When you walk in to Freiburg, it feels like you are walking into a set for a german themed movie. The interior feels gimmicky and tries way too hard on being "German". And quite honestly, the same can be said about the food. Yes, they use German words for their entrees. Yes, they feature German beers. But the execution of the dishes falls flat, real flat.
Let's start with the beer. I am impressed with the variety and options featured but not impressed with the glassware used. Yes, it's branded to the beer you are drinking but their sizes are laughable. If you have "pub" in your name, bust out the steins or Maß glasses.
For food, we ordered the kasesspatzle and the rinderbraten. The former is basically Freiburg's play on mac and cheese. The spaetzle was gummy and came off oily. The rinderbraten (roast beef and gravy) was ho hum. The roast beef was not tough but not exactly fall apart tender. Gravy was fine. But for $17.95, it didn't bring enough flavor or appeal to ever order again.
I doubt I would venture back and I wonder how the Monroe St. crowd will receive them in the long haul. The area restaurants that have been successful have been ones that serve real and honest food and are authentic about who they are. This can't be said about Freiburg.