Gemütlichkeit, nicht

Hofbräuhaus Las Vegas offers a distinctly American take on a Bavarian beer hall.

They interrupted meals to have everyone stand for the US national anthem. I can't imagine anything like this happening in any German beer hall, or most anywhere else in Europe. Such public displays of nationalist patriotism are generally taboo in Germany.  This seemed inappropriate; especially when the wait staff didn't show enough respect to stop shoving food onto tables while people were standing for the anthem.

Instead of traditional fun Bavarian beer hall music, we were treated to overly-amplified American rock covers from a duo with a drum machine. The music wasn't enjoyable and made it impossible to talk with others at our table.

It was too dark. And, the food was mediocre American versions of German staples.

Add American frat house shot paddle spankings to complete the bizarre experience. Community tables and German beer seem to be the only things this place has in common with a German beer hall..

I'm going to have to visit my local German restaurant to remove the aftertaste of Hofbräuhaus Las Vegas.