It’s that time of year again when we get to order hard-to-pronounce foods like würstl and schweinebraten and wash it down with Hofbräus and Paulaners. Germans began migrating to New York in the 1840s, and with them came their delicious, roasted foods and world-class beer. Looking for a spot in the City to get into the spirit of Oktoberfest? Here’s our picks:
Heidelberg Restaurant
One of the oldest German restaurants in the country, Heidelberg was first opened over a hundred years ago when the Upper East Side’s Yorkville neighborhood was a Germantown. Today, its sidewalk seating area is a fun spot for people-watching and enjoying some tasty potato pancakes with applesauce and a nice cold Hofbräu.
Heidelberg Restaurant
1648 Second Avenue
New York, NY 10028
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Zum Schneider
For broiled brats, pork shank, and a rollicking good time, Zum Schneider has you covered. This German pub is located in the East Village, but they set up camp on the East River for Oktoberfest. There will be Festbier on tap, and they’ll even have an Oompah band stage. Get ready to hear a lot of Ein Prosit!
Zum Schneider
107 Avenue C
New York, NY 10009
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Bierhaus NYC
Just a couple blocks from Grand Central, Bierhaus NYC is in a convenient location for visitors to down a liter (or two) of seasonal Hofbräu Oktoberfest. You’ll also find all the usual suspects on the menu, like pretzels, schnitzels and bratwursts. The top-floor space is the perfect place to share a shotski with pals, which is exactly what is sounds like—doing a shot off of a ski. Prost!
Bierhaus NYC
712 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10017
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Radegast Hall & Biergarten
Formed from two converted warehouses in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg, Radegast has a vibe reminiscent of an Old World biergarten. With live music and shared picnic tables, it’s a spirited spot to enjoy some German grub and a little something (or a lot of something) from their impressive list of German beers. Eins (one), Zwei (two), Drei (three), G’Suffa (chug)!
Radegast Hall & Biergarten
113 North 3rd Street
Brooklyn, NY 11211
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Loreley Beer Garden
Loreley Beer Garden. Photo courtesy of Loreley Beer Garden
If you’ve got a big squad, Loreley might be a good bet. This beer garden in the Lower East Side has outdoor table reservation packages for groups bigger than eight. Got a smaller crew? Then, indoor table reservations are free and you can go big by ordering the Sausage Party with Weisswurst, Wiener, Smoked Bratwurst, Bauernwurst, Andouille, Bratwurst, and Knackwurst on a bed of beer-marinated sauerkraut with bacon! Share it—or don’t.
Loreley Beer Garden
7 Rivington Street
New York, NY 1000
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Something to discuss between clinks: Oktoberfest starts in September because the last day of the festival is always on the first Sunday of October.
Got a better piece of German trivia? Let us know down in the comments.
This article originally published on GREY Journal.
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