“Prost!” That’s about all we could muster as the crowd in the beer garden chanted “Ein Prosit, ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit!” and “Eins, zwei, drei, g’suffa, Zicke-Zacke-Zicke-Zacke Hoy, Hoy, Hoy!” at the urging of the band. It’s Oktoberfest time not only in Bavaria, but all over the world, including Teske’s Germania in San Jose.
Teske’s is an institution in downtown San Jose, a family-run restaurant serving traditional German fare for decades. Set on the outskirts of downtown in a Victorian building surrounded by new office buildings and expansive parking lots, Teske’s and its neighbor Trials Pub are an oasis of fun on an otherwise bleak block.
Years ago I ate in the indoor dining room at Teske’s, but celebrating Oktoberfest in the beer garden with a live band was a completely different experience. The band was much more fun than anticipated and the shared long tables had us rubbing elbows with a variety of folks, from octogenarians with noteworthy dancing skills, to a trio of beer loving guys with a hankering for over-sized portions of meat.
For all of them and for us, Teske’s delivered: beer, meat and dancing in unusual setting. Not quite Bavaria, but definitely worth the short ride from the Caltrain station. And if you are drinking your beer from the larger liter-sized steins in true Oktoberfest style, there’s the VTA light rail that runs right past Teske’s front door.
Are you an Oktoberfest fan? If so, what is the biggest attraction for you: music, beer, or hearty German food?
About Bike Date Friday: Since September 2010, my husband and I have had a standing date every Friday night. We eat at a different place every week and arrive by bike. There’s no better way to end the work week.
