Freelance Writing Jobs | Today's Articles | sign in

Visit the Bohemian Beer Hall and Garden

New York City Off the Beaten Path

Aug 7, 2008 Mary Macrae Warren

If you're looking for a taste of the old country without breaking your budget, opt for an off-the-beaten path tasting tour of New York's oldest beer garden, the Bohemian.

While you’ll be more likely to find rock or techno pulsing in this popular local destination than the oom-pahing of a squeezbox, you won’t be disappointed by the many excellent European beers to quaff at amazingly affordable prices, from $5 a glass to $14 a pitcher. Some of the beers on tap are Spaten, Heffewiesen, Hoegaarden, Czechvar, and Pilsner Urquell.

From the garden grill order up some juicy and delicious kielbasy, ($7 & $9) diet destroying sausages that are hard to resist , or ask for table service to sample some of the other traditional and hearty fare like the tender potato or mushroom stuffed dumplings or pierogies served with sauerkraut and onions ($7.50).

Other Czech specialties of the meat and potatoes variety include: chicken paprikash ($10), beef goulash ($10) and roast pork served with sauerkraut and dumplings ($10), fried cheese ($8.50) and potato pancakes ($10).

While there is plenty of indoor seating for those who like their summer get-togethers air-conditioned, the shady, tree-filled garden is the place to see and be seen. The company is companionable, the laughter and conversation are contagious, and the beer is cold and perfect for toasting the start to a fine evening.

Filled with a diverse crowd of young single professionals, Moms and Dads with toddlers in tow, and even a few grandparents, the scene is inter-generational, casual and welcoming. The garden offers communal seating for a couple of hundred with seating on a first come, first served basis. Shared seating with new found friends is not uncommon.

The Bohemian Hall, open year-round, has live music on the calendar with most performances costing between $-$10; however, some performances are free.

Since the 1800s, Astoria, Queens has been home to a flourishing Czech community and the Bohemian was created to preserve the traditions of the old country while providing a haven in the new. Named after the medieval Kingdom of Bohemia in the Holy Roman Empire, the beer garden was established in 1892 as a social hall. Formally named The Bohemian Citizens' Benevolent Society, the beer garden is a dying breed in a city that once boasted more than 800 beer halls – with three in Astoria alone.

Visitors will have no problem finding the Bohemian. The New York Metropolitan mass transit practically provides door-to-door service. Take the Queens-bound N train to Astoria Blvd where you disembark and cross the foot bridge to 31st Street. The Bohemian is on 31st Street, just a few steps off 24th Avenue.

Whatever language you speak, there’s a toast to be made at the Bohemian. As the Czechs would say, Na Zdravi or to your health!

The copyright of the article Visit the Bohemian Beer Hall and Garden in NE U.S. Travel is owned by Mary Macrae Warren. Permission to republish Visit the Bohemian Beer Hall and Garden in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.