A new buyer for the former Langermann’s on Light at 1542 Light St. has emerged after a sale fell through to a group named Singh LLC in September. Scott Bauer and Nathan McKinney are planning to open Das Bier Haus at the South Baltimore restaurant space that has been closed since September 2014.
Inspired by Frankfurt Hall in Philadelphia and Biergarten Haus in Washington, DC, Das Bier Haus will be an authentic German-style restaurant and pub with gourmet German food and German and local craft beers, which patrons can opt to purchase by the stein. It will also feature communal seating.
“The food will be very unique, different from anywhere else in Baltimore,” said McKinney. The menu will include pretzels; German sausages, including bratwurst and kielbasa; brisket; and more.
Das Bier Haus is also working on a Saturday and Sunday brunch menu and Bauer said they want to create a fun brunch atmosphere like Langermann’s had when it was open. Das Bier Haus will be open for lunch on the weekends and is interested in the possibility of opening for weekday lunch as well in the future.
The team from Das Bier Haus presented their menu, business plan, and resumes to the South Baltimore Neighborhood Association (SBNA) Liquor Advisory Committee in recent weeks, and the plan received unanimous support at SBNA’s General Membership Meeting this past Tuesday.
Bauer has worked at Blue Agave, Don’t Know, and Mad River and was the general manager at Banditos when it first opened. McKinney works in the restaurant industry selling fine food. Prior to this, he sold equipment, furniture, and janitorial supplies.
Das Bier Haus plans on keeping the basic structure of the space the same with no plans to expand to the second floor. The team will be redecorating the space and adding new pieces of equipment and communal tables.
McKinney told SouthBMore.com that they were attracted to the location because they liked the community around it and how much it has developed in recent years with new apartment buildings and renovations. “Our intentions are to open a community bar with a unique atmosphere,” said McKinney.
Banditos Owners Andrew Dunlap and Sean White, who formerly owned The Reserve and 1542 Gastropub at 1542 Light St. and who are the current owners of the business and liquor license, will mentor Bauer and McKinney on the transition. “We’re excited to have their advice and support,” said McKinney. “They built Banditos from nothing into a very successful place.”
White told the members of SBNA that he is excited for this new business and has worked hand-in-hand with both Bauer and McKinney for many years.
Bauer and McKinney are hoping to complete the liquor license transfer in early December and open a couple weeks after.
Since 2002, along with Langermann’s on Light, 1542 Light St. has been the home to Copa 2000, Royale, Charlotte’s, The Reserve, and 1542 Gastropub.