BARCHEN BEER GARDEN
Hoppen Hierarchy:★★★
District: Benson
German beer hall with outdoor patio and pub fare
Perfect For: Casual Dining; Drinks; Happy Hour
Standout Dishes: Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich; Barchen Burger
You’ve just had a long day at work. You need some time to unwind, and you don’t feel like scrounging up a meal at home. The ideal evening would be rallying a few friends, enjoying a brew or two, and having a tasty meal, preferably outside if the inconsistent Nebraska climate allows.
If this is a familiar dream, Bärchen Beer Garden is your place.
It’s also your spot if you want legit Nashville hot chicken sandwich or a killer burger.
Bärchen (pronounced Bear-shen) is a modern beer garden with a heavy German influence. The cozy inside seats about 100 patrons, but the highlight is the much larger outdoor patio. Large picnic tables are spaced out well, providing all diners with plenty of room, and the entire space is shadowed by a canopy of umbrellas, shielding diners from that scorching Nebraska sun.
The atmosphere is very laid back, and any of the friendly servers are happy to walk you through Bärchen’s extensive beer menu. You might need a little help; though the menu’s descriptions of the beers are helpful, there are some unfamiliar brews on the list.
There are common American beers, but Bärchen specializes in drafts from Germany, Belgium, and Scandinavia, which can be order in pints or half liters. It also offers wine and cocktails.
You could have a great time at Barchen without having a bit to eat, but doing so would mean missing out on a great menu. From burgers and sandwiches to German staples like sausage and pretzels, Barchen’s bites match its brews.
The real winner is the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich, which is one of the better representations of the dish I’ve had in Omaha. The chicken itself is outstanding; the exterior is crispy and has all kinds of nooks and crannies for added texture, while the meat itself stays moist and juicy. The poultry is fried and dunked in a pepper-infused oil, giving it a pleasant kick that’s balanced by an underlying sweetness. A buttery bun, tangy house pickles, and a cooling, creamy garlic aioli round out this delicious creation.
This sandwich can be ordered at escalating heat levels: regular, hot, and ghost rider. While the ghost rider version packs a spicy punch, it’s not anything that will ruin your day. Rather, it’s a pleasant, warming heat that’s complimented by the sandwich’s other elements.
The Nashville Hot has competition for Bärchen’s top menu item, however, in the Johnny Hammer Pants Sandwich. All it takes is one bite of this combination of sweet, succulent pork, surprisingly spicy chipotle aioli, and acidic pickled veggies on ciabatta bread to stop trying to decipher the odd name. All thoughts are consumed solely by the excitement of your next bite.
The burgers are excellent as well, as Barchen puts great thought and care into its beef. The smash patties are formed with grass-fed wagyu beef from Jon’s Naturals, and they have a rich, deep flavor and a good amount of fat to keep them juicy. They’re seasoned just to the point of being too salty, but the other ingredients provide proper balance.
The smash on the patties could use some work. They’re pressed thin but lack that beautiful caramelization and crispy lacing. Even so, they’re fantastic.
The Barchen Burger is highlighted by a delightfully tangy house sauce that has a good amount of sweetness to counter the rich beef. Pickles and shrettuce add crunch, while pickled onions bring acidity and melted gouda drapes a creamy, nutty blanket over the whole concoction.
All of Barchen’s burgers come on a soft, squishy potato bun, which not only holds up to the burgers and all the condiments, but dutifully absorbs the juices from the meat, adding to that beefy flavor.
Barchen offers several burgers, as well as sausage platters, a Reuben sandwich, and even a few pita options (chicken and doner kabob). The menu is German-inspired, but isn’t contained to the country.
The Warm House Made Pretzels provide a nearly perfect appetizer experience. They’re tender, have a nice chew, pull apart easily, and have just the right amount of butter to keep them moist without overwhelming. The accompanied cheese sauce only makes the pretzels better, as do Bärchen’s several mustard options. They could use a bit more salt, but it’s a small gripe.
The Fries are pretty standard, as they have a decent crispy and a good amount of seasoning. Pro tip: order a side of the house sauce to dunk them in.
When most people think of Barchen, the first thing that comes to mind is the variety of beer or the patio. Both help make Barchen special, but don’t sleep on the food. This bar puts real attention into its offerings, and you can taste the effort. Whether you just want a drink and a cool patio to unwind or are looking for one of Omaha’s best burgers, Barchen is a great option.