Asbury Festhalle and Biergarten

This place is a good place with poor front counter hostesses. You walk in and can see massive seats of open tables, and they say there is a waitlist? And 15 minutes later at 5:14 the young women are saying a waitlist (their power without check, no more seats taken?) Owners, step in and deal. So we went up. For us, the February late afternoon was warm and the rooftop was open. Much better up there. Service good. Kind of scared to return in true spring with those «hostesses.» Pretty building and great beers. But train the upfront young staff. Get them off the technology to see real open tables.

Beer and brats– yum yum! Outside bar with tons of atmosphere! The beer is really insane. So cold! So smooth! I want to go there in February– and they swear they keep the upstairs open as long as possible!

I like this place. It’s kinda loud, has community tables and lots of meat on the menu. I say this because I’m not a fan of any of those things; however, I still enjoyed myself. It’s a biergarten, so expect all things German including wuerste and beer. Since I’m vegetarian, I complimented my beer with a Bavarian pretzel and some beet sliders. My company indulged in some brat and fries. The beer was great, the food was decent, the atmosphere fun and probably even more fun in warmer months on the rooftop deck.

I keep coming back here to really try and get my feelings about it nailed down. On one hand, it feels contrived and overpriced, but on the other hand it feels like they got it right. I know this probably makes absolutely no sense, but that’s why I’ve been coming back time after time to sort it out.
My most recent visit was with my Dad on a Friday night for dinner. We got there at about 7:30, put our name in with the hostesses for dinner, and then headed to the bar to get a drink. The tables here (traditional biergarten long wooden tables) can only be sat at if you’re eating and have been sat by the hostesses — otherwise there’s the bar, standing room, or you can find a barrel that they have scattered around to rest your drinks.
The bar was about three deep, which is to be expected on a Friday night, but we got our drinks and waited about 45 minutes for a table seating. I ordered the Halle Burger and my dad ordered the Saurbraten. We were both very happy with our meals, and despite how packed the place was they came out in pretty good time.
The prices are one thing here that gets me. Beer prices are decent considering most of them are actually European beers (and the selection is good at 60+), but the food prices are pretty crazy. Think $ 11 for a Bavarian pretzel (the big one), $ 17 for fish and chips, and $ 20 for the sauerbraten. Another thing that makes it feel quite contrived is that they were playing Top 40, and when the live music started they were playing reggae. With that said, I do know that they’re not going for 100% authenticity, and I’m cool with that.
As for any advice, I’d say get here before 10PM on most weekend nights or you’re waiting in line, order the largest size beers (because «When in Rome…»), and enjoy the place for what it is. I think I’m leaning towards liking it here, and I also think that I’ll like it a lot more in the warmer months when they have the rooftop open. I know that I have lots of conflicting thoughts about this place, and for that reason I will definitely be back to try it again.

Stopped in with a buddy of mine for lunch today. The bartenders were very friendly, attentive and appeared knowledgeable of the beers. Food is pretty much German/​Austrian. I ordered the bratwurst. Excellent… it was hot, juicy, grilled to perfection and tasty. Came out REAL fast. Not sure how they did that. Two good size links, served with 2 slices of a nice rye bread, a type of potato salad (I’m not doing it justice by calling it «potato salad», it was very good, and sauerkraut (?). But this sauerkraut is nothing like you have ever tasted. It’s wasn’t tart or «vinegary», but mild and almost, slightly «sweet». They serve the bratwurst with 2 mustards. I enjoyed them both.
As for the beers– they had at least 30 different bottles, none that you would be used to seeing in a local American pub. …no Bud, Coors, etc… And if I counted them right, about 24 drafts (or at least, 24 draft taps). I had a light ale. Not being a beer «aficionado», I couldn’t tell you «how» good it was, but I enjoyed it.
As for the «place» itself, an old, open, high ceiling, industrial warehouse type building with lotsa brick and windows. Picnic style tables with bench seats which can seat 8 +/​-​. The bar seats about 20 — 24+/-. They serve hard liquor, as well.
It appears to attract a younger crowd (under 35). Looks like they have musical bands there at times.
A little pricey, but the food was excellent.
I look forward to going back with my wife on a Saturday afternoon.
I would recommend it to any of my «beer buddies» and friends who enjoy German/​Austrian food. Give it a try!

