Nico was in his home state of Baden-Württemberg between the years. During a visit to the Baroque Christmas market in Ludwigsburg (approx. 10 km north of Stuttgart), an “Irish Pub” sign caught his eye on the edge of the market square, right in the city center. We paid a visit to this pub the following week.
Ambience
The entrance to the Towers Irish Pub is quite unspectacular at first. It is hidden in the corner behind arcades and could also be a retail store from the signage.
As soon as you enter the premises, however, the picture is much more cozy. The Towers has a very wood-heavy interior, which creates a warm and cozy atmosphere. Walls and ledges are decorated with various antiques such as doll’s trolleys, vases, signs, etc. In terms of space, the Irish pub is very spacious with numerous normal tables as well as high tables. You can also take a seat at the somewhat angled bar. On the day we visited, a Friday evening, the Towers was very busy.
Instead of Christiane this time: Nico’s father
The main part of the Towers Pub in Ludwigsburg is smoke-free. Smokers and vapers have the opportunity to indulge their passion in an outdoor area, which is covered by a pavilion in winter.
Quiet music played throughout the evening, which was mostly drowned out by the guests’ conversations. At the beginning, Irish sounds could be heard, which were later replaced by pop and rock classics.
There is a TV at the back of the pub, on which soccer was broadcast on mute, followed by darts.
Speaking of darts… We didn’t see a darts board or a pool table at Towers. However, there is a pub quiz every Tuesday (registration required).
The toilets are located in the basement, surprise with a neon green toilet seat and were clean throughout the evening.
Friendliness
There is no free seating at Towers, guests are welcomed at the entrance and shown to a free table. The bartenders and service team were always friendly throughout the evening and super quick to take orders or clear empty glasses and plates. What is unusual at Towers, however, is that guests are addressed with the formal German “Sie”, whereas we have had the colloquial “du” in every other pub.
Drinks
The Towers Pub has a decent selection of draught beers on tap, although only three of them are “Irish” beers. In addition to the classic Guinness, Kilkenny and Hop House as well as Radeberger Pils, Stuttgarter Hofbräu and Büble wheat beer are freshly tapped. All beers are available in pints, half pints and 1.5 liter pitchers. Also available are the mixed drinks “Black & Tan” (Guinness & Kilkenny) and “Poor Man’s Black Velvet” (Guinness & Cider). A pint of Guinness costs € 6.10 here in the region of Swabia.
Speaking of cider: There are different varieties of Snakebite, Magners and Stowford – including apple, pear, berry and woodruff flavors.
The whiskey selection consists of the usual representatives of Irish, Scottish and American whiskeys, including Tullamore Dew, Bushmills, Glennfiddich and Jack Daniel’s. However, there are also two expensive 18-year-old drops (Highland Park, €18 and Caol-ila, €19).
Unfortunately, Nico’s beloved Irish Flag Shot is not available in Ludwigsburg, but our no less beloved Baby Guinness made from Bailey’s and Kahlua is. Nico’s father got to know and appreciate this shot for the first time that evening.
Rather atypical for an Irish pub is the wide range of classic cocktails based on whiskey, gin or rum, but this can be a good alternative for non-beer drinkers.
Food / Snacks
We came to Towers really hungry and were well fed. Unfortunately, there are no explicitly Irish pub specialties such as shepherd’s pie or Irish stew on the menu – but there are various burger variations (also vegetarian and vegan!) and classic finger food such as mozzarella sticks, chicken wings or onion rings. Those with a bigger appetite can also enjoy chili con carne, ribs with corn on the cob or steak.
The latter was Wolfgang’s choice, Nico opted for a Caesar’s wrap with wedges. Both came in a large, stomach-filling quantity. The steak was cooked medium as ordered, but unfortunately not quite hot, unlike the wrap and potato wedges. The steak was served with herb butter, salad and chips. The wraps also came with a salad bouquet, whereby Nico found the dressing with its slight spiciness very appealing.
We had actually planned another dessert (apple pie with ice cream), but this was no longer possible after the rich main course.
Conclusion
The Towers is definitely a recommendable place in Ludwigsburg to spend a nice evening. The ambience is quite appealing, but could be a little more “Irish”. The friendliness and commitment of the team as well as the quality and quantity of the food on offer are positive. There is something for every taste in the selection of drinks. The Towers is reasonably priced by Baden-Württemberg standards.
Pros & Cons
- Friendly team
- Tasty food
- Pub quiz
- Extensive cocktail menu
- Ambience not quite authentic
- No pool billard / darts
- Music a little too quiet
Rating
Ambience
Friendliness
Drinks
Food / Snacks
