Oktoberfest is celebrated every day on 37th Street with German beers and a menu that replicates all the favorites found in this country. Dressed in blue and white-checkered shirts with lederhosen socks, the staff is vibrant and jovial, and the seating is partially communal with wood tables and stools scattered throughout the massive hall. The menu impressed us; beginning with the soft, warm pretzels that come in two sizes - with the bigger one filling a large pizza tray. There are several kinds of charcuterie, and with a bit of a twist, there is even a vegan tofu "wurst. " Schnitzel can be prepared with chicken, turkey, veal or pork. Hearty sides including, of course, German potato salad, pair well with the Schnitzel but a favorite for us was the Spatzle simply prepared with butter, salt and pepper. And then there is the beer - fourteen taps, all German, served in half-liter or one-liter mugs, or two-liter boots. The German background music is upbeat as is the crowd that hangs out here. We witnessed a table participating in the "shot ski. " Two waitresses came out ringing bells and presented a long piece of wood resembling a ski that had shot glasses attached. Four guys stood up to the cheers of their friends, and together on the count of three, downed the mixture of vanilla baileys, and honey whiskey. Opened in the spring of 2013 by two of the grandchildren of Willy and Gerda, who came to the U. S. in the mid 1900s, this bar is fantastic. As their families grew, they continued the custom of gathering to share good German food and drink in their home. By instilling the importance of tradition, Willy and Gerda's grandsons, Keith and Willy, were inspired to try to recreate the spirit of their home country. And we believe that they have honored them well.
