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Mon-Thu. 5:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.
Fri. 4:00 p.m. - 4:00 a.m.
Sat. 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 a.m.
Sun. 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.
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I want to eat here and tuck into some serious Kraut chow. Ordered a beer; it came in the biggest glass I have ever seen. Loved it. Next time I'll come for dinner and order the schnitzel, brauts, or some enormous meat on a stick I saw flying out of the kitchen. Ask the bartender to recommend a drink if you're not a connoisseur, you're going to be back for more.
Ambience is exactly what you think its going to be: something out of a biergarten. Very popular place and fills up fast, so get your table early.
Hope to see you there the next time I'm in NY.
Great beer selection
and delicious food, to boot.
Often gets crowded.
I want to live here. Not really, but you understand.
The food is so good. I've spent a lot of time in Austria, Germany and Eastern Europe, and this food is spot on. The weiner schnitzel and spaetzl looked and smelled amazing, but my friends and I couldn't resist ordering the meat plate for 6. SO MUCH FOOD. All types of sausages, mustards, potatoes and sauerkraut. One of the best meals I've had in awhile.
The beer selection is also amazing. I can't remember what I ordered, but anything on tap will be fantastic.
I'm surprised I remember so much about this place...
The beer is served in pitcher form, so I drank roughly three pitchers of beer.
Also, I sang and danced on tables swinging my mug about, while trying to pretend I could speak german.
The atmosphere is infinitely better than most bars I have been to. Although some jerks got let in. But mostly you could run around like it was a party in your friend's house and everyone that didn't know you was nice because you were a friend of a friend. good times.
Was it my boyfriend's best birthday ever? Probably. All because of me. Well mostly him, because he heard about it. But I reminded him we should go.
I win!
We got here only a few minutes after it opened on a Friday night. There were already several patrons at 4:15, but the woman who greeted us with a German accent told us to sit wherever we wanted. We looked at the drinks list and were very happy to see that it actually described each beer--ingenious. Thor got the Spaten Optimator, which was amazing, and I got a seasonal beer that the waitress suggested to me (still with the German accent). Another round of beer was equally wonderful. Thor enjoyed his smoked beer, and I loved my Aventinus.
We had intended to just get drinks, but looking at the man at the table next to us--or rather at his giant pretzel--we decided to eat here also. The food menu had many tempting options, even for a vegetarian. The kaseplatte, with interesting cheeses and various fruits (including pickles and tomatoes!), was fun to experiment with, and the pancake soup was delicious.
In addition to the excellent beer and food, and to the great service (and their dedication to the fake accents), the decor was adorable and pretty with the twinkling seasonal garlands and the beautiful blue and wood walls. And they have a pair of lederhosen!
Bottom line: Great beers in huge glasses, delicious German food, staff who really care. I can't wait to go back again.
Tried it for the first time last Tuesday night and enjoyed it, but not enough to want to go back. The food was good though, I guess it came out a bit pricier than I thought so maybe that's why I'm docking a star! So for 3 people dinner came out to about $38 each. We shared a pretzel (it was not so great, a bit hard and not soft like I thought it would be), potato pancakes (came in 3 big ones and was my highlight of the meal), and got our own entrees. I had the steak in red wine one. It was good, but I didn't like it with the sauerkraut which was super bitter/sour. I think that also took away a star. Friend of mine had the mac and cheese-like dish which was good, and the other friend had the sausage platter, also very good. Glass of reisling was nice, but again I think it was the sauerkraut, blah pretzel, and price that made me not want to come back (well, esp since I'm unemployed, sigh)...It's a nice place though and was full on a Tuesday evening. They don't accept credit cards or rsvps.
Once upon a time, a German fellow said, "Man, I really like outdoor beer gardens, but Queens is soooo far away. And there's zero room in Manhattan".
And so God sent a mini beer garden (emphasis on mini) to Alphabet City. But it was still far away from the subway. (god damnit.)
...Ok, so I am not the best story writer (probably closer to the worst ever), but you get the idea.
Loved this place. Spaetzel with bacon and onions. Yummy!!!
What a surprise when a good friend of mine brought me here last Saturday night. I really wanted to go back to Munich for Oktoberfest this year, but sadly couldn't make it. This bar helped quell my disappointment. The minute I started talking to the (German) bartenders and heard "Ein Prosit" sung in unison, I could tell this place was legit. If you've never been to the real deal, this is about as close as you're going to get in this country. Didn't try the food but there's no substitute for having beer in litre quantities.
The only downside is that it is smaller than your average beer hall in Germany (it's NYC, par for the course) and it's cash only.
Gut essen!
