Mecklenburg Gardens has been one of Cincinnati's finest institutions since its inception in 1865. Patrons, menus, and neighborhoods have changed, but this spot in Corryville* remains a delightful look into Cincinnati's past. The floor in front of the bar dips noticeably to reveal nearly 160 years of wear, and the wall is covered in photos of former patrons who seem to be saying "drink up!"
This all goes without mentioning the food and drinks. Mecklenburg's current menu features German and Eastern European cuisine, from Portobello Spaetzles to Wiener Schnitzel. Dinners can be ordered for both "meat and potatoes" patrons and vegetarian eaters. At the bar there are 16 taps, featuring German and local breweries, with over 50 different bottled beers.
The History
Mecklenburg began as John Neeb's Mount Auburn Garden Restaurant in 1865. This continued until 1881, when the head waiter, Louis Mecklenburg purchased the establishment and gave it the name it has today. The restaurant became a German immigrant favorite, and soon "Kloppenburg" was founded. Louis, an immigrant himself, knew that the American democratic process was highly important to his patrons. Thus, he began hosting mock elections and meetings in the bar, so that Germans restaurant-goers could learn as they ate and drank. "Kloppenburg" was formed, supposedly named for the sound voters made with their bier steins to signify a vote (though those seeking refills often found they had voted without realizing). Mecklenburg went through various ownerships for the next century, and at one timed enjoyed four-star status. In 1982, however, the restaurant was forced to close on New Years Eve.
The Harten Family
Flash to now, and this BuyCincy writer is sitting across the table from current operator Ann Harten. "Tom and Chris [Ann's husband and brother-in-law] wanted to renovate the restaurant. It had been raided, and was in serious disrepair, and they had no intention of actually running the place." Ann smiled upon saying this, and leaned back to answer a question from one of her employees. "People just started telling them, 'You should open that place up'. Chris had even worked here as a dishwasher in high school." Mecklenburg was reborn under the Hartens, and it's hard to imagine a better match.
Today's patron can expect to walk into a busy restaurant, though the variety of seating and rooms available make it easy to find your own spot. The ivy-covered biergarten is comparable to none, with seating for fifty to sixty people. Inside looks the same as it did a century ago: wooden, unassuming, and warm. "Tom's mother went to the historical society to find all the old photos in the restaurant," Ann informed us. These photos are easy to find, and worth checking out.
Check out this bar for any occasion, whether it be a nice dinner, or happy hour after work (½ off appetizers, dollar off alcoholic drinks). Weekends often feature music, with local jazz musicians and the infamous "Bier Band." You can also drink up before UC games and enjoy the free shuttle provided by the restaurant. The clientele is very diverse, and it's hard to feel like you won't be the one toasting from a frame on the wall soon enough.
Where to find it?
Mecklenburg is located on the corner of University and Highland in Corryville*. Parking is provided. 302 E. University Ave/ Cincinnati, OH 45219. Phone: 513.221.5353. Web: www.Mecklenburgs.net.
Perfect For?
Stopping through after work, meeting friends in the biergarten, or enjoying a nicer meal.
How Much?
Enjoy an appetizer and a beer for around ten dollars during happy hour, or have a full dinner at around 30 dollars.
Pictures provided by Mecklenburg Gardens and Uptown Cincinnati. (My camera died mid-interview!)
The History
Mecklenburg began as John Neeb's Mount Auburn Garden Restaurant in 1865. This continued until 1881, when the head waiter, Louis Mecklenburg purchased the establishment and gave it the name it has today. The restaurant became a German immigrant favorite, and soon "Kloppenburg" was founded. Louis, an immigrant himself, knew that the American democratic process was highly important to his patrons. Thus, he began hosting mock elections and meetings in the bar, so that Germans restaurant-goers could learn as they ate and drank. "Kloppenburg" was formed, supposedly named for the sound voters made with their bier steins to signify a vote (though those seeking refills often found they had voted without realizing). Mecklenburg went through various ownerships for the next century, and at one timed enjoyed four-star status. In 1982, however, the restaurant was forced to close on New Years Eve.
The Harten Family
Flash to now, and this BuyCincy writer is sitting across the table from current operator Ann Harten. "Tom and Chris [Ann's husband and brother-in-law] wanted to renovate the restaurant. It had been raided, and was in serious disrepair, and they had no intention of actually running the place." Ann smiled upon saying this, and leaned back to answer a question from one of her employees. "People just started telling them, 'You should open that place up'. Chris had even worked here as a dishwasher in high school." Mecklenburg was reborn under the Hartens, and it's hard to imagine a better match.
Today's patron can expect to walk into a busy restaurant, though the variety of seating and rooms available make it easy to find your own spot. The ivy-covered biergarten is comparable to none, with seating for fifty to sixty people. Inside looks the same as it did a century ago: wooden, unassuming, and warm. "Tom's mother went to the historical society to find all the old photos in the restaurant," Ann informed us. These photos are easy to find, and worth checking out.
Check out this bar for any occasion, whether it be a nice dinner, or happy hour after work (½ off appetizers, dollar off alcoholic drinks). Weekends often feature music, with local jazz musicians and the infamous "Bier Band." You can also drink up before UC games and enjoy the free shuttle provided by the restaurant. The clientele is very diverse, and it's hard to feel like you won't be the one toasting from a frame on the wall soon enough.
Where to find it?
Mecklenburg is located on the corner of University and Highland in Corryville*. Parking is provided. 302 E. University Ave/ Cincinnati, OH 45219. Phone: 513.221.5353. Web: www.Mecklenburgs.net.
Perfect For?
Stopping through after work, meeting friends in the biergarten, or enjoying a nicer meal.
How Much?
Enjoy an appetizer and a beer for around ten dollars during happy hour, or have a full dinner at around 30 dollars.
Pictures provided by Mecklenburg Gardens and Uptown Cincinnati. (My camera died mid-interview!)
* Changed from "Correyville" 08/21/08
It's "Corryville."
And the Gardens' Bavarian potato salad is, if we're lucky, what clouds in heaven are actually made of.
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Thanks Charles, this has been corrected. -ed.
My mom grew up in a row house (which is one of the last ones still standing) just down University from Mecklenburg, at a time when the area was still filled with German and Italian immigrants. When she was younger there were several beirgartens up and down the street; Mecklenburg was the most expensive. She never ate there until it reopened a few years back. It was something she had always wanted to do but her family could never afford it growing up. For her, it was worth the wait. Today it is still one of her favorite restaurants, and it's still a little pricey.
It's a great historic building with a very nice outdoor garten. My favorite thing to order? A litre of Spaten Optimator! Goes great with their Sauerkraut Balls.
Of course, thanks Charles.
Thank you to the Hartens for realizing the importance of this institution and thanks Jordan for covering this story.