The denizens of Midtown have been eagerly awaiting an update on the return of the Hallo Berlin cart, which closed last October after the sad passing of co-owner, Rolf Babiel. I recently stopped by the express location to inquire about the cart, and ending up sticking around for lunch when I noticed that they are now offering $10 combo lunch specials. But first, some news on the cart – the manager on location was unable to commit to a firm date on the cart’s return, but mentioned that it should be launching sometime next spring. She also mentioned that the cart will be located in its original spot on 54th and 5th Ave. We’ll be sure to keep you updated on news of the cart’s comeback as we get more details.

In the meantime, check out Hallo Berlin Express’ lunch specials after the jump.

There’s ten different lunch combo options of $10 and under, though I opted for the D2 combo ($10) of two wursts with German fries, sauerkraut, onions, and crusty white bread. Like the meals I’ve had at Hallo Berlin in the past, it’s a hearty, stick-to-your-ribs plate of food with a lot of flavor and little finesse. Now at $10, it’s a pretty good lunch bargain, as I was barely able to finish the heavily loaded plate of meat and carbs. It’s a recommended pick for those looking to bulk up and warm up for winter, and I’ll definitely be back to try some of the other lunch plates – the smoked pork chop looked really intriguing. And hopefully next time, we’ll get a better update on the status of the cart.

Hallo Berlin Express, 744 9th Ave (btw. 50+51st) 212-333-2372

Time has passed since Hallo Berlin Express opened in 2008 extending the sausage empire created by the dearly departed Rolf Babiel. Though HBE lacks space and the Biergarten atmosphere of its predecessor on 10th Avenue it still offers a full selection of juicy, plump wursts and German draft beers. You might think, “Well big deal, I can go to the midtown cart for my sausage fix, why should I head over to the Express?” HBE offers more selection like schnitzel, spaetzle, peirogis and herring plus the main event: German Beer!

Their happy hour deal is perfect for those cold days when you need a sit down meal and a swig of ale. Additionally, the special runs all day. So if you’re a carnivore and you like a cold one to help diffuse the Hallo Berlin’s grease bomb then this is right up your alley.

Meal combos start at $10 with their Soul Food meal: any sausage topped with home fries, red and white cabbage, grilled onions in gravy plus a choice of draft beer. Other options include beef goulash ($13), pierogi ($11), pork chops ($14) and more. Wanting to stuff my face with sausage I chose the Bavaria Lite Wurst (veal) and my date opted for the Berliner Curry Wurst coupled with a Radeburger and Dab dark beer.

The Curry Wurst was delicious and very reminiscent of a Louisiana sausage but the curry aspect suggested in the name was absent. My veal sausage was not remarkable but the potatoes stood out with their crunchy coffee colored crust. On the side came a basket of sliced baguette that was dry, Wonder bread-like and inedible. Ignoring that, everything coalesced into a tasty satisfying meal.

Beers come in 14 oz mugs and it’s nice that your draft beer and sausage choices are not limited. If you were already a fan of Hallo Berlin then why wouldn’t you check this out for a happy hour treat? (Or maybe even lunch?!) Just be sure to grab an Altoid on the way back to work.

The + (What somebody who likes this place would say)

• I love sausage and potatoes!
• Some hearty food and beer is exactly what I need for this hangover
• More variety than the cart, plus BEER!
• There are wurst things out there for $10

The – (What somebody who doesn’t like this place would say)

• I’m a vegetarian
• Food is swimming in oil
• If you don’t want a beer the cart is probably more convenient

Hallo Berlin Express, 744 9th Ave (btw. 50+51st) 212-333-2372

With October just one week away, it’s only natural to start craving a little bratwurst with German potatoes, and sauerkraut.  And for those of us in Midtown, there’s only one place to go for that… the Babiel Brothers’ famous Hallo Berlin Cart on 54th and 5th Ave.  But what if you want beer with that brat?  Or spaetzle?  Or potato pancakes?  For that, you’ll have to head a bit out of bounds to Hallo Berlin Express- the small brick and mortar version of the cart located on 9th Ave. btw. 50+51st.

