Since Haussner’s closed years ago and Eichenkranz shuttered their doors last year, there’s been an ongoing decline in the ability to garner German-inspired food and drink in Baltimore. We welcomed the German Christmas Village in December, with its brats, German beers, and gluhwein, but that brief installation comes only once a year. More recently, though, newcomer Das Bier Haus, recently opened in South Baltimore and touting pretzels “as big as your head” and a wide variety of brews, has us hopeful for a resurgence of German food and drink in the city.

The outwardly quiet corner spot, a several-block walk from Cross Street, previously housed Langermann’s on Light. Now, the space boasts long, wooden communal tables, high ceilings, and exposed brick in a classy fusion of German beer hall meets Baltimore bar.

On a recent Saturday night, Das Bier Haus was das busiest bar we visited in the area. The deceptively serene facade gives no indication of the boisterous interior. Inside was a full house of drinkers and diners happily wielding steins and boots full of beer at tables and bar seats and standing where there was room left. Patrons were chatting and dining with a backdrop of various music styles playing at a pleasant level that complemented the conversational din rather than drowning it out. DBH strives to achieve an authentic communal atmosphere, and from all observations, they’ve accomplished that.

The stars of the menu appear to be the pretzels (available in two sizes and with a wide variety of dipping sauces or toppings) and several pork-based sausages served on buns with sauerkraut. However, there is no shortage of schnitzel with traditional versions like Wiener Schnitzel and Jagerschnitzel, as well as a decadent regional shout out - the Chesapeake Chicken Schnitzel (featuring crab, crab dip, and mac and cheese), and a vegetarian version with eggplant and portobello. Mains include meatloaf and pork loin, and there are also bar staples like burgers, brisket, and a reuben.

A few sweets are available, too, including an unexpected cinnamon raisin pretzel and a chocolate covered pretzel - an indulgent dessert featuring a Bavarian pretzel with a Nutella and housemade chocolate sauce drizzle. There’s also a brunch menu available on Saturdays and Sundays.

With plenty of local, as well as German, beers on tap there’s a plethora of options to fill that stein (or boot) especially during happy hour with prices that feature the .5 liter for $4 and the full liter at $7. Craft cocktails and wine are on the menu as well and are equally affordable during happy hour at $4 and $3 respectively.

Given the crowds we’ve experienced when visiting, it appears that plenty of others in Baltimore are also enthusiastic about the void of German food and drink in the city being filled. We’ll raise a glass (or a boot) to that. Prost!

Das Bier Haus, 1542 Light St.; 443-708-8854
Monday–Friday, 4 PM–2 AM; Saturday & Sunday, 10:30 AM–2 AM

Photos via Das Bier Haus