About The Old World Village
Huntington Beach, CA Surf City USA
Willkommen (Welcome!)
Since 1978, the Biergarten at Old World has served the best German, European, and American cuisine. We were voted best Sausage by Hell's Kitchen reality series and pride ourselves on serving homemade deliciousness. In addition, there are a variety of imported beers and specialty cocktails to choose from while enjoying live entertainment. For over four decades, our customers return again and again to visit and be served by our dedicated staff, some who have worked for us for over 20+ years. Come enjoy the charming ambiance and authentic German, Hungarian, Austrian, and American dishes such as Wienerschnitzel, Goulash, Sauerbraten, Roladen, Herb Crusted Salmon with Asparagus, and Tuna Ahi Burgers in our quaint and cozy dining room, Biergarten, or newly renovated bar.
How did this all come to be, you ask?
Our Family
Josef Bischof immigrated to the United States in 1952 as a tailor. He planned to stay for two years….. 70 years later, he is still here living out the American dream. Josef met his sweetheart (soon-to-be wife) Dolores in Hollywood at a German center, and they were married in 1955. They bought a small house and transformed it into a home. While Josef worked as a tailor at the famous designer studio Irene's, he began to buy houses to fix up & then flip the property. Inspired by the construction of "Ports of Call" built on the English seaside, Josef decided to honor his own German heritage and recruited investors for the project. Then in 1964, Alpine Village in Torrance, CA was built.
Josef's dream expanded in the 70s after finding acreage in Huntington Beach, CA. Together with his wife Dolores, they built 50 shops in the traditional Bavarian style. Sadly, Dolores passed away in September 2010. However, Josef (AKA Joe) is surrounded by a loving family: Daughter and son-in-law Cyndie & Jason Kasko, son and daughter-in-law Bernie & Barbara Bischof, plus four grandchildren: Markus, Matthaeus, Ronin, and Ava. Unfortunately, beloved Barbara Bischof passed away in 2017.
Later in 1978, Josef founded and built the Old World in Huntington Beach, nestled between the 405 freeway and Goldenwest College. Over the last four decades, thousands of people have witnessed the pulsating beat of oom-pah-pah bands direct from Germany, the cheers and laughter from the dachshund races, and the bizarre yet delightful ritual of the "Chicken Dance." The aroma of freshly baked rolls, bread, and European pastries fills the village air daily.
German specialties such as sauerkraut, bratwurst, sauerbraten, potato pancakes, schnitzel, and apple strudel have delighted guests for many years. Visitors flock to Old World far and wide because of the "family-fun" environment we are known for. This 9-acre village was built in the image of Bavaria and is home to a German restaurant, market, bakery, a church, hotel, beauty salon, eateries, coffee houses, bars, novelty shops, and a unique music store, all open year-round.
Visit our famous 10,000 sq. ft. Biergarten, and the grand indoor Golden Bear Concert Hall. We are home to OC's original Oktoberfest.
We also host Dachshund Races on Select Sundays, so check out our Dachshund Races page for dates and times.
Old World German Restaurant, Bakery & Market is open year-round. Please stop by the market and stock up on cold cuts, our finest cheeses, and Brats for a homestyle backyard BBQ. The shops in the village are filled with a variety of products and services ranging from crystals, collectibles, clocks, Birkenstocks, health food, and even traditional German attire such as lederhosen and dirndls,
We are not only known for our annual Oktoberfest celebration. Over the years, we have been honored to host thousands of weddings and help many couples plan their dream wedding. We have also partnered with local businesses, organizations, and schools to assist with company galas, corporate functions, and fund-raising events.
Every second Sunday in July is German Heritage Day, with a live brass band, folk dancers, and free food for the first 500 guests. In the middle of August is our plumfastic Plum Fest. Enjoy music and delicious fresh baked goods made from sweet juicy plums.
Josef (now retired) and Dolores Bischof built a legacy at Old World. When Dolores passed away in the summer of 2010, this family-owned and operated business was left heartbroken but in the capable hands of the next generation. Cyndie Kasko, Jason Kasko, Bernie Bischof, and his dear late wife, Barbara, pushed forward. Together, the family and incredible staff continue to operate the German Restaurant, market, bakery, host banquets, festivals, business expos, and the renowned Oktoberfest. In addition, Old World underwent renovations that have revitalized this cherished establishment.
With the recent expansion of the Bella Terra entertainment center and shops directly across the street, Old World is still thriving decades later. While keeping with honorable traditions, Old World is a step back in time, combined with the modern facilities and services to deliver the Old World charm to guests. Old World's future still looks bright and is not just buildings made of bricks and mortar; it's an experience treasured by many visitors yearly. Old World was a dream built by a man and a woman who wanted to share their love of German and Bavarian culture in America. Old World is proudly situated in the heart of Huntington Beach, and one day the torch will be passed down to the next Bischof generation, Markus, Matthaeus, Ronin & Ava.