Guide to Oktoberfest 2016
As odd as it seems to switch abruptly from corn and tomatoes to wurst and weiner schnitzel, that’s Fall for you — no sooner do we commemorate Labor Day, then it’s straight on to Oktoberfest. Kicking off on Saturday, September 17th and lasting through October 3rd (although many choose to extend their festivities up until Halloween), the raucous celebration of Bavarian culture is just way too much fun to ignore. Which is why we’ve rounded up some of our favorite rowdy biergartens, as well as a few refined restaurant options, because few of us can subsist on Pilsner steins and sausages for a straight 17 days.
Hofbräu Bierhaus
A Big Apple outpost of Munich’s famous Hofbräuhaus, this Midtown beer garden is a true Oktoberfest mecca; expect a celebratory “Hat Night,” a parade, an “Adult Oktoberfest Coloring Party,” a “Kidtoberfest,” a pig roast, a wurst eating contest, and of course, dirndl-costumed beer girls tapping foamy Hofbräu kegs.
Read MoreGunter Seeger
For a high-end alternative to stein-hosting, oompah band-amplified Oktoberfest celebrations, try the trailblazing tasting menus at Gunter Seeger’s eponymous new restaurant instead; featuring Central European-accented delicacies like Chilled Mussel Veloute, Veal Tartare with trout roe, and Quail teamed with clay pot baked apple.
Read MoreLoreley Beer Garden
The largest heated outdoor biergarten in the city, Loreley is modeled after the beloved brauhaus’s of Cologne. Which means they dutifully observe every single day of Oktoberfest, with rotating seasonal beers, ceremonial keg tapping’s, brunch hangover parties, live bands, sausage fests, and even multi-course dinners, featuring a tasting of seven different beers and a three-course German meal.
Read MoreFreud
The Edi & the Wolf team has done it again; descending on the West Village with this classy Viennese brasserie serving Sourdough Spatzle with basil and broccoli rabe, Heritage Pig or Four Story Hill Farm Veal Schnitzel, and a Cherry Strudel or Sacher Torte, topped with an explosion of whipped cream.
Read MoreZum Stammtisch
It doesn’t get more authentic than this 1972-era restaurant, located in the traditionally German enclave of Glendale, Queens. You’ll want to loosen your lederhosen after a repast of Herring Salad, Goulash, Sauerbraten, Hunter Chicken, Liverwurst and Westphalian Ham Sandwiches, but be sure to stock up for the duration of Oktoberfest with various Bavarian provisions, sourced from the Stammtisch Pork Store & Imports shop, located right next door.
Read MoreWerkstatt
Formerly of BAM favorite Thomas Beisl, and now owner of the convivial, multi-room Werkstatt on Coney Island Avenue, Thomas Ferlesch is the poster child of Bavarian fare in Brooklyn. Particularly, he’s known for infusing classic dishes with contemporary (yet uncomplicated) panache; think Celery Root Schnitzel, Klobasse Sausage paired with calamari, and soft, outsized Pretzels dipped in housemade, paprika-dusted liptauer cheese.
Read MoreHallo Berlin
Boasting both a sit-down beer garden and series of food stands, this husband and wife-owned business concentrates on wurst. (That’s right. Wurst!) From the chicken-based “Skoda” to smoked “Opel” kielbasa and the “Porsche,” a Berliner currywurst comprised of beef and pork.
Read MoreUpholstery Store: Food and Wine
Yes, it’s situated in a former upholstery store. But Kurt Gutenbrunner’s intimate West Village restaurant specializes in seafood — such as Brook Trout with capers and sour cream and Oysters with pickled celery and cucumbers — followed by sweets, like Peach Compote Strudel and Elderflower Panna Cotta with streusel; not carpets and couches.
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