The Munchen Haus Bavarian Grill and Beer Garden is the direct competitor of Leavenworth Sausage Garten that we had visited a couple days earlier. Naturally, this means they are across the street from each other (one at 636 Front Street, and Munchen Haus at 709 Front Street) so that you can actually sit in one and look across to the other. Munchen Haus has more history here, being open longer while Leavenworth Sausage Garten is a newcomer that opened in 2011, so it isn’t surprising that you will often see patrons naturally heading here thanks to previous experience and good word of mouth from here.

The offerings are essentially the same- close to a dozen sausages on a toasted bun, even served on the same blue and white checked paper in a plastic basket. Besides the classic bratwurst, kielbasa, bockwurst, currywurst, beef frank and the vegetarian wurst (both Munchen Haus and Leavenworth use Field Roast sausage for their veggie sausage option), Munchen Haus also offers an organic turkey dog, a chickena and garlic sausage, and a jalepeno and cheddar sausage.

Munchen Haus is more self-serve, handing you a coaster buzzer so you know when to go to the open pick-up area to get your finished order, rather than bringing it to your table based on your order number. But the grilling happens right there in the open so you can also watch with your hungry eyes if you wish. Their seating space is all outdoor, just like Leavenworth Sausage Garten, and additionally includes an upstairs area but less warmth as they have less heating lamps. Overhead ones are placed over the tables on the first floor  (although they have one cozy blazing fireplace near the pick up area as well).

Munchen Haus also offers a buffet of toppings including a dozen mustards, and the varieties are different than Leavenworth Sausage Garten. Here, the mustard flavors lean more classic, including three kinds of beer mustards (München Haus Amber Ale, München Haus Porter, München Haus Brown Ale mustards, all using local Icicle Brewing beer).

I tried the Hans’ Jalapeno and Cheddar sausage with champagne honey mustard on the left and porter mustard on the right, and in my opinion mustard wise I have to hand it to Leavenworth Sausage Garten. Execution wise, the bite and warmth of how they grilled the sausages
gives Munchen Haus the advantage over Leavenworth Sausage Garten.