“Rein sei die liebe, im herz sei gesund, klar sei der trunk, wahr sei der mund” is painted in bold, uppercase letters near the entrance of Biergarten. “It means: ‘The love is pure, the heart healthy, may the drink be clear, and the mouth truthful,'” restaurateur Joseph Palladino explains. “I went through 500 or 800 [phrases], but when I read this one I thought ‘this is very nice.'”
Palladino, who made a name for himself by means of the Nick and Sam’s empire, is accustomed to managing fine dining establishments. But this is his first beer garden.
Biergarten quietly opened on Monday, November 2. I stopped by that evening to sneak a peek and was surprised to find the space bustling with beer-guzzling guests. At one point during my visit a large bus dropped off a group that was clearly ready to party. Palladino acknowledges the Omni as a gift, as there will never be a shortage of hungry visitors within walking distance of his new restaurants (Coal Vines is slated to open next to Biergarten on November 16) but he also hopes his German-inspired concept will attract the locals. “We want to be locally-focused. I want to grab the locals… we have beer, food, and a view. I want it to be comfortable, and to feel like you’re in somebody’s house.”
The large and open restaurant space is airy and casual, with white painted brick walls and forest green accents, clunky wood bench seating, and two bars. The menu, like the decor, is no-frills and includes German-inspired dishes such as a variety of wursts, platters, sandwiches, sides, and a burger. Of course there’s a burger. This is Dallas, after all. The sausages are sourced from Syracuse’s Sausage Company out of Ponder, Texas. The beverage selection is limited to beer, with German staples and a couple of national and local options to choose from.
Diners can sit at one of the bars, in the dining room, or on the spacious wraparound patio which boasts a view of the neon pegasus and downtown skyline. Those looking to host a party can rent out a private 20-person dining room. The overall ambiance of Biergarten is laid back, and conducive to guzzling a stein of beer on a warm afternoon or crisp autumn evening.
Biergarten is located at 665 S Lamar St, Suite 1, Dallas, TX 75202. Hours are Monday through Wednesday from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m., Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. until 2 a.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. until 2 a.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m.
