Varitek described the nights as “electrical.” Whatever song is playing, the crowd is singing, dancing and all around just having a good time, whether seated or standing on the benches. Yes, folks can stand and dance on the benches, but “not on the tables,” Varitek said.

In addition to the music, there are Bavarian horn contests, beer toasts and even having a shot is made into a memorable event with the “shotski.” Four or five patrons line up in front of the crowd holding a ski with shot glasses full of Jagermeister attached to it, so that the shots are directly in front of them. Then, as the crowd cheers them on, they flip the ski up and take the shots all at the same time.

“This is the only place I know where you get applauded for taking a shot,” Varitek said.

All of this beer, food and entertainment is easily attainable, even if you are on a budget. A liter of beer is $7.75 and a half-liter is $4.50. The appetizers are around $7 or $8, or patrons can try all of them with “The ‘Works’ Combo” at $12.99.

The menu includes other American options in addition to the German favorites. Specialties, salads, sandwiches and burgers are similar to prices at places like T.G.I. Fridays.

The affordable prices allow customers to have some extra cash to spend in the gift shop.

Friends and co-workers Alexis Miller and Megan Carbaugh sat at a long German-style wooden table with benches, sipping bier after their lunch at the Hofbrauhaus.

“It’s different food you can’t get anywhere else,” Miller, of Swissvale, said. “And the service was fast.”

Miller and Carbaugh, both 25, work at the local branch of the non-profit organization Best Buddies. They said they both enjoyed their meals.

“It was really affordable and the bier is great,” Carbaugh, of Lawrenceville, said. “It’s really big, so you don’t have to wait.”

The Hofbrauhaus opens at 11 a.m. daily. The spacious building provides a lot of room during the day. However, weekend nights are a different story. The two large dining rooms are filled with patrons, especially the room with the bar and stage.

The Saturday night after the restaurant opened, Varitek said they had to tell people to stop coming in because it was already so full.

“It’s great, and it’s a lot of fun,” Varitek said. “It exceeded our expectations.”