clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile
More Maps

The Best Spots to Dine in the Theater District

The Best Upper East Side Restaurants

The Giant Eater Map of New York City Slices

More in New York See more maps
Two costumed women hold a giant pretzel aloft.
Giant inflatable pretzel and views of Brooklyn at Watermark Beach.
Watermark Beach

10 Places to Celebrate Oktoberfest Around NYC

Frosty mugs of beer, giant pretzels, plates of wurst, and more

by Robert Sietsema
View as Map
Giant inflatable pretzel and views of Brooklyn at Watermark Beach.
| Watermark Beach
by Robert Sietsema

Contrary to its name, Oktoberfest starts in September, not October, starting at on Saturday, September 21 to Sunday, October 6 this year. Centered in Munich, this celebration of Bavarian culture began in 1810, and has been going full-blast every year since. Beer and food are important components, but so are sing-alongs, folkloric costumes, and the chicken dance, which you will want to perfect before you hit any of these places where Oktoberfest is celebrated in more or less traditional fashion.

Read More
Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

Heidelberg

Copy Link

Located in what was once the Upper East Side German neighborhood of Yorkville, the Heidelberg was taken over by the present owners in 1964, but is likely much older. The downstairs has more of a beer garden feel, while the upstairs is a sit-down restaurant, and both serve a classic Teutonic menu of wursts, schnitzels, sauerbraten, goulash, pork shanks, and much more. German beers available by the bottle and on tap.

1648 2nd Avenue, Manhattan, NY 10028
(212) 628-2332
(212) 628-2332
A stuccoed restaurant with tudor wood trim on the front and tables with checked tablecloths on the sidewalk.
The Heidelberg is one of the city’s oldest German restaurants.
Robert Sietsema/Eater NY

Also featured in:

Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden

Copy Link

This outdoor beer garden deep in Astoria was created in 1910 by a group of Bohemians from a region that now lies in the Czech Republic. Under the old trees and behind the stone wall, Oktoberfest starts early here, commencing on Friday, September 13 and running every weekend through the end of September. Live music, German food, and tap beers in big glass mugs are featured.

2919 24th Ave (btwn 29th & 31st St), Astoria, NY 11102
(718) 274-4925
(718) 274-4925
Big wooden gates with beer steins on top.
Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden
Robert Sietsema/Eater NY

Also featured in:

Hofbräu Bierhaus NYC

Copy Link

Oktoberfest was first celebrated at Munich’s internationally famous Hofbrau Bierhaus in 1810, and we are damn lucky to have a branch here in New York City just east of Grand Central. You won’t find a long list of German and American brews, but only those made by Hofbrau Bierhaus; The whole point of the place is to sell its own beer. At peak times this place is crowded and noisy, and seating is at big communal tables, but the beer and food are great, served by costumed employees.

712 Third Avenue, New York, New York 10017
(212) 867-2337
(212) 867-2337
Deep fried orbs on a plate with mayo in a cup in the middle.
Sauerkraut balls at Hofbrau Bierhaus
Robert Sietsema/Eater NY

Also featured in:

Dickson's Farmstand Meats

Copy Link

For connoisseurs of Oktoberfest fare, Dickson’s — the butcher in Chelsea Market — is throwing a one-day celebration in its basement bistro that runs from 8 p.m. till midnight on Friday, September 27. Six local brewers will be represented, delivering their takes on the holiday’s celebratory suds. Notably good sausages and meat products of the butcher will be available. There will be a brass band followed by a German disco. Reservations here.

75 Ninth Avenue, New York, New York 10011
(212) 242-2630
(212) 242-2630
Dickson’s Farmstand Meats hot dog
Dickson’s makes their own spectacular frankfurters, the city’s quintessential gnosh.
Robert Sietsema/Eater NY

Also featured in:

The Williamsburg Hotel

Copy Link

Arlo’s Williamsburg Hotel offers what may be the most dramatic setting for an Oktoberfest celebration. Its rooftop bar is hosting an event on Saturday, September 21 from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., promising Oktoberfest food, lawn games, and guest DJs — though the admission price includes only that; food and drink are separate.

96 Wythe Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11249
(718) 362-8100
(718) 362-8100
A thronged rooftop with views of Manhattan.
The Arlo Williamsburg hotel rooftop will be the setting for an Oktoberfest party.
Williamsburg Hotel

Also featured in:

Loreley Restaurant & Biergarten

Copy Link

Founded in 2003, and taking its inspiration from Cologne rather than Munich, Loreley claims to be the largest heated outdoor beer garden in the city. Food includes freshly baked giant pretzels studded with rock salt and a sausage platter more extensive than most. There’s a selection of eight or nine German drafts, including Hofbrau Oktoberfest and the restaurant’s own Oktoberfest.