Gut trinken!
Gigantische biere!
Gesundheit!
Let me just say right away that anybody who enjoys the NYC nightlife and has not tried a decent German Haus is seriously wasting their time. Drinking lots of beer and eating lots of food is something New Amsterdam took from central European culture hundreds of years ago and lets just hope we never give it back. Naturally, to truly embrace your New York glutton-hood is to be familiar with German fare - and naturally, if you enjoy a good 'wurst in the city you're going to end up at Zum Schneider.
The beer menu will make any American German beer fan drunk. I got the Spaten Optimator, though there were several great old standby's and it was a tough call. I was planning on following it up with a schneider weisse but the large Optimator was truly Bavarian - wrap your two hands around it large and drink without stopping forever large. I asked if it was a liter and was told it was a 'big boy'.
One of my friends took issue to the fact the waiter brought our apps out with the meal @ the same time and didn't show up again until the check. From my perspective, the place was packed and they sat all 5 of us down outside relatively seamlessly - I was fine with the service given the situation.
The spatzle and the cabbage is why I go German. The cabbage was great. The spatzle was a little too chewy and didn't quite soak up all the flavors the way I wish it did. Also why would anybody serve spatzle on the side? it should soak everything else up, not get cold in its own dish.
I had the misgauged. They were pretty decent considering the fact I eat too manysausages anyway. The pork belly was a hit with everyone else in our party. One of us pointed out the fact the bleu/ricotta/beer spread tasted a little too close to butter.
All and all, a great environment to have a great meal and drink in. Tasty food which covers all the German-American basics. Its a little farther from my house than Lori Le, but defiantly a little more tasty, too.
I went with a large group of people and the service was extremely friendly and accommodating of our raucousness. I was sick so I didn't have the beer, but it got rave reviews. As for the food:
We started with meat/cheese and cheese/fruit platters. I would recommend the former--highlights for me were the least greasy (and yet still flavorfu)l salami I have ever had and a nutty swiss cheese.
I got the baked sirloin which was DELIGHTFUL. Juicy with sauteéd onions on top (A+), crispy roast potatoes on the side (A) plus sauerkraut (B-). The sauerkraut didn't go that well with the rest of the meal--the flavor was too overpowering, and I wish I had gotten a different side salad.
My friends' meals came with a dill-yoghurt-cucumber salad which was a nice, moist balance to their mostly dry food. I tried their weiner-schnitzel and sausages. Sausage as far as I could tell was pretty standard--nothing to write home about. The weiner schnitzel was excessively dry--one of my friends noted that if it weren't for the lemon squeezed over it, it would be unbearable and I agree.
I would definitely go back for that steak and the fun, beer-saturated atmosphere.
Having actually visited Bavaria, I was excited to check this place out. It's a great place to go with a group of friends on a Friday or Saturday night. Be sure to go before 9 to grab a table - otherwise the wait can be long but there's a great selection of beer and a good space to just hang out by the bar and drink and talk with friends. The staff is very friendly and despite being crowded, the bartender is quick. I actually don't drink beer much but given the wide variety, I found a few beers that suited my taste (for a great price - pints only $5-6). As the night went on, the place actually became less crowded which allowed our party to spread out a bit and just hang out.
Recommendations for food - pork belly (tender and crispy), the potato pancakes melt in your mouth, and of course, the soft pretzels.
Thanks to my cousin, I finally found out about this place!
Beer is at center stage in this place and it comes in every size and shape! ...everyone is happy because of it!
I came hungry and thank God I did! I ordered 2 white bavarian sausages that came with a pretzel, yum! Interestingly presented in a large bowl fill with the hot water it was boiled in....gave my friends and I the giggles, but it tasted great!
One thing I didn't understand was they had to close the outdoor seating @ 11pm and we were forced to stand inside and after that we prompty left...bad move there Zum Schnieder!
I had such a great time at Zum Schneider and I was accompanied by, gasp, real live Germans. Some Germans are all into the Oktoberfest scene, but my Germans are elitist Lübeckers and suspect to all things Bavarian/lederhosen, so I was shocked at their winning reviews and seals of approval. The food is great, the beer is better. And it's gigantic and cheap. Oh mein lieber Weihenstephaner, until we meet again.
Full disclosure: I am half German and have visited Bavaria every year since I was born. I had been searching the city for awhile (with no luck) at finding a place to fill my occasional cravings for Bier und Würste. A friend took me here, and I was very pleased! There are certain things no Bavarian restaurant can recreate because the ingredients are not accessible in this country. But this place simulates the most authentic Bavarian experience I have ever had in this country. Everything from the beer, to the decor, to the food, to the staff takes me back to Bayern. The only negative is they accept cash only. Other than that, it's a great time. I will try to make it this year for Oktoberfest! PROST!
