It’s Oktoberfest every night of the week at Berliner, serving German street food under the Key Bridge in Georgetown. The industrial-looking bar and restaurant is starkly attractive, and the menu boasts six kinds of wurst, plus German specialties like schnitzel, pretzels and pickles. The menu also pays homage to Germany’s important immigrant story with kebabs and falafel.
The frites arrive hot and crispy, and my hardest choice of the meal was whether to order them naked and accompanied by mayo, or covered in melted Raclette cheese and caramelized onions (luckily we had enough people to sample both.) And beer – 24 kinds rotate on tap, not just German imports but craft brews from Maine to California. Craft cocktails are also available, and a short but intriguing list of Austrian wines.
Visiting on a Monday, we got the added bonus of an all-night happy hour. Guests over 21 can sit in the bar for Monday Night Football or a round of ping pong, for families a better choice is below, where garage-style doors open towards the Potomac River. I’m looking forward to visiting in warmer weather, when tables spill onto Water Street.
