Restaurant Review: Hop Angel Brauhaus

A re-done Northeast Philly joint is all German, all the time.

The former Blue Ox is, like its predecessor, all German, all the time. New owners Mike “Scoates” Scotese and Patrick McGinley, who also helm the Grey Lodge Pub, have stacked the draft list with German-style beers, while chef Matthew Hartnett’s menu highlights traditional Teutonic fare; there are wursts (sourced from Bucks County butcher Ernst Illg), house-made spaetzle, and Frikadelle, a butterkase-cheese-stuffed burger. Service can be slow, and the food isn’t as polished as at Brauhaus Schmitz, but if you’re in the Northeast (or a Germanophile), it deserves a visit.