- Attraction: Waldmann Brewery
- Location: 445 Smith Ave N, Saint Paul, MN 55102
- Industry: Brewery
- Website: https://waldmannbrewery.com
Time travel becomes reality when you discover what might be the most historically authentic drinking experience in the Twin Cities.
Waldmann Brewery occupies the oldest surviving commercial building in St. Paul—a limestone saloon that first served German lagers six months before Minnesota even became a state in 1857.
After serving as a family residence for over 150 years, this Civil War-era gem reopened in 2017 as a meticulously restored brewery that honors its Bavarian immigrant founders Anton and Wilhelmina Waldmann.
Walking through those hand-laid limestone walls feels like stepping directly into frontier-era Minnesota, where German stonemason George Amos built this saloon to serve the city’s growing German community.
Today, you’ll experience the same warm hospitality that made German lager houses community gathering places, complete with wood-burning stoves, oil lamp lighting, and steamboat deck chairs that transport you back to simpler times.
Related
More in Minnesota
Escape To Minnesota’s Largest State Park Where You Can Climb A Historic Fire Tower & Canoe Two Wild Rivers In Hinckley
Keep Exploring →Traditional German Flavors Done Right
Limestone Potatoes: These aren’t your typical roasted potatoes—they’re cooked under an actual slab of Platteville bedrock, creating a unique texture and earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with any of their house-made wursts. You’ll taste the difference this unusual cooking method makes.
Heritage Wheat Pretzels: Milwaukee’s famous 10-ounce pretzel arrives warm and perfectly chewy, accompanied by three house-made mustards and beer cheese dip. This isn’t just a snack—it’s substantial enough to share among friends and represents authentic German pretzel-making traditions.
Wurst Platter: Your choice of bratwurst, currybrat, kielbasa, cheddar-jalapeño sausage, or vegan Beyond sausage served over garlic mashed potatoes with braised red cabbage. The curry brat especially stands out with its distinctive spice blend and house-made mustard that elevates every bite.
Ploughman’s Plate: Think elevated charcuterie board featuring rotating selections of cured meats and local artisan cheeses, served with smoked trout, crostini, pickled vegetables, and mustard. Add their pretzel for the ultimate shareable experience.
Schnitzel: Pan-seared, breaded pork tenderloin served over house spätzle and seasonal vegetables, topped with hunter’s mushroom gravy. When a brewery nails spätzle this well, you know they’re serious about German culinary traditions.
More in Minnesota
Ride Gravity’s Wildest Thrill On Duluth’s Timber Twister, Minnesota’s Only Alpine Coaster
Discover MoreBeer Cheese Soup: Rich and creamy with a Waldmann beer base, aged cheddar, sautéed onions, and paprika. This comforting soup embodies everything warm and satisfying about German-inspired comfort food.
Traditional German Lagers & Historic Atmosphere
Authentic Brewing Methods: Using old-world horizontal fermenting techniques with noble and heritage hops, Waldmann creates traditional German-style lagers like pilsner, dunkel, and kölsch that stay true to 1850s brewing processes. You’ll find these aren’t trendy craft beers but historically accurate recreations.
Virgin Pine Floors & Oil Lamps: The restoration preserved original elements including virgin pine floors, handblown glass windows, and oil lamps atop each table (now using paraffin instead of whale oil). Every detail contributes to the authentic 19th-century saloon experience.
Wood-Burning Stoves: During colder months, you’ll appreciate the warmth from wood-burning stoves that create the same cozy atmosphere German immigrants would have enjoyed during Minnesota’s harsh winters.
Year-Round Biergarten: The expansive outdoor patio seats up to 110 people and operates almost year-round with heaters and weather protection options. This European-style biergarten provides the perfect setting for enjoying traditional lagers in any season.
Related
More in Minnesota
America’s Largest Mall In Bloomington Features Indoor Roller Coasters & A Full Aquarium Under One Roof
Keep Exploring →Other Considerations
Pricing Philosophy: Expect mid-tier to slightly higher pricing that reflects the quality ingredients and historical setting. While some find certain items pricey (like $18 pretzels), most feel the unique experience and generous portions justify the cost.
Dog-Friendly Outdoor Seating: Your furry friends are welcome in the heated biergarten, making this one of the more pet-accommodating dining experiences in St. Paul’s West Seventh neighborhood.
Parking Situation: Limited on-site parking means you might need to find street parking, but the location near St. Paul’s Upper Landing provides reasonable options within a short walk.
Best Times to Visit: While busy during peak dinner hours and weekends, the atmosphere remains intimate rather than overwhelming. The outdoor biergarten shines during warmer months, though the heated space extends the season considerably.
Family-Friendly Approach: Despite the bar atmosphere, families feel welcome here, especially during earlier dining hours when the focus shifts more toward the restaurant experience than late-night drinking.
More in Minnesota
This Roseville Hidden Gem Is Serving Up Competition-Level BBQ Meals In Minnesota
Discover MoreSpecial Events: Waldmann hosts what many consider the Twin Cities’ best Oktoberfest celebration, plus various seasonal events that celebrate German cultural traditions throughout the year.
Waldmann Brewery
📍 445 Smith Ave N, Saint Paul, MN 55102
