Miami Dolphins fans enjoy game, food, atmosphere at Biergarten restaurant
BOCA RATON — Football fever hit Biergarten restaurant Sunday morning - but not the football you'd expect from a sports event in Germany. This was the National Football League as Miami Dolphins fans flocked to the German restaurant for an international watch party. The smell of German beer in the air had fans gathering early in the morning to witness the Dolphins face off against the Kansas City Chiefs, who were playing in Frankfurt, Germany.
The international matchup marked the Dolphins' first-ever game in Germany and the first year the NFL has held games in Frankfurt.Although the Dolphins lost 21-14, the fans enjoyed watching the game while enjoying all the restaurant had to offer.
It was a match that transcended borders, and Biergarten provided the perfect setting for fans to soak in the German atmosphere. As the sun rose over Boca Raton, patrons settled into the Bavarian-inspired venue, complete with wooden tables and an array of German decorations and memorabilia.
"I've been a Dolphins fan for as long as I can remember, and there's nothing like watching them play, even if it's from halfway around the world," said Gabriel Hernandez. “We know it’s early, but I’d wake up at 3 a.m., if there was a game on. I’m not German, but today we drink and celebrate like them.”
While the Dolphins and Chiefs battled it out, patrons at Biergarten enjoyed a delightful German meal.
Biergarten - which directly translates to “beer garden” - is a German- American restaurant established in 2011, located in the Royal Palm Plaza in Boca Raton. They pride themselves in German cuisine and imported German beer and it's a popular place to be for South Florida sports fans who want to have a true German experience.
“We pride ourselves in German cuisine,” said owner Matthew Sore. “We always have 12 German imported beers on tap and 12 American craft on tap. We're a very big soccer bar, too. We show all the Bayern Munich games, Bundesliga games and Premier League games here.”
The fans enjoyed bratwurst and sauerkraut, schnitzel and pretzels while the Dolphins fell behind 21-0. The aroma of freshly baked pretzels wafted through the air as fans sipped on specialty German beers and cocktails. It was Happy Hour all day with $5 mimosas, $5 Bloody Mary and $10 Orange Breakfast Margaritas.
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As the game progressed, the room echoed with cheers, groans, and shared moments of excitement. Even those new to football couldn't help but get caught up in the camaraderie.
“I’m German, I’ve never followed American football,” said Paul Matthäus, a German citizen who lives in Boca Raton. “Football is different in Germany. But I’m enjoying it with my friends who are fans, so now I’m a fan.”
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This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Dolphins-Chiefs game from Frankfurt, Germany Sunday morning treat for fans
