Harlan Haus Beer Hall Opens in Bridgeport January 10

Five years ago Chef Stephen Lewandowski launched Harlan Social in the heart of the new and emerging South End area in Stamford. Named after his son Harlan, the modern American gastropub quickly rose into a mainstay for locals. Harlan Publick would open next, in the heart of SoNo. The local favorite offers creative comfort food and a wide offering of beverages. On January 10th, Harlan Haus, the German-inspired Bier and Wurst hall, will open to the public, in the historic People’s Bank Building built in 1917.    

A century later the well preserved, 7,000-square-foot space perfectly marries the historic Neoclassical elements with today’s modern influences. Most of the building’s architectural details remain well preserved from the elegant light fixtures above, to the curved teller bank wall that separates the bar area from the rest of the restaurant. Harlan Haus is poised for success with its promise to offer superb, innovative, family-friendly fare in a social setting. 

While the menu features traditional German favorites such as sausages, sauerkraut, and schnitzel, this bier garden leaves Bavaria to travel the world. Yes indeed, you’ll see some innovative International takes such as Spicy Italian pork, with fennel, chili, tomato, Pepper & Kale Compote and Parmesan; Duck & Foie Gras with spices, cherries, cognac, Braised Red Cabbage, and Dijon Mustard; Chorizo pork, with chipotle, cilantro, Salsa Verde, Pickle Jalapeño, Cotija Cheese and Tokyo Chicken with ginger, garlic, scallion
Carrot Daikon Slaw and a Kimchee Aioli.

Some other treats to look forward to include the Park City Pit’wich with Sliced Beef, Aged Cheddar, Horseradish Sauce served on a  Pretzel Roll. Burgers lovers don’t fret. You’ll not be disappointed with the Harlan Burger, made with Cheddar Ale Sauce & Bacon Onion Jam.

Other offerings include the Haus Reuben, with Smoked Porchetta, Swiss, Sauerkraut, 1000 island on Marble Rye. For those preferring a lighter, healthier fare, the  Open-Faced Smoked Chicken Salad, made with apples, grapes, celery, Pickled Mayo on Raisin Walnut Bread and the Quinoa Burger with Balsamic Tomatoes and an Avocado Goat Cheese Spread.

The inventive Snack offerings include Fried Pickles with Spicy Bacon Mayo, Swedish Meatballs with Brandied Cherries, Gingersnap Crumble, Dry-Rub Smoked Chicken Wings Curry Ketchup Glaze, Blue Cheese Sauce, Harlan Chips House Made Chips, Blue Cheese, Bacon, and Scallions, Munich-Style Steamed Mussels, Weiss-Bier, Smoked Sausage, and White Beans, Bavarian Pretzel served with Dusseldorf Mustard, Gruyere Fondue, Pierogies, Caramelized Onion Sour Cream, Sweet & Spicy Smoked Sausages made with Apple Cider, Molasses, Brown Sugar.
A wide selection of beer both on tap (rotating) available in Pour (.3 liter), Pint (.5 liter), Mas (1 liter) 12 and Das Boot (2 liter), and in bottle, along with mixed cocktails and wine.

I had the privilege to get a sneak peek into the magnificent space before it opened to the public. An open Wurst Bar area will feature Chef Lewandowski himself cooking up brats, burgers and all the other delicious bites. What a pleasant surprise to have been granted a tasting of many of the aforementioned menu offerings. A visit to the third Harlan restaurant to grace our area is an absolute must and it seems we have a Harlan Trifecta!

Harlan Haus is located at 155 State Street in Bridgeport (right across from the train station) with plenty of free parking. For more information visit their website www.harlanhaus.com