Von Trier
2235 N Farwell Ave, Milwaukee, WI, 53202
Von Trier Menu
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Address :
2235 N Farwell Ave
Milwaukee, WI, 53202 - Phone (414) 272-1775
- Website https://www.vontriers.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :4:00 pm - 2:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : No
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Music : Background
Good For Dancing : No
Alcohol : Full Bar
Happy Hour : Yes
Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat
Coat Check : No
Smoking : Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
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Maggie I.
Mad respect for Von Trier. It fills a void left in the North Ave area by all of the loud college bars. If you wanna chill out and not be pushed over by bros, come to Von Trier. Beautiful beer selection. My wants (read: needs) have always been met. Celebrated my 21st here with a boot of Hoegaarden. You have to get a boot at least once. Let it be known that this is the ONLY bar at which I order fancypants cocktails despite having a massive beer selection. The Zombie is so sweet and yummy. In order to combat how quickly I consume the alcohol that I can barely taste, I always chow down on a big bowl of free popcorn. They have pretzel rods too! Atmosphere is very chill. It's fairly dark inside, and there's always a black & white movie on the TV. If the weather is cooperative, I recommend/demand that you imbibe on the patio.
(5)Jenna O.
I've only been here once but will definitely be back! There is a unique atmosphere here it's a nice change from the other bars on North ave. They also have a pretty great cocktail menu :]
(5)Ian D.
stream of consciousness review its seems fitting great selection of beers yummy hot drinks free pretzels stained glass windows my friend used to think it was a church antler chandelier das boot close to home feels like home what if it was my home i dont think i would mind that Von Trapp Von Trier i love you
(5)Peter C.
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.
(5)Eve K.
Enjoyed hiding out from the snow in here. Eve award: best hot drinks Highlights: - Hot drink selection: not just Irish coffees, but a huge menu of different options with coffees, hot chocolate, brandy, rum, etc. - Raspberry mocha: my favorite hot drink ever of half coffee and half hot chocolate and stoli chocolate raspberry with whipped cream on top. So amazing. - Pretzel sticks: long thick salty ones were fun to snack on and even dip in my drink Lowlights: - Not one closer to my sister's house Will come back the next time I have a chance.
(5)Sarah W.
Love the rustic, uber Germanic feel of this bar. It's extremely homey and just feels warm and welcoming! Great selection of beers, wonderful bartenders! Definitely worth checking out if you're on the Eastside! They do trivia which is always fun, and they started serving food a few months ago and it is delicious!
(5)Mike C.
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!
(5)Linda B.
I've always loved this place but was so thrilled to see it cleaned up and offering food. All 4 of us loved our various sausage choices with Scortino and pretzel buns with an excellent variety of sides. Our waitress was more than excellent. Thank you Von Trier's, from a Milwaukeean living just up the street.
(5)Lauren E.
Good bar, love the decor and the atmosphere. Extensive list of hot drinks. I am giving Von Trier a four star for now because I did not love my drink (blackberry hotty toddy) and our server was clearly not excited about our larger group (10 people). I'll update next time!
(4)David P.
Really nice place to hang out and have a nice drink with friends. The beer list is one of the longest ones iv seen with a wide variety of ales, pilsners, and anything else you need. The outside walled in area was extremely nice to sit and relax.
(4)Jessica G.
I really like this bar. It's best in winter when I'm craving a hot, girly, adult beverage. No one ever makes me feel lame about ordering a high-maintenance item. And although it's a folksy German bar, the cocktails are wonderful. I docked one star because it can be a little sleepy. Best spot for a nightcap. There's free popcorn! And it's delicious.
(4)Brett N.
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.
(4)Allison A.
I can't believe that I have never been here before. It is a terrible mistake and I will definitely be back soon. Way too many delicious looking drink options! I started with a sour brandy old fashion and they did it justice. Also sampled the hot buttered rum, which tasted like warm, liquid cookies. I will be excited to go back on see their patio and warm weather specialty drinks. Totally different than anything else in the North Ave area.
(5)Sandra Z.
I've only recently returned for the first time since its new ownership. This has been one of my favorite bars in Milwaukee for years, and I'm happy to report it has only improved. It's still warm and cozy on the inside, the German decor was all very familiar, but all of those layers of smoke residue have been cleaned up. And the bathroom (at least the women's) has been renovated, thank god. The outdoor patio is still one of Milwaukee's best kept secrets. The beer selection is great, and what I was excited about was a Flemish Sour Red Ale on tap. ON TAP! To mix it up I also tried one of their Summer Specialty cocktails and it was delicious (some cucumber vodka concoction). Their specialty drinks in both summer and winter have always been fantastic.
(5)Chadrick J.
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!
(5)George T.
