Still Packing Them In at Pilsener Haus, But Hang On

The PubScout did the very first review of Hoboken's Pilsener Haus on its opening day. The day before the opening, the place was flooded, and owners Andy Ivanov and Ladi Sebastyani were worried about the deadline.

Turns out the worry was not warranted, and this gem of a Bierhalle has been packing them in ever since that day in 2011. What's more, their second venture, a rather well-known venue called the Asbury Park Festhalle and Biergarten in renascent Asbury Park is also going great guns.

The reasons are pretty simple. Two great locations, great food, great beer and an ambience that is often imitated, but rarely duplicated. That's called a solid business plan.

The PubScout journeyed to the storied Hoboken bierhalle last night for a special family getogether, and one of the purposes was to wish a "buon viaggio" to two Italian beauties who were ending their stay in the US. Lara and Manuela would head to Canada in the morning before heading back to Trentino.

They had been staying in an AirBnB in Jersey City near their hostess Emily, and the relaxed atmosphere at the Pilsener Haus and its wonderful food and beer offerings seemed the perfect place for a farewell.

And it was. Lots of laughs, good cheer and smiling faces at the long community tables were the order of the night, even if my team didn't do well in the weekly Trivia Contest.

But having a good time at the Pilsener Haus is hardly news. I mentioned above that Andy and Ladi's model was often imitated, but rarely duplicated. That will change in a few weeks.

As I was quaffing a delectable German IPA called "Braufactum Progusta," Manager Jeff advised me that a new location would be opening soon in nearby Jersey City. Named "Hudson Hall," the new place already has a FaceBook presence.

Which means that yours truly will soon be making another visit to Jersey City and 394 Marin Ave. Though I haven't seen it yet, I can pretty much guess what it will be like in one word--successful.

I'm sure Andy and Ladi have done their due diligence regarding Hudson Hall's prospects for financial success in a burgeoning market that seems to be attracting many beer lovers who want a special ambience and attitude when they spend their discretionary funds.