7 Rivington Street, New York, New York 10002
(212) 253-7077
(212) 253-7077
Picnic tables and overhead heaters are arranged in the backyard of a Manhattan bar.
A view of the heated beer garden.
Loreley Beer Garden

Also featured in:

Radegast Hall & Beer Garden

Copy Link

Though perhaps more Czech than German, no place better captures the Oktoberfest spirit than Williamsburg’s massive Radegast Hall and Beer Garden. Experience the whole enchilada on three successive Saturdays beginning at 3 p.m. and extending late into the evening: September 21, September 28, and October 5. There will be such arcana as mug holding competitions, oompah bands, keg breechings, and the wearing of Tyrolean hats and scratchy leather lederhosen. DJ dance party starts at 9 p.m.

113 N. Third Street, Brooklyn, NY 11249
(718) 963-3973
(718) 963-3973
A room with two jammed rows of tables.
One of two large halls at Radegast.
Robert Sietsema/Eater NY

Watermark Beach

Copy Link

Back in Munich, Oktoberfest is generally celebrated outdoors under big tents, and this events facility south of the Seaport provides ample outdoor space — accommodating as many as 1200 — with spectacular views of the bridges and Brooklyn across the East River. Grilled bratwurst and lobster rolls are served, along with a robust beer selection. Register in advance to secure a place.

78 South Street (Pier 15), New York, NY 10038
(212) 742-8200
(212) 742-8200
A crowded scene with customers holding up steins of beer.
For a strictly outdoor celebration, check out Watermark Beach on the East River.
Watermark Beach Oktoberfest

Also featured in:

Zum Stammtisch

Copy Link

After Yorkville gradually was emptied of its German population, the next destination was Middle Queens neighborhoods like Glendale, Middle Village, and Ridgewood. Zum Stammtisch was founded in 1972 by three Bavarian partners. Inside, it’s made to look like a forest cottage. The menu is slightly more modern than places like Heidelberg, and head cheese and goulash soup are staples. You will likely hear German spoken here.

6946 Myrtle Avenue, Glendale, NY 11385
(718) 386-3014
(718) 386-3014
A high ceilinged, stuccoed room with customers sitting at wooden tables.
The interior resembles a Bavarian cottage.
Robert Sietsema/Eater NY

Also featured in:

Killmeyer's Old Bavaria Inn

Copy Link

The German beer list, both tap and bottled, is unparalleled at this ancient German tavern in the back country of Staten Island. Anytime during Oktoberfest would be a great time to go and enjoy its wursten, sauerbraten, and multiple schnitzels. But on Saturday, October 12, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., is a special celebration with a band, and outdoor bar, grilled brats, etc.

4254 Arthur Kill Road, Staten Island, New York 10309
(718) 984-1202
(718) 984-1202
A moose head hangs on the wall of this old German taproom.
The antique interior of Killmeyer’s, founded in 1859.
Robert Sietsema/Eater NY

More in Maps

© 2024 Vox Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
Link copied to the clipboard.

Heidelberg

1648 2nd Avenue, Manhattan, NY 10028

Located in what was once the Upper East Side German neighborhood of Yorkville, the Heidelberg was taken over by the present owners in 1964, but is likely much older. The downstairs has more of a beer garden feel, while the upstairs is a sit-down restaurant, and both serve a classic Teutonic menu of wursts, schnitzels, sauerbraten, goulash, pork shanks, and much more. German beers available by the bottle and on tap.

1648 2nd Avenue, Manhattan, NY 10028
(212) 628-2332
(212) 628-2332
A stuccoed restaurant with tudor wood trim on the front and tables with checked tablecloths on the sidewalk.
The Heidelberg is one of the city’s oldest German restaurants.
Robert Sietsema/Eater NY

Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden

2919 24th Ave (btwn 29th & 31st St), Astoria, NY 11102

This outdoor beer garden deep in Astoria was created in 1910 by a group of Bohemians from a region that now lies in the Czech Republic. Under the old trees and behind the stone wall, Oktoberfest starts early here, commencing on Friday, September 13 and running every weekend through the end of September. Live music, German food, and tap beers in big glass mugs are featured.

2919 24th Ave (btwn 29th & 31st St), Astoria, NY 11102
(718) 274-4925
(718) 274-4925
Big wooden gates with beer steins on top.
Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden
Robert Sietsema/Eater NY

Hofbräu Bierhaus NYC

712 Third Avenue, New York, New York 10017

Oktoberfest was first celebrated at Munich’s internationally famous Hofbrau Bierhaus in 1810, and we are damn lucky to have a branch here in New York City just east of Grand Central. You won’t find a long list of German and American brews, but only those made by Hofbrau Bierhaus; The whole point of the place is to sell its own beer. At peak times this place is crowded and noisy, and seating is at big communal tables, but the beer and food are great, served by costumed employees.

