Anyway... Brauhaus Schmitz is a German bierhall on South Street that has been open for over 5 years. Many meals, two World Cups, and countless boots later, it has become a standard for us. Brauhaus is modeled after a standard Bavarian bierhall. Kind of surprising with an owner from Cologne. However, just like other countries associate America with beer pong, football, and the Kardashians, we most commonly think of Bavaria when we hear German food and architecture. What was once a single long room with two floors has expanded to an additional second room that can be used for special events and with its own bar.
As previously indicated, Brauhaus is our place for soccer. We were there when Germany won the World Cup this summer. We were there when FC Bayern Munchen won Champions League two years ago. And we have started to make the extra effect to get there some Saturdays for 9:30 am to watch Bundesliga games (German soccer league). It is not as difficult as you think to drink beer (German only) at 9:30 am while watching your favorite team (Bayern) kill it in Bundesliga. #MiaSanMia
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| Photo op prior to the World Cup final |
Fussball aside, one of the best German beer selections around as well as an excellent selection of schnapps can be found here. Half liter and liter glasses are standard here, as well as boots (I've shied away from the boots after the 2010 World Cup for very obvious reasons). During games, breakfast is offered in a traditional German style (cheese and meat plates with nutella) or Bavarian (wurst and pretzel). The lunch and dinner selections are significantly larger, ranging from standard appetizers and sides to schnitzel and wurst with some Hungarian dishes thrown in there that Rob refuses to try most of the time. In his defense, his mom's is probably better anyways. Chef Jeremy Nolen has done a great job of expanding the menu to go beyond the standard fare, while staying traditional to Bavarian cooking. My only complaint is that I desperately miss the jagerschnitzel (a schnitzel in a traditional "hunter's sauce" consisting of a thick creamy sauce and mushrooms). The spatzle dishes are a particular favorite of mine. And although Rob will probably kill me, I love the Hungarian gulasch as well.
While our incredibly biased opinions are that you should check out Brauhaus Schmitz during a big German soccer game to get the full affect, this is a place that is great anytime. Whether you are there for a date or a large family gathering, its completely appropriate and enjoyable. And if you fit into neither of those categories and want to go for a long night of good German beers, enjoy that hangover and get a Konig Ludwig for me. Oh, and only have as many boots as you can handle (for me that number is 1).
In the meantime, soccer is a growing sport in the USA and this is a great spot to watch. The restaurant also supports Philadelphia Union. I highly recommend making your way down to watch a big match (Bayern vs Dortmund for example) or a Union game. Check out the restaurant's website for info on these events as well as Maifest, Philly Beer Week, and Oktoberfest.
