When devising the business plan for South Park bar Bock, owner Brian Jensen aimed to create an inviting space with European appeal. Drawing on positive experiences from his own travels, he worked with architecture firm Simbiotek to design a beer hall serving the largest draft assortment of imported German, Czech, Belgian and U.K. beers in San Diego County. Wanting to extend that Old School authenticity beyond the taps, he also installed a kitchen and teamed with culinary tenant Biersal, an eight-year-old mobile food vendor known for its beer-friendly cuisine.
Earlier this year, Biersal’s tenancy came to an end, leading Jensen to set out on a quest to find another outfit to helm the kitchen. In the past months, a number of food vendors have held pop-ups at Bock, but starting today, the venue’s new full-time culinary partner will be serving up its unique mix of German beer hall classics. Going by the name Kurz, it is the product of local hospitality veteran Will Remsbottom, who is also behind Scrimshaw Coffee, Field Trip Coffee Roasters, Majorette and Love Letters.
“The pop-ups were a fun way to keep the kitchen active and bring some different people through Bock this summer, but we ultimately wanted someone who was excited to build something here for the long haul,” says Jensen. “Will and his team understand neighborhood bars, they care about hospitality and the food feels like a natural fit for Bock. It supports what we already do while giving people some new reasons to come in.”
Named for the German word for “quick”, Kurz is a from-scratch operation blending German classics with California sensibilities, most notably where seasonality and ingredients are concerned.
“Kurz takes traditional German food seriously, but we don’t feel boxed in by it,” says Remsbottom. “The menu will change with the seasons and make use of what California gives us. There will be plenty of recognizable beer hall food, along with specials, collaborations and a few things that fall outside the usual mold.”
Kurz’s menu will include bratwurst, currywurst, schnitzel (the preparation for which is gluten-free) and southern German delicacy leberkäse, a savory South German loaf made from beef, veal and pork. A rotating assortment of pierogi will also be available along with burgers, seasonal vegetables and a variety of desserts headlined by pretzel bread pudding. Vegetarian and vegan options will also be available.
Over the past year, Bock has established itself as a popular neighborhood hub, winning over South Park residents and drawing in craft-beer fans from nearby communities, many of which have been happy to see a business of substance go up in the lot that formerly housed Hamilton’s Tavern, which was a South Park staple for well over a decade before being lost in a fire in 2020.
“We understand the importance of a neighborhood watering hole,” says Remsbottom. “We want to serve people with heart, alongside people who care about hospitality in the same way. Bock already feels like that kind of place, and we’re happy to be joining the party.”
Kurz’s grand opening will start at 4 p.m. today, and include a complimentary pierogi station during the first hour, plus giveaways, and specials on food and drink throughout the evening.
Bock is located at 1521 30th Street in South Park