Restaurant
Unclaimed profileBierkeller Tavern & Eatery
Taylor, MI · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Bierkeller Tavern & Eatery leans into its German beer roots with a draft list featuring Weihenstephaner, Franziskaner, and Spaten, backed by a deep bottle selection of Michigan craft and imports. The cocktail program turns seasonal with holiday-themed drinks like the Mistletoe Margarita and a brunch lineup of espresso martinis and Bloody Marys. House wine comes cheap in small bottles, and non-alcoholic options include seltzers and NA beer. A beer-first tavern with credible range beyond the taps.
- What should I order?
- Start with a Weihenstephaner Dunkel or Franziskaner Hefeweizen from the German draft list. For a cocktail, the Ginger Pear Mule offers a crisp seasonal twist. At brunch, the Bierkeller Espresso Martini or a Bloody Mary with the full garnish is a safe bet.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Beer enthusiasts, especially those who appreciate German styles, will find the draft list satisfying. Brunch crowds looking for espresso martinis and Bloody Marys will also be pleased. Those seeking a deep wine list or craft cocktail program should look elsewhere.
- When should I go?
- Evenings for the beer selection, or weekend brunch when the espresso martini machine is in play. The winter cocktail menu is worth a visit during the holiday season.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Draught beers run $3 to $9; cocktails are $9 to $15; house wine is $5 per small bottle; non-alcoholic options are $3.50 to $4.50. A sharing cocktail bowl is $40 and a martini flight is $35.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The German beer focus is the anchor, with a draft list that includes Weihenstephaner, Franziskaner, Spaten, and Paulaner. The cocktail program adds seasonal flair with holiday-themed drinks and a brunch menu that uses an espresso martini machine. The combination of German beer authenticity and creative cocktails sets it apart from typical taverns.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
Seasonal and brunch cocktails show creativity with holiday-themed ingredients and a state-of-the-art espresso martini machine. Pricing is moderate. Evidence limited to winter and brunch menus; no year-round menu documented.
Menu strengths
- — Creative seasonal cocktails like Mistletoe Margarita and Ginger Pear Mule.
- — Brunch program includes espresso martinis, Bloody Marys, mimosas, and brunch shots.
- — Uses premium spirits such as Ketel One, Hendricks, and Casamigos.
Standout selections
- — Mistletoe Margarita: 1800 Silver, triple sec, lime, pomegranate and cranberry juices, sugar rim, cranberries, rosemary.
- — Ginger Pear Mule: Absolut pear vodka, pear simple syrup, ginger beer, dried pear slices.
- — Bierkeller Espresso Martini: Ketel One vodka, Mr. Black coffee liqueur, cold brew concentrate, mixed by machine.
Pricing: Cocktails $9-$15; sharing bowl $40; flight $35.
Wine
Wine program is minimal, offering only house wines in small bottles at a low price. No by-the-glass or bottle list documented.
Standout selections
- — House wine bottles: Cabernet, Chardonnay, Merlot, Moscato, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, Riesling.
Pricing: House wine $5 per 187ml bottle.
Beer
Strong German draft selection with Weihenstephaner, Franziskaner, Spaten, and Paulaner, plus a wide range of Michigan craft and imports. Community reviewer who lived in Germany praised the beer focus. Menu dated 2023, so current offerings may vary.
Menu strengths
- — Authentic German draft list including Weihenstephaner, Franziskaner, Spaten, and Paulaner.
- — Extensive bottle and can list with Michigan craft, imports, ciders, seltzers, and non-alcoholic options.
Standout selections
- — Weihenstephaner Dunkel: Dunkel, 5.3% ABV.; Franziskaner Hefeweizen: Hefeweizen, 5% ABV.
- — Old Nation M-43: New England IPA, 7% ABV.
Pricing: Draught $3-$9; bottles $2.50-$6.50.
Nonalcoholic
Offers a small but functional non-alcoholic selection including NA beer and flavored seltzers. No dedicated NA cocktails.
Standout selections
- — Bud Light Seltzer: Flavors include Cranberry, Grapefruit, Strawberry, Black Cherry, Mango, Tangerine, Watermelon.
Pricing: Non-alcoholic beers and seltzers $3.50-$4.50.
Spirits
Spirits are used in cocktails, with premium brands like Ketel One, Hendricks, and Casamigos. No dedicated spirits menu or whiskey/bourbon selection documented.
Menu strengths
- — Premium spirits in cocktails, including Ketel One, Hendricks, and Casamigos.
Standout selections
- — Bloody Maria: Casamigos blanco tequila, bloody mary mix, Worcestershire, fresh lemon juice.
- — Cucumber Spritz: Hendricks gin, fresh lemon juice, cucumber syrup, soda.
Pricing: No dedicated spirits list; prices not available.
How it sits with the food
The German beers pair naturally with hearty tavern fare like sausages and pretzels, though specific food items are not detailed here. The brunch cocktails, such as mimosas and Bloody Marys, complement standard brunch dishes.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
Community reviews
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