Von Trier is a great place to go and relax. The outdoor deck is amazing and inside is comfy and cozy as well. We stumbled on this gem one evening when we were in search of the "not a college bar" scene. They make a mean Moscow Mule and they have a beer selection second to none! Cheers Von Trier! read more

Respect the beer. It would be nice if all Milwaukee establishments respected their patrons by respecting the beer. What do I mean by that? Most beers belong in glassware properly suited for the beer's style. Furthermore, the beer should be served in a visually appearing manner with the proper ratio of foam (head) to liquid. In some cases (in the UK, for instance) the ratio is actually "regulated" to 97% liquid to 3% of head. [How they regulate this I'll never know, but I imagine somewhere along the line an innkeeper was pouring 80/20 and someone got ticked off and reported the injustice. Thus, regulation.] Of course the beer should also be served in a clean glass from clean beer lines at the proper temperature. That's what I mean by "respect the beer." This is what they do, and have been doing at Von Trier's for 35 years: respecting the beer. Actually they've been respecting beer here for more than 35 years if you consider the tavern's former proprietor: Frank Rieder. Reider's Bar was pouring high-quality beers at Farwell and North since the 1930s. In fact, my mother once slipped that she used to visit Reider's for a few nips of liebfraumilch when she was a young woman. Here we thought she never enjoyed a drop of the stuff! Oh my. What a revelation! No wonder they've remained popular for all these decades. Well-served European and American craft beer with free popcorn or pretzels served in a warm and inviting Bavarian styled atmosphere is a concept all generations can get behind. Five stars. Booyah! read more

Von Trier - Enjoy good German beers poured in their proper glassware... with pretzel rods! - Pubs Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

I have lived by Von Trier for years and went there was it was the old owners (or just before they remodeled a bit) years ago and then went back again this summer. Talk about a great place just sitting on the corner. Inside you have the old German experience that gives off a great vibe. The beer selection is extensive and yes, you can get it in a German mug. I haven't had any of the food here yet I hear it is amazing. During the summer, they have a beer garden that is closed in yet you can still people watch off of North Ave through the grates in the wall. They also bring out pretzel rods and spreadable cheese during happy hour. Great place to stop in to get away from the whole North Ave bar scene and step into a bit of Germany. read more

Von Trier - Pretzels and cheese during happy hour - Pubs Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Why 4 stars? Because I love German stuff. --- --- --- A good ole' fashoined German Biergarten. (I love spelling it that way.) Despite the bloodlines, my love for all-things Germanesque is more of a recent discovery. When I was told that this was our next stop, I knew I would love it. My foresight came true. I only had a couple of beers, but really enjoyed it. I would have loved to sit outside, but it was too cold. Yes, that's right. I said too cold. My visit was September 13th. Apparently Milwaukee is the north pole, and the bartender was Santa Claus without a beard. He looks really different. read more

We've only lived across the street for a year and a half. So we finally decided to check it out. Well, actually, we Von Tried once before ... back when they did some sort of reboot. But we walked in, found the place a shambles, and walked back out. Anyhow, we wanted to finally see what their happy hour was about. We ended up spending $33 (with tip) for a pretzel with two little plastic cups each a third-full of sauce (one mustard, one who-knows-what), a brat on hot dog bun with about a teaspoon of kraut, a cup of German onion soup (kinda like French onion without cheese but with vinegar), and two lackluster German drafts (but then, aren't lagers all lackluster?). We give them an "A" for ambiance and service (Rachel!), and an "F" for food and value. So ... a solid "C"? An hour spent happily? Mmm ... not so much. read more

DAS BOOT! This establishment is one of the best in Milwaukee. The beer, the atmosphere, the service, the food. It is all high quality stuff at a fair price. Decided to make a stop here on my girlfriend's 21st birthday and MAN... I AM SO GLAD WE DID! We both like bars that are chill. Not totally empty, but not Joe Cat's on a Saturday night. The night was perfect. Cubs were losing, weather was extremely nice for a late October night, and people were in a good mood. For drinks, I went with a liter of Spatan Lager and Spatan Oktoberfest, both draft, both excellent. The decor within the bar makes you feel like you are in an old German beer pub somewhere in eastern Deutschland. The murals or paintings or pictures or whatever the heck are absolutely gorgeous. But our favorite part of Von Trier? The patio. Sitting out there, it literally feels like you are excluded from the craziness that is downtown Milwaukee. You feel safe. Don't feel rushed. Kind of like a calm sanctuary. As Happy Gilmore would say, "Our Happy Place." Top, top place! Highly recommend stopping by here for a drink or two. read more

