Von Rothenburg Bier Stube — Restaurant in Village of Germantown

We just had one of the worst experiences we've ever had at a restaurant. My wife and I were invited to meet here for a friend's birthday. We got there a little late because of work so our seating option was around the sandbox, which was fine since we have 2 small kids. The server was taking orders when we arrived. You would think she would have offered us a menu, asked if we wanted anything to drink, or even acknowledged us. Instead, we had to seek her out. We both ordered food at the same time and then went back to the sandbox to watch our kids with our friends' kids. When my wife's food came out, the server handed it to her with only a knife... no fork or spoon. So she had to eat her food with her fingers (which already had sand on them). Meanwhile, I waited. A half hour went by and still no food for me. By now, it was time for us to leave to put our kids to bed. I got up to speak with a manager because I didn't think we should be charged for sandy food and my mystery plate that never came. I told the manager what was going on and, instead of an apology and showing understanding, he made me feel like I was in the wrong for even bringing it up! He made excuses..."We're just swamped tonight." Sorry, that's no excuse. We've been to plenty of other well-run restaurants that have been swamped and still make you feel like you're the only ones there. My wife and her Mom have a combined 40 years in the service industry as servers. We don't have unrealistic expectations. The manager also told me that I made the server cry and that should be enough. First of all, I don't complain to management to make anyone feel bad. I complain because they need to know what they're doing isn't right. The manager should take that as a coaching opportunity for the server so she can learn from it. When I told the manager I didn't think we should have to pay for our food, he pulled me aside and again tried to make me feel like I was wrong. "Did she eat her food?" Yes, my wife struggled through her sandy plate with her fingers because she was hungry. Did she enjoy it? No. When I asked for the manager's name, he told me he was the owner! I was shocked! It wouldn't be too hard to believe that some weekend part-time manager might treat their customers this way but the owner? I've never experienced anything like it. Any sensible owner of a respectable restaurant would not have hesitated to comp our food. Eventually, he threw up his arms and agreed to comp my wife's food but I ended up having to leave without getting any food at all.

To summarize:

1. Poor service
2. Might not get your food at all
3. An owner who deserves no respect and who doesn't value his customers

Don't waste your time or money at a...

I was finally able to make it here after learning of this establishment only recently. We had went there to sit outside bit I did take a little walk inside to check it out. First thing inside I noticed was how unbelievably small it was. This was not expected. There is a nice but again small bar when entering which is always a plus especially at a German restaurant. The tables were a bit close for my preference as far as intimate dining I'm not sure you could hold a private conversation unless sitting side by side and whispering. Next thing I noticed was there was no kitchen! Which I later found out the waitresses go back and forth between this restaurant, the restaurant next door who actually prepare and make the food as well as serve outdoor guests. Which made me curious about winter time and food getting ran between the two restaurants. In any case we were looking to sit outside. Upon walking out back to this area I was thrown back by the way it was set up and the size. Nicely done! Different seating arrangements depending on your needs with a bar area being in the middle. There is a sand box up by the stage for your kids to play and scream while the live music drowns them out 🤣 people of all ages were seated throughout the area. We arrived at approximately 4 or 5 pm which allowed us a few tables to pick from but after sitting people came flocking in. Filling up fast. My husband choose to sit near the live music prior to it starting I'm guessing so he wouldn't have to hear me ramble on since when it started you couldn't hear each other. 😒 Service was fabulous! They have a nice variety which is great since I'm not a dark beer kind of gal. They did have other German beers and mixies that were lighter and no so heavy so it was great. I can't comment on the food as we only shared an app and about 3 or 4 bills each. The bill was over 70$ if we would have chosen to eat after reviewing the menu it would have definitely been at least 140$ night which is neither here nor there. Overall I'd definitely come back! The environment is great and even with the prices it's one of those once in a while have a fun...

On Monday June 27 2022 at about 5 p.m. we visited Von Rothenburg Bier Stube with 4 adults and after some confusion got a table and placed our order on line- as no one greeted us and the interior seating was closed. We were surprised at the limited "German" food options. We slowly came to realize the menu and seating arrangements were only an annex for Big Boy - and that the kitchen in Big Boy was making the Bier Stube food. When our food arrived it was overcooked and fryer burned. we took a few bites - ate the fries and mostly tossed the rest. The server who brought us food was rushed and not paying much attention to the people at the tables. It seems that - no dress code was the norm for all the employees. In previous times - under past ownership - I have enjoyed absolutely great German food and superior service at Bier Stube. However, I would never go back there again to have German food. The only positive was that the beer was actually good. Some suggestions for Chaz and Scott - get someone who truly knows how to cook German food - including sandwiches. Implement a dress code for employees - a T-shirt or polo - that you provide- so staff can be identified would be nice. Change name of restaurant to B B Annex Bier Stube, because that is what it actually has become. Seriously I also worry about their future restaurant "Veracruz" to be located in Germantown- - if my experience at the Bier Stube is any indication of what to expect. Truly one of the worst dining experiences I have had - but the beer...