October is in full swing — so grab your lederhosen, ladies and gents, and get ready to fill your steins to the brim! We may not be in Munich, but Jersey City has some great bars {and breweries} serving amazing craft brews. Check out our roundup of the best beer picks, below:
Pint {34 Wayne St}:
Beer is their specialty, and it has been poured in this place for over a century {it has had several different names over the years}. Home to over 50 American craft beers {yes, we said 50} the Pint is a great local spot to wet your palate. The menu rotates every week, so you never have to try the same thing twice {unless you want to}. With 14 brews on draft at all times and 36 different bottled beer, we’d say this pub does Oktoberfest proud.
Barcade {163 Newark Ave}:
Born as a result of a group of friends’ {and some brothers’} favorite evening shenanigans: drinking craft beer and playing old school video games, Barcade has 25 beers on tap always with something new to try {including old-school video games}. They even collaborate with some great American breweries from time to time to create unique beers in small batches that become exclusive to Barcade. Check out their exclusive brews here. Just remember to bring some change when you head over so you can get in on the array of video games like PacMan, Cruisin’ USA, etc {no prizes though, sorry guys}.
Zeppelin Hall Biergarten {88 Grand St}:
A traditional biergarten right in the middle of Jersey City will certainly make do for our Oktoberfest roundup. Complete with the outdoor picnic tables and more craft beer than your heart and head could ever hope for, this German ale house has over 144 beer taps {144!!!}. Order a mug or liter of your favorite European or American craft brew, and if you’re not sure, try a flight of four different beers to help pick your poison. Whatever beverage you choose, make sure to order one of their amazing giant pretzels and definitely try the Brat — when in {Jersey City…?!} Munich, right?
Fox and Crow {594 Palisade Ave}:
You may remember this place from our post recently, but the F&C is definitely deserving of another mention for Oktoberfest — ’tis the season, after all. Whether you want an IPA, Pilsner, Lager, Cider, or a Stout, you will find whatever you are looking for at Fox and Crow because there are over 30 beers {bottles and drafts} to choose from. The cool vibe here will make you feel right at home while you sip {or chug} your beer of choice. And like we mentioned before, don’t forget to head into the back room for the live music.
Hopscotch {286 Washington St}:
HopsScotch boasts 40 craft beers on tap and one of the best bottled beer selections in our beloved Garden State. The bartenders are extremely knowledgeable and will make suggestions — especially because the selection is always changing {to keep it fresh, of course}. Dining there as well? Ask the bartenders for their help — they will be happy to make a pairing with whatever style beer you’re into at the moment.
Departed Soles Brewing Company {150 Bay St}:
This brewery was the brain child of two best friends, and after a tragedy struck, head brewer Brian knew he wanted to chase his dreams. Read the touching story here. They serve one of the most unique selections of craft beer {we’ve ever seen} and they even have some 100% gluten free craft brews – the first brewery in New Jersey to do so. They brew in Jersey City all year long, and you can head to the tasting room to sample some of their best {served on a mini skateboard and all!}. Now that it’s October, we suggest you try Ghosts of Pumpkins past, {one of their great seasonal brews!} — made with real pumpkin, cinnamon, clove, ginger, and nutmeg {clincher: its gluten free!}
McGinley Square Pub {755 Montgomery St}:
At McGinley Square, you’re getting premium craft beer at permanent happy hour prices {at only $5 a pop, this place will keep you coming back for more}. Their selection includes Kentucky Bourbon Ale, Dogfish Namaste, River Horse Tripel, 902 Black IPA, just to name a few. This is cozy neighborhood pub will make you feel at home as you savor each sip of your hoppy adult beverage.
Between all of these places combined, you now have over 300 craft beers to choose from. With all of these options, just remember — it’s a marathon not a sprint, Oktoberfest is not even halfway done!
