Midtown Lunch » Hallo Berlin

Hallo Berlin Cart is Now on the South Side of the Street

brianhoffman — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 13:45:00 +0000

It was a joyous day for Midtown Lunchers a few months back when we learned the Hallo Berlin cart had returned to the NW corner of 54th Street and 5th Ave. I stopped by on their second day back and didn’t have time to wait in the line, but the crowd looked healthy, and I vowed to return. But last week, when I wandered over to 54th Street craving some German specialties I saw nothing but construction on the north side of the street. Where was the cart? Before I broke down and started crying gave up all hope, I happened to check the south side and, sure enough, Wolfgang was manning the cart right in front of the back entrance to the MoMA.

It was about 1:15 and I was shocked to discover nobody in line and even Wolfgang seemed surprised when I approached the cart to order food. He told me he has been on this side of the street for about two weeks now, but I couldn’t help but wonder if people don’t realize he has moved across the street.

Either way, I was pleased to get my food in a matter of minutes. The Obama Democracy Special was a little too pricey at $11 (democracy always comes at a price, doesn’t it?), so I settled on the Dictator Special still represented by Stalin, which was a more ML friendly $8. And for $1 extra, I got a small cup of Split Pea soup.

The soup was fine, but could have used more salt. That being said, for $1 it was more filling, tastier, and cheaper than anything I’ve had from those Hot Soup carts which will be re-appearing before we know it.

But, of course, it’s the sausages that have made this cart famous and Wolfgang keeps the tradition alive. Underneath a delicious pile of sauteed onions, German potatoes, and two types of cabbage, I uncovered the most delectable slices of wurst. The Dictator comes with the Volkswagen (wienerwurst) and the Mercedes (bratwurst), and they both had a perfect snap and were full of sweet, spicy flavors thanks in part to the delectable curry mustard sauce throughout. The sweet, tangy red cabbage, crisp potatoes, and mild, but firm onions added to the perfect flavor and texture combo.

So while the faces (RIP Rolf), world leaders, and street corners may change, I’m pleased to announce the food is just as good as I remembered. And the line seems to have let up – for now.

At Lunch Now: Do You Think People Missed Hallo Berlin?

brianhoffman — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 18:45:56 +0000

1:45pm at the Hallo Berlin Cart, which returned to 54th & 5th yesterday

We’d say that’s a resounding “yes”.

BREAKING: Hallo Berlin Cart Returns to 54th Street

The ML Team — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 18:27:07 +0000

It’s about time we’ve gotten some good news on the street food front! A few months after Rolf Babiel died, the famous Hallo Berlin sausage cart disappeared from its spot on 54th and 5th Ave. His brother Wolfgang tried to keep the cart up and running, but apparently there were some issues to work out with the legal owner of the cart and the permits, which we heard had expired. Well… it only took a year and a half but it looks like everything has been resolved! Lunch’er Alvy just sent along this photo from 54th, just West of 5th Ave. confirming that the cart is not only back, but Wolfgang is at the helm. Walking to 9th Ave. for Hallo Berlin Express might have been a decent substitute, but nothing could ever truly replace a dictator’s special fried up on the original cart. Welcome back!

Hallo Berlin Cart to Return in 2011!?! (In the Meantime, Hallo Berlin Express’s $10 Lunch Menu is Great)

Chris H. — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 14:45:13 +0000

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

Another Hallo Berlin Cart Fake Out at BKLYN Yard’s Truck Event

Amy Cao — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 17:40:43 +0000

There’ve been one too many fake-outs with the Hallo Berlin cart lately, which has been M.I.A for months now. You might have noticed the most recent one last week, which had the cart listed as a participant in BKLYN Yard’s “Parked” event in Gowanus yesterday. Sadly there was no cart… just Hallo Berlin Express set up at a table. We tried to get in to grill them about the whereabouts of the cart , but they were completely swamped with people all day long. Guess we’re not the only ones trying to get our bratwurst fix…

Jets Tight End Eats Terrible Midtown Hot Dog

The ML Team — Thu, 27 May 2010 18:45:45 +0000

This Hot Dog Crawl by Jets Tight End Dustin Keller caught our eye recently. It started with a terrible snap-less wiener at a “hot dog stand on the corner of 39th and 8th called Sabrett” before moving on to Nathan’s and then Hallo Berlin (?) which is strange since they’ve been M.I.A. for months. Excited by the report we rushed over to 54th and 5th today, but no Hallo Berlin. Maybe this food tour was done last year? Who knows… but we’re still holding out hope that the famous sausage cart is not gone forever.

