Rejoice, forlorn fans of the recently deceased Ludwig’s, the last German-style beer hall in Philadelphia! That sweet, sweet orange transfer sign pictured above is just for you, as it’s delivering big big BIG beer news. As the cherry on top of our Oktoberfest coverage, we’re bringing it to you first: a new German beer hall is coming to Center City. The orange sign was just slapped up in the window of 718 South Street last night by owners Doug Hager and Kelly Schmitz, who expect to open Brauhaus Schmitz in March of 2009, just in time for Beer Week, (if construction and government bureaucracy don’t gum up the works). Why should you be excited about this, other than the fact that SOMEONE IS FINALLY OPENING A GERMAN BEER HALL? How about twenty taps of German beer? 100 bottled beers? Bratwurst sold by the meter? Lots more details, a photo and rendering after the jump.

 

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Sometimes a press release comes our way and it is so magnificent that it must be printed in its entirety. Click on for dirndls, 82-year-old schuhplatters and accordion player requests…
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We’re looking into a rumor that Ludwig’s Garten has closed its doors for good. Phone calls to the main number have gone unanswered this afternoon.

In today’s “The Bite” you’ll find the lowdown on a couple upcoming festivals and get the latest from the rumor mill.

This weekend, The Bite urges you to “fall” into a good time at two outdoor festivals, and we’ll dish out the juicy gossip on what’s going in a couple of vacant restaurant locations in Philadelphia (sadly, despite The Bite’s wish, there will be no Rick’s King of Beers hitting Philadelphia anytime soon.)

The Bite: Fall fests, fun frolics [Metro Philadelphia]

Michael Klein reports today that Ludwig’s Garten may not be on its way to becoming a condo project.

I’ve learned that an agreement of sale is signed between the restaurant and Goldman Properties, which owns much of the neighborhood that it calls Midtown Village. Restaurateur Paul Olivier told me the plan is for Goldman simply to come into the restaurant as an investor.

Sturm und Drang at Ludwig’s? [Food and Drinq]

Philly Skyline is reporting that Ludwig’s Garten is going to close to make way for a new condo development. Condo development? That’s so 2005.

BUMMERUMOR [Philly Skyline]
Ludwig’s Garten [Official Site]

Don’t even think about missing the Fall Festival at 13th and Sansom Saturday, September 29th. The centerpiece of the festival is Ludwig’s Oktoberfest which is always a can’t miss event. But last year the event was expanded with an “around the world in 80 yards” theme that might be a bunch of marketing mumbo-jumbo but whatever, it’s a good reason to close down some streets and have a big party. In addition to Ludwig’s, Fergies, Raw, McGillin’s, Vintage and El Vez among others all contribute to a great time.

2nd Annual Midtown Village Fall Festival [Midtown Village]
Ludwig’s Oktoberfest [Official Site]

It’s raining for the third night in a row, so suck it up and grab an umbrella or trash bag and get out there.

There’s always something about the rain that makes us consider Ludwig’s Biergarten. Not sure why, but it seems like a good place for refuge from the rain. And try the Schneider Aventinus, a German beer that is among our favorites. But cap it at two, you have to work tomorrow.

Ludwig’s annual Oktoberfest is getting bigger this year, and a bit less German. This year Oktoberfest will just be one part of the Fall Festival At 13th & Sansom.

• Ludwig’s Oktoberfest will feature 12 German beers on tap outside and another 25 inside. There will be a 12-piece German band playing authentic music and a roast pig.
• Fergie’s Pub will feature a traditional Irish music session as well as a rock band.
• McGillin�s Olde Ale House will celebrate St. Practice Daze � halfway to St. Patrick’s Day � with live Irish music, green beer, Irish food favorites and Oktoberfest beers.
• Vintage will serve grilled food, wines from around the world and Stella Artois outside. Inside, a special autumn menu will complement the extensive, international wine and beer selection.

Other nearby restaurants and stores will also be participating.

Fall Festival At 13th & Sansom [Official Site]
Ludwig’s Garten [Official Site]

• Barristers - Watch the action on five plasmas and gulp down $3 Beck’s & Beck’s Light.
• Black Sheep Pub – The Black Sheep will be offering discounted pints during all games.
• Dark Horse – The Dark Horse is always filled with soccer fans for the World Cup, but arrive early if you expect a seat. Especially for England’s games.
• Fado – During all games, $13 buys two 20oz pints Bass, Boddingtons, or Stella Artois, plus any a sandwich
• Ludwig’s Garten – Where better to cheer on Germany than in Philadelphia’s authentic German bar.
• O’neals – Always a hot spot to watch a game, never a cover.

All that beer drinking sound too tempting as you duck out for lunch? Then how about Upstairs at DiBruno Bros. where they’re offering high-def TVs and all of the games.