Oktoberfest is traditionally a 16-day festival that runs from late September to the first weekend in October. More than 6 million people from around the world attend the event in Germany every year. Of course, not everyone is able to travel all the way to Germany. The good news is that there are plenty of events going on in DFW and some great bars and restaurants to celebrate Oktoberfest right here in DFW. With traditional German dishes, imported beers, live music and traditional attire, the trip around the world is no longer necessary. These are some of the best places right in your backyard to celebrate this fun and exciting tradition.
A man raises a mug of beer. (credit: Getty Images/Sebastian Widmann/AFP)
Bavarian Grill
221 W. Parker Road
Plano, TX 75023
(972) 881-0705
www.bavariangrill.comBavarian Grill has been serving authentic German fare in Plano since 1993. It is well-known not only in Plano but in the state for having some of the best German food and beer around. In fact, with over 70 labels, it has the largest selection of German beer in north Texas. Additionally, it has been the highest rated German restaurant in Texas by Zagat eight times between 2006 and 2013. This is in addition to the many other awards for the restaurant and bar. Schnitzelfest and Spargelfest are some of the best-known celebrations here but don’t think that that’s the only time to go and celebrate. Oktoberfest is a big time at Bavarian Grill so this is definitely one of the top places to go.
Scotch & Sausage
2808 Oak Lawn Ave.
Dallas, TX 75219
www.scotchandsausage.comScotch and Sausage is a community beer garden and grill with a great selection of scotch and whiskey. The menu is influenced by traditional German biergartens. Some of the main menu items include sausage sandwiches, Belgian fries with homemade dipping sauces as well as imported biers and gourmet sodas. Of course, you can tell by the name that the main event is sausage and all things related to it. This spot even has exotic and fun sausages like wild board, quail and basically anything you can think of that can be made into a sausage. The environment is fun and casual and this is a great place to bring friends and celebrate the festivities.
2808 Oak Lawn Ave.
Dallas, TX 75219
www.scotchandsausage.comScotch and Sausage is a community beer garden and grill with a great selection of scotch and whiskey. The menu is influenced by traditional German biergartens. Some of the main menu items include sausage sandwiches, Belgian fries with homemade dipping sauces as well as imported biers and gourmet sodas. Of course, you can tell by the name that the main event is sausage and all things related to it. This spot even has exotic and fun sausages like wild board, quail and basically anything you can think of that can be made into a sausage. The environment is fun and casual and this is a great place to bring friends and celebrate the festivities.
Glass Boot Biergarten
1804 McMillan Ave.
Dallas, TX 75205
www.glassbootbiergarten.comThe owners are proud of the fact that they consider this to be a “mom and pop” sort of restaurant. In an area that is a little more eclectic than Uptown, the owners decided to open this bar in order to give patrons something a little different. Now, if you’re looking for a place that is just like Oma’s (grandma’s), this may not be the place for you. However, if you are looking to enjoy the people in this community, meet some new friends, enjoy some German-style beer and food and even watch a few futbol games on the big screen, this is a great option. The owners are very much connected to the community they serve both through their patrons and through various charities in the area. Because of this, if you come here, you are likely to feel like you are part of that community as well.
1804 McMillan Ave.
Dallas, TX 75205
www.glassbootbiergarten.comThe owners are proud of the fact that they consider this to be a “mom and pop” sort of restaurant. In an area that is a little more eclectic than Uptown, the owners decided to open this bar in order to give patrons something a little different. Now, if you’re looking for a place that is just like Oma’s (grandma’s), this may not be the place for you. However, if you are looking to enjoy the people in this community, meet some new friends, enjoy some German-style beer and food and even watch a few futbol games on the big screen, this is a great option. The owners are very much connected to the community they serve both through their patrons and through various charities in the area. Because of this, if you come here, you are likely to feel like you are part of that community as well.
Jorg’s Cafe Vienna
1037 E. 15th St.
Plano, TX 75074
www.jorgscafevienna.comDuring September and October, Jorg’s offers seasonal Oktoberfest beers and specialty foods. It is a family-owned establishment that serves authentic Austrian cuisine and has been located in downtown Plano since 2002. Chef Jorg moved to Texas from Southern Austria. Jorg began his career as an artist and has brought that artistry as well as his culture into his food and into downtown Plano. His cuisine is unique and the food is authentic. The biergarten is great for events with friends. When you’re there, make sure to try the schnitzel, as it was voted the best in Dallas.
1037 E. 15th St.
Plano, TX 75074
www.jorgscafevienna.comDuring September and October, Jorg’s offers seasonal Oktoberfest beers and specialty foods. It is a family-owned establishment that serves authentic Austrian cuisine and has been located in downtown Plano since 2002. Chef Jorg moved to Texas from Southern Austria. Jorg began his career as an artist and has brought that artistry as well as his culture into his food and into downtown Plano. His cuisine is unique and the food is authentic. The biergarten is great for events with friends. When you’re there, make sure to try the schnitzel, as it was voted the best in Dallas.
Edelweiss
3801 Southwest Blvd.
Fort Worth, TX 76116
(817) 738-5934
www.edelweissgermanrestaurant.comEdelweiss is serving up some of the most authentic Bavarian dishes in the area of Fort Worth and the restaurant provides an authentic atmosphere in which to enjoy them. The traditional biergarten is covered with paintings and old world memorabilia. Live entertainment for your enjoyment is always provided from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. with the full traditional German band on Friday and Saturday nights. Every night feels like Oktoberfest here and you better believe this is a great place to celebrate the special event with an authentic beer and great live music to go along with your dishes.
3801 Southwest Blvd.
Fort Worth, TX 76116
(817) 738-5934
www.edelweissgermanrestaurant.comEdelweiss is serving up some of the most authentic Bavarian dishes in the area of Fort Worth and the restaurant provides an authentic atmosphere in which to enjoy them. The traditional biergarten is covered with paintings and old world memorabilia. Live entertainment for your enjoyment is always provided from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. with the full traditional German band on Friday and Saturday nights. Every night feels like Oktoberfest here and you better believe this is a great place to celebrate the special event with an authentic beer and great live music to go along with your dishes.
Kelsi Gerwell is a freelance writer covering all things Dallas-Fort Worth. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
