If you're anything like us, you suffer through the 11 months of the year when it's inappropriate to wear a dirndl.
It's finally time to dust off those frilly garments and drink beer from an assortment of over-sized glassware. Since you've waited patiently all year, we're pleased to round up some choice Oktoberfest parties -- now conveniently located in September!
Oaktoberfest
Where: Beer Revolution, 464 3rd St.(at Broadway), Oakland, (510) 452-BEER
When: Wednesday, Sept. 21 (today) at noon
Cost: Pay per drink
What: Owners Rebecca and Fraggle are German beer aficionados, so expect a wide range of styles on tap. While the beer list was still under wraps yesterday, the folks at Beer Rev have a penchant for traditional German smoked beer and other hearty, rich styles. Expect a sun-drenched patio and a booze-soaked liver.
Flocktoberfest
Where: Drake's Barrel House, 1933 Davis (at Timothy), San Leandro
When: September 23, 6-9:30pm
Cost: $55, available here
What: A Bavarian oasis tucked neatly behind an East Bay Walmart. Happy Hour from 6-7 p.m. features open taps of Drake's year-round and seasonal brews. Flesh out your overalls with German grub from Alameda's Speisekammer and enjoy three tickets for pours of barrel-aged beer. You'll also take home a commemorative t-shirt to remind you of the money you saved by traveling to San Leandro instead of Munich.
Harvest Oktoberfest Celebration
Where: Schmidt's, 2400 Folsom St. (at 20th), (415) 401-0200
When: September 19-October 16
Cost: Food and drink a la carte
What: A celebration of Marzen, the malty, copper colored brew of Munich's Oktoberfest. Marzen ('March') beers are brewed in spring and served in the fall during the famed celebration. Schmidt's will offer 10 seasonal Marzen beers, available in flights. Pair with traditional and modern approaches to German fare, and you'll be chanting "Das Boot!" in no time flat. The 20 varieties of sausage should be a good starting point.
First Annual Oktoberfest Event
Where: Epic Roasthouse, 369 Embarcadero South (at Folsom), (415) 369-9955
When: October 1, noon-4pm
Cost: $50, buy tickets here
What: Live German music and unlimited food and local beer. Chef Jan Birnbaum has taken the liberty of mixing the beer and food before it even hits your belly -- highlights include red beer soup with spicy cabbage, Anchor Porter-braised dumplings and ginger ice cream-stout floats. Expect plenty of porky delights, and a rapidly expanding waistline.
