An Oldie but a Goodie Relights the Trend in Queens

Beer garden or "Biergarten" is an open-air area where beer, other drinks and local food are served. The concept originates in the 19^th century and is most common in Southern Germany, mainly in Bavaria. The biergarten was originally was brought about about 500  ago, where experimentation led to the  discovery that  if brewers made beer in the winter months rather than the typical summer months, fermentation would be slower and deliver a different kind of beer. So when this was realized, different styles for summer and winter brews developed. While summer beer was a relatively light beer to be consumed within days, winter beers were comparatively stable and could be kept for few more months.

The beergarden helped solve the mystery surrounding fermentation. Brewers found out where to build cellars that would stay cool even in summer. The ditches were made deep in the ground in the banks of the Isar river, which allowed them to keep the beer cool. In order to further reduce the cellar temperature, the banks were covered in gravel and chestnut trees were planted. As these trees not only shadowed the cellars below them, but the big surface of the leaves evaporated lots of water, thereby effectively cooling the surroundings in summer.

Because of the cool temperatures and beautiful landscape,tables and benches started occupying their space, turning it into a garden, where the locals can enjoy fresh brew and tolerable weather.

Beer gardens in metropolitan cities today are the cheap and convenient way of spending a weekend in the shade and enjoy the cityscape, avoiding expensive restaurants in the city. In addition to beer, beergarden food fare that blends traditional bar sustenance with spicy flair.

Hirschgarten in Munich, is the worlds best and the largest traditional beer garden, where more than 8000 people can dine together with Bavarian food and a glass of beer.
Today, many countries around the globe have drinking establishments with an attached beer garden. In Austria, the beer garden is called Gastgarten (guest garden). In Japan, outdoor beer gardens are enjoying increasing popularity, with many found on the roofs of department stores.
In the United States one of the earliest, and most popular, beer gardens was Castle Garden on the southern tip of Manhattan Island in New York. It has a rich history, which has housed a fort,theater, the first immigration station (before Ellis Island), a public aquarium, and finally as a national monument.

A notable and historic Beer Garden is Bohmeian Hall. Open since 1919, it located in the Astoria neighborhood of Queens, and accompanies a bar and catering hall. The Beer Garden at Bohemian Hall officially sits 800, though often entertains more during festivals and other events.

The Garden at Studio Square, located in Long Island City, Queens, is a fresh update to the traditional beer garden. Orthodox Wood benches and tables decorate this immense space, but its modern Jumbo Tron and blaring house music make this spot a must see. Offering over a dozen of craft, domestic and imported  beers on draft, the surprise of my visit to the establishment was the house sangria. It is served out of a tap, and for $25 dollars for a 60 ounce pitcher, makes this a pretty great bargain. Fresh fruit is added right before it is served, and they sangria itself was refreshing and not too sweet, with a nice balanced finish.  I didn't get a chance to sample the food, the menu is organized very functionally, and offers small plates that pack spice and heat to homemade sausages and burgers. Below is a promotional video highlighting the delights of Studio Square :)

Beer gardens are a commonplace notion in Saint Louis, because of its rich German heritage and history. But the revival of these unpretentious spots in the Big NYC makes one yearn for the the familiar, and Studio Square hits it right on the head.