20 years ago I ate at a restaurant in downtown L.A>. near the produce district. It was afamous haufbrau house. Does anyone know the name or location or if they still exist. I have a 80 year old father celebrating his birthday on Sat. 12/11. He is an old stubborn Hungarian that doesn't want to be pampered or spoiled. I thought that an old haufbrau would be a good place togo to. Any other suggestions for downtown LA area for this type of person. Also considering a good old Pilliphes dipped sandwich.

Well the only German restaurant I go to that is authentic is LOWEN BRAU KELLER which is on Beverly & Rampart (down the street from original Tommy's) This place used to be very popular but since it's not in the prime area and isn't trendy, it has suffered.
We just went there a few weeks ago, this place is just absolutely fantastic! Your father will not be disappointed, I guarantee this! Here is the info:
3211 W. Beverly Blvd
LA 90057
213-382-5723

They are closed on Sunday though..I would call for reservations (even though they won't be busy, just so the owner Renate knows how many people will be coming)

Enjoy and I hope this is the place ..even if it's not, you will very much enjoy the atmosphere, Renate's husband was a set decorator so you will find this restaurant very unique in style.

Happy Birthday wishes to your father too!

If you do go, please write back and let me know how it was.

I think the place you're looking for is called Sam's Hofbrau on Olympic near Alameda (near the Produce Market). I haven't been there, but I drive by every so often. You might want to call them, because based on the signage around the building, it looks like it may now be some kind of stripper club.

You'd be better off at the Red Lion Tavern on Glendale Blvd in LA. Haven't been for a while, but I remember the food being very good.

Another option farther south is Alpine Village in Torrance. Just about 1/2 hour south of downtown, right off the 110, Torrance Blvd. exit.

Happy Birthday to your Dad.

hehe Dad would have a very happy birthday at Sam's, as it is indeed now an "adult cabaret."

The Red Lion Tavern is another option on Glendale Blvd in Silver Lake. Big beer selection and lots of things ending in wurst. They have a sing-a-long piano player most nights. It's noisy and fun.

Sam's is a gentleman's club....err, so I've heard

Seriously, a few years back I had a clients in the area. Thinking that it was a resturant serving German Food and it was October so I recommended that we go there. The client just looked at me and smiled. He quickly educated me about the place.

I would have to second the recommendation for Alpine Village in Torrance - it is freeway close and serves wonderful food & has many authentic German beverages too. If memory serves me right, they have music and dancing on Sunday afternoons. There are many little shops in the Village as well as a great meat market and deli. I still stop in periodically when I visit from Las Vegas.

Thanks Everyone for your input.

I'm sure he wouldn't mind the adult entertainment, but hey you're only 80 once in life. The family decided to go italian.