If your looking for a low key place to enjoy a BIG glass of your favorite German beer, Hallo Berlin is the place for you. Located on 10th between 44th and 45th in MidTown, it's surprising you don't see a few tourist here. I think it's too far west of times square and low on the scale of 'places to visit' when in New York. However, if your a local yocal... you've got to swing by for at least a 'wurst'!!
I came to learn about this place from D Griff (aka Griffster, Davo). He enjoys his beers and always wanted to go to their 10th street location. We ended up going for lunch one day. During our first visit, the thought did cross our mind... Yup! We did throw back a small one from their selection of beers on draft. It was just a teaser for what started to become a tradition. "Humpen" to be exact. This is what I mean.
We ended up going back to Hallo Berlin on a Thursday afternoon. (If you didn't know, people tend to leave the office around 3pm on Thursdays to catch their flight or train home.) This time we would bring some people from work. These days, I hate talking 'shop' outside of work. So we asked a few people who we knew would not like to talk work all day. We still talk work, but it's good to know that we can talk about other things too!! Stay tuned for a posting with our "Humpen Code of Ethics"! Yes... Just like man-laws, there are also things that you should know when you go Humpen with us!!!
I'll be the first to admit. I don't know my beers. I've never been much of a beer drinker, but I know drinking beer for me slows the alcohol in take. So during my time of keeping a nice buzz throughout the night,
I've come to appreciate Guinness, Bass, Blue Moon, Anchor Steam, and Sam Adams. There are others, but those float to the top of my list. You should know, Hallo Berlin has none of those beers. I knew I had to try a few to figure out which one I liked. So in addition to knowing what beer you want, you need to know what size. I knew what a Stein was and I thought that was a big glass. Hahahaaa... Little did I know!! After seeing my Stein next to everyone's 'Humpen', my manhood went under attack. "You wearing your skirt today Larry?" and "Did you want an umbrella with your drink Larry?" Check out these Humpens!!!First of all, in my defense. ;o) I needed to try a few beers to figure out what I wanted. I ended up enjoying the Koestritzer Black Lager. I would have to agree with Goliber that it's much better than Guinness. Did I just say that? Yep!! And to get it in a "Humpen" makes it worth while! The Koestritzer is actually pretty popular with our crew.
Going back to my review... Here are some key highlights of Hallo Berlin
+ There is a beer garden in the back.
+ It's very laid back. No need to dress the part. Come as you are and enjoy a Humpen!
+ It's different. You won't find any beers that your used to.
+ If you like a good wurst, they have 'em! I've actually had a few. They are great! However, there isn't a lot of space left with a Humpen of Koestritzer in hand.
Some things they can work on...
- The wait staff isn't the most attentive, especially if your outside.
- This is the wurst (get it?) place to go to watch sports. Unfortunately, german beer and sports don't work very well.
- Don't come here for the crowd. When we go it's usually empty.
Hallo Berlin is a Thursday afternoon tradition. If you ever hear someone ask you... "Are you Humpen?" You now know what they are talking about!!
Hallo Berlin Food Wine & Garden Beer Hall
626 10 Ave @ 44th Street
Phone: 212.977.1944
Fax: 212.947.9008
11am until 11pm (1am if busy)
http://www.halloberlinrestaurant.com/index.html
Are you goin Humpen this week??
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