The literal translation of biergarten is beer garden, which can best be a described as a garden party where beer as well as food is served at outdoor tables in a commensal, festive setting. According to the German Beer Institute, the beer garden is atreasured part of the German culture, which originated when the brew was kept cool in underground vaults on top of which trees were grown for shade. Chairs and tables were set up for the public, and people drank from the casks below. Though this may sound alien to the New York City milieu, there are several places where connoisseurs and wannabes can mimic this experience.

The Standard High Line in the infamous Meatpacking District offers traditional German cuisine and lager in an open-air setting. The kielbasas, sauerkraut, bratwurst and pretzels are perfect accompaniments to German beer. It's a relaxed, casual atmosphere where customers can eat, drink, chat and even play ping pong.

Loreley Restaurant & Biergarten is located on Rivington Street in the Lower East Side. A carpenter who builds furniture for pubs in Cologne is credited for the craftsmanship of the long wooden tables, a seating arrangement conducive to socializing. Imbibe one of 12 imported German beers available while savoring exquisite Wiener schnitzel or weisswurst sausages. The graveled beer garden carries an imagery that transports you to Köln.

Loyal patrons refer to Good Beer in the East Village as a beer lover's paradise. With almost 600 domestic and imported craft brew labels, this shop is the ideal place to buy beer. They carry American draft as well as Belgian, German, English and Scandinavian imports. The premises includes an in-store café where customers can sample the beer while consuming chorizo, jerky nuts or hot dogs. It's no wonder this store earned high ratings from Zagat for quality, appeal and service. 

A trip to New York City is the perfect time to sample or purchase craft beer, meet or make friends at a biergarten, or attend one of the many beer tastings held in the city. The craft brewing community awaits.