In true New York Melting pot fashion you can even do Oktoberfest in NYC! Who needs Munich anyway? This event is brought to us by the Trigger Agency at The Tunnel / LA. Venue. This unique event in NYC recreates one of the most celebrated National Holidays in Germany, Oktoberfest. Two 4 hour sessions are offered starting at noon and ending at 9:30 PM. Merrymakers have a choice of over 200 beverages mostly alcoholic and mostly imported Bavarian Beer all for 65$ (advance) / 80$ (at Door) a ticket. Available at: Das Best Oktoberfest. You also have the option to “schlemen” on Schnitzels, Pretzels, Cookies, and Brats al la carte.
We found out about this event by chance looking up Oktoberfest online to see it’s history and festivities. As it turns out there are a number of celebrations in most cities celebrating the spirit of Munich’s Oktoberfest. Most of these events are a bit of a far cry from the real Oktoberfest where Munich practically shuts down in a celebration of nationalism and pride. The traditional brew offered is referred to as Oktoberfest Beer who criteria is that it must have been brewed within the City Limits of Munich. Think of it as a massive block party where party goers drink and be merry in the streets, the bars, and the parks all over town.
It was interesting to see how New York would fare against the actual event but having never actually been to the real Oktoberfest the bootleg Canal street special would have to do. As it turns out it was a great time.
We arrived to the early session with a line that wrapped around the block. It was filled with mostly young professionals with a obvious affinity for beer and a good time. As patient revelers waited on line (Us included) we were given a taste of what was to come as we approached the entrance we can smell the wafting scent of the grill as Kloby’s Smokehouse set out their grills and smokers and carried out trays of brats ready for the fire. As we approached we were able to see gentlemen dressed in lederhosens checking IDs and giving out bracelets. One exceptionally large gentleman looked like Hagrid in a Lederhosen. He was happy, warm, and inviting and you don’t want to get on his bad side. You gotta love an event where all the bouncers are dressed in theme. Then softly starting as murmur and getting progressively louder you hear it. Polka music… it is so on.
Once you walk in you are greeted by a group of young ladies dressed in dirndl’s handing you a small pilsner. Your chalice for the rest of the day, one that will carry you from brew to brew. Light, dark, stout, sweet, you name it they had it. Every wall as far as the eye could see was lined up with vendors offering all things Bavarian. Now that says allot being that the Venue / LA Tunnel is a 16,000 feet complex. In no time the pilsner was filled and in no time it was emptied, the vicious cycle repeated for hours.
The choices were simply mind boggling. I can honestly say it was beer heaven. Anyone who wishes to understand the finer points of beer tasting has to go to something like this. You don’t feel guilty if you can’t finish your serving. You can ask for more, you can ask for less, you can ask for seconds whatever you want. They had everything from Beer, to Cider, to Jaeger, to Moscat. Our tip to you, alternate with water. Every stand provides pitchers of ice cold water so there is no shortage. Also take a moment to take in the fine Austrian fare such as the Schnitzel Sandwiches from Schnitzel & Things.
It was an amazing time, I never thought we would get into Polka music but Alpine Squeeze can really rock the house down. Lead by the lead vocals of a gentleman that can be the doppelganger for John Goodman they were lively, entertaining, and energetic. No one was disappointed by the entertainment. Not to mention the extremely friendly staff walking around in full Bavarian dress passing out trinkets and socializing with crowd.
Some of the other vendors on site were Yelp giving away mini flash lights, drink coozies, stickers, and gloves, Todd’s Dirt selling his unique rubs that are so good they can be used on anything including confections which he demonstrates, The Beer Connoisseur Magazine offering subscriptions to their periodical, and many many others. My personal favorite was the gift shop offering large heart shaped cookies you can wear around your neck saying anything from pimp to MILF.
We have to say that it was a bit off for us as many of the vendors were staffed by a staffing agency so their knowledge of the product was limited but the variety of product available to sample was staggering. After a few schnapps we didn’t care anyway. You sort of just go with it and everyone just feels a happy German for a day.
This is the sort of event that allows you to try a massive collection of beer and you leave feeling completely satisfied and ready for a long nap. Absolutely no one can leave Das Best Oktoberfest without a huge grin on their face. This is really a holiday we can get behind brought to us again by fine German Engineering. Thank you for the laughs, the love, and the lager.
Tool Rating: 4 out of 5 Tools. Definitely check it out!
Interviews
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The Best Oktoberfest GirlsThe Best Oktoberfest Girls
Das Best Oktoberfest Questions
- What is Oktoberfest and how did it come about? A: It started as a public party for the royal wedding of King Ludwig I and Princess Therese of Saxony on October 12, 1811.
- What city and country is the Traditional Oktoberfest held? Munich, Bavaria, Germany
- When does Oktoberfest typically occur? Late September to the first Sunday in October
- What is the first criteria for Oktoberfest beer? Only beers brewed in Munich.
- What German city were you born in?
- What is a Lederhosen? 1. A manager of Hosiery. 2. Liquid measurement of Alcohol used in Germany 3. Britches made ofLeather. they may be either short or knee-length.
- What is a Dirndl? 1. bodice, blouse, full skirt and apron. 2. A South Indian Dish. 3. A four-sided spinning top, played with during the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah.
- What is a Beer Stein? 1. The name of the gentleman who invented Beer 2. A beer container with a handle and hinged lid. 3. A mark left on your shirt when drinking too much beer.
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