Dust off your Lederhosen, it’s Octoberfest! Beer and bratwurst are in the center of this jolly holiday, it’s time to celebrate everything German. As a German National, this is obviously a time that is close to my heart (and to my tummy). I consider myself a connoisseur and expert when it comes to bratwurst, so I feel now would be the time to tell you where to get some good ones.
Schaller’s Stube
This is one of the most authentic German places in town. Located on the Upper Eastside, right next to Schaller & Weber, the premier German deli of New York City, you find Schaller Stube. It’s a tiny little place with a tiny little bar and a tv, friendly servers and a short menu of beer and German delicacies that can be served over the counter. The bratwurst here comes with whatever you request off the menu, and it’s delicious. Fresh and authentic, served in a pretzel bun, it’s one of my favorites.
For more info on Schaller’s Stube click here
Heidelberg
Heidelberg is named after a city in south west Germany, Baden-Württemberg to be exact. It’s a very old town, that is more of a college town now, but however it’s a well known town, so it would make sense to name a Restaurant after this little city. The Heidelberg has been around for nearly 100 years, and people still flock to it for German grub. It is literally down the block from Schaller & Weber, this is Germantown after all. The Bratwurst here is also very authentic, served with mustard, sauerkraut and potato salad. Great beer choice here as well!
For more info on the Heidelberg click here
Zum Schneider
This is hands down my favorite German restaurant in Manhattan, the food is much like my family in Germany made it. While you don’t exactly expect a restaurant that serves German food, and looks like an old-fashioned “Kneipe” (yes, look that up) in Alphabet City, it does not take away from its charm and authenticity. The bratwurst here is top notch, served on a bun with fries, or with sauerkraut and potato salad. I love this place. Also look for big festivities during Octoberfest here!
For more info on Zum Schneider click here
Valhalla
Valhalla is not at all a German restaurant or bar, it’s “just” a bar in Hell’s Kitchen. However, they do serve a really, really good bratwurst here! It’s fried until is dark and the skin is a little broken and crispy, I totally loved it! It is served with French fries and a little bit of sauerkraut, and while you cannot get a German exerience here, it’s still a fun bar with friendly bartenders, and yes, a great sausage.
For more info on Valhalla click here
Bierhaus
It literally means house of beers. You can’t go wrong, They actually have a superb selection of German and European beers here, that keeps calling me back. This place is located on Third Avenue and 45th street, has a huge second floor beer hall with wooden benches and tables, and if you’re lucky, you score one of the seats on the balcony overlooking 3rd Avenue. So fun. When it comes to the bratwurst, they seem to boil it (like Weisswurst) as opposed to frying it, which is not very authentic. However the wurst is tasty and of good quality, so together with a good beer in a great atmosphere, it can be overlooked. Maybe ask them to throw it on the grill for you?
For more info on Bierhaus click here
