Ludwig's Garten **CLOSED**

As it turns out, the kitchen went downhill because this place was for sale for three years. It finally sold to the owners of the nearby Vintage Wine Bar and will reopen by April 2008 as Time. Supposedly it will retain the current set up (bar on left, dining on right) with a lounge upstairs. more

I used to be thrilled that Philly finally overcame its prejudice and accepted German cuisine and that Ludiwg's heralded the way. In the beginning, I recommended everyone I knew to visit Ludwig's, but that was a long time ago when this Austrian/German restaurant did decent things to attract clientele like offer free pretzel sticks with Emmenthaler cheese dip and offer service with a smile. And what happened to make that shining star fade? I think the owners let a little success go to their heads. After visiting Ludwig's a couple of times after an absence, I experienced things I never thought possible and which are responsible for my ""below average"" rating. The German ambiance is great (despite the fact that they removed the largely German music that I loved before and replaced it with American radio station music), but what's the point in having cool German weapons and paintings when your booth light doesn't work and you can't even see the ambiance! Ludwig's has raised it's prices, not only of the food (average price of dish is around $20--with smaller portions than before) but also of the beer (average price of beer is around $6-7.) And watch out for their beer ""menu."" Most of the time, they don't have half of the beers on the menu. Last time I went, they did not offer any Happy Hour beer prices. I've been to many Philly restaurants/bars like Ludwig's (as I'm sure have you), and that's just plain weird. The waitresses change abnormally frequently (not a good sign), and are so run off their feet that they usually don't have a lot of time for you. So, if you'd like to experience a taste of the good 'ol Old Country, go up to the Northeast. Oh, and if you were thinking of expressing your concern to the management, don't. The last time I tried, I got a very rude e-mail response. Ah, how the mighty have fallen!!! Pros: German bier (when you can get it), German atmosphere Cons: Overpriced, bathrooms disgusting, waitresses curt and slow more

I don't know why I do it, but I always come here for the fantastic beers, then end up getting something to eat...which invariably brings disappointment. Years ago I would have said 'great beer, great food', but the quality has really decreased, while prices have risen. Eat somewhere else first, then come in and have a couple really good German beers. Oh, and don't expect the best service in the dining room either, sit at the bar. Pros: Beer, Beer, Beer Cons: Food, Food service, Food prices more

went to hear our favorite band on st patricks day and was shocked and dissappointed when the band was asked to stop playing in the middle of a song by two intoxicated female bartenders. even though the patrons were enjoying the music the bartenders objected to the bands not playing irish tunes. i feel that not only did management run the band out but also most of the customers that had come to hear them play and patronize the establishment. sadly we were enjoying the food and the atmosphere when this disgraceful event occured. ludwigs needs to hire new help before we return. Pros: good food Cons: low class personnel more

I go to Ludwigs at least twice a week. The beer selection is absolutely amazing, the staff is extremely helpful (Don't know what to order? Ask them! They will help with a big smile! - They even have a multiple beer sampler), and the food is excellent. Want a great meal and amazing beers? Go to Ludwigs! Pros: Amazing Beer, Service and Atmospher, Amazing Food more

If youve heard that German food is heavy & uninspired, then this place will confirm that notion. Neither the Sauerbraten or pork entrees were worth the money, with side dishes costing an additional $2.50 each. Although the sauerkraut and red cabbage were good, the potato dumpling was a baseball-size lump of tasteless dough, and the spaetzle, long thick heavy strings of an equally tasteless mass. On the other hand, The Austrian Village, also reviewed on this site, will let you experience this cuisine as it should be. Pros: Good beer Cons: Long wait, Blah food more

Less beer for the chef. More attention to training the servers in the bar. Pros: Decent German food Cons: Parking $$$$, Chef not well focused more

The food is very good and very authentic, but it's all about the beer! A great place to enjoy German draft beer. more

After reading all of the glowing comments about this restaurant I was completely disappointed on my first (and last) visit today. There may well be large selections of good German beer, however, the food and service left a lot to be desired. It appears as though beer is the main attraction, and that is fine, but Ludwig's shouldn't hold itself out as a good German restaurant, Madder's in Milwaukee is a good German restaurant, Ludwigs is a beer garden. The food was plentiful but less than outstanding as German fare. more

Ludwig's is one of my favorite bars in the city. The beer selection is the best. F Monk's. There's no comparison. The food is great too. And the service is good. Everyone knows the beer. If you have questions about what you might like, just ask. Pros: BEER, NO KIDS more

this is a really good place to drink great German bier and eat plates of wurst. the atmosphere is kind of weird in the bar section, lots of times the music playing is stuff like Miami Sound Machine. The dining area is very nice, though. The waitress service (in the bar) used to be so bad that it was almost funny. Not rude, just bad. more

Ludwig's has had excellent food and a knockout selection of German taps from the day they opened. This is a great place to learn just how friendly all those intimidating-looking beers can be. Great bartenders, authentic decor. Pros: Beer selection, Real German food, Near McGillin's! Cons: Parking can suck more

German Beer......Free Hors D'oevres.....are you kidding???? This is hands down, the best after-work bar in Center city. Recommend the Franzikaner Hefeweisen. Pros: Great Beer, Free Buffet, Friendly Staff Cons: Tad Pricey, Crowded, Parking more

This place is Great. With at Huge Selecton of Beer 24 on draft , and more bottle selections than all of germany could drink. The authentic german menu offers a variety of german dishes. The Service is Great and the blond bartender is a cutie ... all in all this is a must visit if you enjoy good company and good beer. more