Hofbrauhaus (Newport, KY)

Hofbrauhaus Newport is a lively restaurant in northern Kentucky featuring German food and beer brewed on site. Here’s what to expect!

By: Alisha Trenalone

Do the words “schnitzel,” “bratwurst,” and “strudel” get you in a good mood? What about the thought of lively polka music mixing in with cheerful crowd noises and a glass of beer in your hand?

Then Hofbrauhaus Newport might be the place for you.

We recently tried out this German restaurant and brewery in northern Kentucky. Are you intrigued? Here’s what to know before you go.

Parking at Hofbrauhaus Newport

Hofbrauhaus Newport is located directly across from Newport on the Levee, a center for retail, dining, and entertainment.

It’s a very popular area, so be prepared for both vehicle and foot traffic.

Because the restaurant parking lot is so close to Newport on the Levee (and gets used by lots of visitors), it isn’t free.

When we visited in spring 2023, parking was $5.

If you have some extra time or it’s a nice day, maybe you can make the most of the paid parking by going ahead and exploring Newport on the Levee before or after your meal.

Looking for more to do in the area? In the winter, Perfect North Slopes is the place to be for skiing and snowboarding. For hiking or camping, visit East Fork State Park or Big Bone Lick State Historic Site.

Dining Inside vs. Dining Outside

The main dining room at Hofbrauhaus is large and has a communal feel to it. Long wooden tables are flanked by long wooden benches.

It’s fairly loud, but it’s also where the live music is! (Check their website for the entertainment schedule.)

The restaurant has a biergarten outside, which would be quite a draw in mild weather. But even in winter, there’s a heated shelter out there. At times it may be quieter or less crowded than the indoor dining room.

So, really, it’s all about what kind of experience you’re looking for.

Beer + Food Choices

You’ll catch glimpses of brewing equipment and tanks on one side of the restaurant, a visible reminder that they make their own beer here. You can choose from their year-round brews, or ask what else is on tap for the season.

We tried the Dunkel, an enjoyable, smooth, malty brew. (Even the non-beer-drinker in our group had more than one sip!) We also tried the Hefe Weizen, a wheat beer with an intriguing, slightly sweet finish.

Both of these beers are available year-round.

The menu has enough variety that whether you’re specifically in the mood for German food or not, you can probably find something to suit you. Prefer something light? They offer salads.

We ordered the Steak Jager Spätzle, a creamy beef and mushroom dish with chewy little dumplings. It was quite tasty. (And the portion was big enough to share.)

We also ordered a Reuben sandwich, a large hearty meal in itself.

Yearning for a reuben sandwich but can’t get to a German restaurant? Try making our favorite variations at home: the cod reuben and grouper reuben!

The restaurant even has its own gift shop tucked away in a small room off the dining area.

Hofbrauhaus Newport was a lively, friendly restaurant, ready to celebrate anything at the drop of a hat. They even have keg tapping celebrations for seasonal beers on the last Wednesday of each month.

Have you been? Let us know what else you love on the menu!

Do you have time to explore more restaurants in northern Kentucky? Siam Orchid was a great place for Thai food!