Friday was an excellent day to be out since the heat wave broke. I've returned. And I guess I changed since I was a student of UWM 21 years ago I celebrated a few parties and special occasions at VT. In general I was at RC's Judges, BBC, landmark, Vituccis, and Hooligans. I never really enjoyed VT in the summer. But this review is for the patio 2012. I was quickly greeted by the wait staff and bartender. The patio was starting to fill 5-6:00 it wasn't overly crowded. Weather was great sun was partially protected and depending on your needs you are a chair scoot away from shade to partial or full sun. The patio lighting is nice. It seems like most of the customers were mixed in age groups. It wouldn't be fair to dock a star because one of the 4 Dude bros. Kept spitting into the flowers. Jeebus you are in a public business show some class and respect! In many countries it's illegal to spit in public. If you have to ask why? I will roll my eyes and shake my head.(H1N1, Hepatitis, influenza, TB, etc,) The patio service was excellent Karen was taking good care of the customers she gave me the extensive drink list, Along with a small plate selection book. And offered a big bowl of popcorn. While explaining the Happy hour specials. The patio has new umbrellas, new lighting, patio tables, chairs, plants. The patio is Cigar friendly, but not hound friendly since there is only one door through the front. Don't worry Hooligans across the way has outdoor seating and caters to dogs.
(5)Michael S.
Who loves German beer? This is an eastside staple with great decor and free popcorn. The owner is a great guy and had hired a friendly staff. Prost!
(5)Jeri R.
I like stopping in here occasionally, nice atmosphere for a group, not too loud or a couple at the bar. Great service. Hard to find bartenders who can make a good old fashion, no worries here. They are going to start some food service and offered us a taste test of pretzels, mustards and a cheese spread. All of it outstanding. In the summer there is a nice open deck in the back. Cozy inside during the winter months.
(4)Talia R.
Great spot! I love this bar. Super old world German decor. Free popcorn and pretzels. AWESOME selection of beers. They make some pretty mean cocktails too. I would highly recommend this place and bring people here from out of town.
(4)Christina D.
One of the best beer selections in town. Bartenders and waitstaff are very knowledgeable and give helpful suggestions. The Moscow mule is excellent as well. Great hot drinks in winter. It's the perfect cozy winter hideaway. The patio is perfect in the summer...feels like you're somewhere in Germany.
(5)Joe P.
Descriptive phrase: friendly, Germanic bier hall. The old-world feel, the dimly-lit interior, the endless (free) popcorn, the prime spot on North Ave, the knowledgeable and endlessly-accommodating bartenders, and of course the great selection of libations. Von Trier is a gem. I always leave happier than when I came in (and somehow always staying until bar close). It's not just one thing, it's the whole package.
(4)Jason C.
Nice place to go hang out on a cold night great selection of beer and the staff was super friendly!
(5)Brian M.
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!
(5)Carrie G.
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!
(4)Michaeleen W.
Great! Love the free popcorn, even though every time I go there I eat so much popcorn i wanna die. Great mojitos. The inside is beautiful with old German style decor, the out side patio is so charming. The outside is surrounded by a brick wall so I feel like I can drink without sucking down car fumes, and no people that are walking on the street are stumbling over my chair or starring at my drink in envy, which can be a problem with other outdoor seating on north street. Excellent beer selection. Classy but not pretentious.
(4)Cassie D.
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.
(4)Ben S.
Wow, this is one special experience - the kind I'd hoped to find in Milwaukee. Maybe Chicago could also carry this off, but more importantly, it's done just right here in the Upper East Side of Brew City. Great, unique atmosphere and a wide selection of drinks and food. The service was serious, but friendly and considerate. The interior is incredibly ornate, beautifully cohesive, and totally enveloping. The outdoor area must simply be a bonus; I didn't even get a chance to try it. At the risk of sounding lazy, this is really less of a review and more of me imploring you to try it. Remarkably special - make the trek and thank me later.
(5)Kelly W.
Amazing beer selection, friendly servers, cool atmosphere & decor (including gnomes!) and free pretzels... Love this place!
(5)Nicole H.
Seriously live two blocks from here and hadn't been til Rachel had Yelp-y hour there. We so totally do not take advantage of the neighborhood we live in. We didn't sit out there, but the patio looks wonderful - love that its enclosed and keeps you a little removed from the craziness that is North Ave. The inside is all dark wood and German goodness with plenty of cuckoo clocks and antlers on the wall. One in our group said the antler chandelier came from the Pabst Mansion, which was pretty cool. The bits of food I tasted were delicious - especially the pretzel. One down side - my Strongbow was rather on the pricey side.
(4)Rachel F.
Upgrade. Don't get me wrong, here. I don't dole out the 5 stars lightly. 5 is serious business. But Von Trier is truly deserving. All of the great things that I've said about Von Trier before still apply. Nothing in that department has changed. Still great service, knowledgeable staff, fantastic ambiance. Insanely great selection. On top of that add the fact that their super ridiculously kitschy holiday decor is up and it's everywhere (and I love it!), and they're now playing silent films and old school film noir, and the music is stellar chill indie stuff. This place is truly a sophisticated, adult space for those looking for great drinks and great times. Nevermind that it's smack dab in the middle of ridiculously college-y North Ave. Von Trier, you win.
(5)Derrick S.
Love the selection of tap beers. Feels better giving the local guys some money than going to world of beers or any of the other chains that specialize in brews. Popcorns good too. I think it's a little pricey here and the vibe isn't really my favorite--it's a little too dark and quite for my taste but hey, for a special occasion beer or a relaxing beverage with a friend this is a go-to bar in Milwaukee's east side for a reason.
