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; Warm Culprit Cafe Pretzel
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, which is nearly impossible to find in Omaha. But we’ll get there.
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.
Bärchen’s cooking excellence extends to the burgers, as the Bärchen Burger is far standard bar fare. The wagyu beef is delicious on its own, and the burgers are packed well and don’t fall apart. Bärchen employs two thinner smash patties, which increase the grilling area and heighten the crusty, crispy edges and add extra beefiness from the burger being cooked in its own juices.
The buns are tasty, but the secret MVP of the entire operation is the HMS (house made sauce). It’s slightly tangy and adds just the right amount of sweet to balance the saltiness of the beef and the acidity from the pickles and onions. Everything just works very well together.
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.
Bärchen is a great place to just unwind. It’s casual, fairly priced, has plenty of food and drink options, and is just inviting. While I wouldn’t mind seeing a little more variety on the menu, I also appreciate Bärchen keeping it small and perfecting the items it does serve. This place is absolutely worth a visit, and I’m willing to bet one visit is enough to entice you to come back for more.