Mainz-Kastel’s Brauhaus Castel is a staple of military hail and farewells and other parties, and with good reason. The food’s good, the beer’s good and the decor and atmosphere are typically Bavarian.
Visitors can sample the brewery’s three permanent varieties — Hell (light), Dunkel (dark) and Weizen (wheat) — or one of its seasonal brews, available for a limited time. The beer, brewed in accordance with the centuries-old German purity laws, is also available in cases and kegs for consumption outside the restaurant. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous (and not driving), the Brauhaus also offers “beer towers”: 3 liters of light or dark with a tap for self-service.
Despite the restaurant’s name, beer isn’t Brauhaus’ only draw. The menu is diverse, with a focus on traditional German and Bavarian dishes, such as veal sausages with a pretzel, pork knuckle and sauerkraut and schnitzel. For dessert, there’s apple strudel.
I ordered the veal sausage as an appetizer, and it was incredible. The consistency and temperature were perfect. The sausages come in their casings in a warm broth and mixed to good effect with the sweet mustard with which it came. Just be sure to remove the casings. Other appetizer options are traditional soups, salads and Bavarian meatloaf. The meatloaf comes with two eggs and fried potatoes.
The main course, Bavarian-style cordon bleu, was equally good. A pan-fried chicken breast stuffed with veal sausage, cheese, onions and sweet mustard, it was really a full meal on its own.
For children or less adventurous eaters, the restaurant offers simpler fare like steak, chicken breast and grilled salmon. A children’s menu includes “Spongebob,” a small schnitzel with French fries, and the “Wild Things,” four Nuremberg sausages and mashed potatoes.
Newcomers to the Wiesbaden and Mainz area should consider a visit to the Brauhaus. With an English-speaking staff and English menu, it’s a good way for Americans to experience German food and beer culture without being overwhelmed.
There’s ample seating for large parties and groups. A tent-like gallery above the main dining room seats up to 90 people, and a Bierstuberl, or beer parlor, seats up to 25. The outdoor beer garden, open in warmer months, can accommodate up to 250 people while a separate covered terrace is open year-round.
BRAUHAUS CASTEL
Address: Otto-Suhr-Ring 27, Mainz-Kastel, Germany 55252
Hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to midnight Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sundays
Costs: Appetizers and salads cost 7-15 euros (about $7.80-16.80). Entrees average 14 euros.
Attire: Casual
Menu: German and English
Contact: Website: www.brauhaus-castel.de/english. Phone: (+49) (0) 6134 24999. Email: info@brauhaus-castel.de