This place is quickly becoming my favorite - huge beers and amazing staff! EVERY TIME I'm here I can't say enough about the people working - knowledgeable, friendly, patient.
This spot is good for all 4 seasons. Inside or out. Food is great if you're into it - for me it serenades my Polish genes (I'll eat any meat product ground up and stuffed into intestines) wash it down with any of the huge beers they have on tap and pure heaven
Haven't even been here for any event yet - don't need to, but can't wait to go.
Octoberfest for the next week (band from like 6-9 or 4-7 on some days). They have a crazy good organic wheat beer on tap that i couldn't stop drinking. Still love this place.
Easily one of my favorite bars in the East Village. Food is good, beers are always changing, and… Read more »
Great german beer and the pretzels are just like the ones in Octoberfest.
The don't serve the Amstel type stuff. Real German local brews.
Good food, fun atmosphere. If you speak German, the waitresses do, too. I usually end up here with my German friend. He says it's not bad for NYC. I had the laberkabe(sp?). It was good. I want to try the schnitzel next time. My friend had it, it looked good. You can get giant beers here. It's crazier during football playoffs (soccer).
Ein zwei drei vier..
Nip your stein and drink your beer!!
Ein zwei drei vier..
Nip your stein and drink your beer!!
Drink! Drink! Drink!
To eyes that are bright as stars when they're shining on me!
Drink! Drink! Drink!
To lips that are red and sweet as the fruit on the tree!
When i come to zum schneider.. and down a few steins.. i become.. mario lanza!
With 100+ plus reviews already, I am not sure what unique note I can add but here is my experience:
Interesting interior - large and spacious enough when its not packed prior to rush time
The food is ok and thats about it - so come here hungry and you'll find food but you could also just go straight to the beer.
I forgot all the names but they come small and ginormous. The price is just right to since you really get full from the large and its a meal in itself.
Best part is they don't really rush you to leave if you and buddies are just hanging around chatting over the drinks. But out of courtesy, when it is packed you should probably hurry it up if you are done.
Drink on!
What a terrifically terrific place to get a beer. You order one large liter and a brat and you're good to go. I came here with some coworkers last night and we snagged a great picnic table, enjoyed the air coming in the open front and just chilled. It was amazing.
The wait staff kept our basket of bread that came with our cheese full for much much longer then really would have been necessary. The beer flowed cool and sweet. I really have nothing bad to say about Zum Schneider, except that it's cash only and after a liter or two of beir it gets harder to count money.
It's on Ave C so it's a little hard to get to, but let me tell you, that walk back to the subway last night in the warm air of one of the first really nice nights of the season: amazing. Totally worth the sweaty hike over in the first place.
I hope I make it back here again, and again, and again.
Great beers. It has the feel of an old (and small) beer hall. Go on a nice day and try to grab a seat outside.
How do you say "this place is the schnitzel" in German? Or is that already German? Anyway, this place rocks and let me explain why.
3 of my soon-to-be married buddies needed a "guys night out," and wanted to find a place to remind themselves that they once were, in fact, men. What better a destination than a spot that serves everything sausage/beef/bacon and allows you to suck down foreign beers from 24-ounce steins?
The crowd was a cool, laid-back but spirited mix of ages/races/styles of dress. The bartenders were great at recommending beers (although I was drinking a special I cannot recall) while we waited for our table. The hostess kept us posted on timing and seated us earlier than anticipated.
Me and my buddies were happily chowing on bratwurst (yum), the Pork Shank (a little dry) and destroying plates of Käsespätzle (like mac & cheese, German style with onions and bacon)...when things got weird.
A dude was standing, more like wobbling, in the archway separating the front room from the back. He was annihilated. He walks over to the 8 person table next to us...and RAKES the table with his arm, sweeping about half a dozen beer steins off the table, sending them crashing to the ground. He actually proceeded to pick up another beer stein and awkwardly threw it (think: throwing a football with your opposite hand) across the room. Fortunately, it missed everyone's cranium and crashed against a wall. The bouncers pounced on him, and I may or may not have given the guy a good shove in the back as the bouncers dragged him out. I looked down at my watch (only 8:30pm) and shouted through a mouth full of sptazle..."This place is AWESOME!"
Things to know: Cash only. You will have long waits for a table after 8 o'clock on a weekend evening - the second time I went they couldn't even let us in the bar at 8:45 because it was full.
Heading back for round 2 is a definite!
