Bar of the Week: PAULANER on Bowery in NYC for Beer Lovers and More

Paulaner on Bowery, just south of Houston Street, is a contemporary Bavarian restaurant inside an active microbrewery. Created by restaurateur Wolfgang Ban, this recently opened spot is getting all the buzz in the neighborhood and beyond.

Paulaner is a modern take on the traditional beer hall with great food. It's a vibrant place where groups of friends can settle in at long communal tables or intimate gatherings can find their own special spot. Reclaimed wood provides distinctive contrast to the industrial chic of their copper and steel fermentation tanks.

At the center of the action, Master Brewer Andreas Heidenreich creates his own versions of the traditional Paulaner-style beers with recipes of his own invention, while following the Purity Law of 1516; he uses only four ingredients-water, wheat, hops and yeast. No spices, fruits or other enhancements are used to create Hefeweizen, lightly hoppy with subtle bitterness balanced with fruity character, Munich Lager, a classic bright amber beer, and Munich Dark, rich dark amber with a malty flavor. Heidenreich has also created Munich Pale Ale exclusively for New York City, a top-fermented IPA-style beer with three varieties of hops, including Amarillo from Washington State, and a changing roster of seasonal beers. There is no fresher beer than the unfiltered, unpasteurized "Tank to Table" brew, which is also available for takeaway in growlers and mini-kegs. We suggest a beer flight to enjoy the fresh tasting beer that Paulaner is becoming known for.

If you aren't a beer drinker, Paulaner has you covered. They also have an excellent wine list featuring German, Austrian and local wines by the glass. Their cocktail menu incorporates beers, local craft bourbons and whiskies that are also available in tasting flights. Signature cocktails include The Andy with Reyka Vodka and elderflower syrup or the ever-spicy Thunderbolt with Cuervo Tequila and jalapeno.

Photo: Courtesy of Paulaner