The town of Washington is located in western Pennsylvania, a suburb of Pittsburgh about 30 miles outside of the city. While close to the perks of city living, Washington also boasts the rolling hills and state parks typical of western Pennsylvania. For lovers of German cuisine, here are four German restaurants among the eating establishments in the Washington area.
Barley's and Hop's is located approximately 20 miles north of Washington. If you can't tell from the name, the restaurant's specialty is specialty beer. Inside, you'll find a large bar plus a few tables where you can indulge in the establishment's German fare. The menu is simple, consisting of several kinds of German and other European sausages. It features bratwurst, knackwurst, and Polish kielbasa, to name just a few. Complete your German biergarten experience by ordering sausage and a specialty imported beer in the bottle.
Barley's & Hop's
5217 Library Rd
Bethel Park, PA 15102
412-854-4253
barleysandhops.com
The Philly Pretzel Factory is near Barley's and Hop's, just under 20 miles north of Washington. Inspired by the traditional art of German pretzel making, the Philly Pretzel Factory is a great place for grabbing a quick bite. It has a standard food court in a mall sort of atmosphere, but don't be fooled--it was ranked among the "Best of Philly 2008." Options include pretzel rods, mini pretzels, pretzel rivets (basically little pretzel nuggets) and pretzel dogs--hot dogs wrapped in pretzel. The pretzels come in assorted flavors--cinnamon, salted, garlic--and with a multitude of dipping sauces including cheese, chocolate, and mustard.
Philly Soft Pretzel Factory
1150 Washington Pike
Bridgeville, PA 15017
412-206-0425
phillysoftpretzelfactory.com
Hofbräuhaus Pittsburgh is worth the sightly longer drive into Pittsburgh. Just 30 minutes from Washington, Hofbräuhaus Pittsburgh is a German-styled beer hall that brews its own beverages on the premises. Located in the Southside Works area of Pittsburgh, it also offers classic German appetizers, entrees and desserts. Featured dishes incude "Hofbräuhaus Pretzels and Bier Cheese," "Kartoffelpfannkuchen," or potato pancakes, and "Sauerbraten"--a dish of slow-braised, wine- and vinegar-marinated beef served with red apple kraut and mashed potatoes.
Hofbräuhaus Pittsburgh
2705 South Water St.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15203
412-224-2328
hofbrauhauspittsburgh.com
Max's Allegheny Tavern, located just 30 miles north of Washington in Pittsburgh, boasts a colorful history. During prohibition in the 1920s, it operated as a speakeasy. Though the exterior of the building hasn't changed, the interior has undergone a massive renovation. Now this updated restaurant and bar serves sausages, schnitzels and plenty of other traditional German favorites. As with any German-styled establishment, there is an extensive beer list to boot.
Max's Allegheny Tavern
537 Suismon St.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15212
412-231-1899
maxsalleghenytavern.com