712 Third Avenue, New York, New York 10017
(212) 867-2337
(212) 867-2337
Deep fried orbs on a plate with mayo in a cup in the middle.
Sauerkraut balls at Hofbrau Bierhaus
Robert Sietsema/Eater NY

Dickson's Farmstand Meats

75 Ninth Avenue, New York, New York 10011

For connoisseurs of Oktoberfest fare, Dickson’s — the butcher in Chelsea Market — is throwing a one-day celebration in its basement bistro that runs from 8 p.m. till midnight on Friday, September 27. Six local brewers will be represented, delivering their takes on the holiday’s celebratory suds. Notably good sausages and meat products of the butcher will be available. There will be a brass band followed by a German disco. Reservations here.

75 Ninth Avenue, New York, New York 10011
(212) 242-2630
(212) 242-2630
Dickson’s Farmstand Meats hot dog
Dickson’s makes their own spectacular frankfurters, the city’s quintessential gnosh.
Robert Sietsema/Eater NY

The Williamsburg Hotel

96 Wythe Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11249

Arlo’s Williamsburg Hotel offers what may be the most dramatic setting for an Oktoberfest celebration. Its rooftop bar is hosting an event on Saturday, September 21 from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., promising Oktoberfest food, lawn games, and guest DJs — though the admission price includes only that; food and drink are separate.

96 Wythe Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11249
(718) 362-8100
(718) 362-8100
A thronged rooftop with views of Manhattan.
The Arlo Williamsburg hotel rooftop will be the setting for an Oktoberfest party.
Williamsburg Hotel

Loreley Restaurant & Biergarten

7 Rivington Street, New York, New York 10002

Founded in 2003, and taking its inspiration from Cologne rather than Munich, Loreley claims to be the largest heated outdoor beer garden in the city. Food includes freshly baked giant pretzels studded with rock salt and a sausage platter more extensive than most. There’s a selection of eight or nine German drafts, including Hofbrau Oktoberfest and the restaurant’s own Oktoberfest.

7 Rivington Street, New York, New York 10002
(212) 253-7077
(212) 253-7077
Picnic tables and overhead heaters are arranged in the backyard of a Manhattan bar.
A view of the heated beer garden.
Loreley Beer Garden

Radegast Hall & Beer Garden

113 N. Third Street, Brooklyn, NY 11249

Though perhaps more Czech than German, no place better captures the Oktoberfest spirit than Williamsburg’s massive Radegast Hall and Beer Garden. Experience the whole enchilada on three successive Saturdays beginning at 3 p.m. and extending late into the evening: September 21, September 28, and October 5. There will be such arcana as mug holding competitions, oompah bands, keg breechings, and the wearing of Tyrolean hats and scratchy leather lederhosen. DJ dance party starts at 9 p.m.

113 N. Third Street, Brooklyn, NY 11249
(718) 963-3973
(718) 963-3973
A room with two jammed rows of tables.
One of two large halls at Radegast.
Robert Sietsema/Eater NY

Watermark Beach

78 South Street (Pier 15), New York, NY 10038

Back in Munich, Oktoberfest is generally celebrated outdoors under big tents, and this events facility south of the Seaport provides ample outdoor space — accommodating as many as 1200 — with spectacular views of the bridges and Brooklyn across the East River. Grilled bratwurst and lobster rolls are served, along with a robust beer selection. Register in advance to secure a place.

78 South Street (Pier 15), New York, NY 10038
(212) 742-8200
(212) 742-8200
A crowded scene with customers holding up steins of beer.
For a strictly outdoor celebration, check out Watermark Beach on the East River.
Watermark Beach Oktoberfest

Zum Stammtisch

6946 Myrtle Avenue, Glendale, NY 11385

After Yorkville gradually was emptied of its German population, the next destination was Middle Queens neighborhoods like Glendale, Middle Village, and Ridgewood. Zum Stammtisch was founded in 1972 by three Bavarian partners. Inside, it’s made to look like a forest cottage. The menu is slightly more modern than places like Heidelberg, and head cheese and goulash soup are staples. You will likely hear German spoken here.

6946 Myrtle Avenue, Glendale, NY 11385
(718) 386-3014
(718) 386-3014
A high ceilinged, stuccoed room with customers sitting at wooden tables.
The interior resembles a Bavarian cottage.
Robert Sietsema/Eater NY

Killmeyer's Old Bavaria Inn

4254 Arthur Kill Road, Staten Island, New York 10309

The German beer list, both tap and bottled, is unparalleled at this ancient German tavern in the back country of Staten Island. Anytime during Oktoberfest would be a great time to go and enjoy its wursten, sauerbraten, and multiple schnitzels. But on Saturday, October 12, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., is a special celebration with a band, and outdoor bar, grilled brats, etc.

4254 Arthur Kill Road, Staten Island, New York 10309
(718) 984-1202
(718) 984-1202
A moose head hangs on the wall of this old German taproom.
The antique interior of Killmeyer’s, founded in 1859.
Robert Sietsema/Eater NY

Related Maps