Say Willkommen to West Town’s New Modern German/Southern Beer Hall

Mark Steuer’s new West Town restaurant, Funkenhausen — which opens today — is only a five-minute drive from his old restaurant. Steuer wowed diners and critics at Carriage House where he specialized in low-country cooking. He’s brought some of that southern spirit with him to Funkenhausen while tapping into his Germanic roots for a modern twist on a beer hall.

Steuer has brought the smoker he used at Carriage House to Funkenhausen, tracing southern cooking to Alpine dishes from Germany. “German heritage, Southern hospitality” has become the restaurant’s motto. Customers will find amped-up versions of German classics, plus some surprises.

The space is a restored 1920s warehouse and workers installed a 40-foot-long bar with seating on both sides. There’s also a 10-seat chef’s table where Steuer will serve large-format dishes like a whole-hog roast. The interiors feature cuckoo clocks, vintage barbecue signs of America, and a gnarled wild boar that’s become the restaurant’s mascot. It’s named after Steuer’s favorite author, Ernest Hemingway, except this boar’s named Ernest Hamingway.

Stroll through the space below and check out a few dishes. Funkenhausen opens tonight.

Funkenhausen, 1709 W. Chicago Avenue, open 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Monday through Thursday; 5 p.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday; 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday. Reservations via Reserve.