During our recent ski trip to Jackson Hole, we stumbled upon a delightful trend: trying out pretzels at local establishments. Our friends had developed a quest to find the best Bavarian pretzels in the area, and the pursuit continued as we ventured into other destinations, including our recent biking escapades. Interestingly, pretzels were not on our radar during our time in Bentonville, so we didn’t actively seek them out. However, everything changed when we arrived in Asheville, NC. Perhaps it was the beer offerings that perfectly complemented the pretzels, but that’s when our addiction truly took hold.
Determining the best Bavarian pretzels is no easy task. After all, presentation and aesthetics play a role, and the texture, dipping sauces, and overall experience can make or break the verdict for any discerning pretzel enthusiast. While I don’t typically offer in-depth reviews on taste and texture, I thought it would be worthwhile to share some memorable experiences—both good and not-so-good—so you can either seek out these pretzels or steer clear of the disappointing ones. Rest assured, I’ll continue to add more recommendations in the future. However, even a cursory glance at the accompanying photos will make it abundantly clear which pretzel falls into the category of the worst we’ve encountered so far.
Stay tuned for further updates on our quest for the perfect Bavarian pretzel, as we continue our journey to sample these delightful treats across various locations. Who knows? You might just find your new favorite pretzel joint or be forewarned about one to avoid.
Asheville, NC
Green Man Brewery – This place has good vibes and a great view from the 3rd floor. It was delivered in this box instead of a plate. This one was big and tasty. Super filling when you eat this alone so be careful not to fill up on to many carbs.
Hilman Beer – This one had a good rip to it when diving in, and the beer cheese had a good constancy. Paired with beer, friends, and trivia, it makes for a good night. Hopefully I can get back soon.
Bier Garden – This was probably one of the forgotten ones. It was good. It was also our second pretzel of the day and we were too engaged in the NHL playoffs at that time to judge it. Don’t forget those $3 well drinks sneak up on you quick…Like I said, it’s forgettable but saved the day.
Sierra Nevada – The cheese is what made this. Just look how good it looks being all melty and gooey. If you can stop here, make sure to be hungry. The rest of the food, and beer are also top notch. They offer beer that isn’t sold anywhere else as test samples so it’s cool to try a flight.
Colorado
Greg’s Kitchen & Taphouse – Just outside of downtown Denver this little neighborhood tap house has plenty of options to wet your whistle. I found the pretzel and the food to be a bit underwhelming and overpriced for the area. Food options are better up the block and beer across the street is much better. Great if you need a place to watch a sports game as they had plenty of screens.
The Canteen Tap House – Breckenridge CO, a epic high altitude town with lots of food, bike, skiing and more. The pretzel was big, salted just right and the mustard had a good bite to it as well while the cheese was lacking a bit of flavor.
Idaho
Radio Brewing Company – Kellogg Idaho. Pretzel bites umm 1/10… Good porter though so that’s a positive. The website is half finished kind of like mine. Example, under the beer it says “some text here to describe the beer”
Wildlife Brewing _ Victor Idaho, close to the Tetons, over the hill from Jackson, and pizza for dinner if the pretzel and beer weren’t enough carbs. While few and far between for pretzels in this states its the best I’ve found out of the two we tried.
Bend, Oregon
Sunriver Brewing – Sunriver OR, just south of Bend. This place was listed as one of the best places to get a pretzel. I found that out after of course but for most folks they say its one of the top three in the area. We will find more in this area in the coming weeks to compare. One downside was no mustard was offered.. Great place to eat though so its worth the stop when in the area.
Bend Brewing Company – First stop of the day was here. Light and fluffy with a good thick breading. The cheese and mustard were average though. As you look at the pictures it looks like this place and Monkless have the same distributor.
Monkless Beligan Ales – Upper right photo. Clearly the same as Bend Brewing am I right? the salt and cheese here were quite a bit better, but no mustard.. On the menu here is does state that these are locally made pretzel.
Immersion Brewing – Homemade and in house every morning. They looked the part too as each one wasn’t perfect. The cheese was more spreadable and had a great taste as well. This was my favorite so far.
Brown Owl – This place disappointed me. From photos I though I was getting a good pretzel and when it arrived it looked a bit firm. well it was, extra toasty and crispy. I would skip this one next time around.
The Cellar – Downstairs small little brew pub. With Cask beer and old English vibes I enjoyed this place. The Irish red was fantastic. When we ordered the pretzel the guy pulled them from the freezer threw the sticks in the toaster and warmed them up. They weren’t the best as most sticks usually are. The beer cheese was really good though but ill skip the pretzel here and just get beer.
