Philadelphia - June 29, 2009

Brauhaus Movement

Brauhaus Schmitz Restaubar Opens

Hometown dude Benjamin Franklin said, “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.”

How did he know that savvy swillers would be having a religious experience today at the Brauhaus Schmitz opening?

Owners Kelly and Doug Hager (Ludwig’s Garten) took a modern approach with their authentic German restaubar. Polished-wood pews salvaged from a South Philly church serve as banquette seats opposite the rustic main bar, while balcony seating for two is tucked up among high ceilings. The Hagers even kept an apothecary wall from the days the space was a hardware store.

Wash down chef Jeremy Nolen’s traditional Germanic eats (schnitzel, bratwurst, kasseler rippchen) with suds from twenty taps (rotating selection of Deutschland beers, house brew from Stoudt’s). Dirndl-clad waitresses serve homemade bratwurst by the meter.

Just pace yourself, Hans. We don’t want to see you praying to the porcelain deity.

Brauhaus Schmitz, 718 South Street (267-909-8814 or brauhausschmitz.com).