text: The owners of one of Munichs most famous institutions the historic Hofbrauhaus have lovingly recreated it across from the Hard Rock Hotel down to the last detail complete with beers steins and brass bands Stepping through the front door you leave behind the arid desert air and glitzy casinos of Vegas as you are transported into a world of schnitzel ale and strudel served in a beer hall with ornately painted columns and ceilings or an indoor garden with chestnut trees and a fountain by buxom dirndlclad waitresses with rosy cheeks Having been to the original I can attest to the autheniticy of the look the feel and the extensive Bavarian menu here Liver mousse is served with a pretzel baked with dough flown in from the fatherland on a daily basis If you like sausage you must indulge in a wurstplatte overloaded with Viennese franks chicken and pork links creamy mashed potatoes and imported sauerkraut Pork roast with dark beer sauce and bread dumplings fried filet of cod with warm German potato salad and breaded pork cutlet with cranberries are among the other specialties Three versions of hofbrau lager a premium dark wheat and a seasonal version are on tap and German Australian and California wines are available by the bottle or glass Naturally the atmosphere is loud and festive as if it is Oktoberfest every day of the year If you are not part of a group you probably will be before the night is over As highly recommended as it is totally unexpected for Vegas