Local German/Oktoberfest Catering Options

[Insidious Rex]

So we are looking to do a German Oktoberfest theme for a wedding reception and we need a group who could cater it or potentially host it (although I like the idea of doing it outside under a tent rather than at a restaurant). Found one place (Helga's) but didnt know if anyone was familiar with them or any other places that are experienced at this kind of thing. Looking for the whole nine yards: full bunting, wide range of German beer choices and menu options. Polka band even. Is anyone aware of any local restaurants who offer catering like this? I suppose places like Blobs park could host an event like this but from what I understand they are pretty busy during that time period. So anyone done anything similar without having to host it in Chicago?

[ktmoomau]

Hiedelberg Bakery might be somewhere to call for a rec. They also make wedding cakes, fyi.

[lawhound]

Building on the out of town theme for recs, the best German food around is at the Schmankerl Stube in Hagerstown. Perhaps they would have a suggestion?

[flavrmeistr]

Jawohl. The pork shank is a thing of beauty. They bring in special beers during Oktoberfest. It's on my list next month. Also, there's a pretty good Oktoberfest at the Frederick Fairgrounds every year. It's always a lot of fun.

[Dennis S]

And a great one at Dulles if they still do it.

Euro Bistro also has beers on tap that rotate from Germany. I don't think they'll match up themselves to some of these suggestions, but they could certainly point one in the right direction, I think.

[Insidious Rex]

That Dulles Oktoberfest is IMPOSSIBLE to get into once you are off their internal list. And I havent seen anything about it this year. Will probably hit both the Frederick one and the Fredericksburg (Capital Ale House) fests this year as they both seem fairly traditional (meaning basically german beer and polka bands rather than a frat style beer tasting with rock bands).

Thanks for the suggestions thus far. Will definitely check with Schmankerl Stube and others.

[flavrmeistr]

Der Schmanke has a great biergarten and at least five German beers on tap. Also kirschwasser.

[weezycom]

Cafe Monti on Duke Street in Alexandria does catering. They do have some Austrian dishes on the menu, so probably could handle some German cooking. Also get in touch with The German Gourmet (in Falls Church and in Bailey's Crossroads) as they may have some recommendations for you.

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German Gourmet
5838 Columbia Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041

Cafe Monti
3250 Duke St, Alexandria, VA 22314

[reiflame]

I'm not sure if they cater but you could try Doner Bistro in Leesburg. I went to their Oktoberfest last year and it was great fun (plus the food was pretty good too!)

[Dennis S]

You might also want to call Euro Bistro in Herndon.

[chanceindc]

One place to check may be the Biergarten Haus on H street. Its a fun place, numerous types of German beer, decent, if not authentic food (according to my German client), a biergarten of course, and music. From their website:

"Events
For questions about group reservations, or to plan an event at Biergarten Haus, email: [e-mail] or call Chris at 301-775-4710. Emails and messages will be responded to within 1 business day."

http://biergartenhaus.com/index.html

[monkeyrotica]

I wouldn't recommend Biergarten Haus for anything except beer. The locals have turned on the place pretty quick.

http://frozentropics.blogspot.com/201...

[Insidious Rex]

Having been there a few times I would tend to agree. Between the parking and the prices I saw no need to go back although I can rarely resist a good biergarten. And I LOVE how the inside looks. Get some dimpled liter glasses though.