(4)Robert A.
Nice place. Make a fantastic Moscow mule. Great daily and seasonal specials spanning the wide spectrum of specialty beers on tap. Great atmosphere with friendly staff who were happy to give a layout of the neighborhood to out of towners and even suggest other places to check out in that hood. A great representative of non dive bar Milwaukeedwight spots. I could have been in NYC or chi or la but unlike many non dive bars in those cities there was no pretension. Folks running it seem to get that truly cool spots know they are cool don't have to be pretentious to be cool.
(5)Alex B.
I consider Von Trier to be the best bar in the city of Milwaukee and there aren't even really any other contenders. This German-style beer hall is located very conveniently at North Avenue and Farwell, making it easily accessible to anyone on the East Side. They have tons of beers on tap, ranging from the many local breweries to international seasonal specialties. The physical appearance of the bar gives it a lot of character. From murals to stained-glass to the bar itself, this is a fun, comfortable place to hang out. Add in friendly bartenders and free popcorn and I'm not sure what more you could ask for.
(5)Merete M.
I LOVE the decor of this place. It's got that cabin-in-the-woods coziness. There are antlers and things made of intricate carved wood everywhere. We went for the Yelp event. The Pilsner Urquell was delightful. The pretzels - light and wonderful with the cheese sauce or mustard sauce. The medley of sausages paired beautifully with the mashed potatoes, curried ketchup, and mustard that came with it. Overall, very charming. However, you wouldn't know it, looking at the building from the outside. If you're not near the patio, it looks uninviting and almost like a small factory building.
(4)Ryan S.
Let me start out by saying this is probably my favorite year-round bar in Milwaukee. Okay, I'm biased that I live a block away but this place is seriously awesome any time of the year. I've been coming here consistently for a few years and I've never had a bad experience. In summer they have an awesome patio/outside brick walled in seating area right of North/Farwell Ave. In winter it's a cozy retreat from the cold with all the German-themed decor. Always awesome atmosphere and a great crowd. Always have a huge variety of excellent beer as well as mixed drinks. Quite a large variety of beers on tap. If you are a beer connoisseur you will love it here. In winter they have a variety of hot toddy's. The bartenders and servers are always nice and extremely helpful. Hands down if you are looking for a cozy bar to enjoy some high-quality drinks where you can sit with friends and just talk this is the place to go on the East Side.
(5)Michelle Z.
As a good German girl from Milwaukee, Von Trier has a special place in my heart. I lived on the eastside (one block from VT) for years, so I was always thankful to have Von Trier nearby. The decor is very German - stained glass, murals and heavy woods. It is beautiful inside. I have even considered a wedding reception there, but sadly, it is a little too small and I'd have to be asked to get married...so....yeah. Anyway...I prefer Von Trier as a cold, snowy day place to go and feel cozy; however, they also have a biergarten outside so you can pull up a seat at the picnic table in the summer and catch some sun. The patio is walled in so no North Ave vagrants will come panhandling or peeing in the corner. The bar can get quite busy on weekend nights - so I try to stop by on Saturday afternoons when it is quiet, cozy with nice lighting. The beer selection is extensive and priced reasonably - I believe prices ARE listed on the menu, which I always appreciate. The staff is friendly and will bring you popcorn if you're needing a snack. They used to have a small food menu, but I think that doesn't exist any longer. Overall - great year round bar with a lot of ethnic character. A perfect place to take someone from out of town if you want to show them a "Milwaukee" place.
(4)Jen M.
I wish I could go to the Von Trier every single evening. It is beautifully and elegantly decorated in old world antiquery. Stained glass everywhere. Wonderful bartenders and selection. It seems to draw a sophisticated crowd, but not snooty sophisticated. The Von Trier is gracious enough to allow a local board game group play games in their wonderful back room twice a month. If you wander into their backroom, be sure to look up and check out the ornately decorated ceiling.Last time I was there with this group, the bartender ran free popcorn to us. In warm weather the outdoor patio is a great place to sit forever and solve all of the problems of the world with your wisest friends. There is also a balcony area off of the back room. My favorite Von Trier memory is from late one weekend night when two gentlemen, both dressed like extras from the Sound of Music, sang with accordion accompaniment and most of the room joined in. I was moved to tears. But then again, I was well into my second Hefeweissen...Do you have a cold? Winter blues? Try a Von Trier Blackberry Toddy.Cures all ills.
(5)Julia R.
I love this place because it is a bar that could appeal to anybody. The atmosphere is very casual, but the drink selection is great, with lots of well-made specialty cocktails. They have a really nice outdoor patio in the summer. In the winter, I love coming here for the hot toddies, making it a perfect bar for any season. It accommodates big groups with all the extra space in the back, but it's also a great place to go to catch up with a friend. And the free popcorn is a great perk!
(4)Bartleby F.
I enjoy Von Trier immensely when it's not chock full of meat heads and chowder heads. The bar tenders are usually super nice, although they will ignore you for regulars or older people (must be a money thing).
