BeerVisits - UK - Europe - USA/Canada - World

Pub Visit - Germany

Friday 20th February 2015

Bob Thompson

Barfusser Memmingen 1As I have visited a number of pubs in the Barfüsser chain of brew-pubs there is not a lot more I can tell you about this branch. So, at risk of repetition, the first pub was established in Ulm during 1990. Its site was a former monastery where the monks went about their business bare-footed, hence the name.

There are now nine pubs in the chain and this one was opened in 2012.

It is a large modern single storied building with huge glass windows on two sides. The brewing equipment can be seen from the street and from all over the main room. There is room for 180 customers in this barn-like space. Outside there is a biergarten (not when we visited, though!) that can accommodate a further 300 patrons.

On the occasion of this visit I was with Steve, Russell and Vaughan. I think it was a first time visit for us all. It was a freezing cold night and we arrived and departed by taxi. Not for any reasons of laziness but because it was economic with four passengers and there were no buses. Although we should have expected it as it was Friday evening, the pub was absolutely packed.

We found a table for four only because a party was leaving. Some of us had been perched on stools until then. On entering we saw the brewery straight ahead, we turned left into the main room which is divided into two by a “fence” of Silver Birch branches. The bar is now on the left and there are stools in front of it. Beyond this there are fitted shelves containing books.

Barfusser Memmingen 2The remaining seating is a mixture of alcoves and loose wooden chairs and tables. All the far end there is fitted cushioned bench that goes around three sides of a wall with free-standing tables and seats. The tables nearest the windows must be very pleasant in the summer months.

There were three beers offered: Blonde (Light), Schwarze (Black) and Weisse (Wheat). I often think this range is unimaginative and it is a pity they don’t do seasonal or special beers. That said, these three tend to taste different in each pub and I don’t know if that is deliberate or accidental!

The menu is extensive with Schwabian and Bavarian favourites along with schnitzels, steaks and Brauerfladen. These are often called flamenkuchen is other parts of the country and are not unlike pizzas having a thin bread base with many ingredients on top. Soured cream is often used. They are cooked in a wood-fired oven.

Important Information:

Barfüsser Hausbrauerei Memmingen, Schweizerberg 17, 87700 Memmingen
Tel: 08331 927 8103

Hours: Sunday-Thursday/Holiday: 11.00-24.00; Friday-Saturday: 11.00-01.00
Food: 11.00-23.00.

From the railway station it is quite easy to get to Barfüsser. To walk, cross the road outside of the station and you will see Maximilianstrasse. Go along this street; it will lead you to Weinmarkt and then Rosmarkt. Keep going in the same direction into Schweizerberg, the pub on the left. It should take 10-15 minutes.

There is a bus service and it’s reasonably frequent during the day Monday to Friday but less at weekends. There are virtually no services after 19.00 and that includes weekdays.
The buses leave from the Zentral Omnibus Bahnh (ZOB) which is located along the railway station. Alight at the Bismarck-Schule/Schweizerberg stop. It is served by the following routes: 2 4.5 and 6.

Update January 2020. Hours: these are now: Sunday-Thursday/Holidays: 11.00-24.00; Friday: 11.00-01.00;
Saturday: 10.00-01.00.