Where to Celebrate Oktoberfest 2017 in New York City
Originating in Germany, Oktoberfest is an annual festival typically spanning from September 16 through October 2. The customs and traditions of said celebration are pretty simple: drink a lot of beer. If you’re looking to get really spirited, all one needs to remember is this is a German festival with pretzels, sausage, lederhosen, polka, and again beer. Now that you know how to party, here are some great party plans and place to keep in mind for this year’s Oktoberfest.
Bierhaus NYC
If an establishment spells beer as “bier,” you’re in good territory for celebrating Oktoberfest, and Bierhouse NYC in Midtown is exactly that sort of place. This year, Bierhouse will be hosting a heck of an Oktoberfest bash featuring a whole pig roast, soft pretzels, sauerkraut for days, and specialty imported draft beer from Germany, which can be ordered two liters at a time. Events will be thrown throughout the entirety of Oktoberfest so you’re never to late or too early to get down (unless it’s November). (712 3rd Ave.; 212-867-2337)
Boasting the “largest heated outdoor beer garden in Manhattan’s Lower East Side,” Lorely is the place to bring the entire gang and drink them under the table. Intensely sought after German beers from some of the most respected German breweries of all time are available on draft and by the bottle, and pair perfectly with classic German cuisine but are most certainly delicious in their own right. (7 Rivington St.; 212-253-7077)
Bohemian Hall
Over in Astoria, this spacious German style hall will be throwing their own Oktoberfest celebration for a duration of three weekends long beginning September 22 and going right into October. The first weekend will feature a pig roast which simply can’t be missed and, of course, imported beer straight from Germany will be provided in abundance. (2919 24th Ave., Astoria; 718-274-4925)
From September 22 through the 30, Watermark Bar is hosting an Oktoberfest festival sure to make you feel like you’re there in Germany. Grab a one-liter stein for only $16 bucks and start chomping away at authentic German cuisine right by the East River. Reservation are not only taken but highly recommended as these tickets will fly especially since the event is free! (78 South St.; 212-742-8200)
Radegast Hall & Biergarten
As it turns out, one of the biggest and most authentic German beer halls outside of Germany itself is located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn and it goes by the name Radegast. This intensely spacious beer hall is loaded with so many imported brews from Germany even Germans are bewildered, let alone the sumptuous array of German style sausages, and live music performed on most nights of the week. This year for Oktoberfest, Radegast will have a pig roast, live polka bands, and a stein holding competition. (113 N 3rd St., Brooklyn; 718-963-3973)
Photo via Zum Schneider
