It’s fall, which means it’s officially beer garden season in Lower Manhattan. And luckily, sweater weather doesn’t mean the outdoor seating is done for the year. Several downtown spots are just getting started, with Oktoberfest specials, seasonal brews, and a mix of lively indoor spaces and inviting patios built for crisp days. Whether you’re looking to celebrate the season or just want a fun day out, these are some of top-tier beer gardens to drink up at right now — BYO dirndl and lederhosen.
Clinton Hall
If your favorite pairing is beer and games, you’ll love the social Clinton Hall FiDi. Grab an old-school amusement like Connect 4 or Jenga and settle into a communal table inside or on their heated, covered patio, complete with a foosball table and a TV for catching a real-people sports game, too.
On tap, choose from 20+ drafts spanning wheat beers, IPAs, sours, and beyond — plus seasonal picks like Cigar City Brewing’s Good Gourd™ Imperial Pumpkin Ale from Tampa and Paulaner Oktoberfest Bier from Munich. If you can’t decide between brews and cocktails, they also have a “Hall Pass Spritz” featuring Hall Pass IPA by BREWHALL Beer Co.
The food menu covers classic comforts like chicken wings and nachos, but don’t sleep on unique eats like the fondue burger — piled with melted fondue cheese and topped with fries stuck upright like a bouquet — and the “Famous Doughnut Grilled Cheese,” a glazed doughnut stuffed with melted mozzarella and hung on a hook over a pot of tomato soup, its cheese pull dripping right into the bowl.
Feeling competitive? Finish Clinton Hall’s 20-ounce signature beef burger topped with all the fixings and barbecue chicken tenders, plus french fries and a 16-ounce Gigawatt beer in 25 minutes or less, and the meal is yours, free.
Clinton Hall is also a great boozy brunch spot, with a bottomless deal covering classic brunch drinks as well as Bitburger and Erdinger beers. And through October, the bar hosts an Oktoberfest Extravaganza with German fare, tasting flights and Steinhoisting, where competitors hold a one-liter stein at arm’s length to see who’s strongest. (90 Washington St.)
Sixpoint Brewery
Located inside the waterfront Brookfield Place shopping center, Sixpoint Brewery is a destination for beer lovers looking to enjoy locally brewed beer in a unique setting thanks to its eclectic interior and outdoor beer garden.
Inside, that vibrant energy comes through in the exposed ductwork, colorful wall art and a fun copper pipe system running behind the bar. Outside, the beer garden offers a laid-back experience under a wooden pergola strung with lights and surrounded by greenery.
On tap, you’ll find Sixpoint’s own house-made beers alongside brews, ciders and spirits from its sister brands like Victory Brewing Company, Southern Tier Brewing Company and Bold Rock Hard Cider. Try a crisp Encantadora Mexican Lager, a hazy Screamsickle Imperial IPA or a fruity Apricot Hefeweizen. You can also opt for a flight of five tastings if you’re looking for a sampler. Packaged beers are available to go, for anyone who wants to keep the party going back home.
Food-wise, the menu leans into comfort food with an international twist. You can’t go wrong with a warm house-made pretzel with beer cheese and whole grain mustard, a Korean BBQ-glazed Seoul Burger, a Cauliflower Banh Mi Wrap or the ham and cheese Sixtel Sliders (named after the brewery’s 1/6 barrel kegs). The bar will also be adding some autumn additions to their menu after October 14.
It’s worth planning your visit around the bar’s daily specials, like $1.50 oysters on Wednesdays or its all-day happy hour on Saturdays — plus Monday trivia where you can win beer prizes. The first Friday of every month also brings an exciting taproom-exclusive release.
Come Oktoberfest season, keep an eye on the bar’s Instagram for seasonal pop-ups, football watch parties on Sundays, and a Halloween party on October 31 with $5 Oktoberfest beers, candy and a costume contest. (200 Liberty St.)
Old Mates Wine Bar & Beer Garden
The Seaport’s favorite Aussie pub has a new sibling. Old Mates Wine Bar & Beer Garden recently opened just steps from the original Old Mates. Set in a former service garage, the new spot pairs a cozy indoor wine bar with counter seating and an outdoor beer garden with picnic tables and string lights.
Along with about 10 Australian and New Zealand wines by the glass, there is a rotating lineup of beers and ciders — including the popular Old Mates Lager. To soak it all up, dig into Aussie classics like lamb and rosemary sausage rolls and meat pies made with Wagyu brisket. Pair them with a side of chips dusted in chicken salt, a seasoning that’s beloved Down Under.
Want to keep the party going? Head next door to the original Old Mates, one of the hottest pubs in NYC. The three-floor venue is known for its high-energy game-day viewing parties, regular events like trivia and live music and late-night DJ sets in its basement bar. (87 South St.)
Jessie Festa is a New York-based content creator, photographer, and tour guide. She is the founder of NYC Photo Journeys, which offers photo tours and shoots in the city’s most interesting and scenic locations.
main photo: Liz Clayman (courtesy Brookfield Place)
