; 4:30 to 11 p.m. on Saturday; and 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday.

Prices: entrees range from $15.95 to $26.95 with a special $29.95 prixe fixe option; most appetizers are under $10; homemade desserts cost $5.95.