So …. supposedly you can't "pick" your family.  Honestly … that's bull … I've got dibs on these "Brats" dudes.  I mean, what have your brothers ever done for you but a) gave you countless wedgies, b) "accidentally" let your dog out of the backyard when you were in the 3rd grade and c) totally ruined the end of Rocky III (spoiler alert … he wins)?  Because out in Sherman Oaks, the Brats Brothers are hooking you up with deliciously infused meats, steins of German beer, and enough mustards to make the Colonel jealous.  P.S. It was totally him … with the wrench … in the observatory.  You telling me a 19th century war hero is just randomly checking out the plumbing in the library?  Okay, before I start an international debate (please tell me I already did) … this is about the GRUB, and GRUB it truly was.

Our GRUB buddy Cam C. has been a staunch GOOD GRUB supporter since the beginning and has been clamoring about this German oasis for some time now … and with good cause.  Let's start with the namesake … the Brats. Ranging from traditional to exotic, you've got your Polish (smoked pork), your Rancher (smoked beef and garlic), your Swamp Thing (smoked alligator), and your Peking Brat (Sweet Duck … coincidentally, also the nickname of your voyeuristic little cousin).  There's a couple dozen to choose from and a sampler plate for those free spirit "swingers" out there.  And don't overlook the cheese "infused" pork sausage known as The Big Cheese.  Why is everything … and I mean EVERYTHING … better when it's infused?   

I kept it simple and went for the Hungarian (spicy pork), opted into the peppers and onions package, and went for the win… pairing it up with a side of red cabbage slaw and tater tots.  The giant sausage came loaded onto a soft, flaky french roll, piled on with grilled fixins and bursting with flavor.  Paired up with the cool, crisp cabbage slaw and Brats Brothers' version of tater tots, it was a perfect afternoon feast.  Oh man, the tater tots … let's just say that cafeteria lady totally let you down. These, dare I say … German tots … were little fried balls of potato, and happiness.  Think mashed potatoes … deep fried … now, breathe, breathe … we'll get through this together.  Yes, they were as good as they sound.  No, I didn't save any for you. 

But to be honest, the real thing that got my taste buds percolating were the endless options of mustards and ketchups.  From curry ketchup to wasabi mustard … back to smoked ketchup … swung over to horseradish mustard, and full circle to the stone ground Dijon … my sense of decorum was all that was keeping me from asking for a second roll and making a condiment sandwich. 

Add to it all, they've got a huge selections of German beers on tap, served in giant steins, from ladies in lederhosen …yes, it's hard not to fall in love with this place.  Because brothers don't shake hands … brothers gotta hug.  So see you again soon, next time maybe I'll bring my brother … if he's lucky … and most importantly, if he's apologizes for Fluffy.