Republic Bier Hof

Popped in for beer and pizza with some girlfriends the other night and was really disappointed with the service. All I wanted was a pepperoni pizza, but the order misfired in the kitchen twice before I finally got my pizza. By that time, my girlfriends were mostly done with their meals and I was a bit let down. The good news is that they didn’t charge me for the pepperoni when it was actually an extra. The pizza was so so… not amazing, but decent. And there were some good deals on the beers (and some REALLY expensive ones, too… buyer beware!). This is a semi-​regular hangout for me and my girlfriends so I’ll be back and when I do, I hope it’s a little bit better than it was tonight.

I was brought to this cosy, basement pub that offers 2 for 1 pizzas by a craving for the greasy hoi-​sun duck pizzas from Perfect Pizza that I used to enjoy back in my student days in Birmingham. The pizzas here aren’t the greasy affairs, but instead more like the ultra-​thin, homemade-​type bases, which are nice, but nothing special. Still, craving satisfied by the only place I could find in Glasgow that still sells duck pizza.

Das boot?
Add das boot, and you’ve got 5 stars! Bier Hof used to be right around the corner from our pad, and when we fancied a pint, we’d just conveniently nip around. Then we moved :-(
Bier Hof is a cozy basement bar serving up quite the selection of beers from around the world. Their pizzas are quite tasty, and you really can’t complain about their 2−4−1 offer. I’ve had all of the pizzas on the menu (at different times, silly! oink oink), and I can attest, all of them are good. They also spin some good tunes throughout the week.
One drawback is it’s cash only (if I remember correctly), so remember to bring cash if you’re plastic-​reliant like me. There have been a few occasions that I’ve forgotten and had to leave whoever I was with to run to the cash machine. Whoopsie!

I preferred the Bier Halle on Gt Western Road if I’m honest (God knows why that shut down!) but I’m glad this one is still here and thriving.
Bier Hof not only stock the tastiest cider in town (that I can’t pronounce, but it’s even better than Kopperberg), and the deliciously girly beer that is Fruhli on tap, but they stock more European beers than the population of Belgium! It’s one of the selected bars in Glasgow that rivals the choice of beers abroad, say in the likes of Germany of the Czech Republic.
Its pizzas are popular with the Glaswegian locals, made even better by the 2 for 1 deal. Personal favourite is the spicy sausage, although I can’t ever get past one chilli on this pizza. They do up to three, but when me and my friends used to do the «chilli challenge» I’d be crying by the end of it!
The Bier Hof is dark and atmospheric, with hot, chirpy barmaids and a bangin’ menu. They play decent tunes, it feels very underground (probably because you go downstairs off the main street to get to it) and they serve food till nine. They also do a decent enough pub quiz on Tuesdays. It’s only got a few rounds so it’s a lighter alternative to some of the heavier going, all nighter pub quizzes you get in Glasgow, which are fun but can feel like you’re studying for finals after you’ve had a few drinks.
So I’m still mourning my old Bier Halle’s removal, but I’ve just moved along to this one so it’s okey dokey!

I like the fact that Bier Halle has rolled out the outdoor seating now that the sun is starting to peek through. As an avid people watcher, I like nothing better than planking myself and my shopping right next to Buchanan Street and watching the world go by.
The actual downstairs bar in Bier Halle is very nice. It’s dark, very dark, but it has a lovely atmosphere and is usually packed with office workers in suits swigging down an obscure German beer and guffawing loudly. It’s usually quite a struggle for seats.
Food is also served, and I have had many a good buy one get one free pizza for lunch from here in my early years of University.
Nice after work/​uni bar, but gets very busy as the night goes on.

Went here for the first time on Tuesday, and I really liked it.
It was busy, but not too loud, with some small groups of people chatting away over some food (served till late) whilst taking part in a decent quiz.
The bar was good with a lot of bottled beers I have never heard of before and a decent looking food menu.
The music was mostly good as well and it was a nice wee place where you could get cosy and just sort of disappear for a while and have a good chat and a nice drink.
The Tuesday quiz is a good alternative to the one in the Captains Rest and it doesn’t take all night like some places.
I will go back.

Ok so these places are a bit chainy, a tad pricey and about as German as me in a pair of lederhosen singing the German national anthem whilst eating a frankfuter… its a horrible image i know.
This incarnation of the chain sees it in a rather cool wee downstairs dungeon on Sauchiehall Street. The décor is the same as all the rest of them and the prices are just as… well pricey… I think the Bier Hof is one of those places that’s a safe bet for a group of pals or work mates… its neither here nor there and doesn’t have enough personality or unique identity to be your bar of choice…
One thing they do have going for them is there 2 for 1 pizza deal, which frankly is just as well, as you would feel well ripped if you had to pay the full whack. Don’t get me wrong, i do like these places, there like the pseudo German equivalent of the O’Neil’s chain… nice, constant and predictable but not the kind of place where everybody knows your name.

I’m in 2 minds about the Bier Halle/​Bier Hof phenomenon that’s going on in Glasgow.
On one hand, they’re nice wee cellar pubs with a magnum of international beers that you’d be hard pushed to find at other bars in the city. On the other, they’re extortionate. I am a huge Dos XX fan, and unfortunately for me they seem to have decided that the regular lager isn’t different enough, and so only the Amber version is imported to Scotland (as far as I know, and believe me, I have searched high and low). However, this place does at least stock the Amber. Which makes me happy. Except for the pricing.
This incarnation isn’t particularly different from the one just off Buchanan Street. I’d say it’s a bit more comfortable. I also prefer the location.
It’s not exactly the type of place you’d make into your local, but it’s a cool place to visit, try something different, and pig out on that infamous 2-​for-​1 pizza deal of theirs.

This cool little cave on Sauchiehall Street is one of the nicer bars in the area, offering up a great selection of weird and wonderful beers that go nicely with their handmade 2 for 1 stone baked pizzas.
This downstairs bar has a nice ambiance, created by its bare brick walls and low lighting, accompanied by the image of a roaring fireplace on a screen, which creates a cosy atmosphere.
The music played here always impresses me, as the staff seem to have great taste and are often accompanied by the best in local DJ talent.
I really love the Suki tea they serve here, in your very own teapot filled with tea leaves and a strainer, in a variety of flavours.
You can while away your day here whether it’s with a good book and a cup of tea or catching up with friends over pizza and beer.

This is a completely underground restaurant/​bar and features some pretty hot waitresses (just like the other Bier Halles!).
Again the 241 pizzas are great but not available Friday/​Saturday. Wide selection of bottled beers but if you’re after draught (and what real beer fan isn’t?) then you’re rather limited. The «Bier Halle» lager, which is on draught, is in fact Tennants!
Also has burlesque on occasionally. Shows the footy on the TV.

The latest of the Bier Halle chain to open, this makes a welcome, laid back addition to the chaos on Sauchihalle street. For those that have visited any of the other Bier Halle’s you can expect more of the same; a good selection of beers of the world, 2 for 1 pizzas and long tables. The Chicken tikka pizza but difficult to justify outside of a deal.

Beer Beer Beer, Republic Bier Halle is a fantastic drinkin den with extensive drink menus, fantastic atmosphere and friendly, happy staff. I couldn’t recommend this place more. Food is also fantastic. and the clinchertable service for those too lazy to head to the bar. Superb. Big thumbs up from O.D.D. Great for group or intimate nights/​days out