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Yes, that’s 425 years ago! The great thing about Hofbrauhaus is that they've learned how to share their beer as well. We had a lot of fun! When we first walked in, we were treated to a duet of horns. The kind that are almost 15 feet long each. The Alphorn, I am told. The two horns were carried from table to table and the musicians were serenating the patrons with various tunes. The music-ends of the horns were next to each other while the musicians were standing 30 feet apart.

The large room off the bar was set up with many picnic tables, able to hold dozens of families at a time. And there were a lot of families gathered in various parts of the room, each having their own celebrations. Birthday parties for kids and adults alike!

This tour stop had a guest appearance. Mr. Bill joined me in Clyde’s absence to sample what this famous Brew Pub had to offer. They don’t tend to get trendy with their beers here. They stick with what has been working for a long time. The Original is a nice Lager they call their “Premium Lager”. 5.1% ABV, “offering a truly fine hops aroma”. That’s what I started with. Bill ordered a flight. He had two of the lagers, the Dunkel, the Marzen and a “Hopten Spezial”, which is a hoppy lager with a malty flavor. The Dunkel is of course their dark beer. 5.9%ABV. It’s a dark wheat beer, very aromatic and smooth. The Marzen is malty, smooth and very drinkable, as they put it. This was a description that Bill felt was entirely accurate.

Speaking of Bill, he’s about to embark on a journey. He said he’s "Taking a vacation that I’ll never come back from." And isn’t that the worst part of a vacation, when you have to come back and go to work? Well retirement puts an end to that and Bill and his wife Tona are heading to Colorado for a time of quiet repose. Yeah right! Bill is going to branch this tour out to the hundreds of breweries in Colorado. Good luck Bill!

The “band” consisted of two guys. And they entertained all sorts of ways. From the Alphorns to a rather nice Tuba and Cowbell duet and the more normal Accordion and Tuba with piped in drums. They led a Birthday Parade to a once-around-the-hall and charmed the younger partiers with their very own rendition of the Chicken Dance! Great music to keep us entertained!

Our bartender friend was Ginger and she had no problem quickly recommending the Hopten Spezial, her favorite. We had been looking at the menus and our order went in for two Weisswurste platters. Grilled sausage and a pretzel. It was terrific! These menus are a work of art unto themselves! Beautiful colors and drawings. A festive design with Beer and Sausage inside. Can’t be beat!

We met several new friends having good times. Steve and Laura were enjoying their Saturday and were just about to order some food. Jasmine, Iman and Michael were also there, going over the wide assortment of German dishes on the menu. (Some of the items in the menu need a translator so you know they’re authentic.) Nice meeting you and thanks for the picture! Then the rowdy table behind us was Greg, Ben, Kevin and Chris laughing and having a good time. At least one in that group, along with me, was feeling low about that last second three pointer by Florida last night in OT over Wisconsin. *head bowed momentarily* Maybe that’s why they opted for the full liter mugs.

Well we got over that and finished up our last gulp and headed out. Maybe when Clyde gets back, we’ll come back here. He needs to experience this brewery too! Although the Chicago weather was foggy today, our spirits were raised by a wonderful and fun time at the Hofbrauhaus. I recommend it to anyone who likes freshly brewed beer, and also to experience just how well the Hofbrauhaus delivers it - with a lot of fun!

Report by Brad. Until next time and remember.........

Go get'cha one!!

The Parade Marches By!

Friends We Met