I've been to Hansa Brewery twice now and I really like it. To be honest, I'd like to give it 4 stars for the food, 3 for the atmosphere. This could be a 5 star place if they were were a little more authentic in the atmosphere and décor. But, the food is more important when talking about a restaurant so we'll start there. The food is some of the best authentic German food in Cleveland. It beats the food at Hofbrauhaus hands down, in my opinion. The schnitzel is some of the best around. I had that on my first visit and I actually wanted seconds! Not because I didn't get a large enough portion (I certainly did!) but because it was that good. The sausage platter was really good and gave you a great way to try things. They do have seem to have a different menu for either the bar area or for late night because when were there last weekend it was a pared down menu than the first time we were there. I don't think they cut things out of the menu, I think we just had a different menu at the bar than in the dining area where we were the first time.
Now let's talk about the beer - really good! My husband is in love with the black IPA they have which isn't my style of beer but friends of ours we were with also loved it. They are all beer lovers so they know what's good. I loved the heffewiess and the pilsner I had. It's worth coming here for both the food and the beer.
Now the atmosphere/décor. This is where I get lost and I think they are missing the boat. There is just something not quite right, not quite "German" about the place. Sure, they have German steins on the shelves and pictures of Germany on the walls but there is just something lacking there. Not sure what it is. They play pop music which may contribute to why they don't feel like a German restaurant but like I said I can't quite put my finger on what's wrong. This doesn't mean I won't go back because I certainly will but I wish they had more of the atmosphere that I'm searching for than they do.