There’s a particular magic in the way a good cafe inhabits its space. The best ones feel inevitable, as if their walls were erected specifically to house the warm wafting scent of roasted coffee beans and the quiet murmur of conversation. With its newest outpost at 8027 Forsyth Blvd. in Clayton, Germania Brew Haus is doing just that just that – settled in as if it has always been there, tucked into the sleek modernity of Emerson Tower, it’s a cafe that feels both seamlessly storied and in step with the heartbeat of the present.
For Jared, Carolyn and Benjamin Brynildsen, the family behind Germania Brew Haus, expansion is never just about opening a new storefront. It’s about finding the right location at the right moment in the right community. Clayton, with its blend of high-power professionals and neighborhood regulars, offers both a challenge and an opportunity. “We hope this to be a jumping-off point for other areas on the Missouri side of the river,” shared owner and CEO Jared Brynildsen. Rather than rushing ahead, the Brew Haus team is taking time ahead of the grand opening, scheduled for March 7, to absorb the spirit of Clayton, connecting with locals and establishing themselves in the neighborhood. “We hope to learn more about how we can donate our time, resources or platform,” added Carolyn Brynildsen, owner and CAO.
Germania has always taken coffee seriously, but in Clayton they’re stretching deeper into the realm of food. Given the bustling business crowd, it only made sense to expand the savory options. Enter chef Maggie Goble, who has shaped the menu with equal parts comfort and curiosity. The Croffle, a croissant-waffle hybrid, is already making waves, especially in its newest iteration: The Crunchy Nutella Croffle, crisp and golden while cradling a decadent spread of chocolate-hazelnut bliss.
For those craving something heartier, there’s the jalapeño sausage biscuit sandwich, a caprese sandwich and seasonal turnovers. For conferences and meetings, Goble has crafted a specialized catering menu featuring lunch, snacks and coffee to keep attendees satisfied.
The drinks, as always, reflect Germania’s signature approach: a blend of craftsmanship and accessibility. Whether it’s the bourbon-kissed butterscotch latte or a simple espresso there’s something for purists and pleasure-seekers alike. The Germania ethos is all about balance: a reverence for artistry tempered by the understanding that sometimes what people crave is something sweet and familiar.
With five locations now in operation, the Brynildsens have learned not to force the future. “If and when the right location comes along at the right time with the right people, we jump on it,” Jared shared. They’re keeping an eye on Edwardsville and Bethalto, but their dreams stretch much further than that – imagining a Germania presence in places that feel almost mythical such as Busch Stadium, Lambert Airport and the City Museum. For now, the focus is on Clayton, on the simple pleasure of biting into a warm Croffle and on the quiet thrill of watching a new community form over cups of coffee.
