As the chill in the air takes hold, there’s one place you feel it most: the Financial District. Anyone who’s navigated quaint, cobbled Stone Street on a winter evening knows the frosty gusts that whip their way around Manhattan’s southernmost tip. So it was with welcome relief that Bavaria Bier Haus (19 S. William Street) opened its sturdy wooden doors for the first time last December – and it’s with even more welcome relief that it launches its new modern German menu this November.
Replete with newfound takes on stick-to-your-ribs Bavarian beer hall food, the restaurant/bar’s new offerings are made to be washed down with one of Bavaria Bier Haus’s 30+ German beers. While such a list might seem overwhelming to anyone who hasn’t made it to a Munich Oktoberfest, the menu helpfully organizes its beers (many of which are variations of Erdinger Weissbier) with dishes for easy pairings, ranging from light to full bodied combos.
And if you won’t be making to an Oktoberfest in the homeland anytime soon, Bavaria Bier Haus offers a very convincing alternative. The décor feels homey and traditional. It should: the bar was built in Germany and shipped over in boxes (along with carpenters to install it in just the right way). While it feels like a slice of Bavaria in Manhattan, the two-floor establishment has a modern air to it, that looks like a more contemporary take on what you get in Germany.
The menu has a similar timeless-yet-modern feel. Snacks like Crispy Bier-Battered Pickled Okra, like a sophisticated take on fried pickles, and Potato “Silver Dollar” Pancakes, latkas merged with blinis (both $7) are a great accompaniment to a quick stein.
If you have time for a sit down meal, the Shrimp & Dumplings with herbed spatzle, sweet potatoes and lobster veloute goes perfectly with the Erdinger Urweisse, which boasts notes of bright hops and baked brioche. If you’re after a take on something more familiar, the Pork Schnitzel (Niman Ranch) is lighter than it sounds on a bed of arugula dressed in lingonberry-pistachio vinaigrette. It pairs well with my personal fave: the dark, malty Erdinger Dunkel. (Both dishes are $16.) If you have room for dessert after a few rounds of beer, the Caramel Apple Strudel with maple-walnut ice cream and cider caramel is not to be missed.
If this week tells us anything, it’s that this is going to be one cold winter. A scarf, puffy coat and cashmere beany will only get you so far against winter winds. If you need a warm escape, there’s few who know how to do the season quite like the Bavarians and you could easily pass a chilly evening, or Christmas party or two, at this downtown hideaway. Prost!
Twisted Talk: What’s your favorite spot to stay warm in a New York winter? Are you going to give Bavaria Bier Haus a try? Discuss below!