Von Trier - Von Tritastic !! - Pubs Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Was very impressed with the transformation Von Trier has made. Use to regular here when I was in college and it was nothing more than an expensive German beer. NOW- they have a food menu, some great specials, it seems they now do trivia on Tuesdays, and a MUCH longer and existent beer list! It's just fabulous! I checked out there website recently too and it seems to be up to date. Perhaps they are under new management. The place looked awesome. Although we only stopped in for a drink I'm excited to go back and try some sausage. read more

Von Trier - Pubs Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

I first fell in love with Currywurst while visiting Germany a long time ago. I'd been searching for a place that replicated that experience here in the states and I simply could not find it until I discovered this place. Excellent German food and atmosphere. I can't wait until their kitchen is done being remodeled. I've been stopping in there over the past few months in hopes they'd be serving food again but every time they tell me it will be another month. I'm going to wait until I hear something about the kitchen being open until I go back. I miss it! read more

This place is really the kind of spot you should visit when coming to Milwaukee, because it's like walking into a German beer hall. Atmosphere is terrific, and I love the mural behind the bar. The beers are HUGE as well -- you can get a liter of beer for a fairly reasonable price. Free popcorn because of course, these people aren't heathens. Really glad we found this place and really looking forward to coming back. read more

Von Trier - Mural behind the bar - Pubs Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

I love this place. Especially in the winter, it's so cozy and comfortable. The murals and decor are very old-school European and lodge-like. Great patio. The place is a landmark, fortress of a bar. They have a great party room with some weird old stuff in it, and the owners have been happy to talk about the history of the place. I hope Von Trier lasts forever. The place has an almost romantic vibe to it, classy but approachable. It's nearly always dark with candle illumination. This is just the kind of place I think of when I think of a classic Milwaukee bar. A great place to hang out with friends and enjoy an intimate gathering. read more

Von Trier - Pubs Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Best German restaurant in ALL of Milwaukee hands down! Hang with me.... this might be lengthy. Lol let's start with the establishment itself. So very very clean! I think the ladies room was the cleanest bathroom in all of Milwaukee! I can't help but think if they take so much pride in the restrooms for customers being this clean, the kitchen must be immaculately clean. The food: let me preface; my husband is from Lemberg Germany. He knows his country's cuisine and this place checked ALL the boxes! Fresh, quality wursts, spatzle cooked perfectly, kraut NOT from a can, crisp, white and floss like. We tried what they called "flatbread " which is basically the German equivalent of flammkuchen. Just delicious! The German beer selection was outstanding. Service: Patrick our server couldn't have done a better job! It's as if he tailored his routine just for us. They were very busy and we were never once neglected. Perfect service score of 10! We will definitely return and will highly recommend this place to everyone looking for the real deal ! read more

This place has great German beer and they serve popcorn for free! I am a member of the German-American Society in Peoria, IL and they had all of the beers that we have on tap, plus more! The atmosphere was also really cool too and the bartender was very friendly. This place didn't seem too packed either. The outdoor seating area was also very nice and private. There was an upstairs outdoor seating area, as well as fireplaces and a brick wall separating the bar area from the city. read more

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Took the family here. Frozen chicken tenders for kid, brat for mom, Jagerschnitzel for me... My mushroom gravy was so salty it made all of our tongues hurt. The price for a pretzel was $10.00. Same for the brat. Wow ! Overall, not a great value nor or a very well-crafted or prepared food offering. As for beers, too few authentic German choices to even call the place a brauhaus... Went for late lunch so the nightlife wasn't available for viewing. read more

We were really looking forward to visiting this place. The beers were great, and the 4 of us shared a large pretzel. I still can't figure out the cheese sauce as there were lumps of cold butter in it (the size of a small sugar cube). Should the sauce have been warmed up? We will never know. It was weird. This is where I recommend you STOP. Enjoy your beer and pretzel. The meals were a disappointment. One person had the meatloaf stroganoff & I had their entree (can't recall the name) known to be a German comfort food. Both meals lacked flavor. Totally blah. Another person had the Reuben and the meat was so tough with every bite he pulled a slice of the meat out of the sandwich. The 4th person had a schnitzel sandwich and she said it was good. Overall the meal was extremely underwhelming. Again, come for the beers and atmosphere but enjoy a meal elsewhere. read more

