by Caroline Schweich

It all started about a year and half ago, when Tyler Wilson (then 21) sat on the beach in Santa Barbara with his cousin Joseph Pitruzzelli (25 at the time), and together they came up with their grandiose gourmet sausage and beer concept. I don’t know about you, but I know a ton of people who’ve come up with some pretty groovy ideas on some pretty beautiful beaches, but these guys actually did it: Raised the money, tasted thousands of sausages from around the world, found the perfect location, worked their butts off and there you go: the first and only sausage restaurant of its kind in L.A.: Wurstküche.

It’s the “other” downtown (about as far from the LA Live concept as you can get), many call it the “real” downtown, on Traction and 3rd. And this place is all about sausage and beer. Some of it sounds a bit scary like rattlesnake or alligator or buffalo sausage, but no worries if you’re not feeling quite so adventuresome; there’s also Bratwurst, Italian, and vegetarian sausage. My  favorite sausage was the rattlesnake and rabbit with Jalapeno peppers and you can bet that was a first for me. Feel free to taste a few beers from over 20 on tap before you place your order. I’m not even a beer drinker and I was impressed by their selection of Belgian and German beers. Then off you go down the corridor to the back room: a relaxed space with several family style dining tables and a big bar. The sausages were amazing, grilled to perfection and the Belgian fries were delectable complete with about a dozen different dipping sauces to choose from (and at $.75 for each additional sauce, you can go for it). The vibe is friendly and relaxed. There’s nothing but sausages, fries, and beer at refreshingly reasonable prices, served by friendly faces. Wurstküche is open for lunch and dinner with a back patio beer garden opening soon.

Welcome to the neighborhood, boys!