Celebrate The Season At These 7 German Themed Restaurants In New Jersey
October is one of my favorite foodie months of the year. Being of German decent, I grew up on my grandmother’s cooking. This meant braised red cabbage, sauerbraten, pork and…
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October is one of my favorite foodie months of the year. Being of German decent, I grew up on my grandmother's cooking. This meant braised red cabbage, sauerbraten, pork and sauerkraut, among other delicious, (even if misunderstood by my friends) childhood dinners. Subsequently, I have continued that cooking tradition with my family, abet with mixed reviews. I can get away with a German style pot roast here, or grilled brats and perogies there. However, things like pork and sauerkraut, red cabbage, and god forbid schnitzel, have my kids and wife ordering up take out! Now, even though the real German Oktoberfest is in September, here in the States we celebrate it mostly in October. So that got me thinking...
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If you can't make it, take it!
It was a few years ago, pre Pandemic, that I began searching out some alternate options for my "ok" but not "great" German cooking. Honestly, I was surprised by what I found. There are many, many places that have great seasonal German/Oktoberfest items on their menus this time of year. Moreover, a little digging uncovers a "Wunderbar" of year round German themed restaurants just a short drive away! Besides, it's a lot easier to give the family the option of having a hot dog, hamburger, or steak, if they are not into the traditional German items on the menu, than the take it or leave it homemade meal. From what we've seen, you should be able to secure the simplest of meals at these places if you don't want their specialties.
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Don't forget the beer!
No Oktoberfest meal is complete without great German Pilsners and Oktoberfest Beers! Any restaurant celebrating Oktoberfest should have a nice supply of authentic, or at least "Americanized" authentic German beers. However you may have to BYOB if you go to one of the year round themed German places, since they may not have a liquor license.
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Leave room for dessert!
Mmmm, Apple Strudel, Black Forest Cake, Strawberry Bavarian Cream, the list goes on. German style desserts are the perfect way to end your Oktoberfest meal!
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Be sure to give one or two of these places a try if you have the time this month. Maybe even wear your Lederhosen? Now let's go load up on some potato pancakes!
Sebastian's Schnitzelhaus 43 Fort Dix St Wrightstown
According to their website,http://enjoysebastians.com/ they have authentic German cuisine in a friendly & warm environment appealing to all ages. The facility does not sell any type of alcohol, but you can Bring Your Own Bottle. The interior is a trip to a German Grandma's kitchen too!
Blue Danube Restaurant 538 Adeline St Trenton
Specializing in German, as well as Hungarian and Polish cuisine. This self proclaimed "authentic Eastern European" restaurant offers such tantalizing faire as the pickle platter, Sauerbraten for 20 bucks (!) , and the "Taste Of Europe Platter" - Stuffed Cabbage, Pork Schnitzel, Perogies, and homemade Sausage all on a bed of Cabbage and Sauerkraut! Yes please.
Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten 527 Lake Avenue Asbury Park
One of our favs here at the Rat, and always a good time. This time of year the Festhalle usually shines with fun seasonal events. Oh and don't forget Weiner Schnitzel Night, every Thursday. Pork Schnitzel, with Cucumber Salad, Potato Salad, and Lingonberry Sauce, all for just 12 bucks! https://www.asburybiergarten.com/public-events
**EDITOR'S NOTE - The Festhalle had to sadly cancel their Oktoberfest celebration and have temporarily closed all due to the flooding in Asbury Park. But as soon as they are back, they will be serving up Germany like no one else can at the Jersey Shore!
Redd's Biergarten 220 Market St Newark
Whether it's before a Devils game or a concert, there's always time to have a little wurst at the best German joint in Newark! Right across from the Prudential Center, this place is great if you just want to grab some authentic German style beer and a big ol pretzel with German mustard on the side prior to heading in. Or, if you have more time on your hands, try their Sauerbraten Meatballs, with Spaetzle and Red Cabbage. Check out the awesome menu here: https://www.redds.us/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/V50-SAMPLE-MENU.pdf
The Biergarten Atlantic City 2701 Boardwalk Atlantic City
Atlantic City's first authentic Biergarten, is a sight to behold. Located on the boards, right next to the Trop, it's light faire includes the usual big Bavarian pretzel and mustard along with potato pancakes. However, they also boast Biergarten wings, and a Guinness Smoked Bratwurst. A little Irish in your German, perhaps? https://www.biergartenac.com/
Black Forest Inn 249 US-206, Stanhope
From Smoked Salmon and Smoked Trout Appetizers, to German Raviolis, this place is a notch up from Pretzels and Brats. Although they have that too! Just look at this Oktoberfest Menu! - https://sweetbeezee.com/our-dinner-menu-and-takeout-hours/
Rathskeller 120 North Washington Ave. Dunellen
Located inside the Dunellen Hotel, this self proclaimed restaurant that is patterned after a cellar in a German City Hall, boast over 100 beers on tap, and specials such as German Goulash and fresh Liverwurst and Onions on Rye. https://dunellenhotel.com/Menus/Specials_Menu_Oktoberfest-23.pdf
