This place is perfect for big groups because all of the tables are large, there's free peanuts and/or popcorn, and it's so big (especially combined with the essen haus) that there's always somewhere to sit- very few, if any, places downtown can say this.
other than that, the service is fine, the food is fine, the atmosphere is fine....nothing too exceptional, but certainly good enough if you want to drink beer with a bunch of friends. (avoid mixed drinks- this place is for beer and they seem inexperienced at anything else)