The Radler (@DasRadler, 2375 N. Milwaukee Ave.) opened its doors last week to anyone and everyone craving German beer and food in Logan Square. Managers Adam Hebert and Nathan Sears set out to spin traditional German fare into an eclectic food menu, a top-notch beer list and the perfect space to enjoy it in—all just a short walk from the Square.
Fans of rustic and urban chic will feel right at home. Herbert’s father contributed woodworking and concrete accents to add nuance and class to the space. An impressive bar is garnished with custom-made clocks and beer taps themed after the German flag. Large traditional beer mugs bear the appropriate logo.
The Food
The food menu is separated into four sections: “The Best,” “The Wurst,” “On The Side” and “The Rest.”
“The Best” includes a haus pretzel, vegetable selections ranging from apples to pumpkins, a custard and a strudel. Meats include braised rabbit, deep fried ham hock and roasted chicken. A fish selection, of rainbow trout, is also available for lighter or pescitarian palates.
“The Wurst” includes four house-made sausage wursts: grilled Thuringer, poached Weißwurst, smoked Knockwurst and seared Boarwurst.
The “On The Side” section is composed of four things hard to do without: sauerkraut, red cabbage, spätzle and potato salad. Constructing a proper dish will most likely require the combination of “The Best” and “On The Side.”
Under “The Rest,” patrons can find a black forest cake with cherry jam, a crêpe cake, and cheesecake and a “bee sting” cake made with roasted pear and wheat beer syrup.
And The Drink
The Radler has used Flesk Brewing (@FleskBrew) from Lombard, Ill. to concoct their Haus Helles brew, which is also the base for their Haus Radler. Both are available in half-liter and the proper German Maß one-liter size, and so are Church Street Dunkel and Ayinger Brau Weiße.
Other selections—in smaller sizes—include Einbecker Schwarzbier, Aventius Doppelbock and Big Shoulders IPA. While the primary focus is on beer, the Radler also offers a few red and white wine selections, as well as three cocktails.
A sister restaurant, D.A.S., is slated to open in April. For updates, visit their website.
The Radler is open daily, with the full menu available between 5:30 pm and 11 pm Sunday through Thursday and until midnight on Friday and Saturday. They currently don’t accept reservations, and the bar stays open an hour after dinner is stopped. For more information, visit the Radler’s website.
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