Spritzenhaus

• Huge Space
• Great for Groups
• Big Food Menu

Address: 33 Nassau Ave., b/w Dobbin St. and Guernsey St.

Telephone: n/a

Nearest Subway: L to Bedford Ave.

Map

Hours: n/a

Ambiance  

Spritzenhaus is a gigantic beer hall tucked away on Nassau Avenue, which runs parallel to Bedford Avenue. If you've never been to this neighborhood before, take a look at a map before you head over. Sister to Manhattan's very popular Spitzer's located on the Lower East Side, Spritzenhaus is a larger, more open-air upgrade. There are several long benches for big parties, or tables for two near the window, and there's plenty of space to sit at the bar. Lighting is dark but not romantic, per se, and the vast expanse of the places makes it more appropriate for birthdays or large groups rather than date night. Patrons are kept warm but fireplaces in the winter. When it's warm outside, there are also small tables available on the sidewalk.

Though it boasts 100 beers on tap, the truth of the matter is Spritzenhaus has 25 beers on tap, repeated at four different bar stations. Still, 25 beers on tap is a lot of variety. In terms of the type of brews, Spritzenhaus does a great job of straddling both American and European choices. If you want a Franciskaner Dunkel from Austria, they have it on tap for $8, or go for an All-American Blue Point for $6. Overall, though Spritzenhaus undoubtedly falls under German and Austrian influences, it's a great American bar as well. If you're in the mood for liquor, no fear: Spritzenhaus has a nice selection of dark liquor, especially bourbon. Careful though, a Booker's will set you back $14. There are a few bottles of wine, but in this atmosphere, you'll definitely want to drink beer.

The food at Spritzenhaus is German-Austrian influenced: pretzels and oysters for snacks, and sausages for appetizers or entrees. Yes, there is sauerkraut and other traditional German food, but you can also expect burgers, flatbread pizza, and some nice cuts of meat.

Fun Fact

"Spritzenhaus" means "fire station" in German.

Nearby

Just up the street where Nassau and Bedford meet there's Five Leaves, one of Williamsburg's best restaurants, but be prepared to wait a very long time for a table.  At the intersection of Bedford Avenue and Manhattan Avenue you'll find Manhattan Inn, a great cocktail bar with delicious food. And of course, just across Bedford Avenue you'll find McCarren Park, if you're in the mood for lounging in the grass.