The problem I have with most pubs or bars is that I can either get great food or great beer, but never both. The Wurst Bar, 705 W Cross St., has solved that problem for me with a variety of menu options and a fantastic beer list. It ranks high on my list of local bars.
Many people probably associate The Wurst Bar with bratwurst and meat, but it’s much more than that. They have a variety of vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options and the staff is knowledgeable about what’s in every menu item. There are, of course, meat options for bratwurst ranging from the usual sausage to the unusual such as alligator, bison and rattlesnake.
The beer list includes both draft and bottled or canned options. There are currently 12 tap lines for draft beers but they are hoping to add more soon. The bottled and canned beer list has over 100 options, many of which I’d never even heard of, with most of their beers from Michigan breweries like Bells, Shorts and New Holland to name a few.
The atmosphere is comfortable and alternative. The décor was a mix of classic and whimsical, with a pool table and skee-ball machine thrown in. The deer antler chandeliers and chalkboard wall for listing draft beers immediately caught my eye. The wait staff is friendly and laid back, but they really know their stuff and are very helpful. The seating arrangements were comfortable and even after it got busy, I never felt crowded.
When it came time for me to order, I had trouble choosing because the menu and beer list were so big it was like sensory overload at first. I decided on an appetizer of Scotch eggs, followed by the venison and potato bratwurst on a pretzel bun topped with sauerkraut, with sweet potato tater tots that came with marshmallow cinnamon dipping sauce. The tater tots alone are a reason to go to check out their options. It was like Thanksgiving wrapped up into one side dish. For beer, I chose to try the “Samuel Smith Organic Chocolate Stout” to complement my bratwurst.
Janelle C., a senior at Eastern Michigan University, has worked at the restaurant since it opened two years ago. Prior to that, she worked for Theo’s Bar and Grill, which was where The Wurst Bar is located now. She said the most popular food item ordered would be “some variation of the tater tots” and that the “PBR bratwurst is a popular item among new customers.”
Janelle said the bar is always trying to collaborate with other Ypsi businesses. For example, she noted their Andouille sausage is from Red Rock Downtown Barbeque on 207 W Michigan Ave., and that they also do tap takeovers highlighting Michigan-made beers for the evening.
The Wurst Bar is connected with various charities and they’ve had events to raise money for organizations. On their one year anniversary, they did $1 drafts to help support Safe House, the Women’s Center and the Humane Society.
The Wurst Bar has many specials going on every day of the week – Bingo Tuesdays, Whiskey Wednesdays and $2 drafts after 8 p.m. on Fridays to name a few. The pool table is always free and the music played has a good variety of genres. There’s something for everyone to enjoy.