(3)Gina S.
Never having set foot in Von Trier before, I fell in love with the ornate dark wood decor, old German accents and wall knick knacks at first sight. It is a fantastic bar atmosphere by far. I attended a Birthday party bash in Von Triers private party room last weekend and it was the perfect space so such an event. We had amble siting room and table space for catered food, birthday presents and cake. Plus we had our own bathroom access. We had a few cocktail waitresses waiting on us hand and foot that I think they did a great job considering we were a party of 30+. I order quite a few drinks that night and I can't say they were down right fabulous. A down right fabulous night of drinking means the drinks are affordable, tasty and literally knock my socks off, like I'll be so drunk I've fallen and my socks have come off. While the drinks were moderately priced (I know I can get a cheaper drink in Milwaukee) and they were tasty, I swear the alcohol was diluted to nearly nada. I had a Raspberry Lindemans Framboise, Keokee (hot drink), a Fedora (scotch, amaretto & OJ) and an El Diablo (tequila). In the three hours of consumption, I could pass a sobriety test if necessary.
(4)Stephanie R.
We've been fans of Von Trier for about 10 years due to the beautiful German decor and the nice beer and wine (half off on Sundays!) selection. More recently they are under new ownership and now serve food other than the popcorn, which can be addictive. We recently tried the tenderloin flatbread complete with sage cream, Maytag bleu cheese, red onion marmalade and Bordelaise and I found that the flavors paired together wonderfully. Prefer to sit outside? They also have a beer garden. If you are on their email list, you can get a coupon for $5 off a drink or something similar for your birthday.
(4)Joanna T.
Von Trier is one of the places that make me wish we lived on the East Side and could go here all of the time. Some of the highlights: *Bavarian hunting lodge decor with acres of wood panelling and antlers on the wall *if you go during the holidays, they have a huge, kitschy "Christmas Village" and poinsettias on all the tables *Big beer list both on tap and by the bottle. No Miller or Bud Light here, thank God. *Lack of Miller/Bud cuts down significantly on the college fratster types *Beer is served in the proper glass, which has been pre-cooled by one of those water jet things. Very authentic. *Free popcorn and pretzel rods for your snacking pleasure. *A nice biergarten out back when the weather is good. *Classy holiday music when we visited by the likes of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. All in all, VT is a cozy, clean spot to escape the madness that can be North Ave. Located right across from the Oriental, it makes a great stop before or after a show. Go here!
(5)Tony K.
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.
(4)Beth P.
Ok, ok their food is good, but there are some not so great bartenders at the late night hours. Definitely NOT going back on a weekend. There are some nice waitstaff/bartenders, but I did not appreciate the rude staffer in the dining room.
(3)Meghan M.
Great German vibe going on, along with a wonderful beer selection. Von Trier is decidedly different-- not your average North Ave bar. Come here for a delicious brew in good company and be sure to check out the back patio (and the popcorn)!
(4)Nazgul W.
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.
(4)Sarah W.
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.
(5)Ana T.
Von Trier has a chill atmosphere. It is usually the place of choice I visit when I don't want to be surrounded by the hard partying nightclub crowd. This is the only neighborhhood bar that I like to visit while watching the game and drinking my beer. The interior has miminal sunlight and dark colored furnishings which is perfect and the bartenders are extremely courteous.
(4)Tracy R.
Nice elegant place to have drinks and pretzels.
(4)Eric G.
Best bar in Milwaukee Von Triers has an awesome German Feel and cozy environment. Check out the back patio or if the bar is packed the seating area behind the bar is awesome. You have to have an authentic Moscow Mule!!
(5)Joseph S.
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.
(5)Kelsey S.
Von Trier. I like. Given the several rave reviews already written about this place, I'll be concise. The free popcorn is tasty, the atmosphere is great, and the beer selection is impressive. Located right in the heart of the busy North/Farwell/Murray intersection, Von Trier is a great place to visit after a movie at the Oriental or following dinner at one of the many restaurants nearby. Good stuff.
(4)Colin U.
I absolutely love this place. It is what Milwaukee is all about! Big mugs of beer, good people, and surrounded by German heritage! It has really interesting old German beer mugs along with historic German pieces. They have a nice enclosed back area which is amazing! No tiny little tables or benches back there! A great place to hang out in the summer and during the winter! Which is my favorite time of year for these kind of places. There beer selection is off the charts along with there other various alcohols like there small wine "dungeon" as I call it :). If I remember correctly, they even have some great scotch! It is a tad pricey but it is well worth the atmosphere you spend in! Absolutely go if anyone gets a chance! Broast!
(5)Stephen M.
My first trip to VT was a UYE with the CM and some other SOB's that may or may not have been Elites. I've no idea how I missed this place having lived in Milwaukee for the last five years. It's not your typical North Ave bar, thankfully. Our server, Anne Marie, was pretty cool. She knew the beer list, could suggest well, knew how to read tables and stayed on top of us and tables near us without much effort. We'll be more difficult next time. The beer menu is pretty substantial. A ton of quality taps (I was drinking NC's Rasputin and Lakefront's Snake Chaser) and a big bottle selection. It was a little quiet at 830 on a Wednesday, but picked up a lot by 10, and was still pretty busy at midnight.
