Balmy Southern California is far removed from celebrations in Munich and other German communities, but there are still plenty of places to celebrate Oktoberfest in LA.
Several local German favorites are open throughout the year and Oktoberfest events are planned in communities throughout LA.
BEST OF THE ‘WURST: Wirtshaus, Fairfax
Open All Year
The atmosphere at the Wirsthaus is social and cozy. Customers dine at long communal tables, similar to what one might find in a German beer garden, creating a unique camaraderie among strangers. It’s not uncommon to walk in on a group toast. The German-born chef Kurt Ehrlich has perfected an authentic and delicious menu, consisting of bratwurst, currywurst, sausage and schnitzel, accompanied by more than 35 German beers to choose from. Sorry, no domestic beers on tap.
BEST GERMAN BEER: Red Lion Tavern, Silver Lake
Open All Year
Established back in 1959, the Red Lion Tavern is LA’s oldest German “gasthaus,” or gastropub. A few of the more unique beers on tap are Hofbrau Maibock (7.2% alcohol content), Spaten Optimator (7.2%) and Warsteiner Oktoberfest (5.9%). The beer garden is a picturesque getaway from the cityscape and with three full-service bars inside, there’s never a wait for a drink.
MOST UNIQUE SAUSAGE: Wurstküche, Downtown
Open All Year
Sure, Wurstküche could have settled for being just a cool new edgy beer hall in LA’s thriving Arts District. But no, they put their own unique twist on German tradition, offering such taste explosions as the Rabbit & Rattlesnake Sausage. That’s right. Rabbit and rattlesnake. Trying to describe it otherwise would do this delicacy a disservice.
BEST LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: LA Oktoberfest, Beverly Hills
Oct. 3-5
LA Oktoberfest features a little bit of everything—a live radio broadcast by 97.1 FM, a silent auction, accordion players, Bavarian dancers, a beer stein competition and even a magician. The event raises money for local charities, Vista Del Mar and Chill Los Angeles. Expect beer—lots of beer—and beer maidens in their finest traditional attire.
MOST FAMILY-FRIENDLY: Old World Village, Huntington Beach
Now to Oct 27
Oktoberfest at the Old World village in Huntington Beach offers family-friendly activities every Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday. Activities include Dachshund races, a parade and traditional German music.
MOST AUTHENTIC: Alpine Village, Torrance
Sept. 21-Oct. 6
The Alpine Village might as well be named Munich, USA. Since 1968, the village has been a hotspot for tourists visiting from Deutschland, and each year it transforms into Southern California’s largest Oktoberfest celebration. Attendees are encouraged to dress up in traditional German garb and get down to traditional german music, while enjoying German food and drinks.
BEST ALTERNATIVE FOR VEGANS: Vegan Oktoberfest, Santa Monica
Oct. 4
For those opposed to eating meat and cheese, Santa Monica is hosting L.A.s very first Vegan Oktoberfest. Featuring all-Vegan menus and a selection of Vegan beers, this might not be the most German experience (live Oompah music aside), but it might be the healthiest.
BEST DEAL: Burbank OktoBURfest
Oct. 18
Oktoberfest in downtown Burbank not only boasts free appetizers from participating local restaurants, but unlimited beer with admission.
