Steven ArmstrongThis weekend is the final weekend of Oktoberfest 2011 — the longest Oktoberfest since 2006. So if you have yet to share a Maß of Märzen with your menschen, there's still time. Last week, we listed four places where you could get your German drink on. And this week, we're listing three more. So get out there and partei wie es ist 1999. Prost!
Fräuleins at last year's Los Angeles Oktoberfest; Credit: Drew Tewksbury
3. The Big:
Where: Los Angeles Oktoberfest, 11301 Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, (213) 915-8003
When: This Saturday between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. (The event will pop up at various other locations throughout October, so check the website for additional details.)
What: An afternoon of brats, beer maidens, and drinking — lots of drinking
Cost: $25 General Admission (Sold Out) includes Maßkrug (one-liter glass stein) and one free beer; $100 VIP Admission includes early admission and unlimited beers; $5 one-liter beers (that's a lot of beer!); $5 hotdogs, sausages, and pretzels; $? German wine
Upside: If you're in the mood for some serious day-drinking, then this is your party. But you'd better buy your tickets now, because they're nearly sold out.
Downside: There's little by way of authenticity at these events. None of the beers are true Oktoberfest beers, and the festivities begin just as the real Oktoberfest draws to a close.
Brü Haus bar; Credit: TreasureLA
2. The Small:
Where: Brü Haus, 11831 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, (310) 473-2337
When: Throughout September and October
What: A popular Westside watering hole with German-inspired menu items, genuine Oktoberfest brews, and one-liter steins
Cost: $20 per liter of Paulaner, Spaten, and Hofbräu Oktoberfest beers, glassware included (i.e. you get to take it home); $15 refills; German-inspired food items between $6.50 and $9.50
Upside: Brü Haus is a more intimate and controlled environment compared to large parking-lot Oktoberfest events.
Downside: It can turn into an overcrowded, fratty meat market at night; The bartenders pour beer, but they don't know much about it.
The boot takes no prisoners; Credit: kasei
1. The Laid-back:
Where: Wirtshaus, 345 N La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, (323) 931-9291
When: September 17 through October 8
What: A non-kitschy German-themed neighborhood hangout with live music every Friday and Saturday throughout Oktoberfest
Cost: $15 per Oktoberfest liter; $28 per Oktoberfest boot; Food between $4 and $16
Upside: Wirtshaus is authentic and inviting, with tasty food, a large selection of German beers, and a dog-friendly patio/biergarten.
Downside: During Oktoberfest, imbibers can only purchase liters or boots of Oktoberfest beers — no pints (though they do offer $12 flights).
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