It’s that one time of the year that even the most die hard whiskey lovers become beer drinkers, and we all let a little German out of us. So raise your glasses and get ready for some hammerschlagen, it’s Oktoberfest.
We’ve compiled a list of all our favorite Oktoberfest spots in NYC that will have German beer flowing, pretzels and sausage ready to munch, and a great crowd to celebrate with. Prost!
We recommend kicking off your Oktoberfest with Munich on the East River starting Friday, October 3rd and running through the 12th. Choose between general admission ($25) or VIP ($100) tickets and get a hearty piece of Germany right here in Manhattan. Enjoy classic stein mugs of German beer and live music in NYC’s original Oktoberfest tent.
Visit the Zum Schneider Oktoberfest website for details on each day of the festivities.
Oktoberfest Tent
East River @ East 23rd Street
Our next stop is the Houston Hall beer gardens, where you’re in the door for $20, which includes 2 steins of beer, a pretzel necklace to nibble on, and some great tunes to encourage the drinking. Head to the West Village Saturday, October 4th at noon and party ’til your lederhosen falls off. Get your tickets in advance to secure your spot at the partei.
Houston Hall
22 W Houston @ Varick Street
What better place to celebrate a German drinking festival, than a place that celebrates it year round? You can find us slamming drinks and playing ping-pong at The Standard Biergarten until Oktoberfest concludes (and probably after). Filled with the beautiful people of NYC who love to have a great time, The Standard is always a good choice. If you happen to miss out on this year’s Oktoberfest celebrations, check out Not Your Standard Bingo Night on Sunday evenings… it’s definitely not your standard bingo night.
The Standard High Line
848 Washington Street
Are you a Brooklyn resident who wants an easy stumble home? We’ve got you covered too. Check out Spritzenhaus 33 for a great selection of beers (including German favorites, of course) and a German inspired food menu. Stroll through anytime during Oktoberfest, or any Saturday you want a flightless vacation to Germany.
Spritzenhaus 33
33 Nassau Ave.
Brooklyn, NY
Round out this shit-show of a holiday at none other than Long Island City’s own 30,000 square foot indoor/outdoor beer garden on Sunday, October 19th . Join host Andrew Zimmern as The Village Voice and Jägermeister team up to throw the second annual Oktoberfest at this massive German get together. Enjoy tons of beer, brats, and beautiful women as you drink until you think you speak German. This is the one Oktoberfest bash you definitely don’t want to miss.
Studio Square Beer Gardens
35-33 36th St.
(between 35th and 36th Avenues)
Queens, NY