• Suppenküche (525 Laguna at Hayes) has lunch (in honor of Oktoberfest) and beer specials. More info here.
• Special German beer can be found at Toronado (547 Haight near Fillmore).
• In the Mission, Monk's Kettle (3141 16th St. at Albion) will have both beer and German food.
• Schroeder's German Restaurant's (240 Front at Sacramento) annual Oktoberfest kickoff is today. Take in the Joe Smiell's Fest band, folk dancers, and German elves -- otherwise known as hostesses. It is too easy to get completely sloshed here, and pacing is key. The festivities continue every Friday through October.
• If you're craving more crowds in a decidedly less intimate setting, Oktoberfest By the Bay at Pier 48 near AT&T Park is billing itself as "bigger and better" this year. Events run from October 2 to 4. Tickets are $30 to $35; beer, German food, music, and general festivities are scheduled. Happy guzzling.
