Loreley marked a return to the tradition of beer gardens in New York when it was opened in 2003. Modeled after the Brauhaus in Cologne, this German restaurant close to the Bowery has an abundance of continental charm—it’s a touch of Rhineland on the Lower East Side. The concept of German Gemuetlichkeit means that people sit together at long wooden tables, which allows socializing with your neighbors, especially when major international sports events are being broadcast live. At Loreley, no one goes home hungry, because the fare is hearty and filling. The German Beer selection and the wines from the Lorelei region are fantastic.