Zum Schneider
The creation of a German expat nostalgic for the convivial atmosphere and camaraderie of the beer gardens back home, this airy, East Village Bavarian restaurant and biergarten has all the staples: long wooden picnic tables, overflowing bowls of pretzels, and a menu featuring Teutonic staples (think Schnitzel. Lots of Schnitzel.) In honor of Oktoberfest, Mös'l Franzi and the Ja Ja Ja's (?!) will be perfoming live oompah on Mondays, Tuesdays and weekends, until October 14th, with DJ Volka Racho taking the stage before and after sets spinning everyone's favorite Oktoberfest classics (name even one, and the beer’s on us). Speaking of which, what better way to celebrate than with 13 German brews on tap served in massive steins made for toasting? (107 Ave. C, 212-598-1098)

Klee Brasserie
Austrian-born chef Daniel Angerer of Chelsea’s Klee Brasserie whips up a traditional Bavarian Oktoberfest until October 9th, with domestic and German Oktoberfest brew specials, like Avinger Weisse and Laowenbrau. To compliment the beer selections, Klee is replacing the daily specials with uniquely-prepared Tyrolean Bavarian food like sauerkraut with kobe bratwurst, caramelized Vidalia onion and speck pizza, and dunkel-marinated roast chicken with potato-caraway salad. (200 Ninth Ave., 212-633-8033)

Heidelberg
It's Oktoberfest pretty much every night at this Upper East Side German vet, where the waiters actually rock lederhosen all year round, the menu is full of schnitzels, wursts and traditional sides like spaetzle, bread dumplings and outstanding potato pancakes, and beer comes in glasses large enough that you need a rest from lifting after each sip (a two-liter "boot" of Dinkel Acker, anyone?). For the actual Oktoberfest, they've added more live music than their usual Saturday night oompah extravaganza, plus a list of special dishes and seasonal beers. (1648 Second Ave., 212- 628-2332)

Killmeyer's Old Bavaria Inn
Staten Island isn’t exactly known for its historical character, but rumor has it that this building has been around since the 1700s, way before old Killmeyer bought it in 1855. Still with its original wood bar, it's also got a notable stein collection, a small "beer museum,” and over three dozen German brews to choose from. Out back, there's a biergarten with room for live music, a gazebo and a wood-burning fireplace. Pop in on Sunday (9/30) for an Oktoberfest beer tasting (they've added 25 Oktoberfest and seasonal brews) and annual pig roast, starting at 2 p.m. (4254 Arthur Kill Rd., 718-984-1202)

Loreley
Apart from adding four Oktoberfest brews to their strictly-German beer menu (including Spaten Oktoberfest and Weihenstephaner Festbier), there's no need for this bare-bones, authentic Cologne-style biergarten to exploit the holiday, as their offerings are pretty damn authentic already. Pair liter of Franziskaner Hefeweissbier ($12) or the seasonal offering from the Hofbräuhaus in Munichwith with bratwurst and homemade sauerkraut, exceptionally tasty wiener schnitzel, or everyone's favorite, heringsstip nach hausfrauen art auf vollkorn brot. You’ll have to go to find out what that one means. (7 Rivington St., 212-253-7077)

Hallo Berlin
Proprieters Rolf and Bernadette Babiel started off selling German wursts from a cart and wound up with a small no-frills restaurant in Midtown. Although the menus offer traditional meals like schnitzels and sauerbraten, the main draw is German fast food: the selection of six or so different kinds of sausages or the Koenigsberger Klops (meatballs). Although only adding two Oktoberfest brews this year, there are over 25 others to choose from, served in mugs, steins, humpen or large pitchers. (626 Tenth Ave., 212-977-1944)

Lederhosen
This raucous, under-commercialized West Village brauhaus features in-the-know neighborhood folks and offers an authentic array of hearty German grub, including highly-addictive sausage sandwiches (knackwurst, currywurst, bratwurst, among others) served on a crusty roll with red cabbage, sauerkraut, onions and mustard for a resounding $4.50. German draught specialties include Würzburger Black Lager, Dortmunder and interesting mixtures like the Radler (half beer, half 7 -UP) are availible by the klein, gross, mass or pitcher. (39 Grove St., 212-206-7691)

Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden
One second inside this lively Astoria favorite and one thing becomes crystal clear: this is how beer was meant to be consumed—in the open air, surrounded by an easygoing crowd and possibly a kielbasa with a side of ‘kraut. Helmed by the Bohemian Citizens' Benevolent Society, the beer garden and adjoining Bohemian Hall remain a center for the area’s Czech and Slovak residents. Swing by on Saturday (9/29) or Sunday (9/30) at 1 p.m. for traditional Oktoberfest festivities: live entertainment, traditional Czech and Slovak outfits, an impressive selection of Eastern European beer and wine, and an outdoor barbecue. $10 for non-members. (29-19 24th Ave., 718-274-4925)

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