Classic old world Germanic decor, free edible popcorn and excellent old fashioneds coupled with a nice wine and beer selection and a patio area. read more

Love the German atmosphere. Murals on the walls and ceiling. Beer steins above the bar. One wall is leaded glass. Several wood carvings. I visited durning the winter, so I had a Hot mint chocolate. Which was fine. My wife had a mulled cider and she liked it. Great big pretzels with 4 different sauces. read more

Von Trier - Pubs Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

MKE must see! In from out of town and kept driving by this very cool, German looking place. Stopped in for a drink and loved the bar vibe. Locals to chat with, incredible garlic parm wings, big, crispy and super flavorful. Tons of European beers on tap and cocktails generously poured. Outside seating looked nice. read more

This is a great little german restaurant. Very nice german beer list and the food is quite good! Great atmosphere. read more

A once glorious German Beer and Bratwurst emporium has, almost overnight, been transformed into a cut rate, low service, alcohol dispenser - void of any character or soul. I loved this place. Wrote nice things about this place. Daydreamed about getting through work so I could meet friends at this place. But now it's just a sad shell of its former glory. I arrived and stood hesitantly at the doorway. I was meeting friends, so I didn't mind a little wait. Three servers and two bartenders let me stand there like a muppet for 10 minutes before I asked if I could sit down in the back. My friends arrived and drink menus were placed on our table wordlessly. 10 minutes later the server came and asked us what we wanted. I asked for a food menu and she said their kitchen had closed suddenly and without explanation 2 months earlier. Whoa. We excused ourselves, as that was the last straw. I am deeply saddened by the fall of this once great Milwaukee classic. Rumor is they want to create an upscale cocktail lounge. I wish them luck but doubt the venture can be successful if it's begun with the same effort this venture has ended with. read more

Excellent beer and tasty food. Limited menu due to Covid. And no paper menus. Check their online food menu before you go. They do have vegetarian options not mentioned in their online menu. You'll have to ask for it. read more

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I absolutely love this bar. The interior feels historic, while still being impeccably clean. The beer garden hosts tables with fireplaces in the middle of them (how cool!). The wait staff is incredibly knowledgeable, and supremely professional. treat yourself to a happy hour old fashion, or sip on a crisp refreshing german beer! read more

I brought my 88 year old mom to Milwaukee and wanted someplace German because of her heritage. Her request was, "anywhere but Mader's". (she wasn't impressed 40 years ago). Von trier was relatively close and the menu looked decent, so we thought we would give it a try. It was cold and rainy and couldn't sit outside, so we were in the general area. In my mind, we were going to a restaurant. However, it's more of a bar that serves food. Really good food. My mom ordered the Kassler Rippchen (smoked pork chop) and thought it was great. She was less impressed with the red cabbage. My wife and I had a selection of sausages with a fondue that was fantastic. While it is more bar than restaurant, the décor adds to the fun German feel and be sure to take time to see everything going on. It's impressive. We had the wurst time ever! read more

If you're looking for a German pub in MKE, this is the spot. My father's favorite beer is here and it is served in non the less, a STEIN!!! I prefer the outdoor patio, especially in the summertime. It's always buzzin with fun people and sometimes, if you're lucky, a live band! I had a Moscow mule the last time I was there and it was just as refreshing as I hoped it would be. read more

Von Trier - Pubs Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Wait, what? I haven't reviewed Von Trier yet? I'm ashamed. This place is my jam. Not only is it conveniently located near Whole Foods and my yoga studio (shout out to Urban Om!), but it also has ample indoor AND outdoor seating. And typically the clientele is less collegey than other nearby bars, which (for me) is a plus. What more could you ask for? Delicious cocktails? Check. Great service? Check. Lovely patio? Also check. Plus, they serve food now, so you can down steins of beer while chowing down on pretzels or an assortment of sausage and things. read more

