Sitting outside on the patio, quaffing giant steins of beer is possible year round at Loreley, a heated outdoor beer garden on the Lower East Side. If truly awful weather pushes you inside, grab a seat in the indoor beer hall. With rustic wood benches for seating and exposed brick walls, this bar and restaurant has a modern German aesthetic.
Thirsty patrons can sample beers from Weihenstephaner—the world’s oldest brewery—and the 11 other German-inspired breweries on tap. Kolsch, hefeweizen, lager and IPA: this beer garden has it all. Not into the suds? There’s also a wine list and full bar available. The bartenders will even mix up specialty cocktails, if you’re so inclined.
All that drinking got you feeling peckish? Order something from the kitchen. Loreley’s extensive menu features classic pub food and German favorites. Think everything from giant soft pretzels, currywurst and weiner schnitzel to buffalo wings, nachos and burgers. Keep an eye out for special events, like holiday brunches and weekend craft beer festivals.