BY ALISON SMITH
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If your Midwestern German roots are begging for some authentic Deutsch food, but Grandma lives too far away, you’re in luck. Downtown Fargo’s newest bar and eatery, the Würst Bier Hall, offers authentic German dishes, as well as selection of brews that would impress any beer connoisseur.
Twin brothers, Bert and Klaus Meyers, owners of Dempsey’s Public House in downtown Fargo, got the idea for the restaurant after visiting similar beer halls in Minneapolis-St. Paul. Bert’s wife Lisa got on board, and the three owners decided to incorporate their German heritage with their love for good food and good times.
The Würst Bier Hall, simply referred to as “The Würst,” offers authentic German dishes such the spaetzle dumpling, borscht soup and braised red cabbage, along with 15 varieties of sausage and 36 different beers on tap.
The sausage varies from a classic bratwurst to those of a more exotic breed such as duck, wild boar, elk or rabbit with a choice of grilled toppings served on a fresh baked bun.
Rabbit sausage with grilled sweet peppers on a fresh baked bun and a side of frites (fries) along with a Lost Continent Double IPA at Würst Bier Hall, 630 First Ave. N., Fargo.
I chose the smoked rabbit sausage and had to order a side of fries (frites as they’re referred to on the menu) separately, ending up with a hefty $11.50 (not including tax, tip and a brew) for a simple meal. However, the sausage was delicious, and the side order of fries was more than enough for me to eat in one sitting, and could have easily been shared between two people.
The atmosphere fits well for the downtown vibe with high ceilings, plenty of seating and industrial finishes to add that “lived in” feel that the contemporary Cityscapes Plaza, which houses the Würst, lacks.
The service is friendly and knowledgeable about any questions regarding the food or brews. They are also very quick; I received my food within 15 minutes of ordering.
In the back there is a dartboard and a foosball table for a nice after- or pre-meal game. As of now they don’t have any entertainment planned, but they hope to eventually offer bingo and Sunday brunch.
The eatery also offers a unique drinking game called Das Boot where you and a group of your friends can purchase a 76 oz. glass boot filled with your brew of choice, and pass it around the table, taking turns drinking from the boot while making sure to folow the rules posted.
The only problem with this new establishment is the fact that if you are under 21 you must go with someone over 21 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and after that anyone under 21 isn’t allowed. For those of us 21 and older, however, the eatery offers delicious food, brews and a great atmosphere to top it off.