Popular Mayo tavern to reopen next month

Selinger began working in the restaurant in 1983, the year his German-born parents opened the business inside an early 1900s A-frame cottage in Mayo. Karl and Ursula Selinger, who came to the United States in the 1950s, had always dreamed of opening a restaurant with authentic German cuisine, their son said.

And over the years, they amassed a loyal following of schnitzel lovers and beer drinkers, including some who made a point of celebrating every birthday and every anniversary there.

"It's been a substantial meeting place for family and friends," said Selinger, who purchased the business from his parents in 2003.

Business was better than ever, he said. Then the fire happened.

"People thought we were just going to close down," Selinger said.

But he and his wife, Beth, knew that wasn't an option. About two months after the blaze, they started to rebuild the restaurant. After about $700,000 in renovations, the Old Stein Inn is on track to be open at the end of next month.

"You go through that whole shock initially," Beth Selinger said. "But the last six weeks, things have just exploded. There are a million decisions to make very day."

Patrons seem to be eager. The Old Stein's Facebook page has more than 1,600 fans, many of whom post every few days wanting to know when the restaurant will start serving up beer and brats again.

The Selingers said they wanted Old Stein Inn to be open in time for the popular Oktoberfest, which runs from Sept. 15 through early October. Nightly entertainment will begin in early September.

"In our minds, this is a clean palette for us," Beth Selinger said.

Her husband smiled as he talked about "the new Old Stein," which will feature oak and mahogany flourishes and authentic German decorations. The centerpiece, the Selingers say, is a 22-foot, 107-year-old bar from Carmine's Restaurant in New York City.

The dining area, formerly split up into three rooms, will be one big room beneath cathedral ceilings.

"We're trying to keep the old school touch, but with a new modern facility," Selinger said. "I'm looking forward to taking the 28 years that my parents put into this restaurant and renewing it."

And with any luck, the Old Stein will be open another 28 years, he said.

The Selingers have hired German-born chef Jason Howard, whose specialty is cuisine made from local ingredients and premium meats. Entrees will range from $14 to $26, with happy hour and late night specials.

A new beginning for Old Stein • Business (www.HometownAnnapolis ...

Selinger began working in the restaurant in 1983, the year his German-born parents opened the business inside an early 1900s A-frame cottage in Mayo. Karl and Ursula Selinger, who came to the United States in the 1950s, had always dreamed of opening a restaurant with authentic German cuisine, their son said.

And over the years, they amassed a loyal following of schnitzel lovers and beer drinkers, including some who made a point of celebrating every birthday and every anniversary there.

"It's been a substantial meeting place for family and friends," said Selinger, who purchased the business from his parents in 2003.

Business was better than ever, he said. Then the fire happened.

"People thought we were just going to close down," Selinger said.

But he and his wife, Beth, knew that wasn't an option. About two months after the blaze, they started to rebuild the restaurant. After about $700,000 in renovations, the Old Stein Inn is on track to be open at the end of next month.

"You go through that whole shock initially," Beth Selinger said. "But the last six weeks, things have just exploded. There are a million decisions to make very day."

Patrons seem to be eager. The Old Stein's Facebook page has more than 1,600 fans, many of whom post every few days wanting to know when the restaurant will start serving up beer and brats again.

The Selingers said they wanted Old Stein Inn to be open in time for the popular Oktoberfest, which runs from Sept. 15 through early October. Nightly entertainment will begin in early September.

"In our minds, this is a clean palette for us," Beth Selinger said.

Her husband smiled as he talked about "the new Old Stein," which will feature oak and mahogany flourishes and authentic German decorations. The centerpiece, the Selingers say, is a 22-foot, 107-year-old bar from Carmine's Restaurant in New York City.

The dining area, formerly split up into three rooms, will be one big room beneath cathedral ceilings.

"We're trying to keep the old school touch, but with a new modern facility," Selinger said. "I'm looking forward to taking the 28 years that my parents put into this restaurant and renewing it."

And with any luck, the old Stein will open another 28 years, he said.

The Selingers hired German-born chief Jason Howard, whose specialty is the cuisine made from local ingredients and meats of superior quality. Dishes will range from $ 14 to $ 26, with happy hour specials and late night.

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