No large scale beer-filled shenanigans and rowdy outdoor revelries this year—Oktoberfest is going to be a toned-down affair in 2020, thanks in no small part to the ongoing pandemic. But drink on, we must. If you’re on the hunt for a venue to soak in jovial Oktoberfest vibes this year, head on over to these places and have a great time.
Brotzeit
Having celebrated Oktoberfest every year since its establishment in 2006, Brotzeit is one of the most dependable places to go to for good food, drink and vibes that stays close to what you get in Munich. They’re even directly importing a seasonal creation, the Hofbräu Oktoberfestbier ($16/pint), from one of the six original Munich breweries allowed to serve at Oktoberfest. So cheers to that.
A low-key celebration doesn’t mean no fun and games, and at Brotzeit, you can expect every outlet to be adorned with traditional decor as waitresses dressed in dirndls carrying real oak barrels filled with schnapps come to your table to play games with you. Winners immediately get a free shot of the liqueur. So go ahead and drink, play and feast (definitely try the Giant Pretzel with Pork Knuckle; $23) at any of their outlets around town. A special Oktoberfest Brunch is happening on the weekends too. Sep 15-Oct 25
Frieda
Frieda digs deep into its Bavarian roots this Oktoberfest, offering a free-flowing celebration ($55 per person) packed with grub like Nurnberger Sausages, Bavarian Pretzels, German Weisswurst, Apple Bread Pudding and lots more. It’s done ala carte buffet style, and each guest even gets a complimentary welcome pint of beer. But feel free to enhance your experience with their bottomless beer option, where for an additional $50, you’ll get to enjoy four hours of free-flow beers from the tap too. Oct 1-31
Swiss Club
Arguably the most-anticipated Oktoberfest party happens annually at the Swiss Club. Though that’s not happening this year (yep, there’s no dancing on the tabletops guys), the feasting and drinking continues on-site and for takeaways too. Dig into hearty servings of Crispy Roasted Pork Knuckles ($32), Sausage Skewers ($22) Pretzel Dumplings ($20) and more. Then wash them all down with pints of Erdinger Weissbier ($14/pint) and Jagermeister ($6/shot). Prost! Sep 19-Oct 4
BONUS: At home with an Erdinger kit
If heading outside for a beer-fuelled party still feels uncomfortable for you during this time, know that everyone’s go-to German beer label Erdinger is helping you get all sorted while you stay safe at home with their new How to Oktoberfest kit. It’s not for sale, but simply given free to all customers purchasing a 12x500ml carton of Erdinger Wheat Beer on Lazada Redmart, Shopee S-Mart or Amazon PrimeNow, while stocks last.
The kit comes with everything you need to throw a mini Oktoberfest party of your own at home—think proper beer glasses, lederhosen and drindl costumes, festival-appropriate decor and more. All you need to do is to invite five of your best buds over for a great time. From Sep 30
