Die Koelner Bierhalle in Park Slope: From Biergarten to Hockey Haven

With the New York Islanders facing off tonight against the Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks in their first-ever regular season game at Barclay’s Center, Islanders fever is seeping into the Brooklyn neighborhoods surrounding the team’s new home. At Die Koelner Bierhalle (KBH), a popular German biergarten in Park Slope, managing partner Marquis Williams is hoping the good vibes from Barclays’ newest tenant will spill over into his 4,000 square foot establishment on St. Marks Place by Fourth Avenue.

“We’re excited that the Islanders are now here at Barclays Center,” Williams said earlier this week, “and that they are bringing a lot of friends from out on the Island to the heart of Brooklyn.”

Pivoting from broadcasts of soccer, the world’s most popular game, to serving long-time fans uprooted by their carpet-bagging team is perhaps not so jarring as it sounds.

Fans of hockey, soccer or any other sports can usually agree on one thing: beer is good. With thirty beers on tap, a plethora of the bottled variety and a full bar, KBH has a lot to offer.

“Sports fans are drinkers, and a lot of people like beer,” said Williams, in an understatement. “Whether it’s hockey, or football, or American football, or baseball, or basketball, we support all of it.”

Having gotten his MBA at the University of Michigan when both the Wolverines (NCAA title in 1996) and the Detroit Red Wings (Stanley Cup in 1997) were good, Williams is no stranger to hockey success. He did however appear at a loss when it came to naming his favorite Islander (captain John Tavares finally came to mind).

Williams might be excused for his ignorance regarding the team, who for the last four decades played in Uniondale at the increasingly decrepit Nassau Coliseum. With a new owner, a young, talented team and an impressive new home, the Islanders are a legitimate threat to go deep in the 2016 Stanley Cup playoffs.

The question is: will their long-time fans not only make the trek from the other side of Long Island, but also patronize local sports bars? Williams certainly hopes so, pointing out that the Islander’s fan club — approximately 200 strong — would fit comfortably inside KBH’s spacious interior.

Tim Casey, an Islander fan for 14 years, is willing to make the trip from Coram to cheer on his team and sample the local pub scene.

“I’m a huge fan of the biergarten experience,” Casey said. “If it’s near the Barclays Center, I would absolutely go before or after games. Many of the friends I’d go with enjoy biergartens, so it’s definitely something we’d consider.”

With one-, two- and even three-liter tankards, Williams believes his bar has “hockey-sized beers” for fans and players alike.

“Show us your ticket stubs before or after the game and we’ll give you happy hour prices throughout,” Williams said. “We’ll also try to line things up when the Islanders play, maybe some specials when they win or score X-number of goals.”

If Casey and his fellow Islander fans do venture out to KBH, perhaps after tonight’s game, Williams will be ready for them.

“We’ll create some drink specials for Islander goals scored, hat tricks, you name it,” said Williams, then added: “We can even make a drink named for Tavares!”

PHOTO CAPTION: Entrance to Die Koelner Bierhalle