When we made plans to go to the Biergarten Haus for brunch, I couldn’t help but wonder what I was in for. German food is not a cuisine I crave very often — I don’t like cabbage and always choose bacon over sausage. While I still don’t like cabbage and schnitzle all that much, the Biergarten Haus has some good things going for it.
First off, if you have not yet been to the Biergarten Haus and sat at one of the many outdoor tables, you’re missing out. They have a large tent set up, as well as large umbrellas over another section of tables, so the outside can be comfortably used rain or shine. And as for the beer — yes, it’s a bit on the pricey side but that’s because you’re getting a great selection of German beers offered in many sizes, including the large liter stein. And for an added bonus, there are large screens set up outside playing the big games, which will make the Biergarten a great choice during football season.
Now onto the food and what you can expect from brunch at a place best known for German Beer. Schnitzle with eggs, of course. I did not order this but one of my friends was kind enough to let me sample her’s. It was good but not my thing. If you like schnitzle though, which my friend definitely does, you will like this dish. I took the safe route and ordered two eggs with home fries and bacon. I know, very unadventurous but I knew I would be able to try plenty of other things since I was with a large group. Other non-German options included blueberry pancakes, which were quite yummy, and a fruit cup, which was perfect for all of the kids in our group. No one tried the German Ham and Emmentaler omelet but it sounded pretty tasty and I do think I’ll order it on my next visit.
If you’d rather stick with something a bit more traditionally German, there is also sausage platter as well as Geraucherte Fishplatte (some sort of fish plate with picked red onions) and Gurensalat (cucumbers and onions in a dill vinaigrette).
For beer, we were encouraged to try the Gaffel Kolsch, a lighter and more carbonated beer that they liked to say was their version of a mimosa. I’m not sure I’d agree that it’s like a mimosa but it was very refreshing on a hot morning. At some point a few people choose to order the sampling of beers — a carousel of .5L beers starting with their lightest and progressing to their darker options. If you like your German beers, and you like tasting a variety of them, I highly recommend this. Just build in time for a nap when you are done.
So while a straight-up German brunch may never be my thing, Biergarten Haus’ menu is a great choice for the football season or for anyone who really loves a lot of beer with their breakfast. Considering my love for mimosas, you know I’m not passing judgment there!