So, I heard a lot about this place but the first time I tried to visit was during Oktoberfest and there was a ridiculous line to get inside. I opted to go somewhere else instead and return at a later time, although the Oktober-festivities immediately let me know that this place was probably pretty good. So, a couple of months went by and I finally made it back here to check it out. There are a few tables outside and the indoors is pretty interesting; they have this forest type theme going on...This time around, there were empty seats at the bar so I posted up to enjoy my absolute favorite beverage, a 1 liter mug of beer. The bartender was very friendly and was happy to give out samples of the fine German brews on tap. While it may not be my favorite German style bar in NYC, Zum Schneider definitely does a lot right and is worth a visit.
I'm really a fan of this beer garden. There's a great selection of German beers, and you can get them in litre sizes. The food ranges from pretzels to schnitzels. And it's all delcious.
Because of that, this place gets rather crowded. It's not a terribly large place, which being a beer garden perhaps it should be, but it's certainly worth a trial.
Yeah, the beer is OK. I live around the corner and know the owner; He's an absolutely great guy.
In all fairness though, the food is total shiite. I'm astounded every time I see how jam packed this place consistently is. The french fries are clearly frozen and shabbily cooked. The food itself simply stinks (as in smells horrible), let alone tastes good. It's a hipster-douche bag hang that is perfect for people who know nothing about food.
Sausages? More like Snarsages. Again - just smells like open ass. Throw some stupid tube steaks on a plate and call it an authentic German beer house. Woof. No thanks.
Oh - I forgot: it's cheap, so it's bound to get rave reviews by the throngs in NYC who simply judge countless restaurants by whether they can afford them or not.
Birthday bar crawl: 12 am. Best spot of the night thus far. Lively crowd. 12 dollar big ass steins of good German beer. Lucky enough to snag a table for our group to chill at and play quarters(?).
I never understand people who go to a place like Zum Schneider and look for a name on tap that they recognize. "Uuuuuh, I'd like a....hmmm...ta ta ta...hmmm (perusing the list) yup, Paulaner!" You can get a paulaner at your local grocery store! The first time I went there, I picked a dark beer with the strangest name possible (it was "Hacker Pschorr") and ordered it. And BOY was it awesome?
I love beer. I live for beer. So places like Zum make me very happy. It's on a quiet street on Avenue C, so there is no trace of spillover drunks from any other area...only drunks from Zum itself! After a hearty meal in Alphabet city, Zum is the perfect place to guzzle down a handle (no other word for that massive mug) of a delicious German bitter.
I mean, you don't really go to a German outdoor restaurant for "the food," let's be honest. This place has the most perfect heffeweissen in a GIANT "medium" glass for six dollars that is the most refreshing and delicious alcohol drink on the Lower East Side. Sitting outside with a drink and an arbitrary potato-based side is a perfect way to spend a summer's evening, and sitting inside during their Nicolausfest (singing Glucklich Glucklich to their glock while they provide free cookies) is a nearly-better way to spend a winter's one.
I can't believe that I forgot about this place! This is one of the most entertaining and overall just plain fun bars in New York.
The decor and atmosphere may make you want to go book a flight on Lufthansa as soon as you get home. It is so Bavarian and so lovely.
This cheery indoor beer garden is a must for people that enjoy everything German. Definitely a place to bring large groups, as you can get a large table and down some giant mugs of beer. Plus they have the tastiest and biggest pretzels in the East Village.
I did not try the food, but it was a small sampling of all the goodies the Germans have to offer. Plenty of schnitzel!
So raise a stein, sing a song and get completely smashed German style at this beautiful beer garden.
If you're in the mood for a great beer and some quality sausages, this is definitely the place for you. I live really close to hear, and whenever I walk by it is always crowded. We finally went here, partially because we'd heard it was good, and partially because its October and this is a german-ish establishment and we wanted to try their Octoberfest beers. We also split a couple appetizers, including a cheese thing with brie and blue cheese that you spread on some bread, their pretzel, and Bratwurstsemmel, which is a Bratwurst on a roll with mustard. The Bratwurst was delicious! The bread the came with the cheese was very fresh and also delicious. The pretzel... nothing horrible, but nothing great, I'd recommend skipping it.
The problem with it being so crowded is that the service was really really slow. We also were sitting next to a douche on a date who kept bragging about himself, but that's not the establishment's fault, they probably didn't know he was a douche when he sat down.
Oh, and the regular sized beer are pretty large, and the large beers are HUGE.
