Sunday 4th of August 2013 07:34:20 PM

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Hofbrauhaus in Munich Germany is perhaps the most iconic of all great beer halls, and starting in 2003 the franchise expanded to the US. As of 2011, there are 3 US locations (Newport KY, Las Vegas NV, Pittsburgh PA) that are modeled in architecture, service and fare after the original. The beers are brewed under the close supervision of the home brewery in Germany. The standards offering Lager, Dunkel and Light are each average very drinkable beers. My favorites are the Weizen, Hefeweizen, or Bavarian Wheat, depending on the seasonal offering. Judged against other American brewpubs, I can't give very high marks, because the beer offering is rather limited in scope (no IPAs). But for a cultural dining experience, enjoy the authentic German cuisine with a stein of your favorite German beer. Well-crafted wheat beers made from traditional German yeast is delicious!

The Pittsburgh location is a very popular place with a festive atmosphere, situated on the Monongahela River in area densely packed with restaurants and shopping. Metered street parking is challenging to find. A blue-and-white German decorated tower stands near the entrance. Nine stainless steel fermenters surround the corner of the building. Tiered steps descend down to the river, and the restaurant has multiple patios. The upper level patio has a blue-and-white awning, and the lower gravel Beirgarten has open outdoor bench seating and a walk up bar. Enter and to the right is a room with stainless steel brewing vessels. Further ahead to the right is a dedicated dining room, and inside a three-sided 22 chair wooden bar that surrounds their two large copper brewing vessels. Past the bar are numerous German bierhall style wooden benches. There is a small stage for live German polka music, and servers wear authentic German garb. It is a friendly and fun place.