Oktoberfest In NYC: Best Places To Celebrate
Can't make it to Munich for Oktoberfest? No problem. Here are six ways you can celebrate like a German. By Carly Petrone.
Munich on the East River
Zum Schneider Oktoberfest Tent
24-20 FDR Drive Service Road East
New York, NY
More: NYC Fall Festival Guide 2016
Raise up your Masskrugen (liter steins) because Munich on the East River is back to celebrate Oktoberfest 2016. Zum Schnedier hosts this annual event along the water with fully decked-out traditional tents, an Oompah band stage, and plenty of bites to help soak up all that beer. Sip on a variety of Oktoberfest brews on tap including HB Traunstein Festbier, Andechs Festvier, Paulaner Marzen, and Paulaner Wiesn. Nosh on Wiesn-Hendl and Haxn (Oktoberfest roast chicken and pork shank) or snack on roasted almonds, gingerbread hearts, giant Brezn, cotton candy and more at one of the many stands outside. There will also be strongman competitions, games, a photo booth and a carousel to help you get in the festive spirit. So whip out your Dirndl and lederhosen and start dancing because this party isn't stopping (well, technically it is at 10 p.m. but you'll have to check the website for the complete schedule). Prost!
The Standard Biergarten
848 Washington St.
New York, NY"
Phone: 212-645-4100
More: Best Beer Gardens In NYC
If you'd like to have your own Oktoberfest then head over to The Standard Biergarten. Reserve one of their stammtistch tables between 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. for a very special celebratory meal. Enjoy a meat (a whole roasted chicken, bratwurst, pork belly, sauerkraut, and scallop potatoes) or a fish platter (whole roasted trout, roasted fall vegetables, market greens) as well as traditional pretzels and apple strudel. Each table seats 8-16 people and costs $60/person for beer, $150/platter. Stick around until 10 p.m. to try out your hot dog eating skills at their first annual Sausage Swallow! Four contestants at a time will compete to see who can eat their sausage first to win a prize. Reserve your spot for dinner here. This deal lasts until October 3.
Zeppelin Hall
88 Liberty View Dr.
Jersey City, NJ
Phone: 201-721-8888
Make your way to Jersey City and celebrate Oktoberfest at Zeppelin Hall. This large biergarten will be partying it up every Friday and Saturday night from September 25 – October 24. Listen to live German music, nosh on Bavarian culinary specialties, take part in contests and giveaways, and definitely grab a pint from over 50 different beers on tap. Feel free to wear your Bavarian best and grab a seat at the outdoor picnic tables while the weather is still nice.
Paulaner Brewery
265 Bowery
New York, NY
Phone: 212-780-0300
More: Fall Food Festivals, Culinary Events In NYC
Paulaner Brewery has officially tapped its kegs for Oktoberfest. This place knows a thing or two about serving up traditional Bavarian beer – they're one of only six breweries officially pouring beer at the Oktoberfest in Munich. Grab a seat a communal table inside this lofty space and try out Chef Daniel Kill's specialties that include everything from a mini meatloaf with potato-cucumber salad and a whole roasted duck with pretzel dumplings. Wash it all down with their Oktoberfest Marzen, a 6% ABV brew that is bottom-fermented with a full body and a hint of malty sweetness – perfect for fall. Make sure to stop in through October 9 to party like a true German.
Oktoberfest Night at Citi Field
Citi Field
123-01 Roosevelt Ave.
Flushing, NY
More: Best Eats At Citi Field
Heading to a Mets game? Get your tickets to the Phillies game on September 23 and arrive early to enjoy a pre-game Oktoberfest party from 5:40 p.m. – 7:10 p.m. Party at Bullpen Plaza and sip your favorite beer in a Limited Edition Mets Oktoberfest Beer Stein. Sit with friends and family and cheers to a great game day with themed music. You'll certainly be in good spirits by the time the first pitch is thrown. Tickets are $55 and can be reserved here.
Pilsener Haus Biergarten
1422 Grand St.
Hoboken, NJ
Phone: 201-683-5465
Take a ride out to Hoboken and enjoy brunching the Oktoberfest way. Pilsener Haus Biergarten will be serving up their famous Austro-Hungarian brunch (hello Gebackne Champignons and Wiener Schnitzel) from 12 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Stick around to hear the live polka bands that will be playing at 8 p.m. every weekend through October 22. And definitely don't miss out on their happy hour deals until 7 p.m. – you can enjoy a bier and brat for just $10. If you can't actually be in Munich, this turn-of-the-century bier hall will do just fine.
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Carly Petrone is the founder of Petrone on the Rocks, a lifestyle site about food, drinks, beauty, travel, and more. She lives in New York City.
