If you haven’t seen the movie Beerfest, now is a good time to do so. October is for many synonymous with drinking beer and celebrating an old German tradition: Oktoberfest is a 16-day harvest festival held every year in Munich, Bavaria. Six million people attend the biggest fair in the world. Many of German descent celebrate it around the world as well. The Oktoberfest celebration closest to us is at Alpine Village in Torrance. But with gas prices so high lately, why not celebrate in our own backyard? Here are Westside Today’s top hot spots for celebrating Oktoberfest.
Library Alehouse
This place offers a wide variety of beers in a clean, welcoming setting. You can sit at the bar or on the patio and enjoy one of their 29 beers on tap or 30 bottled brews.
“October is going to be a good month,†Leo Stanton A.K.A “the Beer Guru,†beverage manager, said. “We have unique craft brews from Californian to German or Belgian beers.â€
The Library Alehouse will order seasonal beers for the occasion as well as some German specials for the menu including sauerkraut and pretzels.
Our top picks:
– Bitburger Pisner, Bitburg, Germany
– Mad River Steelhead Extra Pale Ale,
Blue Lake, CA
– North Coast Pranqster, Fort Bragg, CA
2911 Main street, Santa Monica
(310) 314-4855
www.libraryalehouse.com
The Daily Pint
With 36 beers on tap and 75 bottles, The Daily Pint wears its name right. But the most impressive about this small bar: The 230 different single malt scotches. Besides the 11 german beers they offer, The Pint will also have a few Oktoberfest specials this month.
“My favorite beer is the Mirror Pond Ale,†bartender Robyn Salera said. “People come here to drink beer whether or not it’s Oktoberfest. This bar has something for everyone from 21 to 80.â€
Pool tables and a jukebox round out the experience there, but don’t miss the “free hot dogs and chili†for Sunday Football.
Our top picks:
– Erdinger Oktoberfest
– Spaten Oktoberfest
– Hoffbrau
2310 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica
(310) 450-7631
Barney’s Beanery
Now if you really want the largest possible selection of beer do not hesitate and run to this bar. With 40 beers on draught and more than 100 bottled selections, you won’t know where to start. Barney’s is also the spot to go for entertaining: shuffle board, Guitar Hero contests, Karaoke, billiards, etc. and more than 100 TVs to watch any sport you like.
“We have all kinds of customers, even families [during the day].†Tracy Coleman, manager, said. “And if you’re not a beer fan, we serve 15 yummy cocktails too.â€
Barney’s will be celebrating Oktoberfest this month by ordering seasonal brews.
Our top picks:
– Oktoberfest Samuel Adams
– Harvest Moon Pumkin Ale
– The European Sampler
(Five 4oz. samples of the best from abroad)
1351 3rd Street, Santa Monica
(310) 656-5777
www.barneysbeanery.com
Ye Olde King’s Head
Now who said Germans and English don’t get along? They might not call it Oktoberfest, but this 35-year-old British pub will celebrate the beer-drinking event just the same.
“We cater to everyone, including the British community of L.A. of course, and soccer fans,†Lisa Powers, operations manager, said.
With 20 imported draught and several bottled beers, be ready for a different experience. Make sure you order the French fries and curry sauce with your beer!
Our top picks:
– Kronenbourg 1664, France
– Fullers London Pride, England
– Smithwick’s, Ireland
116 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica
(310) 451-1402
www.yeoldekingshead.com
