Steven ArmstrongWith just over a week left of Oktoberfest, it's time to don the lederhosen, bust out the bierkrug, and hop on a redeye to München (Lufthansa will fly you there and back this weekend for $2,079.22). Or if that's not an option, why not celebrate Oktoberfest right here in L.A.? We found plenty of events throughout the area. But rather than bore you with a lange liste (that's “long list” in German. Thank you, Google), we'll give you four disparate options — at least one of which is sure to stir your inner Teuton. Ein bier, bitte.
Beer maids, Torrance-style; Credit: Alpine Village
4. The Big:
Where: Alpine Village, 833 W Torrance Blvd, Torrance, (310) 327-4384
When: Every Friday and Saturday between 6 p.m. and midnight, and every Sunday between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m., from September 9 through October 23
What: The oldest and largest L.A.-area Oktoberfest celebration, Alpine Village offers German and American craft beer on fifteen rotating taps. Friday and Saturday is 21 and over. Sunday is family-friendly. Purchase your tickets in advance online, or buy them at the door. (Caution: they do sell out.)
Cost: $10 General Admission this Friday and Saturday; $5 General Admission this Sunday, with kids ages 12 and under admitted for free; $11 per 32 oz. beer, and $6 per 16 oz. beer
Upside: If you're looking to get blitzed in a large crowd, then this is the place for you on Friday and Saturday nights. You'll also save some dough if you go this weekend, as the cost of admission will double next week. If you're looking for something G-rated, Sunday afternoon offers kitschy German fun for the whole family.
Downside: Friday and Saturday nights tend to be rowdy drunkfests; Alpine Village only features one traditional Oktoberfest (Märzen) beer on tap, though four others — one Pilsener, one Hefeweizen, and two Munich Helles — are also brewed in Munich.
The TableTender interactive LCD beer gauge; Credit: Steven Armstrong
3. The Small:
Where: City Tavern, 9739 Culver Blvd, Culver City, (310) 838-9739
When: Friday, September 16 through Sunday, October 2
What: Enjoy easy access to Hacker-Pschorr Oktoberfest, Spaten Oktoberfest, and Hofbrau Oktoberfest at one of three City Tavern TableTender booths. The TableTender system allows patrons to pour their own beer, charging them by the ounce. Call ahead for a reservation. Or walk in and choose from one of three California-style Oktoberfest beers being poured behind the bar.
Cost: $.50 per ounce at the TableTender; $6 per 16 oz. pour at the bar
Upside: City Tavern offers a tasty lunch (weekdays only) and dinner menu, and it boasts one of the best beer selections in town.
Downside: TableTender reservations can be hard to get.
A shot from Blue Palms' 3rd anniversary party; Credit: Drink Eat Travel
2. The Laid-back:
Where: Blue Palms Brewhouse, 6124 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, (323) 464-0808
When: Saturday, September 17 through Sunday, October 2
What: In keeping with the true German tradition, Blue Palms' Oktoberfest celebration extends for two weeks (although this year's celebration lasts for 17 days in Munich). Patrons can arrive at any time to enjoy one of several Oktoberfest beers on tap.
Cost: $6 per Oktoberfest pint; $6.50 to purchase a commemorative 25 oz. glass mug
Upside: Blue Palms offers great prices, an unpretentious vibe, and a fantastic draught beer selection.
Downside: The Oktoberfest celebration isn't an event, per se, and the regulars tend to prefer American ales to German lagers. So you might be the only one celebrating.
The Beer Chicks; Credit: Caroline on Crack
1. The Food-inspired:
Where: Viceroy Hotel, 1819 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, (310) 260-7500
When: Sunday, September 25 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
What: The Beer Chicks will be on hand to pair traditional Oktoberfest fare with German, Belgian, Canadian, and American craft beer — all in a poolside outdoor beer garden. Call ahead for reservations.
Cost: $25 per 3-course meal; $10 for a 5-beer sampler
Upside: It's a curated tasting event that features traditional dishes prepared by top-notch chefs, and a varied beer selection hand-picked by two of L.A.'s favorite beer mavens.
Downside: The ambiance around the Viceroy Hotel pool is très chic, and fails to evoke the Oktoberfest spirit; None of the beers come from Munich (only beers brewed in Munich are served at the real Oktoberfest).
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