Manor Oktoberfest, Forest Hills is the second location of a great German restaurant. The original Manor Oktoberfest is located in the Atlas Park Mall. It is a product of the masterminds behind Manor Delicatessen in Woodhaven, which has been a staple in the community for over 90 years. Recently, this second location opened in the space that was once Backdraft’s and PJs Steakhouse (which should be on this season of Kitchen Nightmares). My friends and I have frequented the Atlas Park location on many occassions. It is a small location that allowed you to sit outside and drink some very good, very large beers (see below). We had been trying to get out to the new location since it opened but things had gotten in our way (like a major snowstorm amongst others). We were looking to have a birthday party at this location, since it so much bigger, but wanted to take a peek at it first so we finally made it.
We enjoyed it as much as the original location. This space is much bigger, many more tables (as opposed to the approx 8 that the other location had) and a nice open feel to it. The menu is essential the same. We’ve eaten at the other location in the past and the food in Forest Hills is just as good if not better. To start we order the potato pancakes, buffalo wings, and pierogies (actually this was eaten as a main course but its an appetizer so I am putting it here. The wings were great, had a lot of sauce and were crisped nicely. I tasted hints of a sweeter sauce mixed in with the hot sauce, which is just the way I like it. The potato pancakes are one of my favorite things on their menu. Yes it looks like a burnt hash-brown form McDonald’s but it sure does not taste that way. The outside is nice and crisp (it’s not burnt) and the inside is so soft (it tastes just like my grandmother’s). The pierogies are also something to rave about. They were nicely browned on the outside as always. I actually did not get to have any this night but I have had them multiple times in the past and they are great.
For the entrees we had the grilled chicken salad, grilled chicken sandwich and the Wiener Schnitzel. All were excellent. Yes the grilled chicken salad and the grilled chicken sandwich you can get anywhere but Manor does it right. Both dishes have been order numerous times by my group of friends and we have never had a problem, always perfect. Also, the pastrami sandwich which we didn’t have tonight but I have had it in the past, is to die for! Perfectly cooked and moist, fantastic. The Wiener Schnitzel was something new for us. We actually have never ordered an entree so this was a real first. It was perfect! The pork was still moist on the inside which other places tend to dry it out. I had it with the spaetzle and the red cabbage. Spaetzle was great with some nice gravy on top. I can’t speak to the cabbage since I do not eat it but my friends really enjoyed it.
Now the pièce de résistance: Das Boot. We did not have the boot this evening but have had it in the past. The beer here is outstanding. Unlike the Oktoberfest in Atlas Park, Oktoberfest in Forest Hills has a more extensive beer selection. They have bottled beer as well as a more extensive tap list. You can get beer on tap in 1/2 liter, liter or 2 liter boot size. Below is a boot with Spaten Oktoberfest. This was at the Atlas Park location over the summer.
Can’t wait to go back next weekend for the big birthday bash. I will report more then.
Manor Oktoberfest: Forest Hills
73-11 Yellowstone Blvd
Forest Hills, NY 11375
718-544-2400
http://www.manoroktoberfest.com/