(4)Faith B.
Classic old world Germanic decor, free edible popcorn and excellent old fashioneds coupled with a nice wine and beer selection and a patio area.
(4)J P.
What a great place to drink quality European beer while sitting in an outdoor patio! a great MaiBock on tap - dangerously delicious! I think the addition of several other specialty beers and microbrews was a smart move. The downside is I believe they no longer offer any kind of bar food. The pretzels were a nice touch but after you've eaten 18 of them finally... you're still hungry with a little dough in your tummy! Parking is on the street - hate feeding the meters!
(4)Sadie T.
This is a pretty cool place. It gets packed after 10pm. The decor, old German style, is awesome. The beer list is extensive and always rotating. A ton of micro brews on tap. Free popcorn definitely adds to the value. This is also a great place to go before it gets crowded, to really enjoy the ambiance. I've been many times. Last Saturday they had two men playing German music live.
(4)Ellie B.
I feel like everyone has said it all already about Von Trier. It's a great place so I'll just reiterate that I love the decor, the free popcorn and their selection of hot drinks. I tried the Almond Joy and it was delicious.
(4)Laura R.
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.
(5)Erik A.
A true Milwaukee gem. Upscale without pretension, a dreamy beer list, free popcorn, dim but warm lighting, the list goes on and on...somehow it always feels like it's Christmas at Von Trier, even if it's spring or fall (usually, there's snow here in at least one of those seasons, so why not throw out some Christmas Charm, right?). Also, a nice, quaint patio in summer that's walking distance from your volleyball game at the beach. What's not to love? Keep it up, Von Trier!
(5)Erin B.
I've been here a few times and I can't believe that I haven't written a review before. This place is great and I always feel like the bartenders are like wise old uncles or something. I love that I've been here more than once with friends and been called "girls." Normally that would annoy me, but I find it sweet and enduring when coming from a bartender who is old enough to be my dad. Also, I'm a weirdo. The decor in here is great. If I had to describe the difference between a "bar" and a "tavern" to someone I imagine it would be like those SAT analogies. Bar:Tavern as Yield:Van Trier. There is a deep, rich feeling to Van Trier, like its been there for ages and the kind of place your grandparents would have hung out and talked about over the years. If my life ever turned into a movie ala Shaun of the Dead, Von Trier would be my Winchester because it seems like an appropriate place to ride out a zombie apocalypse. Damn, this review is full of terrible analogies. Apologies, friends.
(4)Gabriele T.
This is the best place to hold a private party in Milwaukee. We rented out the side room Saturday night with a buffet. Fun, beautiful decor; excellent service; and delicious food. So much fun.
(5)Danielle B.
Great patio, great beer & cocktails, and now great small plate dining! On my last visit, I really enjoyed my whiskey old fashioned (the price was definitely right). I ordered a sweet potato flatbread with no meat which was good, but the lack of meat left it a little plain. I maybe should have asked to substitute another veggie. Carmelized onions would have been perfect... mmm... now I made myself hungry! Anyway, the food was good, company was perfect, drinks were refreshing, but our service was not good. I'm not sure what was going on, but there was just 1 server working the patio while some employees inside the restaurant appeared to just kind of be hanging out at the bar. Our server came to our table only when we made eye contact or waved her over, and then she just did one thing at a time (asked if we wanted water, walked away, brought water, walked away... you get the idea). So that was super annoying. I realize she was serving lots of tables, but a more experienced server probably would have taken our entire order at once. We were ready! I'm sure I'll be back for more. VonTrier is a little oasis in the middle of some craziness, and I can't pass up a great patio.
(4)Beverly S.
Great old German atmosphere. Warm and homey inside. Nice selection of German beer. Not much beats drinking German beer out of a stein, snacking on popcorn, and hanging out with friends at Von Trier.
(5)William U.
Great bar, great beer selection on tap and in bottle. They also have nice hot alcoholic beverages. I had a butterscotch toddy that was really good. Made with butterscotch schnapps and butterscotch sauce but it wasn't overdone. We went in it was 7 degrees out but we warmed up fast. We also met very friendly people at the tables around us.
(5)Augie R.
Von Trier is a Milwaukee tradition--a historic German bar with great decor, service and drinks. It had fallen on some hard times, but the new owners have done a great job of keeping the ambiance while updating the facilities. There's no better place to enjoy a beer and enjoy a taste of Germany in Milwaukee. On our last visit, we had a party in the back room. Highly recommended if you're looking for a place to hold a small event. There was no charge for the room, although we did need to commit to a minimum bar tab (which we had no trouble hitting.) They let us bring in food, and the service was excellent. I was worried we'd lose Von Trier and am glad to see it thriving under new owners!
(4)Jesse M.
Great beer and cocktails. It can get a little crowded but worth the wait for a table. The free popcorn is a plus - but I feel the place is just aching for a real food menu so people can stay and eat then drink more.
(4)Kyle K.
