When one thinks of German-American culture, perhaps the last place that comes to mind is Miami, and for a foodie, trying to find a good German eatery, delicatessen, or bakery in Miami can be like trying to find an English-speaker in Little Havana. While sourcing good German sausages or baked goods might be a no-brainer in other places like the Midwest or Pennsylvania, it can be a daunting task in a city where chorizo, in its various incarnations, is the sausage of choice and the pastelito reigns supreme. Nevertheless, Miami does love its celebrations no matter what culture they pertain to, especially if they involved drinking, and every year many of the German-esque bars and eateries in the 305 do their best to recreate an authentic German Oktoberfest experience. While many of Miami’s Oktoberfest celebrations can be a lot of fun for the beer-swilling crowd, many celebrations can seem identical to Saint Patrick’s Day events - just swap out the green for blue and white, and add a lot of sausage. For a lover of good food, or just someone who craves authenticity, Oktoberfest in Miami has usually been a disappointment until Brickell Bier Garden brought Miami a true taste of Germany this past weekend.
We all love any holiday that gives us an excuse to eat well, drink heavily, and abandon ourselves to debauchery. While Cinco de Mayo is the time for scarfing down tacos and taking shots of tequila, and we all become just a little bit Irish during St. Patrick’s Day, October is the time of year when everyone embraces the German traditions of good beer, nourishing food, and all-around merry making that are Oktoberfest.
This weekend, the heart of Miami gets ready to become very German as the historic Miami Circle is converted into the Brickell Bier Garden. From Friday, October 5th, to Sunday, October 7th, the historic site marking the birthplace of our Magic City will be transformed into a traditional Bavarian biergarten complete with German beers, foods, music, and games.
High Altitude Oktoberfest: 230 Fifth is bringing Oktoberfest to a whole new level. From Sept. 22 until Oct. 7th, five German beers and two Germanic gastronomic classics will be added to the menu at the well-known rooftop lounge. Brews will sell for $6/bottle, $8/half liter, and $16/liter and German eats such as giant pretzels and bratwurst will go for $9. On Sept. 29th, from 12-6pm, make sure to drop by to start dancing up a storm along with Bavarian oompah music, play Teutonic inspired games and prizes, and gaze upon plenty of Fall decor.
Extended Sambahour: Both Sushisamba locations in the city are extending their immensely popular 'happy hour' from Sunday through Friday. Fan favorites such as the Classic Mojito and Yellowtail Tiradito will now be available for just $6 from 4-7pm and 11pm-close. If this isn't a deal to die for, I don't know what is!
With so many options out there it can be hard to pick just one thing to do in NYC. Luckily for you, we've narrowed it down to some awesome upcoming events and specials that you should not miss!
Gotham Burlesque is at it again...this time with special guest star Dirty Martini. September 1st at 10pm brings you the spiciest Labor Day Weekend around with New York's sexiest show. Headliner Angie Pontani is sure to bring the house down with her sultry moves, along with fellow dancers Peekaboo Point, Bettina May, Nasty Canasta, Medianoche, Pinkie Special, and Albert Cadabra. The show will be hosted by *Bob*, with special appearance by Dangrrr Doll. Head to The Triad for a night to remember. Ticket prices range from $35-$45 and can be purchased here.
Let's face it -- weddings are for parents. Receptions, with their buffet meals and tired DJs, might as well be for grandparents. The real party lies a few days before, as best men and bridesmaids try to show their besties one more wild night before they get hitched.
But as anyone who has ever thrown a stag party (or "hen party," as bachelorettes are called across the pond) knows, debauchery takes planning. No one likes being forced to make decisions late in the evening, and if you're doing it right, no one will be able to. Luckily for the faint of heart, we've assembled some tips for those who dare to go above and beyond for their soon-to-be-newlywed friends.
It's cold out.
It's going to be ok.
Bundle up and head over to Trophy Bar in Williamsburg tonight where they'll be kicking off Oktoberfest with a celebration that begins at 7pm. Grub Street leaked that their menu will include beer-poached and grilled bratwurst and chicken-apple sausage on a Lopez Bakery baguette topped with whole-grain beer mustard. Dessert will feature pumpkin-caramel and apple-peanut butter cupcakes from Robicelli's. And while not stated, it's likely that the always popular South Williamsburg spot will also be playing seasonally-inspired tunes on their jukebox.
A Muchich beer tent is an intense experience. Drinkers from around the world gather to chat about football, eat bratwurst, and most importantly, drink top-notch beer out of absurdly large vessels. Musical acts keep the crowd entertained, ranging from polka to punk. And there's always some Australian kid off in a corner getting drunker than he should. Fortunately, there are plenty of New York establishments willing to provide a similar experience. As Oktoberfest rolls on, check out these authentic outdoor bierhauses.
This looks to be the best deal in the city. This weekend, the Queens garden will be transformed into an Oktoberfest extravaganza, featuring 6 seasonal brews, including German staples Spaten and Radeberger. Best of all, in the spirit of a European beer garden, you can put your wallet away after walking in the door. Unlimited beer tasting, along with an all-you-can-eat menu, are yours for $65. Ticket sales close Friday.
With Oktoberfest soon approaching I am beyond excited to take the love of my life, my wiener dog Oscar Ketchup (yes he has a middle name and yes it's a condiment), to the Fall Dachshund Festival. This Festival is held every year around the same time to commemorate the beginning of Oktoberfest as Dachshund's are originally from Germany and Waldi. A Dachshund was the Olympic Mascot for the 1972 summer Olympics in Munich and were a part of the annual Washington Square Folk Festival. You might think I'm absolutely bonkers, but believe it or not there are millions of people like myself who are obsessed with their wiener dogs. All around the country, in every major city they hold events like this. Held every spring in NYC, there is a wiener dog parade! And who hasn't heard of the Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals, the National Championship of Wiener dog racing held in San Diego every December!!!?!
Celebrate the start of Oktoberfest with an awesome kick-off party at Loreley Williamburg September 17th (3pm). Supporting Munich tradition, Brooklyn Borough Preseident Marty Markowitz will tap a (free) keg of HB Oktoberfest beer and guests will receive one free half-liter mug of beer until it runs out. Talk about a party!
Soak up some of that beer with some traditional spanferkel ($19), a suckling roasted pig, accompanied by mashed potatoes and red cabbage. There will also be nine different types of sausage and platters will be available with 3, 5, 7, or 9 varieties ($16-$33). DJ Volka Racho will be spinning tunes for your enjoyment, as well.
Don't waste away your Fall moping around because summer is over. Take advantage of the pleasantly cooler Fall days and enjoy a cruise to Bear Mountain with Circle Line Sightseeing. From September 17th to October 30th, you can sail along the Hudson River and dock for an afternoon at Bear Mountain State Park. Get in with the Germans with complimentary admission to NY's Oktoberfest.