We walked in on a cold Sunday to sample the beer and listen to some live music. Seated right away. Very rustic place with picnic style tables or you can sit at the bar. Because it is picnic style we sat with 2 other couples. Many different selections of tap beer and GF BEER. Lots of kielbasa on the menu, some soups and the most popular item an enormous warm pretzel. I don’t think I saw one order come out of the kitchen without a pretzel. Wow $ 12 pretzel? My husband thoroughly enjoyed it with mustard and a cold brew. Only one GF item on menu which is marked GF was shrimp and asparagus salad. Was told they use to have more options, but that really didn’t help me on this visit. I did have a GF beer which I enjoyed.

I really love this place in the summer with the rooftop deck, bar, food, and live music. It’s a great space with plenty of room and umbrellas over many tables for those extra hot days.
The pretzels are really soft and fresh, but they are $ 12 each. I think it’s worth it for those reasons alone plus it’s pretty big so you can share it.
The beers are not your typical domestic options. They range from beers similar to blue moon to lagers like Stella. If you want Miller light or Corona you won’t find them here.
Glasses range in size and cost from $ 7 and up.
They have food options too, but I only have had the pretzels. I hear good things about the other items too.
It’s very loud inside given the type of industrial space it is. It’s typically busy through the winter, but maybe not as bad as the summer. I still see it pretty packed all year long.
Recommended on an early summer night so you can enjoy the rooftop!

Great addition the ever-​growing new Asbury scene. My friends and I find ourselves here more than I’d like to admit. We’ve never had any issues — good food, friendly service, decent beer selection.
It’s nice to go in with a group of friends, order a bunch of food to share and throw back a beer or two. Pretzel is yummy, potato pancakes are great and the butternut squash bisque… well, I could write a whole other 5 star review just on that soup. Wursts are good, we usually stick to bratwurst and kielbasa and I love the sauerkraut and potato salad they are served with (I could do without the rye bread). I especially love that they really cook the sausages, grill marks and all. Crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside, yum! Occasionally we’ve ordered from the Specials menu, and haven’t been disappointed yet. All in all a good solid meal.
Big industrial-​style space with a warm, relaxed atmosphere. Seating is large communal tables, and they also have a rooftop space, which is nice in good weather.
Warning though, it is a bit pricey here, but definitely in line with many of the other restaurants in Asbury. Tends to get crowded on nights and weekends, but it’s a nice place to unwind with friends and enjoy some good food and beer.

Alright. I’ve just about had it with this place. I tried really hard to give it the benefit of the doubt. Sometimes I would go and have a really nice time — like, typically on a weekday evening on the roof. Just to have a beer. It was okay. It was nice because I felt safe from the typical rules and crowds that this place seems to have in waves.
But last night I was reminded pretty clearly how absolutely frustrating this place is. A group of five us sat at one of the communal tables, and things seemed alright. The hostess or someone came up and immediately scolded us for sitting down because apparently on weekend nights the tables are reservation only. Scolded — as if we knew these arbitrary rules and ~how dare we~ sit down, etc. whatever. It’s a bar, a giant one, filled with «communal» looking tables. This place is designed to confuse people.
I really can’t with this place — there’s too many rules! It’s a mess. They don’t know what they’re doing and I don’t particularly feel like a restaurant needs to involve so much mental gymnastics on the customers part to remember all of those rules. Every time I come in here there is some kind of stipulation — it is never as simple as just sitting down and having a drink. Who wants to even bother with a place that stressful?
This place is a joke. It’s the Germany pavilion from EPCOT right here in Asbury. An overpriced, cartoony mess. Only come here if you feel like having to do a logistics test before having a simple drink.