Portland, ME
Liquid Riot – This fun place on the water had this not-so-traditional looking one. Unfortunately it didn’t last forever, I guess that’s what happens when you eight it. Good texture and firm crust with a white cheese and mustard.
Rising Tide – Stick shaped was their weapon of choice. Good flavor and the cheese was great for dipping; coats the sticks well.
New Hampshire
Thirsty Moose in Portsmouth. We rode here and had to stop for a snack and what’s the best mid ride snack? Pretzels and beer. I loved how this came out hanging, hot and hung. It’s a big boy. The pretzel itself was really good. Thick and flavorful in all the right places. The cheese was more of the spreadable kind like the other places here in NH.
Portsmouth Brewing located in you guessed it, Portsmouth. A New Hampshire favorite? It’s in some folks top 5 according to the yelps, and travel sites. The look is slightly burnt and off-putting, but it didn’t have the crunch or the burnt taste like you would think. I wonder if it’s because they put everything seasoning on it and it adds some color? I don’t know, I’m just eating them. Best spreadable cheese flavor by far.
Moat Mountain – A North Conway staple. I read a one star google review that complained about everything here, but praised the pretzel. Well, for us it was a bit crispy, the inside didn’t have any good flavor and the cheese was disappointing. I’ll be going back for beer but that’s about it.
Hop Knot – A stop in Manchester on out way home from the bike park was worth it. The pretzels are very unique.They had so many dipping sauces to choose from which adds to the experience. The flavor was a bit more on the bagely side but with flavors from jalapeño to maple and everything in-between its for sure worth checking out.
Hobbs Brewing – Located in central New Hampshire they had the worst pretzel of all so far. No texture, sorta cold, and $10. I bet you can tell by photos. To be fair (echo) they don’t make them here, the brand is seacoast pretzels. (Also you can see them spinning in the machine you see at the fair). The beer on the other hand, was pretty good.
WHYM – Along the seacoast is this small brewery. They claim to hand make the pretzels every morning. I found that interesting. Now I question do others places not hand make them daily? The dipping sauce they offered were top notch. The beer cheese was smokey and the chipotle mayo was a good alternative.
White Mountain Brewing – Sticks on sticks here. This brewery looks likes its in a house in Ashland, its not but it is nice and cozy inside. The local vibes, good beer and soft pretzel sticks made for a good after ride stop. The cheese was super gooey and the price was great at just 5 bucks!
Vermont
Citizen Cider – itty bitty bites here in Burlington Vermont. Haven’t found too many places that have pretzel here. More of a poutine or wings as apps usually. The beer cheese was like a spicy quest and had really good kick to it. with the bites bing soft and flavorful, but still they were bites. Good not great.
Rockers Pizzeria – The shape and look of this one gets a 5/5 in my book. Driving through Vergennes Vermont on our way home from New York we found this place last minute. Having to get it to go was a mistake. Making it a slightly cold pretzel, but the flavor was still okay. Just wish we could try it fresh.
Long Trail Brewery – We heard the beer here was a Vermont favorite, On our way back from Killington we pulled in and noticed they offer a pretzel. The mustard was flavored with honey and had a good sting to it. The pretzel tasted more on the buy at the local store and cook your self kind. The brews were worth the stop though.
Washington
Bastion Brewing Company – Anacortes WA, A great place for some beers, food and of course pretzels. Two for the price of one here! good taste and texture. its on the way in or out of the island so its worth checking out for sure.
Müchen Haus – The German town of Leavenworth has all the fixings for brats, pretzels, views and more. Stopped here for “lunch” on our way to Bellingham. The town was quite cute and offered an American version of Germany. With this being the first of three places we stopped here.
Icicle Brewing Company – very similar to Müchen Haus. Same look, texture and almost presented the same way. Also the beer served at both locations are from this brewer so maybe its all one company?
The Soup Cellar – No website, underground dining and a quiet vibe. We walked past this place and saw a pretzel on the menu and gave it a shot. By far our favorite in Leavenworth. We did some research on our way to this town and this place wasn’t even mentioned. The above placer were and in my opinion it wins the prize that I don’t have to give. They also had 5-6 different typer os mustard you could pick from which was cool.
Washington D.C.
Solace – Located right next to the Potomac river in Washington D.C. We stopped here before the baseball game. It was 100% worth it! This was one of the best pretzels we have had on this trip so far. It was coated in this cheesy, parmesan spiced shit on top and then dipped into the beer cheese as well. Fantastic beer too.
Wyoming
Handle Bar Restaurant & Pub – Located at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort this place is expensive. It’s resort life so what do you expect? This pretzel wins the prize for the most creative and you could even get a beer in a big boot glass to go with it. We to 2 beers (pints) each and this pretzel for a wapping $70..
