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Home Places Meet & Eat A Guide to Finding the Best German Flavor

A Guide to Finding the Best German Flavor

By David Robinson

German culture is intertwined with Pennsylvania’s past and present—from a section of Philadelphia named Germantown and the Pennsylvania Dutch culture dominating the central part of the state to the German roots of Pennsylvania companies such as Bachman pretzels and Yuengling beer. For a taste of history and culture, visit one of these eateries.

Brauhas Schmitz
Located on South Street and open since 2009, Brauhaus Schmitz was founded by Doug and Kelly Hager. The menu features beers direct from Germany, as well as award-winning food. Hager was born in Aschaffenburg to a native German mother and a U.S. military father. The restaurant has won three Best Of titles from Philadelphia magazine. Brauhaus books private events of all sizes, and boasts a number of different options, including seated and cocktail party menus. A/V and projection are available and educational information on German cuisine and culture is also offered. Packages start at $20 per person for open bar with bottomless beer for two hours, and the family feast package is the most popular. Don’t miss the Spanferkel (suckling pig feast at $42 per person, 12 person minimum). Brauhaus can accommodate up to 175 people for a seated event, and up to 400 for a cocktail reception.

Frankford Hall
Frankford Hall is owned by famed restaurateur Stephen Starr and located in the trendy and up and-coming neighborhood of Fishtown. Think hipster-chic meets Oktoberfest. The industrial space is very open and inviting. There are 400 seats, including a 260-seat, open-air biergarten. Frankford Hall offers a rotating assortment of drafts, including its own brew called Frankford Hall’s Hopster Heffe, produced by Pennsylvania’s Fegley’s brew works. The German-styled but locally influenced menu highlights include riesenpretzel (giant pretzels), sausages from artisanal German Butcher Ernst A. Illg (from Chalfont) served on Martin’s Rolls (a Pennsylvania Dutch country staple since the 1950s), wiener schnitzel and mushroom strudel showcasing mushrooms from Kennett Square.

Bierstube
Bierstube, which translates to “a room or place used primarily for serving beer,” definitely lives up to its name. This Old City restaurant and bar has a comprehensive list of over 200 beers, and the owner has even been knighted by the Belgian Brewers Guild. “Our Rathskeller private lower level hosts groups of up to 50,” says owner Michael Naessens. “Guests can order off the regular menu or request a special menu.” The menu lists the classics (think schnitzels and bratwurst) with German-influenced American classics, such as burgers topped with applewood bacon sauerkraut and fried knackwurst or grilled cheese with beer mustard aioli.

Hofbräuhaus
Opened in 2009, Hofbräuhaus was modeled after the legendary 400-year-old Hofbräuhaus in Munich. “Guests are now able to enjoy many of the traditions from Germany that have made Hofbräuhaus famous, says Matt Plapp, marketing director. “From the traditionally decorated rooms in the building to the beer that is brewed on-site, and of course the excellent German fare, Hofbräuhaus Pittsburgh is a memorable experience for all.” The world-famous establishment in Munich has franchised to five U.S. locations including Pittsburgh, Las Vegas, Kentucky, Chicago and Columbus, with one more location slated to open soon. Pittsburgh’s outpost features a raucous atmosphere in a huge Bier Hall with live music that holds 350 people. There is also a quieter dining room for those that want a more restrained dining experience. Brewery tours and tastings are available, and they specialize in hosting corporate groups and events (Hofbräuhaus holds up to 900 collectively). The brewery makes four year-round varieties, plus seasonal specialties like Oktoberfest, Maibock, Pilsner and Hefeweizen.

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