An iconic German restaurant and bar that made its debut in 1928 is making its return to Ann Arbor, Michigan, after closing their doors back in 1995. The Old German will be reopening today, July 16, in the cellar of the restaurant’s original building, which is now owned by the Grizzly Peak Brewing Company. Locals who visited the original Old German will see some old reminders of the past, but for the most part the new owners are putting a fresh new spin on this classic.
One of Old German’s new owners, Chet Czaplicka, commented that the restaurant and bar “is a tribute back to the Old German and that heritage of Ann Arbor”. The original Old German sign that once hung outside the building can be found hanging above the bar along with one the original wood tables. Grizzly Peak will be operating the 2,400 square feet location and will of course server their own German-style beers on tap.
The Old German’s menu offers an interesting take on German food and includes some traditional sounding items such as backed soft pretzels, potato pancakes, brats, and a schnitzel sandwich. There won’t be a lot to choose from with only nine items on the food menu, but the choices you have sound great. What’s more extensive is the bar menu with a wide variety of craft beers and specialty spirits, including shots served up in ice shot glasses called “eis shooters”.
Following today’s soft opening, the Old German will hold its “official” grand opening celebration on Wednesday evening (July 17) at 7pm with a cash bar and complimentary appetizers. A suggested donation of $25 will go towards the Vada Murray Fund for Cancer Research.
The regular hours for the Old German will be 4pm-12am Sunday through Wednesday, and 4pm-2am Thursday through Saturday.
Sources: Old German, AnnArbor.com
Photos: Kathy Toth [Flickr]