Well established on both the inside and outside of the bar. The decor is reminiscent of a beer hall mixed with a local German tavern and honestly it works very well. Beer steins and artwork line the walls and makes it feel like a home rather then a bar. The food is pretty authentic and a menu that suits any occasion. I love the pretzels and mustard here of course with the beer as well read more

My wife said it best: "If Christmas was a bar, it would be Von Trier." This is the most non-East Side-y of all the East Side bars. I don't feel like a chatch when I come here, and I most certainly know that I won't hear any Train or Kid Rock from the jukebox. This place is classy in a very German alte-school way. The bartenders wear white shirts and black aprons. It's dark and very cozy. There are great murals painted throughout, and in the summer, there is a great biergarten. Now they they have a small plates menu featuring mostly German cuisine, I don't know how I could possibly ever drive past this place again! This place really shines in Winter. They totally deck the place out in Christmas decorations that thankfully, they leave it up way too long. If it's a hot boozy drink you need on a cold night after seeing a movie at the Oriental, there is no better place on Earth than Von Trier! read more

This place is perfect for a drink. Pretty romantic on the inside. I always like that it's never packed full of people. The menu on the other hand is horrible. My husband and I were excited to try two dishes on the menu but it was clear they weren't prepared fresh. The sides have a horrible flavor to them and the presentation is laughable. Not worth the money. DO go here for drinks though. You will adore the German interior. read more

This spot has been a gem to the area for years and brings a crowd! A great collection of German beers and the food is really good for the price point. More laidback feel than Maders downtown but better selection and dining environment than Old German Beer Hall. read more

Von Trier has been on my list of places to visit for the longest time, and it did not disappoint. There is both indoor and outdoor seating, and in the summer time the outdoor back patio is a lovely setting. The beer list is diverse and they have great options, including some of my favorite German beers. The food is traditional German fare and is quite tasty. I especially like the various sausages offered on the menu. The beers are very reasonable priced in my opinion; however, I think some of the food options are on the pricer side. Nonetheless, I wouldn't let that hinder me from visiting again. Additionally, the service is prompt and the waitress was attentive to our needs. I would highly recommend this North Ave establishment. read more

I was a teenager who worked for the creator of Von Trier's Karl Lotharius in the 1970's at the Italian Village in the old third ward where he was a manager... he was a Purdue University grad a civil engineer with the then WI Gas Company... He went on to purchase the disco then called Oliver's on Milwaukee and Broadway? since removed for a newer building. He did a wonderful job adding a grill and menu for the downtown lunch crowd then. His career crowning achievement was the creation of Von Trier's the oldest city in Germany and his hometown... he spent great sums of time and money pouring out his heart and passion for this place and was later murdered on the steps of his Murray Av home just two or so blocks from Von Trier's after closing one night. He had a former lover that he blamed with his dying breath with the words "Buzzy" finally got me... the police never resolved this murder which was done with a bow and arrow... as Buzzy was not a "legal" name and his then girlfriend said he was with her that night. This always deeply troubled me as Karl was often a guest in my family's home... when you drink here please "salute with a schnapps" to Karl Lotharius for he was somehow murdered for it. Dan Wall Milwaukee, WI read more

Von trier has to be one of my favorite bars on the east side. The interior resembles a cabin (a chandelier made of antlers similar to the one within the Pabst mansion downtown) and lots of authentic German decor. They serve a tasty food menu and some incredible beers; I really enjoy coming here in the winter and sipping the mulled wine. There is also an outdoor patio area with fire tables and even a heated patio area for smokers. A great bar. :) read more

Can't fathom a better place for a hot toddy...In the world. Okay, well maybe I'd rather be in Germany. But, if one cannot be in Germany and one happens to be in Milwaukee, this is the perfect place. It's dark and cozy and woody. Ya'll know what I'm saying-Fabulous! It's sort of intimidating from the outside, no windows, but it's definitely warn and friendly inside. Good selection of hot drinks and beers. Decent small plates if you need a quick nip. And of course the all important popcorn machine. Perfect for after movie snuggley, drink time with a special someone. Or great for meeting new people and sharing a table with a stranger. You really can take your night in whatever direction you please. I could drink their Blackberry Toddies all night. I didn't say I would be able to walk home after, but I could drink them. So yummy. read more

