Bierocracy opened last month in Long Island City, one of the fastest-growing neighborhoods in Queens, NY – the most diverse county in the United States. It’s no wonder, then, that the community welcomes the newest addition to the budding LIC food and beverage scene – this German/Bohemian-style beer hall has that “IT” factor that others attempt, but never quite attain. I’m a HUGE fan.

A stone’s throw from the first stop on the 7 Train outside of Manhattan (as in, one stop from Grand Central Terminal), this cozy but cavernous space channels a different continent. It’s hard to believe, when you look around, that it was just built. As a big fan of the bier halls in Munich and Prague, I have to say – it does a pretty good job of transporting you to the Old World, if not when you first walk in, then at your first sip.

Communal seating abounds -the cheerful waitstaff welcome you to sit wherever you like. Pull up a seat at a bench and picnic table in one of the rooms, whether you want to sit on either side of the bar or in the cozier section off to the right. I am not crazy about communal seating generally, but there’s something about a beer hall that just demands it. Ask anyone who’s been to the Hofbrauhaus. Beer is better when shared with strangers.

It’s not all about the beer – or at least, there’s Something for Everyone at Bierocracy.

Before I get too far, I would be remiss to note that Bierocracy has a full bar, as well as a varied wine list. Although the offerings are mainly (appropriately) Old World vines, there’s the ever-present California cabernet sauvignon to please the crowd.

The real star was the beer, of course. Each beer is served in its own branded glass, with the house brews available in witte, original and dark. The Bayreuther Zwick’l is amazing – a Bavarian Kellerbier, however. Plus, the stoneware glass is pretty badass. Also on tap is Schofferhofer grapefruit, Hofbrau München, Schneiderweisse and Crispin Cider, in addition to a rotating tap. Even more brews (including a gose), ciders and lambics are offered by the bottle.

Our trip was on a Sunday and it was the first day that Bierhaus was offering its brunch from 11am-3pm. At 3, the kitchen switches over to the regular menu but they were able to sneak out two big, hot pretzels with mustard and bier cheese before then for us.

Note that there are currently no photos of the food on here because we were starving and couldn’t wait for me to photograph them before we dove in. However, we had a little bit of nearly everything, and it was all surprisingly good. The menu says that the plates are small and meant to be shared, but I think most of the entrée-sounding dishes are enough for one person’s meal if you’re not in the mood to share.

We had the potato latkes, which were delightfully crispy on the outside and hot. And the crispy pork belly, which was nearly caramelized and served with light coleslaw.

Then we ate ALL THE MEATS.

The sliders were juicy and tender, but only came with two (so don’t try sharing with 3 people – someone’s going to be disappointed!), and were served with really tasty, crispy, sinful french fries. The shaved brisket sandwich was served open-faced and came with a delectable ricotta-horseradish sauce. The sausage sampler came with 4 different sausages and a generous heap of sauerkraut. The only dish that we weren’t completely in love with was the schnitzel. It was good and not dry, but it just didn’t have the oomph that the other dishes packed.

How to get to Bierocracy

From Manhattan or Queens: Take the 7 Train to Vernon-Jackson and exit the Jackson Avenue exit at 50th Avenue. Then walk 2 blocks to Bierocracy on Jackson Avenue, between 47th Road and 48th Avenue.

From Brooklyn: Take the G Train to 21st Street and walk 1.5 blocks to Bierocracy.

BIEROCRACY Queens
12–23 Jackson Avenue (at 47th Road)
Long Island City, NY 11101
Phone: 718 361 9333
Hours of Operation: M-W 4pm-1am, Th 4p-2a, Fri-Sat 3p-4a, Sunday 11a -3p (Brunch), 3p-1a (Dinner)