INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Colts are officially in Frankfurt, Germany as they get ready to take on the New England Patriots Sunday morning.
It will be the Colts' first international game since 2016.
But if you can’t afford to make the trip to Europe, don’t worry. There are plenty of places in Indianapolis to get you in the German spirit.
Rathskeller
It may feel like a cozy inn tucked away in a quiet German village, but the Rathskeller is located just off Massachusetts Avenue in the heart of downtown.
“This is about as close as you are going to get to Germany,” said owner Dan McMichael. “This is authentic Germany at its best.”
The Rathskeller first opened in 1894 and is now the city’s oldest restaurant still operating. It is located in the Athenaeum, which was the German cultural center in the 1890s.
Rathskeller is hosting the official watch party on Sunday morning to celebrate the Colts playing in Frankfurt.
“You will be able to sit back and watch the game. We will have the German beer flowing and the food going. We got multiple large screen TVs that will be throughout the big ballroom,” McMichael said.
There are even special German-style breakfast items on the menu for the game.
Doors open at 9 a.m. and kickoff is at 9:30 a.m. The event is free for all ages, but those under 21 are not allowed to enter the bar area. With capacity being limited, it will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
Heidelberg Haus
Over in Lawrence, the Heidelberg Haus is providing a little slice of their hometown this weekend.
“Everybody is excited,” said owner Juergen Jungbauer, better known as "JJ."
The antique bakery dates back more than half a century when Jungbauer came to America from Germany.
“We have about 300 gnomes and 500 beer steins. It’s just a fun place. People love it,” said Jungbauer.
If it’s from Germany, there is a good chance Jungbauer sells it. Most importantly, he also sells authentic German-style food - perfect for game day.
“We have German sausage, bratwurst – about 10, 15 different kinds – pork chops, bread, rolls and German mustard,” he said.
It is all the staples you need to make a perfect German-style tailgate in Indianapolis before the game.
They are open on Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.