Fall is a great time to explore new flavors and different spots around Hoboken, and since we’re on a little fall-season-feelings love fest and . Trust me, I know it can be intimidating looking a beer list. Especially if you’re like me an usually stick to Bud Light. That being said, I definitely recommend pushing yourself to try something different when it comes to your ale accomplices. You may discover a new staple to accompany you in football watching or pumpkin carving.
First of all — Oktoberfest beers can finally happen, since it’s now October. Of course, I like to stretch summer as much as I can, but that being said, I was shocked to see Sam Adams Oktobkerfest on tap at Mikey Squared the last Monday in August!
_________________________
Trust me, I love my pumpkin beers, pumpkin coffee, apple cider donuts, and everything else fall, but it felt kindaaaa early. I inquired about the addition of Oktoberfest and learned that the timing actually made perfect sense. Oktoberfest in Germany begins in September! Who knew?! After hearing this I realized it may be time to shelf my Summer Shandy until next year. I thought this would be difficult, until I realized how many great options Hoboken has to enjoy wonderful fall brews. Here are a few:
1. Zeppelin Hall in Jersey City {88 Liberty View Drive}
Housing a huge outdoor space with a plethora of picnic tables, Zeppelin Hall is a great spot to hang out in the fall sun with friends. It is also easy to access via the Light Rail. I chose to try a Sunset Wheat beer while I was there. As a Leinenkugel, it is Summer Shandys sister {okay maybe I’m still holding on to summer a bit?}…They had many choices of fall beers and were more than happy to give a taste test to help you find the perfect fit for you.
The Sunset Wheat was a lighter beer. I found it a great transition into the heavier beers of fall. Zepplin Hall also offers a baconfest every Thursday and a pig roast every Saturday and Sunday for all the meat lovers out there!
2. Carpe Diem {1405 Grand Street}
Tucked away on 13th street located near the Hoboken Biergarten, I stumbled upon this place last winter. The cozy atmosphere and fire places make you feel right at home…plus it’s a great destination for some samplings of beer! I decided to go with a traditional Sam Adams Oktoberfest. Oktoberfest tends to be a bit on the heavier side, but it is rich with flavor and really tastes like fall!

Plus, they have a fire. Yes, I know there’s wine in this photo, but there’s also fire. COZY.
PS: Carpe Diem is a great destination for watching football — they offer FREE wings at the half time of every football game! Not to mention, they won the best wing in Hoboken contest…and their wings are truly delicious! {Editor’s note: Just had the buffalo wings this weekend, they were unreal}.
3. Village Pourhouse {205 1st Street}
Sticking with the Oktoberfest theme, downtown at VP, I tried a Brooklyn Oktoberfest which had a similar, hoppy, bitter taste as the Sam Oktoberfest.
4. Pilsenerhaus Biergarten {1422 Grand Street}
This Hoboken hot spot is another wonderful option for fall fun and sampling great beers. They offer a half price night on Tuesdays, which is a great time to take advantage of tasting their extensive list of beers. Another highlight is their huge soft pretzel! A must try!

The best pretzels in Hoboken.
5. Cork City Charlie Brown Pumpkin Festival – 2nd Annual {3rd & Bloomfield}
If you didn’t hear yesterday, Cork City is featuring 16 different pumpkin beers on tap. Bonus: You get a custom made commemorative Cork City Charlie Brown Pumpkin Festival glass with every purchase. So fun!
A few tips that I took away from my explorations:
– Weihenstephaners are usually the lightest option
– Pilsners tend to be a bit stronger taste.
– Most of these beers have a higher alcohol content, so drink carefully!
Cheers!