German Beer In Nyc: Where To Buy

If you're looking for German beer in NYC, you're in luck! The city is home to a variety of German restaurants, beer halls, and bakeries that serve up cold steins of German beer. From the Bavarian-style beer hall Bierhaus NYC, located just two blocks from Grand Central, to the 83-year-old restaurant Heidelberg in Yorkville, there are plenty of places to choose from. Other notable spots include Max Bratwurst und Bier in Queens, Pilsener Haus & Biergarten in Hoboken, and Hofbräu Bierhaus NYC, a branch of Munich's famous 400-year-old Hofbräuhaus. In addition to these establishments, there are also several Belgian beer bars in Manhattan, such as Vol de Nuit and Burp Castle, that may offer German beers.

German beer halls in NYC

If you're looking for German beer halls in NYC, there are plenty to choose from. Here are some options to get you started:

Reichenbach Hall

Owned by Willy Reichenbach and his family of German émigrés, Reichenbach Hall is a Midtown beer hall with communal tables, making it a convenient spot for after-work get-togethers. It offers extra-large pretzels, chicken wings, and a range of wursts, including a vegan variety. They have 14 German beers on tap, mainly in the lager or pilsner style, served in one- and two-litre mugs. You can also watch sports events on their multiple big-screen TVs.

Loreley Beer Garden

Loreley is the first of its kind in New York City, having opened in 2003. Modelled after the "Brauhaus" in Cologne, it is the largest heated outdoor beer garden in Manhattan's Lower East Side. It offers 12 imported German-inspired beers on tap, including local collaborations, as well as a full liquor bar. The menu features German favourites like schnitzel, as well as an international roster of dishes like tacos, hamburgers, and a kale Caesar salad.

Radegast Hall & Biergarten

Brooklyn's first authentic biergarten in the new era, Radegast Hall has live music five days a week and an exclusive draft beer menu. They also offer a variety of food beyond the typical beer hall fare.

Bierhaus NYC

A Bavarian-style beer hall just two blocks from Grand Central, Bierhaus NYC serves authentic German cuisine and beer by the boot. Live music and steins of crisp Hofbräu bier will transport you to the tents of Oktoberfest in Munich.

Heidelberg

An 83-year-old restaurant in Yorkville, Heidelberg is a relic of when the neighbourhood was known as Germantown. Drink beer from a glass stein shaped like a boot and enjoy dishes like liver dumplings, pickled beef tongue, jaeger spätzle, and schweinshaxe.

German beer gardens in NYC

If you're looking for German beer gardens in NYC, you're in luck! The city has a lot of options to choose from, especially in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Here are some spots to check out:

Loreley Beer Garden

Located on Rivington Street in the Lower East Side, Loreley is the first of its kind in New York City. Modelled after a "Brauhaus" in Cologne, Germany, it boasts 12 imported German beers on tap and a heated outdoor beer garden. It's the perfect spot to enjoy German beers and food, including elevated bar bites and German favourites.

The Standard Biergarten

Tucked under the trestles of the High Line in the Meatpacking District, The Standard Biergarten is a bustling, street-level beer garden serving traditional German fare. Enjoy sausages, pretzels, and beer, along with games of ping-pong, in a cosy, open-air setting during the summer and a heated chalet in the winter.

Radegast Hall and Biergarten

This German-Czech beer hall in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, is a beloved drinking institution. Radegast Hall and Biergarten offers a spacious, unfussy atmosphere, a wide selection of tap and bottled beers, and a menu featuring burgers, bratwurst, Hungarian goulash, and more.

Reichenbach Hall

Conveniently located in Midtown Manhattan, Reichenbach Hall is a German beer hall owned by Willy Reichenbach and his family of German emigrants. The space features communal tables and offers 14 German beers on tap, served in one- and two-liter mugs. The menu includes extra-large pretzels, chicken wings, and various wursts, including a vegan option.

Black Forest Brooklyn

Owned by a German couple who met in the Black Forest, Black Forest Brooklyn is a biergarten and kaffeehouse in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. Their specialty is flammkuchen, a German pizza originating from the French-German border. The menu also includes burgers, sausages, and an unexpected jerk chicken dish.

Bierhaus NYC

Located just two blocks from Grand Central in Midtown Manhattan, Bierhaus NYC is a Bavarian-style beer hall that brings the spirit of Oktoberfest to New York. They serve authentic German cuisine and beers, including the crisp Hofbräu bier, and feature live music.

German restaurants in NYC

If you're looking for German restaurants in NYC, you're in luck! There are several options to choose from, each offering a unique dining experience.

One notable establishment is Heidelberg Restaurant, located in Yorkville on the Upper East Side. Heidelberg is one of the oldest family-run German restaurants in the United States, dating back over a century. The restaurant preserves the recipes and atmosphere of the past, with a bar and interior that capture the magic of old Germantown. Their menu features traditional German dishes such as liver dumplings, pickled beef tongue, and jaeger spätzle.