Overpriced, crowded, and average. Don’t be surprised by the random rules they will spring on you. On weekends there is a «hostess» (whom neither greeted us or was visible when we entered) and reserved seating at the «communal» tables.
My friends and I sat down at an empty table, and asked those sitting on the other end if it was alright for us to sit there. They told us it was, yet moments later the rude hostess came over and told us we needed to go stand somewhere else and add our name to the waiting list. Just awful.
Terrible bathrooms and bad pretzels as well!

Been back here multiple times and never received bad service, can’t say that service were above and beyond since most of the time I went here it’s during slower period where there’s plenty of table.
Decent German beer selection on tap, there is no happy hour at this place, not that I know of. If you’ve been to Frankford Hall in Philly or any other beer garden this place would just be be okay.
Considering the fact that I live around Brick, NJ area, this place seems like a hidden gem.
They have good sausage, decent I should say. I would say that the food could be better and more appealing to the foodie crowd.
I don’t get the rye bread with any order of sausage, plus sauerkraut, plus German potato salad. Phewww, i’m not one who cares about calories. Save your bucks, most of the time customers won’t even eat it. Instead serve it as your «bread and butter» for dining guests.
Tried the schweinhaxen, roasted pork shank for special, it was kinda disappointing. If you want to try a good one go to Heidelberg in NYC… amazing.
I’m grateful that I have this place to hang out on days when I don’t feel like driving to Philly or NYC.
Please revamp the menu…

Traditional Germán restaurant will a larger selection of tap and bottle German, import and domestic beers. The food was delicious and the restaurant itself is very spacious with high ceiling and friendly staff.

So this is a pretty instant review. I don’t usually give poor reviews but I’m sad to say that we arrived on a rainy Saturday at 3:50ish for drinks and apps and were told our table would be «very quick as it’s easy to sit two». After almost an hour we finally got our text that they table was ready. I will definitely be back as I know this place could be so much fun but I’m disappointed that we weren’t given a realistic time frame and there were tons of open tables. Even if they said that service would be slow as there were waitstaff restrictions — that would have been fine. But to say it would be quick and then almost an hour…

Went here on my birthday and it was awesome. I got a free pitcher of beer with a purchase of the pretzel which was top notch. In addition to the pretzel, we got schnitzel and literally left no schnitzel behind. we cleared off the tray it was that good.
The place itself is a classic biergarten look — similar to the many biergatens in Williamsburg, Bklyn. Inside the ceilings are so high and the rooftop bar has a nice view of the lake.
Definitely recommend this place if you haven’t been!

Great beer. Bartender was super knowledgeable and recommended a couple good beers for m, someone who doesn’t drink beer. Had one beer with a grapefruit taste, like 2% and another light Belgium wheat beer, excellent.
Had the gigantic pretzel with the dough that was imported from Belgium, ’twas delicious.
Neat-​o chill atmosphere. Dark industrial feel. Pretty bar with hundred of different bottles on display.

Great fun atmosphere with a lot of open space and A LOT of beers to choose from.
When you walk inside, there are tons of wooden picnic-​esk tables, which is great if you have a large group or great if you feel like mingling… There did not seem to be any organization though as far as seating went and I couldn’t imagine trying to make a reservation here.
When we did sit, a waitress came and took our order, and despite the fact that our group continued to grow to about 15+ people, she was very capable of handling it and all of the different tabs.
Overall it was pretty noisy and there was a live band on a Friday night — the noise wasn’t and issue though because it goes with the feel of the place in general.
The roof closes about an hour before the actual closing time.
They serve a German IPA that apparently can not be bought anywhere else in the country. Not a beer fan? They also serve hard cider.

