Beer & Brats: Oktoberfest
OKTOBERFEST IN MUNICH IS ONE of the world’s largest and oldest festivals. This two-week celebration— dating back to 1810—draws 5.6 million visitors who consume 1.6 million gallons of beer and 240,000 sausages, according to a new report in WalletHub. (For traditionalists, some 50,000 pork knuckles are eaten too.)
“But much like it’s always five o’clock somewhere, you don’t need to visit the original Oktoberfest to feel the vibe,” as WalletHub puts it. “Many cities host their own festivals and even more local watering holes throw themed parties.”
Our region hosts its own Oktoberfest celebrations and its brewpubs and gastropubs serve award-winning craft beer and brats, among other food (see our Ale Trail map).
Loomis Basin Brewery holds an annual Oktoberfest celebration, and it brews seasonal beers to honor the centuries-old festival. The menu at its LBB Gastropub includes a “Vindicator Brat,” smoked bratwurst with house mustard and sauerkraut on a hoagie roll made by Dupre’s Baking Co. in Grass Valley.
This fall, ol’ Republic Brewery plans to open ol’ Republic Roadhouse at 18851 Hwy. 20 outside of Nevada City. The brewpub will feature ol’ Republic’s award-winning beer, an imaginative menu (with homemade Bavarian sausages and pretzels, of course) and a beer garden.
In downtown Nevada City, Three Forks Bakery & Brewing Co. serves wood-fired pizza, craft beer brewed in a 7-barrel brewhouse, baked goods, soup, salad and sandwiches. The menu changes weekly based on what’s available locally. (You might find sausage in a sandwich or on a pizza.)
Three Forks award-winning craft brews include a seasonal one such as Humbug Harvest, a German Oktoberfest lager style brewed with an ale yeast. Three Forks and ol’ Republic also offer their beer “to go” in growlers.
In Nevada City’s Seven Hills Business District, Jernigan’s Taphouse & Grill features draft beers on tap, homemade food and sports on big screen TVs. A “Kraut Dog” features an uncured beef hot dog with house-made sauerkraut. Seven Hills also is home to ol’ Republic’s Brewery.
Golden Era
Take a step back in time at the Golden Era Lounge, where handcrafted cocktails are served under the gold tin ceiling surrounded by red roses and a fireplace to cozy up to on those cool evenings in Nevada City. Live jazz and blues music on Friday and Saturday nights.
(Photo: Simon Weller)