Happy Hour: New Bohemia

I was driving home from work the other day, taking a differnet route to avoid the first-snow-of-the-season traffic, and I almost crashed into the car in front of me as I gawked at the newest bar in the Hennepin/Central neighborhood, New Bohemia. What, Panera Bread closed? When did this place open? Whoa, look at all those beers on tap. I wonder if they have a happy hour?!!

I knew it would only take a few weeks, maybe even days, for the New Bohemia to catch on. It is in a great location and its unique approach is sure draw in the crowds. I haven’t been to many “Bier Haus-es” so I was anxious to check this one out.

Alex and I met up at New Bohemia last Friday after work for a quick happy hour. I was super pumped about trying the new bar, but quickly lost my enthusiasm after circling the block three times to find parking. After I assaulted my steering wheel and cussed out my windshield, I settled for the parking ramp off 2nd Street, though not without a little grumbling.

When I finally arrived I was greeted with the soothing smell of warm bratwurst, helping me rid myself of road rage and settling into my happy hour zen. The bar was already packed at 6 pm and the cafeteria style seating was filled with mostly 20- and 30-somethings kicking off their weekend. Alex and I grabbed a seat, each sharing a bench with a few other patrons, and quickly looked over the beer menu.

I took my time looking over the list. The happy hour special includes $1 off all tap beers, so I was looking to pick out something special. I decided on the Tallgrass 8-Bit. It was a great Pale Ale – smooth with nice hops. Al went with the Fulton Libertine.

We knew we had to try the bratwursts since that’s the whole deal here – bier and wurst. Al volunteered to walk over and place our order. Waiters will bring you beers all night, but if you want food, you’ve gotta place the order yourself. The cafeteria-like ordering area is the first thing you see when you walk in – you can’t miss it.

Alex stuck with a simple “klassiker” brat, ordering the Old Time: a hot link smothered in sriracha sauerkraut. We absolutely loved it and wished we weren’t sharing. Al also ordered a small side of Belgian Style Fries. The seasoning was delicious so I ate them plain, but Al dipped away in his choice of the hot-and-spicy ketchup.

We scraped up every last bite of food and sipped down the rest of our beers. After enjoying some free samples of the Schell’s Cintra Pils (thanks Schell’s Brewing!), we payed our bill and left satisfied. It was the perfect commencement to the weekend. I can’t wait to stop back again for to try the Chicken Apple Cranberry Wurst – I’m hooked.

Atmosphere
A good place for: a date you’re not sure is a date, your first stop on a bar crawl, or an after work happy hour.

Service
Our servers were very hospitable.

Presentation
The food is placed in baskets with paper coverings. Nothing to distract you from that wurst-goodness.

Taste
Fantastic food. It was a perfect match to the beer and surroundings.

Value for Dollars

Happy hour included $1 off beers. No food specials. Not the best deal in the neighborhood, but absolutely worth checking out.