Oktoberfest season is here and I still have not replaced Alpine Village in my life. Where is everyone actually going this year, beer halls, the OC fests, something else? Willing to drive.
11 Likes
Lucky Baldwin's in Pasadena for me, they take beer season seriously and it is a five minute walk from my place, so I never have to think about parking or driving after. Not a tent and a band, more of a pub thing, but the beer list in fall is the real reason to go.
3 Likes
Two different answers depending on what you actually want. If you want the beer hall version without an event, Wirtshaus on La Brea is the closest good one to me, long tables, proper liters, the pork knuckle and the pretzel, and on a weeknight you can walk in around seven without waiting.
If you want the festival, the Phoenix Club in Anaheim runs Oktoberfest weekends through October, and it is the closest thing to the real Munich setup in Southern California. Buy the tickets ahead, the Saturday nights sell through, and plan a ride because the drive back on the 5 after liters is not a plan.
For a smaller, more grown up night, Bierbeis Imbiss downtown does Austrian food beautifully and you will not be shouting over a band.
5 Likes
I gave up on the fest thing a few years ago. Twenty dollars to get in, ten for a beer, and a band playing the same song. Smog City in Torrance is where I end up instead, they usually have a proper lager on, the taproom is chill, no cover, and you can bring food in from the trucks outside.
2 Likes
Red Lion Tavern. Go early, it fills up.
1 Like
Since you are willing to drive a bit.. The same guy who sold Alpine village runs Old World Village in Huntington Beach. That's pretty much a second Alpine Village.
The coolest part is that their Oktoberfest runs until November 8th. The one in Munich ends October 4th.
The Phoenix Club in Anaheim is also nice. It has actual tents, band, liter mugs. Forty minutes down the 5 and worth it.
4 Likes
Almost forgot about that one. 
That’s probably the real deal. I will make that drive. Thanks for sharing.
Two months Oktoberfest is wild.
3 Likes
You both mentioned actually the two best locations. The Phoenix Club is also an amazing. You are allowed to bring in your own beer mug and they fill it up for 5 bucks. I am not sure which Oktoberfest is better, but I believe both are worth seeing.
3 Likes
So looks like we have to go south to get the reel Oktoberfest feeling. We could get an Uber and split or use public transportation. Anaheim is easy by train. Huntington Beach is bus + transfer.
3 Likes
I am fine with both. Only one thing is for sure, I don’t wanna drive myself for the obvious reason. 
3 Likes
Hahaha, right.
Anaheim is easy and fast via public transportation. We could do the Metrolink Orange County Line or Amtrak Pacific Surfliner to Anaheim or Fullerton, then a short bus/taxi to the park. Not more than 40 minutes. Huntington Beach is a bit more complicated. For that one I would suggest splitting an Uber (maybe we get four or five people together).
3 Likes
I am down for it, whatever Friday/Saturday works. I am flexible, even during the week.
3 Likes
I am willing to join you guys. Preferably a Friday or Saturday. I am okay with Uber or train.
We don’t need a designated driver for that.
2 Likes
.. count me in!!! That will be fun.
2 Likes
Will be an Uber XL I guess. 
So looking forward to this.
1 Like
I’m in. Let’s do this.
I’ve been talking about leaving the city for one day and actually going somewhere. Anaheim or Huntington, I don’t care which we hit first. Train from Union Station is fine. Bus is fine. Uber if we’re lazy and split it.
PM me, drop the day and the meeting spot.. I’ll be early with coffee. Don’t leave without me. 
3 Likes
I think an Uber XL might not be enough. We might need two of them. 
1 Like
Reminder:
There is the Oktoberfest Opening Day at Old World (Huntington Beach) today. We already made plans to go there next weekend.
That’s the most fun event in SoCal tonight, no doubt.
The Phoenix Club starts September 18th.
2 Likes
I think the second weekend is better and not as crowded.
So yes, it makes sense that we wait one week. 
2 Likes
Went to Old Town last weekend & had a blast. Even better than Alpine Village. 
2 Likes