Reno bierstube serves some of Bavaria’s best beers, brats, and beyond.
Gemütlichkeit is a German word that, roughly translated, means a state of cheerfulness or happiness, a place that is unhurried and pleasant. Since 2020, Prost Biergarten has offered some of the best of Bavarian bierstube culture and gemütlichkeit to Reno locals and visitors alike. The business was established in the Bavarian tradition of beer gardens or beer halls, which offer a good time and sense of community through shared tables, delicious food, and liter after liter of beer.
Owner Thomas Wetzstein, whose father was born in Germany and immigrated to Reno in the 1960s, sensed that the beer hall concept could work locally. Growing up, Wetzstein had spent many family vacations in Bavaria and became a big fan of the culture and sense of place that the local beer halls offered.
“They were places for all,” he says, “communal spaces where people came together to socialize, relax, and enjoy each other’s company.”
Wanting to replicate that in Reno, Wetzstein found a space on West Peckham Lane in South Reno, and Prost was born in June 2020. His focus was on importing distinctive, premium German beers while matching them to traditional dishes. Eight taps rotate seasonally, and one usually can find a dunkel (dark beer), weissbier (wheat beer), or pilsner suited to their taste. While pints are offered, most here take their drafts in the traditional one-liter Maß (regulation or mass) size, in wooden tankards or, occasionally, in the traditional decorative steins. Ein bier, bitte!
Best and Wurst
Wetzstein especially wanted to highlight certain Bavarian eats and their role in the culture.
“These foods are really meant to be shared, and they pair well with beer to support leisurely socializing,” he says.
From local vendors Flocchini Family Provisions and Sierra Meat & Seafood, he sources authentic wursts and turns out traditionally made schnitzel on a specially designed press, ensuring a consistent thickness for optimal browning and texture. House-made spaetzle, rotkohl (red cabbage), and a cheese-filled sausage called käsekrainer are standouts.
But, for many, the star of beer hall food is the pretzel. Wetzstein tried about six different options locally but couldn’t find one with quite the right crust, chew, and flavor to match his memories of those in Bavaria. Not to be deterred, he worked for six months with Reno bakery Beloved’s Bread, testing recipes, tasting, and repeating the process until he was satisfied. The result is nothing short of delicious, especially when paired with a bratwurst, spicy (scharf) mustard, and perhaps an obatzda (beer cheese dip).
When in Bavaria
Prost is bright and airy, with walls featuring flags, posters, antlers, and other visual cues placing guests in the beer halls of Bavaria. The atmosphere is lively, with a mix of conversation, laughter, and the constant clinking of beer mugs. Long wooden tables and benches encourage socializing, and it’s common to share tables with others, especially out on the sun-splashed and flower-bedecked patio, where one can experience beer garden etiquette (or biergarten Knigge) at its best.
Each fall, Oktoberfest brings a special energy to Prost. Live traditional music, house-made radlers (half lemonade, half beer), much toasting, and the occasional energetic rendition of traditional beer-drinking songs such as “Ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit” make for a festive environment. Find a table on the patio; order a mass, some wursts, a pretzel (or two); and let the spirit and energy transport you to the Bavarian countryside. Prost!
Prost Biergärten
180 W. Peckham Lane, Ste. 1070, Reno
775-409-4142 · Prostnv.com
Follow Prost Biergarten Reno on Facebook for updates about Oktoberfest and other upcoming events.
