Prost! German Beer Gardens that will Quench your Thirst!
by Julia Hofer
Most imperative to our social gatherings and quite possibly our favorite pastime, we as New Yorkers, and as humans, love a good beer. If you and your friends are looking for a great summer spot for some brews, enrich your frame of reference, and check out these beer gardens/halls for a delicious and authentic German beer.
107 Avenue C, East Village
The ultimate spot to celebrate Oktoberfest, guaranteed. Sip on the suds at Zum Schneiders, a cozy and intimate bierhaus located amongst the neighborhoods of Alphabet City. Its delicious German food and contagiously upbeat atmosphere make up for its indoor and smaller space. Enjoy a good schnitzel over live music, performances and soccer. Come join them for their pig roast, August 19th, to celebrate their 15th anniversary. Tip: Bring Cash. It’s cash only.
5 W. 37th Street, Midtown West
Inspired by their German grandparents’ recipes, traditions and passion for beer, the owners known as the “Beer Brothers” brought Munich to Midtown. Cultured, casual and lively, this spacious beer hall is a great spot for big pretzels and liters of beer. Join them for happy hour and try their most-raved-about grapefruit beer, you’ll be feeling good in no time.
712 Third Avenue, Midtown East
Exciting news for the loyal beer drinkers out there — Hofbrau Bierhaus has a club you can join where, upon membership, you’ll get your own locker and receive discounts and rewards every time you drink there. This beer hall, conveniently located a couple blocks down from Grand Central, is equipped with communal tables, a balcony and a selection of 24 draught beers. If you can get past the tourist-esque atmosphere and sight of dirndls as causal wear – go big or go home – become a member.
848 Washington Street, Meatpacking District
Just like its radiant rooftop, the Standard’s biergarten has become a summer sensation of its own. For the crowd all about a good nightlife scene, this ritzy beer garden is the ritziest of all beer gardens in New York City. Enjoy summer days and nights under the canopy of the highline and play some ping-pong while sipping on their signature brew. Modernized? Yes. Americanized? Perhaps. Impressive? Nonetheless. The Biergarten at the Standard definitely prevails as the summer spot for large groups of friends looking to have fun. Tip: Weekdays are far less crowded than weekends.
4 Berry Street, Brooklyn
In the Brooklyn area? Grab your friends and spend happy hour at Berry Park for $5 specials, Monday through Friday, from 2-5 p.m. Both outdoor and indoor, this beer garden is the ideal summer spot for you and your friends to gather and watch the soccer game. The bar has thirteen German beers on tap to choose from alongside a divine selection of bottled beers, tasty cocktails and foreign wines. Its space can also accommodate large groups of guests making this an ideal spot to host parties, events and screenings – no reservations needed!
733 Fulton Street, Brooklyn
Black Forest Brooklyn is yet another trending beer garden in Brooklyn. The southwestern region of Germany inspires the rustic and wooden glow of this indoor biergarten. Black Forest’s friendly, diverse and accepting atmosphere makes every customer feel welcome, comfortable and always satisfied. One side of the space is a parlor/living room under wooden ceilings while the other side has skylights allowing sunlight to pour in, providing more of a beer garden atmosphere. Little Secret: Black Forest sells brews that no other bar in New York City can. More of a reason to go? I think so.
33 Nassau Avenue, Greenpoint, Brooklyn
Overlook the McCarren Park while day drinking at the Spitzenahus beer hall down at Greenpoint. The firehouse/garage door style building invites the fresh summer breeze to whisk by you as one of the 65 flavorsome brews pass down your throat. Be refreshed and relaxed. Better yet, dare to test out their sausage only menu. Their menu has 10 sausages to choose from, followed by a selection of topping and side. Spend a summer day or night here and feel its full effect.
113 N. 3rd Street, Brooklyn
This outdoor and indoor Austro-Hungarian beer hall is a fan favorite in Willamsburg. Customers stumble upon this spot hoping for a one-of-a-kind beer, not expecting to be blown away by the high quality of its large menu and feel-good atmosphere. There’s never a dull moment at Radegast with events every day, filling the air with constant live music and laughter. Socialize over a few pitchers of crisp lager or treat yourself to an authentic brunch outside on the patio. Feel easy, feel satisfied. Tip: Jazz lovers rejoice, for it is a jazz band that provides the live music.