Altstädter Weinstube and Biergarten

No Longer In Business

Good selection / food ok

Good food decent beer selection. Nothing special. There are better places in Helen.

Good selection food even better.

The beer selection is all bottled German beers (to fit in with the theme of the town). They have everything from Pilsner, to Helles, to Eisbock, to Berliner Weiss, to Rauchbier. Many different German brands are represented although they currently don’t have any American German-style beers. The beer menu even has a quick little synopsis of all of the styles of beer that they serve - I thought that was nice. The atmosphere is really what sets this place apart. Inside is a really relaxed, intimate setting with seating and tables scattered about. Outside is a nice biergarten with tables located around a soothing garden pond with a stream that runs down the hill. I actually think I like the atmosphere here better than I do the Brick Store (and that’s saying a lot). The service was excellent. (One of?) the owners, John, was my server and was very excited to talk about good beer. From the surroundings and the beer menu, it’s clear that he’s serious about beer and is trying to elevate Helen’s beer scene. The food is small plates and appetizers only. I had their homemade smoked bratwurst with Schlenkerla Marzen Rauchbier - holy crap was it good. Their goal is to do a beer dinner every two weeks and a wine dinner every two weeks. This place is excellent - go if you get the chance.