Oktoberfest is an annual festival that originated in Munich, Germany, meant to bring thousands of people together to enjoy traditional German cuisine, German beer, and dancing to some favorite folksongs. This tradition is continued in New Orleans by the Deutsches Haus, a nonprofit organization that is committed to helping and supporting German immigrants who move to New Orleans. The organization assists by providing meals, housing, help finding employment, and assistance in locating friends or family in the United States. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Oktoberfest has been canceled. But that doesn't mean that you have to miss out on the chance to celebrate this unique holiday. We have provided a list of places serving German cuisine for you to try. Whether you're new to German food, looking for an excuse to eat something you know and love, or wanting to commemorate Oktoberfest with traditional cuisine, try one of these options below.
Deutsches
Haus
Deutsches Haus will be open the whole month of October, seven
days a week, for all to come by and try their Gemütlichkeit—a German
word used to convey the idea of warmth and friendliness. The Haus will feature
items such as a bratwurst on a pretzel bun with sauerkraut or caramelized
onions, as well as warm pretzels. One of the main items on the regular menu is
the flammkuchen, which is a German variation of pizza with a creamy
white sauce. Wednesday through Sunday, the Haus will also have a special menu, with
dinner and side dishes, for $14. The dinner plates include options such as
German meatloaf or a sausage plate, and side options are sauerkraut, red
cabbage, and German potato salad.
The Haus
will also have some new seasonal Oktoberfest beers for you to enjoy with your
meal, including German beers from brewers Stinger, Dinkel Acker, Sapten, and
Hacker Pschorr. Other featured Oktoberfest beers come from the U.S.-German
collaboration of Sierra Nevada and Bitburger.
Deutsches
Haus is taking major precautions to keep all customers safe. Masks will always
be required, unless you are eating or drinking; credit cards only will be
accepted; and there will be a crowd manager to assure rules are being followed.
1700 Moss St., (504) 522-8014, deutscheshaus.org
Middendorf's
The Middendorf's locations in Manchac and Slidell
will be holding their very own Oktoberfest, with German food, music, and fun.
For six weeks, from October 7 until November 13, you can visit your nearest
Middendorf's for different German lunch and dinner plates each week, as well as
appetizers, desserts, and, of course, German beer.
Middendorf's
in Manchac will be celebrating the occasion every Wednesday and Thursday, while
the Middendorf's in Slidell will be celebrating every Friday. Dine with
Middendorf's all six weeks and earn a prize at the end of Oktoberfest. Grab a
card the first week, and be sure to get it punched every week, then turn it in
on the last week for your prize. Middendorf encourages customers to dress up
for the festivities. The regular Middendorf's menu is also available on Oktoberfest
days. Middendorf's is a seafood restaurant that has been in Manchac since 1934,
and the newest owners started the Oktoberfest ritual in 2008. Chef Pfeifer
prepares the authentic German food himself. Check out their website for the full
six-week menu. 30160 Hwy. 51 S., Akers (Manchac), (985) 386-6666 ; 1951 Oak
Harbor Blvd., Slidell, (985) 771-7777 ; middendorfsrestaurant.com
Bratz Y'all
Bistro
Tucked away
in the Bywater neighborhood is another German restaurant: Bratz Y'all Bistro. Chef Sven Vorkauf opened it in 2012 when he moved to
New Orleans from his hometown of Berlin, Germany. Along with him, he brought 20
years of culinary experience, allowing him to create his own special menu with
bold flavors and creative ideas. The restaurant is named after the bratwurst
sausage, and Chef Sven always has top-quality options of this delicacy, as well
as many ways to enjoy it. Some of Chef Sven's most popular bratwurst sandwiches
are the Barvarian, the Berlinier, the Nuernberger, and the King Brat.
This bistro
also has some great German beer options to try with your meal. Bratz Y'all had
been featured at many music festivals around New Orleans and the surrounding
areas. All ingredients are cooked and prepared fresh daily. Be sure to come
hungry, as these dishes are huge. Sit outside on their lovely patio while
enjoying your meal. 617 Piety St., (504) 301-3222, bratzyall.com
Luke
Luke in New Orleans is a brasserie that
features many different types of cuisine on the menu, ranging from Creole to
German and French dishes. Chef Erick Loos IV highlights local vendors and
farmers market ingredients in all his dishes. Since Luke opened in 2007, they
have been noticed by many publications as a superb restaurant choice in New
Orleans. Luke is back in business since the pandemic that made them and many
others close, open daily from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. The team is taking
precautions for all dine-in customers, to make sure that everyone has a safe
and enjoyable meal. Luke is also offering takeout and delivery.
A popular
German dish that is perfect for celebrating Oktoberfest is the bone-in pork schnitzel.
This restaurant also has many other options for you to try. 333 St. Charles
Ave., (504) 378-2840, lukeneworleans.com
Dat Dog
The hot dog was
first created in Germany as many as 500 years ago, and today, one of the most fun
and tasty ways to get a hot dog would be from Dat
Dog. This popular
chain has so many ways to dress up your "dog." Starting in New Orleans in 2011
as a traditional hot dog stand, Dat Dog has grown into a large and popular
chain. They offer a variety of gourmet sausages, all-beef hot dogs, and award-winning
french fries, as well as great spirits and local craft beers, all in a bright
and colorful environment. You can create your own hot dogs by choosing your
sausage then your toppings, or you can pick from the many house specials. Dat
Dog has eight different sausages to pick from, including a crawfish sausage,
and so many possible toppings to put on your dog. The menu also features many
options for dressed fries or tots. There is no better way to celebrate
Oktoberfest than designing your own hot dog. Multiple Locations, www.datdog.com
