German BierGarten Brisbane

7 dickson street, wooloowin QLD

Episode 5 of Beneath the Buzz - my review series spotlighting eateries that aren’t flooding your socials yet, but absolutely deserve to be on your radar!

the digest

Order

The Chill  Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle), Kassler and Sauerkraut (pork loin cutlet), German Pretzel, and of course German beer!

Pay

Mains $22 to $43.

No Sunday surcharge. Bills split evenly only.

Consider

Go big with the sausage platter ($38pp) or the meat platter for two ($98).
Just note: Sundays run a smaller menu.

Wear

Team jersey, lederhosen or whatever you like – anything goes!

Reserve

Book online; Wednesday to Sunday from 11am

Travel

Car – Small car park beside the venue plus a larger park n ride opposite

Bus – Stops near Dickson Street

Train – Wooloowin station, 10m

full REVIEW

Craving a giant pork knuckle, I made my way to German BierGarten, a northside favourite with a loyal following.

Just behind Wooloowin train station, the space started as a café before evolving into the owner’s vision of a relaxed German beer garden. It’s got rustic charm, with a covered alfresco area and an indoor dining room; the kind of place you settle into quickly with a cold beer. The owner, a German chef, is passionate about serving authentic German fare in Brisbane.

Over two visits I tried both the shorter Sunday menu and the full à la carte. The standout was the Kassler & Sauerkraut – double-smoked, salt-cured pork loin with mash, sauerkraut and dark beer gravy. It was tender, well-cured, and balanced by a sauerkraut with just the right amount of tang; though the gravy could’ve been bolder. The pork schnitzel was enjoyable too, but I would have preferred a slightly thicker cut for extra juiciness.

With the Chill Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle) sold out and the Schweinebauch (pork belly) unavailable on Sundays, I returned the following Saturday to try both.

Unfortunately, the pork belly was disappointing upon arrival. The crackling looked dull and chewy, not the blistered, shatteringly crisp skin I’d seen in photos online – and it should have been obvious at the pass that it wouldn’t meet expectations.

Thankfully, the pork knuckle delivered: tender meat (as much as the cut allows) with crackling done right; exactly what I came for and would order again.

In hindsight, between the knuckle, pork belly and pretzel, we could have added another $10 for the meat platter for two, which offers more variety and even arrives with a bell for a bit of theatre.

Service was warm and friendly across both visits, matching the casual, inviting atmosphere. The pork belly feedback was received graciously, and hopefully the kitchen sharpens things up for future diners.

There’s also a solid lineup of German beers and schnapps, plus a happy hour running Wednesday to Saturday from 3pm to 6pm.

Despite the pork belly hiccup, German BierGarten remains a fun, easy going spot that I’d happily return to for a comforting feast or lively pre-game feed!

Visit their website: German BierGarten