New Bohemia restaurant in downtown St. Paul

The best brats and biggest pretzels you will ever eat give a window into the flavors of German cuisine

A while back, my friend Anna and I visited the restaurant New Bohemia in downtown St. Paul, right across from Cossetta and only a few blocks from the Xcel Energy Center.

The German restaurant lies on 7th Street West in downtown St. Paul, about two blocks from the Xcel Energy Center.

This spontaneous trip to the German craft beer hall and restaurant was part of an assignment in our world language class where we are required to not only learn the language but experience German culture firsthand. A large portion of German culture relates to the cuisine, which includes Bratwurst, Bier (beer), and Brezeln (pretzels).

Anna and I went after yoga, so it was about 8:30 p.m. by the time we got there. The place was empty other than us, the workers, and a few other couples scattered around the restaurant. 

Open, Friendly Atmosphere

The main eating space is quite open with rows of cafeteria picnic-bench style seating and other tables and stools around as well. Fairy lights hung above the seating area, and an intricate mosaic behind the bar area added to the warm and welcoming atmosphere. Music played softly in the background, and since the place was almost entirely open, it was easy to see the decor. However, I would like to go back once to feel the vibe of the restaurant during its busy hours. I believe this would give a more authentic German Bierhaus feel.

A colorful mosaic stands behind the bar. New Bavaria is not only a restaurant, but a craft beer hall as well. Most of the beers on tap come from local breweries in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Must be 21 or older to order.

Very Tasty German Cuisine

Anna and I ordered the Surly Beer Bratwurst with Apple Jicama Slaw, and the Giant Cinnamon Pretzel with caramel to share. The only thing that would have made our meal more German is if we had tried one of the craft beers they had on tap. However, since we are not of legal drinking age yet, we both opted for a tall glass of ice water (which was free, although in Germany you would have to pay for your drink, whether it was water or not).

Pictured above is the Surly Beer Bratwurst with Apple Jicama Slaw and the Giant Cinnamon Pretzel and caramel. Each table has its own bottles of condiments.

Overall, the food was delicious. The brat and slaw were fantastic, and I put mustard on mine for the sake of German authenticity (but I also love mustard). I considered for a second putting sauerkraut on it as well, but I figured that would be taking it a little too far for my taste buds. I do have some German ancestry, but I’m not that German.

The menu item that took the cake was, by far, the giant pretzel. It was deep-fried, caked in cinnamon, with the best caramel I have ever tasted on the side. The best part was that it was bigger than my face! The pretzel was very warm, and the caramel was sweet and gooey. I may go back for dessert to only get the pretzel.

Good Menu Diversity

When I was first walking in, I figured that the restaurant would not have many options for people with dietary restrictions. German cuisine is primarily made up of meat, cheese, and gluten-based products. However, they are there, and I’m glad-- and quite impressed-- that the menu creators made an effort to include food items for people with dietary restrictions, especially since the typical cultural food of Germany is not very conscious of those restrictions in the first place.

However, I do believe that New Bohemia’s food was delicious, the atmosphere was welcoming, and the service was fantastic, especially close to closing time. The workers were friendly, the bathrooms and dining space were clean, and the food was excellent. I would highly recommend New Bohemia, and I plan to go there again. The prices were good as well for the quality of the food.

More Information

New Bohemia has three locations: downtown St. Paul, Golden Valley, and Roseville. The Saint Paul location is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. For more information, go to newbohemiausa.com.