Oh god yes. A welcome refuge from the typical drunken shenanigans. Great beer selection, awesome staff and the prospect of picking popcorn hulls out of your teeth for days? CHECK! My personal favorite time to hang out at Von Trier is during the coldest days of winter, when a cold beer seems like the worst idea on earth. 3 words: Hot booze drinks! Sitting with a hot buttered rum (don't look at me like that) and checking out the decor is a great way to close out a night along North Avenue.
(5)Nelson S.
I don't know how the f**k I haven't reviewed Von Trier yet, but I guess there's always a surprise for something. Keeps it real. This place is, quite simply, my new favorite bar on/around North Avenue (sorry Landmark, you have some work to do). From the stunning decor (think German hunting Lodge) when you first walk in to the very professionally dressed staff, the place gives off an earned snootiness that is, well, not that snooty if you have the guns to be able to navigate your terrain. With that being said, Von is a beer drinkers paradise. A respectably large, well varied tap list featuring a personal favorite, Ommegang Aphrodite (its an orgasm in a glass), a class cocktail list, a very large bottled beer stock, and of course: FREE FUCKING POPCORN. As a hungry college student, I may spend 8 dollars on a tap beer and eat a whole bowl of the popcorn. Gotta get your food somewhere, aye? The crowd is more mixed, but generally its people who are there for intelligent conversation, beer snobs, grad students, mom's, etc. This a refreshingly bro-free zone, and it shows. The backroom here is also what won it over even more for me. Original pabst mansion antler chandelier is on display, and that is a sight to behold! Every time I leave Von I can't wait to return. Cheers, and thank you for being a great, great tavern!
(5)Jon A.
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.
(5)Johanna L.
Von Trier is lovely in the warmer months and the cold ones (no pun intended). While the biergarten is divine, there's something about coming through those big thick doors from the below zero weather that just warms you, inside and out. There are often roses in vases on the tables near the bar, and the proprieter is very friendly. I can attest to the Pabst Mansion elk antler chandelier story's truth, as I work as a tour guide at the Pabst Mansion. If you go there sometime, make note of how the replica chandelier looks compared to the original that is in Von Trier's back room. The original is worse for wear, unfortunately, but it is an original Cyril Colnik piece (he was a master iron worker who did comission pieces for many of Milwaukee's wealthy from the 1890's through the 1950's or so).
(4)Nick K.
Love this place. Great beer selection, AND they make a mean old fashioned. I like places that have food more, so that is why no five star, but I still love the Von Trier.
(4)Aaron B.
Stained glass windows with beer bottle bottoms in them, amazing beers on tap, an interior that would make your Gramps cry and would take a whole vat of Murphy's oil soap to polish, plus the lone large screen tv that only plays old school movies. This place is awesome. It is a staple of this neighborhood and the next time I bike from Chicago I need to leave earlier so that when sitting with my lady I don't fall asleep with her on my lap after one Paulander. An awesome place I need to revisit, again and again and again... Go here is you like beer and taverns...
(5)Dan W.
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
(5)Shane H.
So I admit that it took me this long to visit the new and improved Von Trier. Now, I really had no issues with this place before, aside from the service being way not good. But that has mostly changed. I say mostly because the male bartender ignored me while he chatted up a lady who was seriously right next to me, so the lady bartender eventually had to make her way down the bar to me, even though I literally could have touched male bartender. Ah, sexism. Anyway, beer selection is fantastic, as always. The atmosphere is the best part, I think. Even though you're smack-dab in the middle of the shitshow that is North Ave, this place is low in douchebaggery. This is a great place to hang out with a group of friends, and there is ample seating, including a huge back room. I can't wait till it gets warm out and the patio is open. I will definitely be back here soon and see if I can pull out the ol' 5 star rating.
(4)M S.
I went here once so far, if I lived closer I may be back more. the service seemed pretty good. A bit of an upscale hipster type place. A boot to pass around, that's a big boot. When I went there it was not that packed. The ambiance was rustic and almost a bit over done with nick-knacks to fill space. still quite inviting for my tastes.
(4)Sona B.
I really really like this place. Very cozy, wood seating, antique Bavarian type atmosphere, black and white classics playing on the big screen, with a chill crowd. The draft selection is extensive, as is the rest of the beer list. They also have some classic cocktails and "hot" drinks. Free popcorn appears in abundance and they have a great small plate menu. Try the olives. I know... olives, really? But they are awesome, soaked in delicious vinaigrette and herbs, they just add to whatever beer you may have in hand. Also try their flatbreads, all affordably priced. The bartenders are friendly and knowledgeable. I usually come here after work and mid afternoon on weekends and have yet to encounter the rowdy college children that usually swarm the north ave area.
(5)Malek K.
If you like beers this is the perfect place, a menu of 5 pages and guess what only beers!!!! also they give you popcorn bowl it is fun! nice staff decor is a little older tavern style but during a winter it gives you the feeling of warmth i like it for beers- if you do not drink then this is not the place
(4)Katie M.
