Photo via clintonhallny.com
While some of us may be suffering through post-summer depression, it’s important to remind ourselves of all the wonderful things that come with the new season. Colorful leaves, cozy sweaters, no more A/Cs, apple picking—there is plenty to look forward to when it comes to fall, including: Oktoberfest.
September 20 marks the official kick-off of Oktoberfest 2014, and so this weekend it’s all about the beer. In preparation, we’ve rounded up our top 10 favorite watering holes best for your Oktoberfest celebrations.
And remember, whether you have a pint, a liter, or a couple of pitchers, you’ll always have a safe ride home with Uber. Have a great weekend. Prost!
1. Standard Beer Garden | Meatpacking District
Photo via standardhotels.com
Grab beers and German grub at the hotel’s side beer garden. Afterwards, take a tipsy stroll along The High Line to check out this weekend’s grand opening of the long-awaited third portion up by 34th Street.
2. Black Forest Brooklyn | Fort Greene
Photo via brokelyn.com
On Saturday, this Brooklyn indoor beer garden will kick off Oktoberfest with an official keg tapping ceremony at 7pm. There will be a mug-holding contest, food and drink specials, and live music featuring some traditional Bavarian brass. More info here.
3. Clinton Hall | Financial District
Photo via gothamist.com
This indoor-outdoor beer hall is tucked away in Lower Manhattan’s FiDi. While their official Oktoberfest ceremony is on September 30, you can still celebrate this weekend over some German brews, pretzels, and bratwursts.
4. Greenwood Park | Greenwood
Photo via urbanedgeny.com
Games, indoor fireplace, outdoor patio, BYO Vinyl nights, pig roasts, and plenty of beer—this gas station-turned-beer garden has it all.
5. McSorley’s Old Ale House | East Village
Photo via mcsorleysnewyork.com
If you rather an old-school New York vibe over the traditional Oktoberfest scene, there’s nothing wrong with paying tribute to the German holiday over beers at the historic McSorley’s Old Ale House.
6. Blocktoberfest | Brooklyn
Photo via ediblemanhattan.com
The streets will be closed off on Waverly Ave between Atlantic and Fulton in Brooklyn on Saturday for the NYC Brewers Guild’s “Blocktoferfest” event. Hosted in cahoots with Jimmy’s No. 43, the daylong festival will feature a pop-up indoor-outdoor beer garden with music, games, food trucks, and yes, lots of beer.
7. The Garden at Bohemian Hall | Astoria
Photo via nycgo.com
As one of the largest outdoor beer gardens in the city, Bohemian Hall evokes a somewhat more traditional Munich-style feel than others.
8. Radegast Hall & Biergarten | Williamsburg
Photo via nycgo.com
Head to Radegast on Saturday for their big Oktoberfest celebration featuring live music, a pig roast, and official keg tapping. The festivities begin at 1pm.
9. Cooper’s Craft & Kitchen | East Village
Photo via coopersnyc.com
Another favorite hangout of ours is Cooper’s Craft & Kitchen. While it’s not exactly a German beer garden, it’s a solid go-to spot to enjoy a great beer selection with buds.
10. Paulaner | Bowery
Photo via paulanernyc.com
Paulaner’s Oktoberfest party starts at 6pm this Saturday with games, menu specials, and live music. The festivities continue throughout the month with a number of events so if you can’t make it this weekend, you have plenty of time.