Nothing beats a meal in front of the Manhattan skyline. Well, except all of that plus outdoor games, throwback music and lots of libations. Lutze Biergarten, an outdoor waterfront locale in Jersey City, just reopened for the season, and delivers it all.
The Lutze name is a tribute to the owner’s grandfather, Wilhelm “Willy” Lutze, a German immigrant who lived in Jersey City all his life. In his honor, Lutze captures the spirit of the Hudson County gem and gives back via an impressive drink selection, varied food menu and camaraderie-inspiring activities.
Lutze is completely outdoors, and has both picnic-style communal seating and private tables (you’ll have your own server at these). Kids (and well-behaved dogs!) are permitted with an adult. If you head there on a weekend afternoon, the kids will have plenty to do. While you sip and snack, get the family together to play a jumbo, grown-up version of Jenga on one of the long wooden tables, or mosey over to the grassy back of the property to tear up the cornhole boards.
With various bars around the patio area, it’s easy to get yourself a top-notch bev. Try a pint of craft beer (think seasonal faves like Hell or High Watermelon, Hoboken Bodi Blonde or Victory’s much adored Summer Love), many of which are local, or sip imported beers from Weihenstephaner brewery, or even a can of Lutze’s very own Amber Ale, an easy-drinking beer. There’s also got plenty of wine and hard seltzer available.
If it’s your first time, go for one of Lutze’s specialty cocktails. The Lutze Lemonade (ginger whiskey, strawberry, fresh lemonade, club, mint) is perfect for whiskey sour fans with an adventurous streak, while the Beach Please (coconut rum, amaretto, OJ, pineapple, simple syrup, lime) is a waterside no-brainer on steamy days. Other warm weather go-tos include frozen cocktails like Frosé and house sangria (go for the apple raspberry).
Then there’s the food. Keep it traditional with a soft Bavarian pretzel or bratwurst, get your fill of fried shrimp, try a signature sammie like the juicy Lutze burger or The Allie, a “crabbie patty” grilled cheese, or treat yourself to made-to-order pizza, prepared and cooked in the on-site old school oven. End the night with a fresh chocolate chip cookie and ice cream cones for the kids.
Check the online calendar to take part in events like beer tastings and live music yoga. Plan on taking sunset pics in front of the Hudson for some next-level selfies. The Instaworthy photos alone will make you glad you called the sitter.
Lutze is located at 3 2nd St. in Jersey City. While you can drive and park (at a discount), it’s also accessible via the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, and to and from NYC via the PATH station at Exchange Place or the NY Waterway Ferry. For more info on specials like Boozy Brunch and Wine Down Wednesday, call 201-915-8508 or visit thelutze.com.