It’s always Oktoberfest at Milwaukee’s Old German Beer Hall. Stroll in off of Old World Third Street in downtown Milwaukee and you may have to do a reality check to see if you haven’t been magically transported to Munich, Germany. The decor is 16th Century German, with a long bar along one wall, some tables at the front near the window, and, in the back, the beer hall.
On a cold winter night not long ago I sat enjoying the various selections of Hofbrau Munchen Beer, brew in accordance with the 400 year old German purity laws, which do not allow for any impurities and, of course, artificial ingredients. The menu selection was basic, with a choice of brat and knockwurst sandwiches and platters, along with some traditional entrees of spaetzle and noodles, pork cutlet and steak. All with a Deutche flavor and preparation.
While I lingered at the bar, which was fairly deserted early on, but was soon filled with a mostly younger crowd of 20 and 30 somethings. Their Hofbrau Beer of choice was usually poured into a liter stein. For those who have only done 12 oz curls of beer their entire lives, just imagine that your private stein of beer is the size of an ordinary pitcher. In fact, the brag at the Old German Beer Hall, in their advertising, is that they will slide a “beer as big as your head” down the bar to you. As these drinking pros orders liter steins left and right, I covered my tiny 1/3 liter sized stein easily with one hand in embarrassment.
These must be members of the “Stein Club”. For some reason you can only join the Stein Club on Tuesday nights, but once you pay a $75 dollar fee (which includes a 1 Liter Stein) you receive the following member benefits: assignment of numbered steins, which I saw hanging above my head at the bar; every 10th Liter of Beer is free; and you are invited as a VIP to special events and trips.
On Tuesday nights you can enjoy a half price stein all day, munch on free appetizers from 4pm to 8pm and take in the live entertainment. Be warned though, your numbered stein stays hooked above the bar and cannot go home with you, no matter how thirsty you are.
Speaking of entertainment, that’s what the noise is all about back in the beer hall. Modeled after Munich’s famous Hofbrau Haus, there are long communal tables where you can get to know your new friends and old with a little “Oompa Music” being played and sung by musicians.
This is the real attraction of the Old German Beer Hall in Milwaukee, the same as its famous older brother hall in Munich, which was built by Duke Wilhelm V, in 1589. . After walking back into the hall it brought back some fond memories of Munich and the evenings I sat with friends and strangers essen und trinken and enjoying gemutlikeit (good cheer).
That was a long time ago, and half a world away.
Tonight was a good substitute. In a heavily German town this is the only Beer Hall in the city, so it’s worth the trip, especially if Munich is out of the question for the moment.
Other activities center around Milwaukee’s Old German Beer Hall, including joining a soccer club and various trips that are scheduled throughout the year.
Private parties can be held here, and according to management, many private and business events make use of the 100 seat hall.
The Old German Beer Hall is located close to the Bradley Convention Center, and is within walking distance of a number of hotels and other restaurants and clubs, many of which are on Old World 3rd Street
It’s “prost” –ein toast! to a unique venue in Milwaukee and many happy returns.
The Old German Beer Hall, 1009 North Old World Third Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Phone, 414.226.2728 or www.oldgermanbeerhall.com
