One of my most vivid memories in Germany, this quaint corner bar with its steep gabled exterior and…read morewarm, friendly interior has stood for centuries, and feels lived in without being worn or weary. I was introduced to this establish through a co-worker who happened to be in Bremen at the same time, and who has often gathered with his hometown friends to grab a pint and reminisce on all they have missed during their years apart. I felt welcomed by their company, as well as the staff and the local regulars who call this pub their home turf.
There is a romantic, old world quality that I can't express, other than by saying the Spitzel Gebel feels familiar, even as a first time visitor. It feels like a community, even to a stranger. One might say I feel a sort of hybrid fernweh/heimweh (farsickness/homesickness) to return to this distance place where I felt like I was coming home.