Essen Haus

Wow we are not good at posting our thoughts of late. A couple days ago we went to the Essen Haus in Downtown Madison (on Blair street at John Nolen Drive). It serves German food, German beer and Polka Music. It has some American bar food (wings, fries, etc) but the main courses are all German influenced. I had some kind of Sausage and Chicken pasta that was smothered in cheese. A couple CDC members down from me had some kind of the caserole smothered in cheese. Normally, smothered in cheese is a very good thing. And this time is no different. The problem is, the rest of it was not great. I am not a fan of the noodles to say the least.

As most people in Madison know, the reason to go to the Essen Haus is the beer. In particular the boot of beer. This is absolutely true. A two liter (plastic) boot is filled with a german beer of your choosing. The boot is then passed around the table with participants following a number of time honored traditions (rules) making it all a game. The two most famous, the boot may never touch the table and whoever drank last before the person who finishes the boot, buys the next boot.

There are a number of extra rules and variations out there, but those two rules are the standards everyone abides by. Everyone has there strategies and stories, of which I will not divulge mine (in case we are ever at the same table).

Conclusion:

I recommend the Essen Haus (or its neighbor the "Come Back In") for beer and polka music. It is great for a night with a large group of friends (5 or more). I even recommend the pretzels (although Great Dane's are better). Finally, I recommend staying away from the German food, stick with the wings or fries, or simply eat before you arrive. But please eat, this place serves lots of beer and we don't want you getting sick (or driving after drinking the boot).