Killmeyer's

"The German beer list, both tap and bottled, is unparalleled at this ancient German tavern in the back country of Staten Island. Anytime during Oktoberfest would be a great time to go and enjoy its wursten, sauerbraten, and multiple schnitzels. But on Saturday, October 12, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., is a special celebration with a band, and outdoor bar, grilled brats, etc." - Robert Sietsema

"Located near the Arthur Kill, the body of water that separates Staten Island from New Jersey, Killmeyer’s was founded in 1855 and lays claim to being the borough’s oldest bar. The interior was partly imported from Bavaria in the late 19th century, especially the rococo bar carved in dark woods, from which bottles and taps, both German and American, are dispensed. The menu in the adjacent dining room is what you’d expect, though with a little more attention to detail, with highlights including schweinshaxe (roasted pork knuckle), beef goulash over egg noodles, and some of the city’s puffiest potato pancakes (a perfect bar food). Added bonus: prime rib on Thursdays and the occasional performance by an oompah band." - Robert Sietsema, Viktoria Muench

"The history of the Killmeyers building off Arthur Kill Road is quite rich, and some even claim it dates back to the 1700s. What they do know is that a Prussian immigrant named Nicholas Killmeyer from southwestern Germany bought the property from Balthazar Kreischer, a Bavarian businessman, in 1959. Over the years it evolved from a barbershop-saloon to a hotel to a restaurant to a tavern, trading hands from many different owners. In 1995, the current proprietor Ken Tirado restored it to its former glory and brought the kitchen back its original German menu. Today, enjoy wienerschnitzel (thin, fried veal cutlet), a German wurst sampler with six different sausages fresh from the butcher, and crispy potato pancakes with applesauce and sour cream. The original 1890 mahogany bar is still intact, with 16 beers on tap and over 100 bottles from all over the globe. In the summer, the restaurant has an outdoor patio biergarten with an additional 12 beers on tap." - Claire Elisabeth

"Or Killmeyer’s Old Bavaria Inn on Staten Island (open since 1859)." - Marguerite Imbert