Zum Schneider pours Festbiers from Paulaner, Weihenstephaner and HB Traunstein into one-liter mugs and serves them with Haxn, Obazda and giant imported pretzels. The move to the East River waterfront gives this Oktoberfest something the old beer halls lack: a rooftop biergarten looking straight at the Williamsburg Bridge. If you want a ticketed, seated Oktoberfest with a real band rather than a bar crawl, this is the one to book.
What to expect
The main room is set with long tables near a stage for the band, with hostess-led seating for reserved and VIP tickets. Upstairs, the umbrella-covered rooftop biergarten has its own self-service bar and skyline views. Saturdays split into early and late sessions, and guests must clear the room between them.
Good to know
- Book ahead: tickets decide where you sit, and rooftop-only tickets do not include the main room if it sells out.
- The busiest day runs as two separate seatings, so plan to leave when the early session ends.
- The rooftop is umbrella-covered and runs rain or shine.
- HB Traunstein's Festbier is also offered non-alcoholic.
- The G train to Greenpoint Avenue is the closest subway; the NYC Ferry stops at Greenpoint too.
- VIP tables seat ten, which suits birthday groups.
Common questions
Where is Zum Schneider's Oktoberfest this year?
At 12 Franklin Street in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, on the East River waterfront, not at the restaurant's Manhattan location.
Do I need a ticket?
Yes. Options range from the rooftop biergarten to general, reserved and VIP seating in the main room.