Is the Hallo Berlin Cart Returning This Fall?

Amy Cao — Mon, 10 May 2010 19:45:39 +0000

After Rolf Babiel passed away back in October, the Hallo Berlin cart returned to 54th and 5th briefly before disappearing again. So last month, on my way to try East Japanese’s $5 box lunch, I stopped into Hallo Berlin Express (on 9th Ave. btw. 50+51st) to ask about the missing cart. Sadly, the staff said the cart was no more and they were pretty vague about whether they’ll ever bring it back. We were pretty much ready to say goodbye forever, until we spotted this on the Hallo Berlin website! “Juicy Food Stand, Re-Opening Fall 2010.” Still nobody at the restaurant seems to know what the deal is, and we can’t seem to get in touch with the owner. But just seeing this posted on their website gives us hope…

Cart Watch: Hallo Berlin Has Been Missing for Months

Blondie — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 12:30:46 +0000

It appears as if the Hallo Berlin Cart (on 54th and 5th) has gone and disappeared. Lunch’er “Rootbeer” commented the other day that it hasn’t been seen in months, and the same discussion popped up on Yelp as well. Hallo Berlin co-founder Rolf Babiel passed away this past October, but the cart returned shortly thereafter with his brother at the helm. And this isn’t their usual July vacation time either. If anyone has any insight, leave it in the comments. For now I guess we’ll have to settle for Hallo Berlin Express (on 9th Ave. btw. 50+51st)

The Hallo Berlin Cart Has Returned

Zach Brooks — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:45:33 +0000

According to these photos on Bah Humbug, the Hallo Berlin Cart to returned to action this week (on 54th and 5th), and just in time for the 20th Anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Not sure if that was intentional, but either way we’re glad to have it back. Dictator specials for everyone!

In Memory of Rolf

Zach Brooks — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 12:52:45 +0000

Today’s New York Daily News has the obituary for Hallo Berlin Cart owner Rolf Babiel:

BABIEL-Rolf, Founder of Hallo Berlin, age 57 died at Beth Israel Hospital in Manhattan, NY, on Wednesday, October 21, 2009. Rolf Babiel was born June 24, 1952 in Hoyerswerd, Germany. He went to school there & later worked as a machinist in the open pit at Knappenrode. At age 23, August of 1975 he moved from East to West Berlin. There he drove a milk truck at night. In 1981 he immigrated to the United States. He bought a push cart, called it “Hallo Berlin” & began to sell German Wurst.

He set up shop on 54th St. & 9th Ave., next to Lufthansa Headquarters. A few years later he opened his first restaurant in 1985. It was located on 53rd St., & 9th Ave. He then went on to open more restaurants. There is now a Hallo Berlin Express, Hallo Berlin Food & Beer Garden & Hallo Berlin North Tavern. He participated in the Annual 9th Ave. Food Festival. Rolf Babiel is survived by his wife Bernadette, his two sons Peter & Alex, his stepdaughter Cherie & two granddaughters Amerie & Arielle, his mother Rosemarie, his dearest friend Reiner, sister, brother, niece, nephews & other relatives & friends. He was preceded in death by his father Walter & sister Brigitee. Reposing at JOHN J. BARRETT & SON Funeral Home, 424 West 51st St., NY, NY 10019. Visiting Saturday, Oct. 24th & Sunday, Oct. 25th, 2009. Hrs 2-5 & 7-9pm.

There’s just one thing they left out. In 2005, Rolf was the winner of the very first Vendy Awards… and is also survived by countless admirers of his delicious food.