Paulaner is Back!
After closing their doors in April, Paulaner brewery has made a triumphant return to the Lower East Side with a new look, new chef, new menu…and a new fan. Yes, I’m a fan. No, it’s not because of the ruggedly handsome man in lederhosen who greeted me upon arrival.
First observation – this place is massive! If you and 184 of your dearest, beer-loving friends are looking for a new watering hole, this is it. There’s something about that new brewery smell that just makes your beer taste crisper. Probably doesn’t hurt that the beer is brewed on premise by Master Brewer Andreas Heidenreich; not tucked away in some secret back brew room, but in the customized copper and steel fermentation tanks just past the bar on the main floor. Add that to the redesigned communal tables, oak floors, and stainless steel pipes that are made through green sand casting, this place came together nicely.
Second, the food is pretty darn good. Though Paulaner is most noteably a brewery, it is definitely a brewery AND restaurant. Well played, Chef Daniel Kill. Of course, they’re offering your standard Bavarian pub fare (pretzels, bratwurst, etc.), but Chef Kill has added some flair with modern techniques and local ingredients. Not shockingly, everything pairs perfectly with a cold beer. The menu is designed to encourage sharing and even includes a section “For the Table” (Whole Roasted Chicken and Crispy Pork Knuckle); however, I’d highly recommend not sharing the House-Smoked Trout and Beef Tartar. Keep those to yourself.
Between the communal tables, shareable dishes and beer flights, it seems that the ultimate goal of this Paulaner makeover was to improve their “group-friendly” rating on Yelp. Come with a crew, try each other’s beers, share some snacks, ask the bartender about that tiny bottle behind the bar (it’s Hirschkuss, an adorable, herby Bavarian liqueur).
For the record, the Paulaner lederhosen are not for sale, so BYOL.
Thirsty recommends for drinks doing a beer flight of the three house brews:
HEFEWEIZEN (5.3% alcohol content): A light hops flavor balanced with subtle bitterness with a fruity character; this is the most recognized Paulaner beer.
MUNICH LAGER (4.9% alcohol content): A classic beer that is bright and amber in color with a perfect balance of hops and malt.
MUNICH DARK (4.9% alcohol content): Seven types of barley are heavily roasted to create the traditional, malty flavors for this “original” Munich beer. This is a regional specialty beer that is only available freshly brewed.
Paulaner
265-267 Bowery
(212) 780-0300
Hours:
Dinner only through June 12th (5pm-midnight).
After June 12th, lunch is served 11:30am-2pm and the restaurant
stays open until 1am on Friday and Saturday
Social Media: @PaulanerNYC
Our Best Stories Delivered Daily
