By Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor Published Sep 10, 2015 at 12:56 PM

She said/she said is a series of rapid reviews written by the intrepid duo, Lori Fredrich (the foodie) and Carolynn Buser (the socialite). Tune in weekly for our latest meanderings on hot spots around town.  

Destination: Von Trier

Reason for visiting:  Happy hour

Specials: $1 off taps and rails from 4 to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday

Pro Tips:  Check in on Facebook for $4 off a giant pretzel (show your waitress your check-in to get the discount). Or stop over on Monday and Tuesday for $4 half liters of German drafts; Fridays and Saturdays for $3 Fireball shots; or Sundays for half-off glasses of wine.

Regular Pricing:
 Draft beers range from about $6-14, depending on size and variety

Mood:  If you're seeking out an ultra-Milwaukee vibe, Von Trier is one place to find it. It's rustic and homey with an awesome Germanic vibe that seeps right through to the draft selections and menu (which features delicious sausages, among other German offerings). 

Go here when: 

Lori: If you're craving great German beer, Von Trier is where it's at. They offer a great selection of brews on draft in both half- and full-liter pours. Even better, they offer a menu with a nice selection of German specialties, including appetizers like the gigantic 10 ounce pretzel served with a variety of mustards and garlic dill quark ($7); you can add obatzda (a German cheese and beer spread) for $2 more. Sampler platters of sausage (creole, Bavarian and smoked $8-9) offer diners an opportunity to sample multiple varieties at a time, with delicious dipping sauces.  And, if you're in the mood for a meal, they have a great list of sausages ($6-8) served on pretzel or sausage rolls with potato salad, kettle chips or warm red cabbage and saurkraut.

Carolynn: If you want to be transported off North Ave. and into Europe -- this is where you should go. The welcome respite from college "ish" bars has an abundant selection of pours on tap -- and now they have great sausages to soak them up too. The quaint patio -- even on cooler days -- is one of my favorites in town. 

Go back for: 

Lori: While it's still summer, I'll head back for a seat on the patio and a big glass of Hacker-Pschorr (my summer German beer of choice). It's an intimate spot out back where you can sit back and relax, enjoying the vibe of an old time beer garden. I love the new(ish) menu, and definitely want to head back to try out more sausages, as well as sampling more of their great mustards. During the colder months, I also love to hole up at a table with one of their many hot drinks, made with coffee, hot chocolate, brandy, rum and more. 

Carolynn: Pretzel rods, cheese, radishes and a grapefruit tap! An odd combination, you may think ... but they are not, just trust me. Von Trier offers up a cozy homey inside for the chillier days -- you could settle in and order up a boot. While they certainly bring a Bavarian atmosphere they also bring some spot on cocktails so don't hesitate to order one, even around all the beers being tapped. Order up a blackberry hot toddy this winter and you can thank me later.

Overall Rating: 

Lori: Thumbs up! Great Milwaukee spot with delicious brews and great food to boot.  Von Trier is on my list of great places to go and have a few drinks without breaking the bank.

Carolynn: I've never been to Von Trier and walked out thinking "eh, who knows if I'll go back." Two thumbs all the way up -- and I know Von Trier will keep them up time after time. 

Additional note: Smoking is allowed on the patio; so, if you're not a fan, you may want to choose your seat wisely.

Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor

As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.

Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.

When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.