Just to add: if looking for a good Austrian place instead, Cafe Katja in Manhattan has always been good when we've gone.
As for the beer halls, the Bohemian Beer Hall has always been a great big outdoor place to drink & used to be pretty much the only place of its type in NYC. Now, there are many outdoor beer halls, including a decent one attached to the New Prospect Hall in Bklyn (the catering place that does the tv commercial "we make your dreams come true") so its not so special anymore. And the food is just not anything other than a good way to soak up the beer.
I'm not sure about the Istrian Sports Club in Astoria. It may be worth a look as well. I'll just sit here and live vicariously while you do the field work.