Berliner Pub
| Address: | 221 Main Ave S, Renton, WA 98057, USA |
| Phone: | +1 425-277-1111 |
| Site: | berlinerpub.com |
| Rating: | 4.4 |
| Working: | 3PM–1:30AM 3PM–1:30AM 3PM–1:30AM 3PM–1:30AM 12PM–1:30AM 12PM–1:30AM 12PM–1:30AM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 9
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Thomas Smailus
They are good when the place is nearly empty - not worth it when they are packed (eg soccer matches). Ive been twice, once late afternoon for some grub with colleagues - and it was great - the food is good and the beer is good, though it can, like all pubs, be hard to hear inside once more folks fill the establishment. However for world cup matches they just cannot plan appropriately. Stick to just a beer that never needs a refill (ie order the full liter) and you are ok. Ordered my beer and a big pretzel right before the kickoff at 9am, and by late halftime about 50 minutes later I still didnt have the pretzel. Its been this way for several games. They are just overwhelmed due to to possibly not utilizing their staff well (they get in each others way, snag other servers orders, kitchen not preparing common foods in advance). When 48 mins had passed and I asked one of the staff about what I can do to look into where my order is as it might have been lost, I got the response of "you can pray". That is the WRONG answer from a customer standpoint. Yes, they are slammed and not able to keep up, but you dont get flippant. Eventually I was told by our server (who only shows up every 30 minutes or so- not sure what she was doing but there were plenty of staff coming past every minute, just not our server - and we were sitting right by the front counter/bar) that it takes about an hour to get food. Hm.. if she could have said that BEFORE or while taking my order Id have just ordered a beer or at least considered it. Here is some advice to the Berliner if they want to keep customers - 1) Dont be flippant to your customers - they are your priority, make an effort. 2) If you know you will take a long time to get food out - tell folks as you offer to take orders 3) Servers - dont go MIA - when I see every other employee come by 3 times before I see you a 2nd time you are not doing well at your job. 4) Owners - LIMIT THE MENU if need be. If you cannot keep up - limit the menu to 2-4 things that the kitchen can get a head start on as they know orders are coming in for.
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James Mitchell
Somewhat less chaotic, now that the construction next door is almost complete - still free parking in the lot across the street, but this may change. Fairly remarkable selection of German beers on tap, slightly spendy pub food ($12-20 entrees) but very good quality - the pork shanks are exceptionally savory, they do killer spaeztle, tasty sausages, and the Rhumsteak gravy is smooth, creamy, and not oversalted. Happy hour (1600-1800 mon-fri) specials include discount beer, and a deal on whats arguably one of the better pub burgers in Renton - ask for sides of curry ketchup and hot mustard for the fries - this makes for an affordable early meal while the place isnt crowded. Downsides are limited parking, can be crowded & noisy on popular nights, and the sound system is run by enthusiastic amateurs... The Berliner is still our local for a pub dinner & a great place to watch Premier and Bundesliga football.
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James Longwell
We had a party of about twenty of us outside on the patio this past Saturday night. There was a Sounders game and it was packed. Id never been there and it was amazing. We had the best little waitress, dont remember her name, long brown/blondish hair and wearing glasses. She was clearly getting overwhelmed trying to get all our drink and food orders. She had tables inside as well as trying to cover our party and yet others outside. I felt so bad for her, but she was amazing! I mean really my heart hurt for that kid. Even with all those people in our birthday party she did not mess up ANYONES tab. Thank you so much! We will be back, the food was stellar!
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Michelle Phanthavong
This was a fun place. I came to watch the sounders game and they reserved spots for people who wanted to watch the game. The people were nice. If you dont know German beers though, youre kinda gonna end up guessing what to drink. Which is what happened. We didnt really like it but whatever. The televisions werent special. The sound went out part way through. My neck hurt from turning my head to watch the tv. The place had a bar vibe but its a restaurant technically since they allow kids in. Which is weird if youre drunk. They had a polka band play which was funny and cool. "Outdoor" seating is super warm and completely covered. Food is alright. Service was meh.
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Rea Sauter
Friends took us as we were visiting from Canada. The wings were great, as was the pretzel. However -It was so hot inside, and I was denied ice in my water (the rest of my party had beer) because they were almost out and had to save it for cocktails. The computers went down, so we paid in cash. The server that initially greeted us was grumpy because we were sitting at a table that was reserved for 5:30 (it wasnt even 3pm yet). Music was too loud - the political rally in the sunken area was better. I know this isnt the norm, as our friends were embarrassed, so I hope next weekend is smoother for the pub.
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j spain Greene
Headquarters to Sounders ECS Barra Fuerza Verde, we watch all Sounders away matches here if we can. The service is excellent - even when its super busy. Lots of beers on tap, beer flights, and a full bar. They serve German sausages, schnitzels, pretzels and burgers here. The food is good! My favourite is the Jaeger Schnitzel ($14). Happy Hour is 3-6 daily. They offer about half a dozen items for $5 or less. Well drinks are $3 and 1/2 litre beers are $1 off.
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Daniel Wheat
Visited here with my wife and a friend. We came around 6:30 pm so the happy hour was just ending. I dont know if it was understaffed, but it took about 15 minutes to get someone over to our table. Despite this, the drinks were good and the food was pretty authentic. I had the Pork Schnitzel with Spatzle (kinda like German MacNCheese, but less creamy) and it was fairly comparable to what Ive had in Germany. If they improved their service, Id consider another star.
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Rich Leighton
Ive had at least for different friends telling me that I need to come here, so today after an early morning of hiking, I finally made it and it greatly exceeded my already high expectations. I had the Berliner Bratwurst and while that was amazing - the hot German potato salad stole the show. Fing AMAZING! My hiking buddy and I both agreed that this is going to be our new post-hike hangout. Service was great too... dont let the previous reviews fool you.
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Andrew Scheuerer
Finally stopped by after meaning to try for over a year. Place was packed, with the band already playing Saturday evening when we got in. Took a minute for a waitress to see us to seat us, but from then on service was surprisingly prompt and friendly for a bar that was getting slammed. Beer selection is lovely, and the food menu was more expansive than I expected. If this is typical, Ill certainly be buying my beer and wursts here from now on.