I went to Zum Schneider for the first time yesterday afternoon for Sunday brunch. Between the sheer number of German beers and the authentic food, it is definitely a place that I will be going back to several times. The outdoor seating was also very comfortable and the inside of the restaurant had a very traditional decor. Everyone was friendly there, except for the uppity couple that were not comfortable sharing the 4 person booth with us. Can't please everyone.
In comparison to the other German restaurant I have reviewed, Manor Oktoberfest; Zum Schneider takes the cake. The only thing that Oktoberfest has on there is the novelty of ordering the boot. However, that is also impacted by the fact that Oktoberfest only offers 3 beers on tap, while Schneider has about 20 plus another dozen in bottles.
I really want to give this place a glowing review, as Germany does hold a special place in my heart. However, my experience at this place was not worth the hassle. A large group of my buddies and colleagues always come to this establishment because of the beer and food. One random Wednesday I decided to follow. One would think that the staff would be excited at the fact that the restaurant, which was half empty, was now full! Nope! I cannot tell you how many times I was pushed aside and bumped by the waitresses and bar backs. I was having a conversation, and as a very self-aware person knew that there was 3 feet behind be for people to walk to and fro. This jackass barback deliberately bullied himself inbetween my conversation. Frankly I started to take it personally. Either the constant assaults were due to the fact that I was the only brown person in the room or I was just always in the way, whether I sat, stood at the bar, stood at the back of the room, stood at the door... I'm surprised I wasn't pushed when I went to take a piss!!
I'm sorry, but I'm to take a controversial risk and go against everyone.
A German restaurant review by a German: Ok, here it goes:
It's cheesey beyond comparison with their fake Chestnut tree and beer garden seats, German cheese music (not oompa, but good old 80s stuff) and brezen (or you might call them pretzels) and German beer, but that's just why you come here. . The people are really interesting because you always run into some weirdos that totally make your night. They seat you next to other people already seated so inevitably you always end up comparing notes on the Spaetzle or Kartoffelpuffer (potato pancakes if you still don't speak a goddamn word of German).
Come, have a beer, enjoy the Euroscene, laugh at it and be yourself. In fact, you might find me here tonight because where else would a German gal go on a Saturday night? If you're weird - come find me :-)
Good beer. Great atmosphere. Ladies room... not the best (sorta small). Great for watching European soccer games. Good food. The servers are a little slow.
I'd suggest getting here nice and early, since at night it gets packed and can be annoying. So, come relatively early and you'll have a great time. The food is German as can be expected and is excellent...as is the beer which comes in huge mugs. I was here twice and loved it both times. Honestly I haven't been here at night, but I've heard from more than a few people that it's not the place to be. A place filled shoulder to shoulder with drunk people sometimes isn't all that great of a time.
Anything involving German beer is thumbs up in my book.
Me likey this place very, very much! It's just f-ing awesome in here! I went last Saturday for the start of Oktoberfest festivities and felt like I was back in Munchen. It had everything a perfect day should have: outdoor seating, a little drama (watching folks carried out and bleeding and getting stung by a wasp), there's entertainment (girls dancing on tables, lesbian girl getting mad her GF got down with someone else, well, she actually threw a girl on the table and proceeded to um. . .dance with her), and the inevitable make-outs with random people. You know, your general drunken debauchery.
Besides that, you've got a kick-ass mix of German Techno and traditional music, 70s rock anthems and beer! Steins of beer!!! It was raining beer, literally. Oh and pork! Wonderful and succulent variations of pork to feast on!
So with that said, STAY THE HELL AWAY! IT'S MY PLACE!!! MINE!!!
But if you do. . .*evil stare*
Go order the Pork Knuckle or the Schnitzel and have a stein of Spaten. That will sort you out right especially if you bring your own stein. =D Yes. I brought my own because that's how I roll.
I had an unintentional "sausage fest" at Zum Schneider. I suggested the place for a guys night out based on Yelp reviews. We started with large and strong German beers in larger than life glasses and stayed for dinner. We started with pretzel with strong German mustard. I was expecting for the pretzel to be hot for some reason. I had sausage sampler, my friends got bratwurst. Both came with sauerkraut and potato salad. We all were in the clean plate club but it was more about hunger than thinking the food was that great. In summary, go for the drinks, put down a few, and if you are compelled to have one of menu items order an appetizer and consider one of the other great neighborhood restaurants in ABC city.
Birthday Person Drinks Free!
Neighborhood: Lower East Side
happy hour 11 am till 7 pm
Neighborhood: Murray Hill
Neighborhood: Lower East Side
Category: German
Neighborhood: West Village
Category: Nightlife
Neighborhood: Bay Ridge
Category: German
Neighborhood: Lower East Side
Category: German
Neighborhood: Upper East Side
Category: German
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