Pfefferlechner Tavern & Brewery is far more than a charming place to eat and drink — it is a culturally engaging experience you will cherish. Find out why an evening here should be on your South Tyrol trip itinerary.
WHEN IT COMES to a night out, nothing is more quintessentially South Tyrolean than an evening of revelry paired with hearty fare and delicious drink at a rustic tavern. Such fire-lit merriment has tamed appetites and kindled bellows of good cheer over the Alps for centuries.
Fortunately, as we discovered, you do not have to be a local to partake in these festive affairs. Establishments like the Pfefferlechner Tavern & Brewery (Buschenschank & Hausbrauerei) in the mountainside hamlet of Lana light the torch of South Tyrol’s tavern culture for all.
Serenely Rustic
Visiting Pfefferlechner is a mouthwatering journey to a simpler time. Amid the age-scorned stone walls of a farm dating to 1279, the tavern and brewery nestles you in a rustic setting that is a welcomed refuge from urbanized life.
How rustic, might you ask? Well, in one of the tavern’s main stuben, you can dine with a window view to a stable where a pony or a goat may eye your appetizers or maybe it’s your beer?
But, if dining under the curious gaze of farm animals is not your idea of farm-to-table, not to worry. Pfefferlechner also offers lovely seating in many other nature-inspired nooks including a cozy courtyard canopied by gnarls of vines and a lively beer garden framed by tall, leafy lime trees.
No matter where you choose to unwind, Pfefferlechner’s comfy vibe instills a sense of intimacy. From your first visit, you will adore its inviting rooms and patios.
This mastery in the art of ambiance is owed to the Laimer family. Their passion for treating guests to a heart-warming culinary experience has vaulted Pfefferlechner to a must-dine landmark in South Tyrol.
In fact, Pfefferlechner was recently awarded the 2020 Travelers’ Choice Award from TripAdvisor. This coveted award spotlights the very best destinations based on user reviews and ratings.
Refreshment for the Soul
Walking into Pfefferlechner you could easily assume the old-world farmhouse ambiance is what makes the tavern bustle. But that would only be because you have not let your lips savor a freshly poured beer yet.
The craft beer of Pfefferlechner is the gold of the Alps. This becomes apparent before you even belly up to the bar. Brew kettles clad in copper cast gilded hues over the brewery — leaving no doubt that what you’re about to taste is treasured.
Beyond offering generous pours, Pfefferlechner is also generous in sharing its brewing passion with guests. On-staff brew maestros like Francesco Giacomelli walk through how they transform locally-grown barley, malt, yeast and pure mountain-born water into aromatic ales that delight on their own or with a meal.
After voyaging through the evolution of Pfefferlechner’s prize-winning beer, the real fun begins with a grand tasting. The sampling spans a variety of light to dark Pfeffer beers including the brewery’s thirst-quenching pilsner, bright pale ale and its ambered chestnut beer — a smoky smooth seasonal brew that you will come to crave every autumn.
In addition, you can also taste the first non-alcoholic beer brewed in South Tyrol. Branded “FRE [E] DL“, this flavorful IPA-like gem is available in mountain huts making it a smart go-to when taking a break from the kind of hiking, biking or skiing requiring ever-steady legs.
Deliciously Robust & Rural
No surprise, the same delicious magic Pfefferlechner conjures in the glass is also spun on the plate. The kitchen of Pfefferlechner dishes up robust South Tyrolean flavors using only regional products and fresh garden-gathered herbs.
On Pfefferlechner’s menu, you’ll find a bevy of traditional dishes embodying the best of the land. We recommend beginning your night with an appetizer called The Brettlemarende. This South Tyrolean favorite consists of speck and Kaminwurz sausage served with Alpine cheeses, radish and potatoes.
For your main course, we doubt you could go wrong with any item on the menu. We have loved every meal here. Our last dinner at Pfefferlechner was an autumn feast. We relished rich pumpkin soup, chestnut risotto (a must-try) and a hearty grilled meat platter.
The tavern’s most popular dishes include its knödel, pork knuckle and spare ribs, which is the personal favorite of Francesco, the master brewer. You can also find gluten-free and vegetarian options if desired.
If you have trouble pinpointing what to order, Pfefferlechner’s friendly staff is always willing to help. They also can suggest great beer pairings with your meal.
After such a sumptuous dinner, skipping dessert seems far more sinful than partaking in its sweet goodness. Pfefferlechner offers all the region’s classics from buchteln, strauben, apple strudel and more.
The tavern also tenders a novel take on tiramisu. Called “Birramisù”, Pfefferlechner imparts a smooth malty twist to a traditional Italian after-dinner treat.
Regardless of whether you order dessert, you should not depart your dinner table until you have sipped Pfefferlechner’s homemade schnapps. This digestif staple of South Tyrolean tavern culture is the only fitting way to end your night.
When to Visit Pfefferlechner Tavern & Brewery
The most important thing to note about visiting Pfefferlechner is that the establishment is not open year round. The tavern and brewery closes for most of the winter.
However, if adventuring in South Tyrol from April through mid-December you are in luck. Plan your visit from after 4 p.m. on Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday or from 12:00 p.m. on Sundays.
We recommend making reservations especially if you have larger group. But if you do have to wait for seating, consider taking a stroll through Pfefferlechner’s adorable on-site petting zoo. Any little ones with you will undoubtedly fall in love with a fluffy rabbit or two.
If you are in South Tyrol during its famous 5th season — the heart of autumn — you can enjoy Pfefferlechner’s rustic take on Törggelen. Beginning in early October, seasonal dishes and specialties such as roasted chestnuts are made available. This is also the time you will find the tasty chestnut beer on tap.
Live music is also a frequent occurrence at Pfefferlechner in its beer garden and cellar. To discover when live music is scheduled, we suggest visiting Pfefferlechner’s Facebook page.
We would like to give a big thank you to the Laimer family, Francesco Giacomelli and the rest of the tavern team for sharing the magic of Pfefferlechner with us!
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