Windhoek's evening appeal is still not at its best. This may be because the majority of tourists to Namibia are interested in other things than nightlife. But exceptions prove the rule and the exception is Joe's Beerhouse. You could certainly call this huge beer bar, which has space for up to 450 guests, a typical tourist trap, but that wouldn't do it justice. A visit to Joe's is now a fixed part of the program for many tour groups and individual tourists, but the audience in the beer house is almost equally made up of Windhoek residents, many of whom are almost part of the rustic pub's inventory. It is so appealing that, amidst the junk, junk and burning fire, the mass processing completely fades into the background.

When Joe Groß came to Namibia over 20 years ago, this success story was unthinkable. However, Joe's Beerhouse, which was then smaller and more intimate in the center of the city, quickly developed from an insider tip to a must for every visitor to Windhoek. Many of his regulars were not at all happy when Joe and his wife Annette decided to expand and move to the Eros district. The critical voices quickly died down. The two managed to preserve the unique atmosphere of the old pub in the new building. Many individual pubs offer thatched houses and outdoor shelters. A lot of historical bric-a-brac and the play of the fire in the dark of night give the beer house, whether you spend the evening inside or outside, a flair that you cannot find in German beer gardens.

It goes without saying that Joe's beer selection is wide, but the good varieties from Windhoek and Swakopmund, brewed according to the German Purity Law, are the visitors' favorites. The same goes for the fact that rustic grilled food is served with the beer. But be careful, even the smaller portions require stamina and a healthy appetite. Anyone who is tempted by the relatively moderate prices to go for the large version of the mixed meat platter should quickly find at least two people to share it with. Almost everything that is served on the table comes from local game. The range extends from ostrich to kudu and zebra to impala.

But Joe and Annette Gross' passion for the animal world is not limited to the culinary level; both are passionate and excellent animal photographers. Their annual calendar proves this. It sells thousands of copies. Joe's Beerhouse is also complemented by a small folk art gallery, where the couple's pictures are exhibited and traditional souvenirs are sold. If you haven't thought about your loved ones at home yet, you can do so here.

Joe's Beerhouse, 160 Nelson Mandela Ave, Tel. 061 / 23 24 57