TopDogTours Guide to Oktoberfest in NYC

Did you know that NYC was once home to one of the biggest German communities in America?

In the 1800s “Little Germany” or “Kleindeutchland” stretched nearly 400 blocks of what is now called the Lower East Side and the East Village. It was home to nearly 500,000 people by the turn of the century. Today there are still some incredible German beer gardens, restaurants, and specialty stores here in NYC. What better time to visit them than during Oktoberfest? This annual tradition is based in Munich Germany but many American cities have all sorts of festivities for those who wish to have a great time and enjoy some beer along with German culture. Here are some of our favorite offerings this year.

Heidelberg Restaurant and Schaller and Weber – Yorkville/Upper East Side of Manhattan

The Heidelberg Restaurant is one of the oldest German family-run restaurants in America. Their menu includes all of the Oktoberfest classics like wiener schnitzel, and bratwurst but will also have many other dishes you won’t see on your typical touristy Oktoberfest menu. Consider splitting one of their large sausage platters with some Black Forest Ham or try their roast duck with potato dumplings and cabbage. Right next door you will also find one of the only German butcher shops in NYC. For the charcuterie fans- they have won 14 gold and 6 silver medals at the Welser Volksfest of Austria- apparently they are the only Americans to ever do so. They also have a walk up window for hotdogs, sausages, pretzels (and pretzel bites). Steps away from the 2nd Avenue subway on 86th st, this block is a reminder of NYC’s German past. You can learn more about them and their incredible stories below.

Oktober-fest New York at Watermark- Pier 15 Downtown Manhattan

There are a number of Oktoberfest options this year but one of our favorites is at the Watermark bar downtown. The general admission passes are free! There are also VIP reserved tables available. Sitting by the water is great in October, it usually is not too chilly in NYC this month but if it’s a little breezy don’t worry the beer will warm you right up! They will have half liter steins for $10 and full liter steins for $15 with lots of food and drink vendors to choose from as well as giant pretzels! They are keeping the party rolling until October 29th. Reserve tickets below.

Hike-tober fest- Van Cortland Park in the Bronx

Now for something a little more unique. How about going on a hike before chowing down and enjoying some beer? How about doing all that without leaving the 5 boroughs? On October 21st Hike-tober fest is offering several different ticket options for their Oktoberfest celebration. You can buy a hike-only or Oktoberfest-only ticket or the full package. There are few different hikes to choose from including a historical option as well as a family friendly hike. They also will have German food, beer, lawn games and more! Click the link to secure your tickets, they are likely to sell out!

Reichenbach Hall- Midtown Manhattan

Reichenbach Hall is fun any time of year but they always step it up for October. Right in the heart of Midtown they are a German beer hall featuring long wooden benches which encourages camaraderie. They have an exclusive brew for Oktberfest you won’t find anywhere else in the world and live polka bands will make you feel like you flew all the way to Munich to celebrate. Reichenbach Hall is smack between Herald Square and Bryant Park so you can’t beat the location. To the owners, this place isn’t just any beer hall, they describe it as a time machine. Visit and see for yourself!

Stone Street Oktoberfest Street Festival- Downtown Manhattan

Stone street is one of our favorite places in Downtown Manhattan. It was the first paved road in Manhattan, named for the Belgian bricks that line the street. The buildings are modeled after old Dutch style houses; you will feel like you have been transported back to New Amsterdam. The Oktoberfest Street Festival will have plenty of German food and beer but there will also be Mexican, American, and Greek food as well. The festival runs Saturdays until October 15th so hurry and check it out. Also consider taking the Historic Downtown and 9/11 Memorial Tour with TopDog to check out Stone street and lots of other amazing sites in lower Manhattan.