Thursday, March 28, 2024

The new kid on the block - Rhein Haus Leavenworth opens its doors

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The Bavarian powerhouse, Rhein Haus, that is a hybrid of a restaurant and beer garden opened to the Leavenworth public on Monday, August 27. At 3 p.m. the first customers trickled onto the outdoor patio for gourmet brats and German beer. With the promise of transporting patrons to Bavaria via giant pretzels and ciders - the new restaurant opened its doors and established their new popularity with racking in approximately 400 people for the grand opening.

"Our favorite part of Monday was that it was a blend of long-time locals, part-time residents, vacationers, hikers, bikers, climbers off the mountain and tourists just off of the bus," said Rich Fox, co-owner for Rhein Haus Leavenworth. "We hope that we're a regular stop for all of those folks week to week and year after year." 

There was seemingly endless space for customers to settle in and be the first to try the Munich - a house-made kielbasa with Beecher's cheddar beer fondue and crispy sweet onions - in the Leavenworth location. The breezy patio and two story dining hall serves as providing ample room and the guests ogled at the spacious layout. 

"People loved our location and enjoyed being able to sit at our patio railing and watch the activity down on Front Street. They had a front seat to the amazing welcoming serenade we were given by the Alphorn players in the plaza," said Fox. "Some of the local guests were excited about the fact that our second floor will be available as a 100 person private event space and offered up some advice on how to survive Oktoberfest and Christmas Lighting weekends."

The restaurant combed over meticulous details to stay aligned with the Bavarian theme from the atmosphere down to the menu items. Co-owner, Matt Fundingsland, was adorned in a Lederhosen outfit to further attach the setting to the German roots. Besides the obvious connection to the Bavarian theme, Fundingsland said that the atmosphere the restaurant was striving for was also a fun, celebratory, and family friendly vibe. A sweeping glance around the patio and it was clear they had nailed it. Families stationed at several tables, half empty frothy beer glasses in front of grinning patrons and the inviting bar staff stationed behind the counters achieved the easy-going and festive atmosphere. 

And while the atmosphere was impressive, the menu itself also seemed to heighten the patrons' attraction to the brand new restaurant. 

"We try to focus on our house made schnitzel and sausages. Everything is house made," said Fundingsland. 

When asked his prediction on what a crowd favorite would be, he guessed the giant pretzel with five sauces or the gourmet brats. German cuisine isn't unique in the Bavarian Village, but the restaurant still managed to craft a menu that stood out to guests. 

"As far as menu, we had some great review of our schnitzel presentations, beer selection and Berliners," said Fox. 

Whether flocking to the Bavarian, double decker restaurant by being drawn to the atmosphere, the drinks or the food - there is sure to be enough room to accommodate the guests. 

"(What I'm most looking forward to for the future of Rhein Haus) is becoming a part of the fabric of Leavenworth and it's great community, supporting local vendors, schools and non-profits whenever we can," said Fox. "As well, we've been blessed with a fantastic and highly visible location, which gives us the fun task of programming events that contribute to the happenings in town from season to season." 

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