Bar Review: Bierstube Brings German Favorites to Old City

by Grace Dickinson in Bars & Restaurants

Last month, Old City Asian Bistro on Market and Second was reborn as Bierstube, a German-style beer hall. The name translates as “a room or other place used primarily for the serving of beer,” and it fits well. With a rotating list of 18 beers on draft and just over 80 by the bottle, the toughest part about grabbing a brew at this place will be choosing which ones to order.

On draft, you’ll find a list composed primarily of Belgium and German-style beers, ranging from the classic Delerium Tremens to an array of Weihenstephaner’s. However, do expect to find at least one American-brewed IPA for those in search of hops and bitter notes. Bottled beers come from all over the world and range in price from $4.50 for standards like Philadelphia’s own Kenzinger to $20 for a 25-oz. bottle of Westmalle Tripel. If you’re feeling daring, go for the Samichlaus, a rare beer brewed only once a year in December with an ABV of 14%.

Bierstube also offers a meat-and-potatoes-heavy food menu, with classic German fare such as potato pancakes, Hungarian goulash, a variety of bratwursts, schnitzels and more. However, there are a couple of veggie-friendly options too, like the potato pierogies sautéed in brown butter or the vegetarian version of goulash. Entree prices range from $5-$22. Also, don’t sleep on the great bar snacks, including housemade Winzig pretzels (get the optional beer cheese dip_ and the Belgier Frittens (potato fries).

Fifteen candlelit tables set a slightly fancier scene than many other beer halls,, amidst a quirky soundtrack heavy on Celtic-style tunes. Sports fans will be happy here, too, with three largescreen TVs at the long bar.

Mike Naessens – who also owns Belgian beer mecca Eulogy, just around the corner – will keep the Bierstube open 5 PM–2 AM, Tuesday–Saturday, offering special happy hour deals every evening from 5–7 PM.