Another popular choice is Rolf's German Restaurant, located near Gramercy Park. Rolf's is known for its festive atmosphere, adorned with Christmas lights, ornaments, and other holiday decorations year-round. They specialize in Southern German and Bavarian cuisine, offering dishes like Wiener Schnitzel, Sauerbraten, potato pancakes, and apple strudel. Their bar features a wide selection of imported German beers and holiday cocktails.

For those in Midtown Manhattan, Bierhaus NYC is a Bavarian-style beer hall just two blocks from Grand Central. They offer authentic German cuisine and a variety of beers, including the famous Hofbräu bier. Live music and steins of crisp beer will transport you to the tents of Oktoberfest in Munich.

Other notable German restaurants in NYC include Zum Stammtisch Restaurant, Radegast Hall & Biergarten, Loreley Beer Garden, and Max Bratwurst Und Bier. Each of these establishments offers its own unique take on German cuisine and culture, ensuring that you'll have a memorable dining experience.

Whether you're craving schnitzel, sausage, or just a cold glass of German beer, these restaurants will surely satisfy your cravings and provide a delightful taste of Germany in the heart of New York City.

German bakeries in NYC

If you're looking for German bakeries in NYC, there are a few options to consider. However, it's worth noting that due to the decreasing support of German businesses during World War I and World War II, the options are quite limited. Here are some suggestions:

Rudy's Bakery and Cafe

Rudy's Bakery and Cafe is an old-school German bakery located in Ridgewood, Queens. The bakery was established in 1934 and has a long history of serving traditional German confections. They offer a variety of German treats such as apple strudel, Linzer tarts, Black Forest cake, and bienenstich (cream-filled "bee-sting cake" topped with caramelized almonds). The bakery is highly regarded by customers, who commend their delicious German pastries and cakes.

Glaser's Bake Shop

Glaser's Bake Shop was a 116-year-old German bakery located on First Avenue and 87th Street. It was co-owned by head baker Herb Glaser, who could be found busy icing birthday cakes, glazing black-and-white cookies, and greeting customers with a friendly wave. They offered a range of cookies, Danishes, brownies, sticky buns, and their famous "bunny bread," a rabbit-shaped coffee cake with a coloured egg baked into it. Unfortunately, this bakery has closed down.

Old German Bakery

The Old German Bakery is located in Hoboken, just across the river from NYC. They are known for their delicious bread and cheeses, comparable to those found in France. While not in NYC itself, this bakery is still a viable option for those willing to make a short trip across the river.

Bakeri in Brooklyn

Although not exclusively German, Bakeri in Brooklyn is a Scandinavian bakery that may be worth considering. They might be open to special requests and could potentially accommodate German dessert options.

Zum Stammtisch Pork Store

While not a bakery itself, Zum Stammtisch Pork Store is mentioned as a potential source for German cake options. They might be able to point you in the right direction or offer suggestions for German bakeries or desserts in the area.

It's worth noting that some German desserts and cakes may be available at non-German bakeries, especially smaller bakeries in Brooklyn and Queens that take custom orders. Additionally, German restaurants like Heidelberg and butcher shops like Schaller & Weber are still operating in NYC and may be able to provide German food items or offer further recommendations.

German beer in NYC supermarkets

German beer is a beloved beverage in New York City, with a long history dating back to the late 19th century when Germans were the dominant immigrant group. While the food and drink landscape has evolved, German beer and its influence are still evident in many neighbourhoods and supermarkets across the city.

For those looking to buy German beer in NYC supermarkets, there are several options to choose from. Total Wine & More, a specialty beverage retailer, offers a wide selection of German beers, including popular brands such as Paulaner, Weihenstephaner, Spaten, and Ayinger. Their website provides an easy way to browse and purchase German beers online, with options for pick-up or delivery.

In addition to Total Wine & More, other specialty beverage stores in NYC may carry German beers. These stores often have knowledgeable staff who can guide you in selecting the perfect German brew. Some potential options include Astor Wines & Spirits, Union Square Wines, and Flatiron Wines & Spirits.

For a more general shopping experience, grocery store chains such as Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, and Eataly may also carry German beers. These stores typically have a diverse beer selection, including international options. However, the availability of specific German beers may vary by location, so it is worth calling ahead to check if they stock the brand you are looking for.

Lastly, for those looking for a unique German beer experience, there are several German restaurants and beer gardens in NYC that offer an immersive cultural experience. These establishments, such as Bierhaus NYC, Heidelberg, and Loreley Beer Garden, often carry a variety of German beers to pair with their authentic cuisine.

Whether you're looking for a convenient supermarket purchase or a more immersive German cultural experience, NYC has plenty of options to explore and enjoy the delights of German beer.

Frequently asked questions