This place just gets it all right. Located on North and Farwell, Von Trier is surrounded by the places that typify the East Side; Places like Replay, Hotel Foster, and BBC are all a stone's throw. So if you want to be virtually assured of missing out on the douches/hipsters that dominate the area, step inside. German Rathskeller styled interior, formally dressed bartenders, and an aura of age and sophistication. Those bartenders know their stuff, and are absolute masters of customer service. Plenty of German brews on tap (get a boot, pansy), but they'll make any kind of cocktail you throw at them (quite well). Extensive selection of non-German beer as well. Two things really set Von trier apart: Free bar munchies (big pretzel rods, popcorn, Gardetto's) that are constantly refreshed, and the best patio in town. I'd call it a beer garden but it's a bit smaller than that. Large umbrella covered tables surrounded by high brick walls, and one of the best enclosed smoking areas for winter cigarettes as well. The crowd has always seemed to me, to be... normal? I just get the impression that the folks who usually go to Von Trier are unpretentious, mature, and appreciate a nice place to have a drink. The age range is much wider than that of most bars I've ever been in, to boot. You really have to come here on a summer night for beers on the patio. Go on a weekday, it won't be hard to find a seat. read more

Went here with a few friends to celebrate St. Patty's day. First we had a few drinks then left to check out a few other places, we ended up coming back a second time having a lot more drinks and some good food. A few draft beers for my buddies, some more drinks, and some of their giant pretzels and sandwiches. All in all, a great place and we hope to return. read more

Classic Milwaukee pub. I always assumed this place had been here since the 1880's. Not so, but you'll think it was too. Over the top German stained glass, murals and ceilings. Large beer selection 'natch. Friendly bar staff. read more

Von Trier has really been through some things in the past couple years. I used to like going here early in the night, because it was quiet. Once the old owner let things fall into disrepair, I stopped going, because it crossed that threshold between kitschy dive bar and filthy stanky bar. I was really glad to see it open up again with the same décor. Everything is cleaner and shinier and they serve all of their draught beer in the proper glassware. If you order a Bitburger, it will be served in a tall Bitburger glass and not a Miller Lite pint glass. There are also certain nights of the week where they have specials on their huge liters of beer. In the summer, nothing quite beats sitting out in what I describe as the only real beer garden in the area. It's actually enclosed in stone walls with decorative iron over the openings and there are various sized picnic tables to sit at. The balcony portion that was closed off for so long under the previous owner is now available to sit at as well. The staff here is great. There always seems to be a server present to take your drink orders if you choose to sit at one of the tables. The bartenders are also very friendly and very well dressed. They seem to care about every detail here. One bartender in particular - I think he's also part owner - is always amicable and professional. This place is fast becoming a favorite place to have a drink early in the night. My only complaint is that it gets crowded after about 8pm and the music gets to be a little too loud. read more

Cozy. Extensive beer list. Nice list of specialty hot beverages (toddy, cider, etc..). Popcorn/Chex-mix. Yum. I enjoy Von Trier. It's a great place to escape the outside and be in the inside. read more

Have loved this place for years! And yesterday they truly out did themselves by making the best bloody we tasted at the Annual Tomato Romp bar crawl. After tasting all 15 entries the majority of our group of six agreed that the had the best layers of taste and was appropriately spicy. Who would have thought, but we will certainly go back just for full sized one! read more

I haven't eaten here, but I've come here many times for drinks. The boot is always fun if you have a group of about 5+ people, and if you don't play by the normal boot rules and you actually split the cost it's roughly $27 total for one boot (depends on the beer! It's a great price and gives a good buzz). If you're not a beer drinker their Moscow mules are one to rave about - and if you like cucumber try the cucumber moscow mule. It's an amazingly, refreshing drink in the summer. Also they have an excellent patio! read more

I made my first-ever Von Trier visit on Friday for Yelp Happy Hour and loved it from the moment I stepped in. Painted murals on the walls and ceiling, colorful stained-glass windows, and a stocked bar make this a German-style pub with charm. I took a detour to the back patio area, which is fairly spacious, secluded and perfect on a beautiful summer day. For those hoping the avoid the shade, there is also a roof-covered space a couple steps up alongside the building. This seems like a great pub to sit down at with a couple of pints with friends. I would definitely recommend a visit here to friends or visitors who appreciate Milwaukee's Germanic flair. I'll be back. read more