Von Trier is a great, cozy place to grab a drink. Not just the usual miller lite or vodka cranberry either...these bartenders can make a lot of drinks i don't normally see ordered (or know the names of...sorry!). i really like the decor, and the painted walls, the atmosphere, and the knowledgeable staff. I started the night with a beer flight mostly because i was in the mood to try something new (and drink beer)...had some great craft brews, mostly local. The bartenders were very friendly and helpful when i was trying to make my decision about the next drink to try...it was easy to decide my next order after almost every other drink they made was a moskow mule. everyone was ordering them! I'd never had one, but could see the popularity so i ordered one, very good! and served in a copper mug.....don't even try stealing them....they've got those locked down. overall, great time, friendly and entertaining bartenders. the only downfall was that there wasn't a lot of seating. the place, in general, was not very big. we had to wait until a group left so we could sit down. i suggest going on an off-peak night...or just start there early!
(4)Francis U.
This place is, I think slightly better on the beer front than OGBH, though OGBH has a better "German Drinking Hall" atmosphere. A great selection of beer, saucy waitresses, classy patrons, what's not to love?
(4)ali s.
This place is a little piece of comfortable and delicious history. All of the original woodwork, original glassware on the wall, a room with a very old and beautiful elk antler chandelier, and free popcorn all contribute to the amazing-ness of this bar. I've only gone on weekday nights, when it's pretty quiet and the bartender has been awesome (Jory). I love old places and old people, and so this bar is for me. But if you are weird and like younger, more beautiful people, you are still in luck - there's a back patio where I think I heard them laughing loudly. I can't wait to belly up here in the winter. That'll be nice. Mmmmm.
(5)Ari S.
I was very surprised with Von Trier. I have heard great things but when you first walk in the atmosphere seems dark and dreary. However once you sit down the fresh popcorn and great drink selection makes up for it! With what it seems like a billion different beers you can choose from, each is daintily described under the title. You have an idea of what you are ordering and its safe to say the descriptions are very accurate. If you are a fan of mojitos the strawberry mojito is fabulous! With one sip you feel as if you just bit into a strawberry. The after taste seals the deal with a little kick!
(5)M L.
Ah, many the good memories I have of Von Triers. Going there after gobbling some vegetarian sushi down at Ichiban, bad poetry galore, and drinking to tamp down the effects bad poetry tended to have on me (seriously, folks, if you hate Bush, don't spend 7 minutes reading us a 'poem' about how much you hate Bush; I hated him, too, but my God! Shut up!). They were very accommodating when we needed to do a poetry reading and I've always found the staff to be rather friendly. The smoking might turn some people off, especially if you're a non-smoker. The reason I'm giving it four stars is because they don't always seem to have what I crave. I wanted a Bailey's and they could barely fill a glass with what little they had, yet I was still charged full-price.
(4)Rich T.
The new Von trier is very nice. It looks like a completely different bar when all they really did was add a few lights and did some much-needed house cleaning (personnel and building). The place used to be kinda grimy, and if it wasn't for the beer garden, would be totally unremarkable. The crowd seemed older and more subdued, which was more welcomed than the kind of crowd I remembered before they closed. I think the difference in clientele has a lot to do with the bar's much-welcomed no smoking policy. Great to see a non smoking bar before the ban takes place! They still have a great deal of European and American beer selections, so not everything's changed. I like the new Von Trier and think it's a suitable place for a date or a nice evening with friends. It wasn't really my thing before, but they've put in the time and effort to make this place nicer.
(4)Jeremy L.
Ambiance and beer. Von Trier has a wonderfully laid back atmosphere that allows the beer list to do its true duty. I'm not a native Wisconsinite but my wife says it reminds her of her Grandmother's house. If it feels like home it must be right. Wood finish everywhere on the interior with steins and an antlered chandelier for decor. Von Trier has an extensive beer list with excellent snacks of pretzel rods and fresh popcorn. It is a for sure stop before or after any movie at The Oriental across the street. The enclosed patio, canopied with umbrellas to shade the sun, extend the low key vibe from inside to the activity of North avenue without the demands of participation. If you don't know where you want to go but would like to have some delicious beer and a good conversation, do yourself a favor and go to Von Trier.
(5)Leann V.
Try the New Glarus Unplugged limited edition apple beer! - great with free popcorn
(4)Vicky R.
It looks nothing like outside. Reminds me of an old world feeling. I just need to glam up and look like a heroine in the 20's movie and get my guy to dress up too with a cigar in his hand. Love the ambiance, sat by the outside patio, with the cool breeze and popcorn. I had my first Mojito and yummy..I love it! They do have quite a selection of drinks. Nice place to hang out, have some drinks and chat away.
(5)Chad W.
Best bar in Milwaukee! Probst!
(5)Johnny B.
Very cool German bar with a pretty lengthy beer selection. I wish this place was closer to me. I could handle transplanting this place to Northcenter, Chicago. A little anecdote I was told while having a couple beers at Von Trier... There is a large ornamental rot-iron and antler chandelier in the back room. This chandelier was bought from the Pabst brewery mansion when much of the mansion was sold off some years ago. Recently Pabst has re-established the mansion. They came to the owner of Von Trier and offered $250K for the chandelier. The owner said no dice. Pabst came back and offered half a million dollars and a replica chandelier. Von Trier said they'd rather keep the original. So if you're ever at Von Trier, head to the back room for at least a moment to catch a glimpse of a $500,000 antler chandelier.