It’s been open for almost a year and half now, but yesterday I had lunch there for the very first time.

The “Express” location lives somewhere between the cart and the Hallo Berlin Beer Garden on 10th Ave. btw. 43+44th.  It’s not a sit down restaurant, but there are tables and chairs for you to eat with your food- and, unlike the cart, they have beer.  Behind the counter where you order, there is a set up identical to the one on the cart for cooking sausages, sauerkraut and potatoes.  Everything else gets cooked in the back.

I prefer the paper containers you get at the cart, but if you eat in at the Express location they give you your food in real dishes.  Other than the plate though, the double soul food mix ($8) is practically identical to what you get at the cart.  (Yes, there is bratwurst and a knockfrank under all that mess.)

The peirogis are probably one of the best deals on the menu.  For $4.50 you get 6 fairly large pan fried pockets of deliciousness, half of them potato filled half meat filled. Could have used some sour cream (although maybe that’s more of a Polish thing?) and you have to ignore the pool of oil at the bottom of the plate- but tasty nonetheless.

I enjoyed the spaetzle too, but it tasted a little more like boxed spaghetti than something homemade.  (Almost like the top ramen of spaetzle.)

If you prefer your potatoes cold and in salad form (as opposed to the hot home fries you normally get from the cart) their potato salad is dill-tastic.

Still have to try the potato pancakes, schnitzel, and maybe even some pickled herring.  It’s not going to replace the cart (which is the only place you’re guaranteed to get at least one of the Babiel brothers making your lunch), but makes for some good sit down Octoberfest lunching.

Hallo Berlin Express, 744 9th Ave (btw. 50+51st) 212-333-2372

The newest member of the Hallo Berlin Family was supposed to open today on 9th Ave. btw. 50+51st, but it’s (not surprisingly) been pushed back a week while they wait for the inspectors.  Normally 9th Ave. is out of bounds for Midtown Lunch’ing purposes, but I’ve been know to break the rule for something schnitzel- er, sorry… I meant special. 

Hallo Berlin Express will live in between their famous cart (5th Ave.), and their proper beer garden (on 10th Ave.), both from a location and a conceptual standpoint.  All your favorites are there, including (slightly more expensive versions of) the 5th Ave. Combo (Any 2 wursts for $10), and the Dr. Atkins Combo ($12).  Plus all of the promised additions, and more.

Check out the full menu after the jump…

 
Click on Photo for Larger Version

Pork and chicken shnitzel, herring sandwiches, stuffed cabbage, meatloaf, peirogis, a burger (!!!), potato pancakes, speatzle (!!!), dessert and of course- the all important, beer (although it seems they will only have it after 6pm, a bummer for any liquid lunchers out there.)

They’re hoping to be open on May 7th or 8th, but you never know with these damn inspectors.  Anyway- as soon as I know, you’ll know.

Related Posts:

• One Week Until Hallo Berlin Express
• Breaking News: Hallo Berlin To Add 3rd Manhattan Oupost
• There Will Be Beer (Good news from H.B. Express)

Big news hit the Midtown Lunch Inbox this morning, courtesy of Lunch’er Emily who forwarded along this photo, taken on 9th Ave. (btw. 50+51st), of the window of what I believe used to be Keni Pizza.  Apparently Hallo Berlin will be adding H.B. Express to their empire, which currently includes a beer garden on 10th Ave. (btw. 44+45th), and of course the famous cart on 54th & 5th (which won Best Cart in our Midtown Lunch readers poll earlier in the Month).

A call to the number on the sign yielded no extra information, just a voicemail message from (what could only be) Wolfgang or Rolf, urging you to leave a message or send a fax.  One can only assume that it will be similar to the take out counter they have at the front of the beer garden on 10th Ave.

Strangely enough, the Hallo Berlin Cart wasn’t in its regular spot on 53rd 54th & 5th today, just after Noon.  I’ll be keeping a close eye on this one…