Kid friendly, European style pub filled with authentic treasures and a beautiful outdoor beer garden in the heart of downtown Minocqua, WI. We feature our Sheboygan bratwurst and large selection of beers including Spaten as well as Guinness on tap.
Live music most evenings (call for schedule).
Biergärten History
It is unknown which Munich brewery opened the first Bavarian Biergärten, but it was likely one of Munich's big six: Löwenbräu, Hofbräuhaus, Augustinerbräu, Paulaner, Hacker-Pschorr and Otto's favorite: Spaten. What is known is that they developed in the then Kingdom of Germany in the 19th century.
Seasonal limitations on when beer could be brewed were already in the Bavarian brewing regulations by 1539; in 1553, Albert V decreed a period from September 29th - April 23rd for its production. The cool seasons were chosen to minimize the risk of fire when boiling mashed grain into wort. Numerous destructive fires had occurred, resulting in the prohibition of brewing during the summer months. In response, large breweries dug cellars in the banks of the River Isar to keep their beer cool during storage. "Beer cellars" for consuming beer on premises naturally followed.
To further reduce the cellar temperature during the warm seasons, it is thought that brewers covered the river banks with gravel and planted chestnut trees for their dense spreading canopies.
Soon after that, serving cool beer in a pleasant shaded setting emerged. Simple tables and benches were set up among the trees, creating the popular "beer garden" we know today.
(1)
Live music most evenings (call for schedule).
Biergärten History
It is unknown which Munich brewery opened the first Bavarian Biergärten, but it was likely one of Munich's big six: Löwenbräu, Hofbräuhaus, Augustinerbräu, Paulaner, Hacker-Pschorr and Otto's favorite: Spaten. What is known is that they developed in the then Kingdom of Germany in the 19th century.
Seasonal limitations on when beer could be brewed were already in the Bavarian brewing regulations by 1539; in 1553, Albert V decreed a period from September 29th - April 23rd for its production. The cool seasons were chosen to minimize the risk of fire when boiling mashed grain into wort. Numerous destructive fires had occurred, resulting in the prohibition of brewing during the summer months. In response, large breweries dug cellars in the banks of the River Isar to keep their beer cool during storage. "Beer cellars" for consuming beer on premises naturally followed.
To further reduce the cellar temperature during the warm seasons, it is thought that brewers covered the river banks with gravel and planted chestnut trees for their dense spreading canopies.
Soon after that, serving cool beer in a pleasant shaded setting emerged. Simple tables and benches were set up among the trees, creating the popular "beer garden" we know today.
(1)