(5)Aaron S.
Actually I've only been here once but I have to amend Raoul's review. Von Trier has some pretty interesting off-the-beaten-path cocktails too! And popcorn. I can't remember if it's free or not. Great atmosphere and the beer garden is indeed wonderful.
(4)Raoul D.
Huh? I thought one of you beer swillin' Milwaukeeans would have reviewed Von Trier by now! Von Trier is, after all, about one thing and one thing only: swilling beer. One of the better places to sample a large beer list and it is located on one of the busiest corners in the City That Made Beer Famous. Lots and lots of German and Belgian specialites served at the correct temperatures and in the specific glass for that type of beer. There is also a nice outdoor beer garden to enjoy.
(4)Virginia L.
Dark & cozy. Not really inviting from the outside - kinda always looks closed, but it's way different when you get inside.
(3)Dave S.
Von Trier's biergarten on a warm summer Milwaukee evening is a little slice of heaven. If you love fine European beers then even better. This is one of my favorite places in Milwaukee.
(5)Kat K.
Yay! Von Trier reopened, cleaned up, and retains its charm. I love the beer selection (micro, import, limited domestic). They've done well including lots of bottles, too. The new bartenders and waitstaff are very friendly and make going to KVT more of an "experience" and less of bellying up to the bar. It's a great place for a date or a quiet beer with a friend or two. If you want dance music and $2 Miller taps, go elsewhere on North Ave.
(5)Christopher H.
Von Trier is THEE place to go before a wild night of partying. It is also THEE place to go if you just want to chill with a drink and a good friend. Sit outside on a nice evening. Try different beers...there are plenty to choose from. Von Trier is Milwaukee. I have so many good memories of this place and I look forward to many more.
(5)Michelle M.
If you are German or like German beer, just go here. Yes it is expensive so that is why I took away a star - and parking may not be the easiest in this corner. But it is one of the things I miss about Milwaukee. I LOVE that story from Johnny B about the antler chandelier - I think I almost always sat in the back room and I LOVE that chandelier! I do not get to visit Milwaukee much anymore, but next time, I think we will try to go back. I think I usually ordered a big Weiss beer with lemon. Probably tried one of their hot drinks on a wintery day, but don't remember. We usually went there with parents from out of town and everyone always loved the place!
(4)Marie H.
I just moved to Ann Arbor from Milwaukee. Often I fantasize that I am back in Milwaukee, sitting in the beer garden, drinking a Hacker Pschorr and eating free popcorn. Maybe that crazy old guy who tells people he used to be in the SS and was friends with Adolph will stop by, maybe an ooompah band will be playing inside, maybe the hot dog cart guy will pass you some mustard through the bars for your pretzel sticks, maybe Albers will talk like Harry Carray...I can only hope so. I will also think of this place in winter because they make great hot toddys....I'm getting misty.....
(5)tracy d.
the beer selection is great, but after my friend found a dead roach floating in his drink, i've decided against returning.
(1)Jordan V.
we must have gotten here around 7:30 and were warped back to a time when people enjoyed whittling at the hours of a gloomy saturday in a dark bar. this bar is festive, but slow paced. i'm not sure i would say, like some other reviewers, that this is THE place to go to before a raucous night of partying, but there is something sort of centering about it. and mark, the owner, was awesome. although this is the kind of place you are supposed to go to drink beer, once i tried his moscow mule, i just kept asking for more old-timey cocktail recommendations. that led to my re-discovery of the dark and stormy (who knew that drink could be delicious? the last time i had one i just about poured it under the table) and my new favorite summer cocktail: a pimm's cup.
(4)Jorge S.
I love stopping by Von Trier when I'm hanging out with my close friends. It is a very quiet place which is a (awesome) change of pace from the rest of North Ave. It has a very cool old German feel to it and there will not be any of those pesky under age kids, which is nice. The beer garden is cool to hang out in with a larger group, and yes the popcorn is free. The last time I went the machine was broken, but we got pretzels instead. There is never that many people here and I wouldn't come to meet people and get rowdy. But for those weekdays when I'm stressed, I grab a friend and have a drink over great conversation. The only downside is they usually don't have specials and in Milwaukee there are many places that have specials daily, even on the weekends. The beer selection is good, and they even have my favorite beloved Chicago beer 312 on tap.
(5)Balki B.
Nice change of pace from the rest of North Ave. Great ambiance inside and a decent selection of brews. Not known so much for mixed drinks however. Also not a lot of women, but at least you won't find any frat boys. Definitely better than the other local sausage fests. Popcorn is free!! Would recommend checking out.
(5)Markus B.
great beer selection and nice dank rathskeller atmosphere, but what place in milwaukee doesn't have this? and the prices are ridiculous. i have spent alot of time here as its probably my favorite bar on the eastside, but the prices, yeesh. table service and tableclothes are a bonus.
(3)