Drinking Beer From a Giant Glass Boot

Back in my grad school days in Madison, folks would go to a place called the Essen Haus and order giant glass boots (2 liters, I believe) filled with beer (typically Spaten Optimator). The boot would be passed from person to person, each taking large sips (toe always down). Whoever passed the boot before the last gulp was taken had to buy the next round. This often let to insane chugging battles in an attempt to screw the person who had just passed the boot. I've seen similar boots in Minneapolis (Nye's), but not much in Chicago. I saw a lone glass boot behind the bar at Laschet's on Irving Park but it looked a little dusty.

I was thinking of getting a group together to pass a few boots. I would guess Resi's or one of the places in Lincoln Square (Brauhaus, Hansa, Huttenbar) might have something, but I was wondering if folks any specific recommendations.

If I'm not mistaken, the boot is a Paulaner glass. The myth, unsubstantiated as far as I can tell, is that a general promised to drink beer from his boot if a siege was successful. After the successful siege the general bent the terms of the bet by having a glass boot made for the event. "My boot" seems to preclude having a new boot made. This is the boldness that makes Werner Herzog so loved - nothing like seeing him and Alice Waters stuffing garlic into and ladling duck fat over a pair of worn out boots in "Werner Herzog Eats His Shoe."

Perhaps there are more general boot shaped glasses out there, but I believe Paulaner to be the iconic one. With that in mind, Resi's seems your best bet. You might have to bring your own boot though. Or, live up to the terms of the original bet and use a real one.

rien

Post: Anyone thinking of drinking beer from a boot has to immediately rent Guy Maddin's "The Saddest Music in the World" and catch a legless Isabella Rosselini doing the watusi in beer filled prostetic stein-legs.

All hail glorious boots from the Essen Haus! This place really is great, although rumor has it that it is going to be torn down to make way for more madison of the future condos. I've wondered about where to drink boots in Chicago myself. If you find the spot please post a report! Nothing sets a party of 4 or 5 reeling like a few boots of optimator.

Chicago Brauhaus in Lincoln Square is a great place to go if you want to pass around a boot. I recommend visiting on a Saturday night with at least a half-dozen people -- and make a reservation. The food is decent -- standard German fare -- but the polka band and boots are the real reason to go. Hygeine usually goes out the window too. Last time I was there with a group of friends, and we all ended up passing boots of beer around with random strangers at the next table. [/img]

Is the Rock Bottom a Gordon Biersch establishment? I seem to remember (through a very thick haze) that I saw that name there when I visited last. The Gordon Biersch here in town whipped out the venerable boot when they unveiled their seasonal winter beer. Perhaps it's worth a shot.

Sal Monilla wrote:Is the Rock Bottom a Gordon Biersch establishment?

No, Gordon Biersch & Rock Bottom are seperate chains.

I don't think they have large drinking boots available at Rock Bottom.


Tim

I was at Delilah's somewhat recently, and noticed at the bottom of the beer menu, that suds were available by the pint, liter, or boot. Unfamiliar with the latter custom, I inquired of the bartender. They had one large boot, which was passed around, but it is now broken. Neither the boot nor the menu has been replaced.

sasquatch wrote:All hail glorious boots from the Essen Haus! This place really is great, although rumor has it that it is going to be torn down to make way for more madison of the future condos.

This is, sadly, most likely true. But you can always go to the Dells!

"Essen Haus owner Bob Worm said he is eager to get neighborhood backing for the project so sale of the properties can move forward. City records show Worm owns 11 parcels on Block 115. Combined, they are assessed for property tax purposes at $2.8 million.

"At that point I can start talking with the developers" about reopening a new restaurant, Worm said.

Worm has recently opened a second Essen Haus restaurant in Wisconsin Dells and said he has had feelers from several other cities interested in a German-style restaurant." (Cap Times, 12/22/04)

Jacki

Hi,

Just for giggles, I went over to e-Bay which has an auction for a two liter glass boot.

I'm happy to say that the Big 10 is proving strong in the glass boot category.

