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These Are NYC's Best German Restaurants

Looking to find the best German restaurant in NYC? We found a few that stand above the crowd. So hoist up your stein, pile your plate with sauerkraut schnitzel, and get ready for a little accordion-based polka fun!

Reichenbach Beer Hall

beers at Reichenbach Hall

Drop in for the bratwurst and hang around for the beer at Reichenbach, a terrific traditional German beer hall outfitted with picnic tables and festooned with smiling faces. This eatery ably balances its friendly bar atmosphere with an especially adept kitchen to serves up an assortment of authentic treats that will leave you licking your fingers.. Located near Herald Square, hop on over after you’ve traversed the maze of Macy’s. 5 W. 37th St., 212-302-7744, reichenbachhall.com

Heidelberg

Heidelberg

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Decorated like a period-accurate German beer hall, Heidelberg is an easy-to-recommend restaurant in the historically German area of Yorkville. Not far from the Museum Mile on the Upper East Side, Heidelberg prides itself on a few must-haves: potato pancakes, spaetzle (pasta), and braised red cabbage—any of which can accompany your Bauernwurst sausage platter for one. Another seductive item is the schweinshaxe, which is Bavarian pork shank served with boiled potato and sauerkraut. 1648 Second Ave., 212-628-2332, heidelberg-nyc.com

Berlin Currywurst

Berlin Currywurst german restaurant nyc

You've no doubt heard the term "Sausage Fest." Well, that's everyday fare at Berlin Currywurst, where you can choose among a flavorful variety of sausages, then pick your preferred style in which to indulge. You can go currywurst sandwich or Americanize with a hotdog bun. Sides include exactly what you'd expect: pretzels, fries, and sauerkraut. Drop in at their Chelsea Market location, to grab a brat and some beer! 75 Ninth Ave., 646-827-3689 @berlincurrywurst

Bierhaus NYC

Bierhaus

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Located just two blocks from Grand Central, Bierhaus NYC is a Bavarian style beer hall, serving authentic German cuisine and bier by the boot since 2011! Enjoy live music and steins of crisp Hofbräu bier, whether it's Oktoberfest or a hot summer day. Open seven days a week, Thursdays through Saturdays til midnight (kitchen closes an hour prior.)  712 3rd Avenue, 646-874-9498, bierhausnyc.com

Rolf's German Restaurant

Looking for German fare and holiday flair, iconic Rolf's German Restaurant in Gramercy Park is an Instaworthy winter wonderland. Each year, more than 200,000 holidays lights adorn the restaurant, in addition to fir trees, icicles, porcelain dolls and more. Take note that getting holiday reservations is not easy. However, decorations are left up into the spring, so there are still opportunities to enjoy the festive atmosphere. Their menu serves up staple German fare-Saurbraten, Schnitzel, Spätzle, wine, beer, cocktails and more. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays through Labor Day. 281 Third Ave, 212-473-8718, rolfsnyc.com

Loreley Restaurant & Biergarten

Loreley

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A Lower East Side staple since 2003, Loreley is a lively spot, especially with the younger weekend brunch scene, modeled after the "Brauhaus" in Cologne (Köln). It's a fun place to grab a stein and elevated bar fare, including German favorites. Seating is available indoors, as well as in its spacious outdoor patio, heated during the winter months. Specialty cocktails are crafted seasonally alongside the over-the-top decor, 12 imported beers with German inspiration are featured on tap, including their own local brewery collaborations and a full liquor bar is available.  7 Rivington Street, (between Bowery and Chrystie), 212-253-7077, loreleynyc.com

Black Forest Brooklyn-Fort Greene

Black Forest 

via Instagram

Owners Ayana and Tobias grew up in Germany, but met in Brooklyn. Their lovechild Black Forest Brooklyn, a trendy German bar restaurant with wooden tables, opened in 2013, in Fort Greene (a second location opened in Boerum Hill in 2017.)  At the Fort Greene location, patrons can sit outside in their sidewalk chalet in front of the restaurant, which is heated, covered, has dividers between all parties, ceiling fans for plenty of ventilation. Doggies welcome, too! 733 Fulton Street, 718-935-0300, blackforestbrooklyn.com

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About the Author

Merrill Lee Girardeau lives and writes in Brooklyn.

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