Frequently Asked Questions

I've Never Been There... What is The Bavarian Lodge all about?
We're unique. We're complex. We're a riddle, wrapped in an enigma, marinated in beer, and fried to a crispy golden brown... We're a family-owned restaurant and pub, still run by the same folks that started it all in 1986. We are known for our traditional German and European kitchen and a unique, ever-changing, expertly-curated selection of the finest ales and lagers on Earth. Our selection of forty drafts changes often and features over 700 different delicious offerings over the course of any given year. Very much by design, we're not your typical German-American kind of place. So, if you're expecting bright lighting, raucous oompah music, shot-skis, strange knee-slap dancing, and people drinking out of glass footwear while shouting "Zigge-zagge!" you'll most assuredly be disappointed. Not that we're against that kind of thing; it's just not what we do. We provide European dining and expert drinking without all the typical "German tourist" schtick. We offer a warm and cozy pub atmosphere built for conversation best enjoyed over adult beverages. Absent are the dozens of television screens present in just about every other joint on the planet, so there's no shouting about the sport-puck-ball game on the telly. We created a space that is low-key, casual, and comfortable, while at the same time not trying to be a “re-creation” of what you might find in Germany. We just do our own thing, and after almost 40 years of doing it, a lot of people really seem to like it. We do too. Does all of this sound good? If so, we really think you should come check it out!

What Do You Do for Oktoberfest?
Of course people think of German restaurants during Oktoberfest - we get it. However, we're more than seasonal and fully committed to the whole Bavarian thing, so we do what we do year-round. During O'fest season we offer a variety of Oktoberfest beers on tap, and usually a few special events that revolve around the tapping of wooden barrels full of delicious Oktoberfest beer. Otherwise, Oktoberfest is business as usual; it's just one of the more popular times of year to visit. As a Bamberg-style pub, our relaxed approach this time of year is a much calmer celebration of food, beer, and Gemütlichkeit than some people are expecting.

If you are looking for a big traditional Munich-style celebration filled with oompah bands, stein holding competitions, tents, dancing, and so on, please check out one of the many annual weekend festivals held around the city and suburbs each year, hosted by various breweries, park districts, municipalities, and charity organizations. There are so many to choose from! When you’re ready to simply sit down, eat, drink, and relax with homemade food and authentic beer, come see us!

Do You Accept Reservations?
No, we do not accept reservations. We seat everyone on a first come, first served basis. Please keep in mind that we do not seat incomplete parties during peak dining times. Reservations are sometimes accepted for special occasions like Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.

Can You accommodate Very Large Parties or Banquets?
No, Sorry. Our focus is on typical restaurant and pub service. Isn't it refreshing to be told that something just isn't our strong suit? Yes, it's the honest-to-goodness truth: We're just not set up to handle banquets or large groups. 99% of our guests arrive in groups of eight or less (Note: Six or less is ideal and offers you the most seating options.) Further, we most definitely cannot accommodate “add-on” groups where the final number of guests is unknown and/or arriving at different times. Please do not expect to be seated if your group is not complete.

What about Pub Crawls, After-Work "Happy Hour" Groups, Bachelor Parties, or "Meet-ups”?
No, just... no. Sorry. These never work out well. Our layout, atmosphere, and parking situation are simply not conducive to these types of events.

What forms of payment do you accept, and is my data safe?
We accept all major credit & debit cards, as well as cash. In addition to Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express, we are able to process payments via ApplePay, SamsungPay, GooglePay, and tap-to-pay with devices such as a smartphone. If you would like a payment option that does not require handing a credit card to your server or being issued a paper receipt to sign, simply inform your server when asking for the check. You will be brought a handheld device to complete your credit card or touchless transaction at the table, or you may pay at one of our point-of-sale registers. Payments are always protected end-to-end with encryption and tokenization. Our payment processor is a PCI-compliant Level 1 provider, and we utilize a new, separate and secure network for our wireless devices.

How do I hear about your latest beer tappings and special events?
Check out our events tab on our Facebook page for announcements of special beer tappings and other events, or check us out on Twitter. Not connected to social media? Sign up for our email mailing list to receive occasional emails about major events. However, social media is the best source for the most current and detailed information.

Your Parking Lot is Full... Where Else Can I Park My Car?
We offer over 80 additional safe, paved, and fully lighted parking spaces in the lot directly to our west. ADDITIONAL PARKING has been leased for your convenience at Gator Chef, the large brick building next door at 1808 Ogden Ave.  You can also legally park your vehicle along the surrounding residential side streets, but we ask that you use this only if BOTH of our parking lots are full. If you must park on the residential side streets, please take note of posted parking regulations. Parking on Devon Ave is only permitted on the west side of the street (if you park on the east side of the street, you will be ticketed and towed by the Village.) If using street parking, we ask that you please be respectful of our neighbors. Please keep noise to a minimum and be careful not to park on lawns or block driveways or mailboxes. Do not park at the gift shop across from us on Devon Avenue.

Do you offer Carry-Outs?
We do offer them during non-peak times. More information can be found on our GENERAL INFO page.

Do you offer a gluten-free menu?
No, though we do serve many items than can be ordered to assemble a great gluten-free meal. Our Roast Duck, Kassler Rippchen, Schweinshax'n, Thuringer, Bratwurst, and Knackwurst are all naturally gluten-free. Pair these dishes with our parsley boiled potatoes, braised red cabbage, and a side of homemade horseradish sauce for a great German meal that's also naturally gluten-free. 

Can you cater my special event? / Can I pick-up a large catering order?
No. As much as we'd love to help cater your event, it's simply impossible for us to tackle catering at this time.

Do You Sell Gift Cards?
Yes! You can purchase them at the front desk during regular business hours, or click on the Gift Cards tab to go directly to our online ordering page. Once there, you’ll be able to purchase an Electronic Gift Card for e-delivery to the recipient via email or text message. E-gift cards can be purchased any time of day or night.

Do You Offer Live Entertainment?
No, sorry. Our establishment simply doesn't have the proper space or stage setup for live entertainment.

Is There a Dress Code?
We’re a casual restaurant and pub. Just don’t wear anything that would make your mother ask “Are you really wearing THAT?!?!”

Can I Bring in My Own Wine, Beer, or Booze?
Sorry, but no. We offer an extensive beer list, wine list, and a fully stocked bar for your enjoyment during your visit. Outside food and beverages are not allowed.

Can I Bring in My Own Birthday Cake?
Quite honestly, we'd rather you not bring in outside food, even if it is a birthday cake. How about a nice slice of homemade apple strudel to celebrate?

Is the Restaurant Child-Friendly?
Yes, but please keep in mind we designed our restaurant and pub as a venue for adults and adult activities. We find that guests enjoy our restaurant and bar most when they leave small children at home with a sitter and enjoy a relaxed evening out with other adults. Parents with small children that are in a rush to get in and get out are generally disappointed with their visits here as we’re definitely not the place to come to if you’re in a hurry. Small children are not allowed in our pub room and no one under 21 is allowed to be seated at the bar. We do offer a children’s menu for kids 12 and under, with smaller portions of our popular menu items as well as standards such as grilled cheese and chicken fingers.