Here is a link: http://www.johnsgrocery.com/Departments ... a/new.html to purchase a Warsteiner glass boot from Dirty John's, a University of Iowa food and liquor institution.

Happy Drinking!

Went to the Brauhaus on Friday Night. You'll be pleased to know that there were no less than a half-dozen boots going around, including 4 (four!) at one table. Didn't get the price, but I'm sure it's steep. One of those large steins will set you back about $11.

A similar thing I've come across
at a few Irish pubs is beer (or
preferably cider) by the yard -
served in a long (actually yard-long?)
glass set in wooden frame.

Didn't get the price, but I'm sure it's steep. One of those large steins will set you back about $11.

I've never actually purchased one of the boots themselves at the Brauhaus (only the suds inside), but I believe that you have to put down a deposit of $60 to $75 when you order it, if that's any indication of the price of the vessel alone. I remember the beer itself being fairly resonable.

You put down a credit card, which they'll charge $55 or $60 if you break the boot but of course nothing provided the boot remains intact

The boot itself, which is a little over 2 liters of beer, is $22 and you have the choice of several different beers.

You don't need to order food if you go a little later in the evening (after 8, say), but if you're drinking that much you may want to!

Giallo wrote: I've seen similar boots in Minneapolis (Nye's), but not much in Chicago.

I think you may be referring to Gasthof zur Gemütlichkeit.
2300 University Ave NE
Minneapolis, MN 55418
(612) 781-3860

... just had to come out of "lurk" mode to also tip my hat to the Essen Haus. I have fond memories of eating warm pretzels and trying to beat the boot -- so that I wasn't caught buying the next round.

I also remember that there was a certain trick to drinking out of it, with the toe pointing towards the side, otherwise the trapped air would sometimes cause the beer to erupt in yr face :/

Oh the Essen Haus....scene of many super-fun nights that usually ended with my head in a bucket!

rdstoll wrote:Oh the Essen Haus

The attached Hotel (Hotel Ruby Marie)
is quite nice as well. Had my
doubts when I had to check-in
at the bar; but rooms come
complete with a kitchen area,
a fireplace and hot tub.

Makes for a great Rock Star Weekend.

This post reminds me of a ridiculous product Mr. Pie brought to my attention. I think the tag line should have been: Shoot Yourself in the Face with Beer!
http://www.gadgetsandgear.com/tommy-gun-glass.html

No mention of Das Boot @ Laschett’s?

That guy looks thirsty.

I like the look on Snap's face watching you...

SCUBAchef wrote:No mention of Das Boot @ Laschett’s?

Only in the first post.

Back in the mid-90s, My Bar/Bistro 1800 (1800 Sherman) in Evanston had one of these glass boots. We didn't pass the boot from person to person. The game was to see who could chug from the boot for the longest time. A few were able to get through the whole two liters. I don't drink like that anymore.

SCUBAchef wrote:No mention of Das Boot @ Laschett’s?

Going to be an annoying pedant for a minute:
Das Boot means "the boat" in German. The word for boot is "stiefel."

october271986 wrote:Going to be an annoying pedant for a minute:
Das Boot means "the boat" in German. The word for boot is "stiefel."

Tell that to this guy

Giallo wrote:Back in my grad school days in Madison, folks would go to a place called the Essen Haus and order giant glass boots (2 liters, I believe) filled with beer (typically Spaten Optimator). The boot would be passed from person to person, each taking large sips (toe always down). Whoever passed the boot before the last gulp was taken had to buy the next round. This often let to insane chugging battles in an attempt to screw the person who had just passed the boot. I've seen similar boots in Minneapolis (Nye's), but not much in Chicago. I saw a lone glass boot behind the bar at Laschet's on Irving Park but it looked a little dusty.

The way I've heard the game played was that everybody had to drink with the toe facing up. Because of the angle, at some point toward the end, the beer will reach a level where air can enter the foot of the boot, which pushes the beer downward in a cascade into the drinker's face. And it's that unlucky guy has to pay.

I'm amazed this thread has gone so long with no mention of Beerfest - quite possibly the finest film ever made:



Boots are fairly easy to find online, we have 4 or 5 at home for special occasions.