Wilkommen to my review. I’m so glad me and this Biergarten made acquaintances. I can’t speak for the Biergarten in Hoboken, but I much prefer this one to Zeppelin Hall in Jersey City.
Two of us rolled in here on a pretty packed Friday night and somehow managed to nab two seats at the bar. The stools were about as uncomfortable as what I imagine a jailhouse mattress to be, but that’s probably by design to keep people from taking up space at the bar. At several points throughout dinner, other customers had to go between us to place their orders.
For dinner, we split the Hungarian beef goulash with carmelized onion, marjoram, and spaetzle and the hanger steak with arugula salad, fries, and shallot butter. My dad’s side of the family is Hungarian and I had just traveled to Hungary six months prior to coming here. This goulash was in my top 5. Delicious. As for the steak, the flavor was outrageous and the temperature a perfect medium-​rare. The fries, however, sucked. They may as well have come from McDonald’s. Seriously. No difference in taste. At all.
You can’t beat the endless beer options, the rooftop, and the general old warehouse-​feel of the interior. If you’re going here with hearing aids, shut them off before you enter. This place gets loud.
Das all.

The Asbury Festhalle and Biergarten is a great addition to the Asbury Park scene. I am actually surprised a place like this hasn’t existed earlier. Since this establishment is fairly new there are some things that they are doing great and some things that need improvement.
Lets start with the positives. The building is huuuugee! Between the downstairs and rooftop rooms hundreds of people can dine and drink beer. On a bright a sunny day this seems like the place to be. The tables are long and you are able to seat yourself. This gives you the opportunity to mingle with the others if you wish. The beer list is very impressive. There are beers imported from all over the world on draft or sold in bottles. I personally do not like beer but even I was able to find a beer that I enjoyed. so much that I drank almost a liter alone! On this hot, sunny day the Schofferhofer (grapefruit flavor) went down as easily as juice.
There is room for improvement. For starters the food. I ordered the Bavarian Pretzel because it seemed to be the perfect accompaniment for my beer. This pretzel was huge, but keep in mind, because it’s a pretzel it also has huge holes. Silly me for ordering and not even looking at a menu, let alone the price, but I had no idea that this pretzel would be $ 11. Seriously. That pretzel should be $ 5, and that’s still pricey. Maybe it’s because I’m a Philly girl, but I was unimpressed with the pretzel and that price was like throwing more salt on the wound. I didn’t try any other food but the food is very authentic to what you would find in a European biergarten, which I appreciate the authenticity. I would also like to see some speakers set up outside so that there we can listen to music as we eat, drink and chat.
I will most definitely return and I am excited to see this business grow.

Excellent first visit. Walked in at around 4pm on a Saturday afternoon. It was very crowded but we were able to grab a seat at the bar no problem. The rooftop was open but they weren’t letting anymore people up there because it was too crowded. The seating is communal and seat yourself so on a crowded day it can be tough to get a spot.
They have a huge selection of imported beers and every bartender that approached us was very knowledgable about what they have. My friend wanted something similar to Killian’s and she got it.
We also ordered food here and everything was very good. Food was in the $ 10-​$ 15 range and a bottled beer was $ 7.
Definitely will be back to check out the rooftop.

We’ve been here a bunch of times since they opened about a month ago and have probably experienced it in every context at this point — middle of the week, Sunday afternoon, Saturday night, etc.
The ambiance is really cool and unique to anything we have going on in the area right now. The space is a refurbished warehouse turned authentic beer hall bearing a resemblance to something out of Hoboken or Brooklyn. There are no televisions and seating is communal picnic table style. I think I will find myself on the rooftop in the spring or summer.
The beer selection is awesome and the menu is German/​Austrian/​Hungarian fare. My boyfriend and I have only eaten off the grill menu, but are both very eager to try some of their entrees for dinner. We are both Hungarian and have been seeking Hungarian cuisine in the area for quite a while! The Bavarian pretzels are excellent (and super filling!) and their burger is out of this world.
I think they have a few kinks to work out. I have heard that weekends get a bit crazy at dinner time and there is no hostess, so people are just wondering around aimlessly stalking picnic tables for patrons who might have their checks dropped which could make for an uncomfortable situation. I should also mention that I got a splinter from our table.
In general though, great addition to the area.