Best Ways To Celebrate Oktoberfest In Minnesota
Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria was married in the fall of 1810. He celebrated for two weeks, starting a tradition that has been with us for almost 200 years. Oktoberfest was always a special time of year for the huge German population in Minnesota, now embraced by everyone. St Paul celebrates its 13th Annual Saint Paul Oktoberfest Friday, September 20 and Saturday, September 21 at the Klub Haus at 1079 Rice Street and in a tent across the street. The Twin Cities Oktoberfest will be at the Fairgrounds Friday and Saturday, October 4-5. See the "Best Oktoberfest Celebrations In The Twin Cities" from 2012 for more information on both events. Here are five more places to enjoy German fare at its best.
Glockenspiel
605 7th St. W.
St Paul, MN 55102
(651) 292-9421
www.glockenspielrestaurant.com
Live music, outdoor grilling, family fun games on the sidewalk and a costume contest are just a few reasons to come. Having a beer menu longer than the food menu is a good indication that Glockenspiel is the real thing. The restaurant is a bright and cheery place for people to have fun. Support the St. Paul Fireman's Fund and you might win some nice cuts of meat to take home.
Black Forest Inn
1 E. 26th St.
Minneapolis, MN
(612) 872-0812
www.blackforestinnmpls.com
Black Forest Inn hosts 10 events in 10 days celebrating as Prince Ludwig did two centuries ago with a special emphasis in 2013 on weddings. The Inn kicks it off with Prost Night, so be prepared to stand up and present a toast with feeling and gusto. Every night follows with a new theme instilling fun, awarding prizes and sparking the imagination of everyone present. The restaurant always celebrates Reunification Day, which falls in this period. It all ends with "Drain the Keg Night," where you want to be sure to get the last of your favorite keg at the cheapest price. Check out the Inn's website for elaborately detailed agendas for each day.
Gluek's Restaurant and Bar
16 N. 6th St.
Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 338-6621
www.glueks.com
The Gluek family arrived in Minneapolis in 1857 to establish a brewery just up the Mississippi River, and later introduced Minneapolis to authentic German food at this restaurant. That is a good reason for Gluek's to celebrate Oktoberfest for two months beginning September 1. The restaurant serves an expanded menu of authentic German food throughout the two months. Order one of a half-dozen German beers on tap for a fine dining experience. If you are feeling robust, order your beer in liter-sized mugs. Adults play Hammerschlagen while the children play on the Maypole out back.
Bierstube
6434 Cahill Ave.
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076
(651) 451-8073
www.thebierstube.com
Choose at any time of the year from a selection of wiener schnitzel, schweine haxen, gebratene leber, sauerbraten, bratwurst, mettwurst, red cabbage, sauerkraut, Alda's homemade spatzle and authentic German gravy, all at affordable prices. Oktoberfest is special time at Bierstube for fun and big prizes. The owners take pride in leadership in their communities for charitable contributions.
Muddy Pig
162 N. Dale St.
Saint Paul, MN 55102
(651) 254-1030
www.muddypig.com
This beer connoisseur's mecca cycles through many different German beers throughout September and October. Muddy Pig always features local and national craft beers but will feature the finest from Germany these two months due to a special relationship with Hofbräu München, the German king's brewery.
Related: Best Lounge Bars In Minnesota
Robin Johnson was born in Annandale, Minn. and graduated from Richfield High School and then the University of Minnesota where he studied Political Science, Business and Industrial Relations. A writer for Examiner.com, he also consults with a variety of organizations and individuals helping them develop and grow. His work can be found at Examiner.com.
