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 Bischof’s dream took root in the 1970s when he discovered acreage in Huntington Beach, CA. Together with his beloved wife, Dolores, he brought that vision to life, building 50 shops in the traditional Bavarian style that would become Old World Village.
Dolores passed away in September 2010, and Josef—affectionately known as “Papa Joe”—continued to carry their shared legacy forward, always surrounded by the love of his family. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Cyndie & Jason Kasko, his son, Bernie Bischof, and his four cherished grandchildren: Markus, Matthaeus, Ronin, and Ava.
Josef is now reunited with Dolores and his beloved daughter-in-law, Barbara Bischof, who passed in 2017. Their family’s legacy lives on through the generations they inspired, as well as through the community they built.
Later in 1978, Josef founded and built Old World in Huntington Beach, nestled between the 405 freeway and Golden West College. Over the last four decades, thousands have experienced the pulsating beat of oom-pah-pah bands direct from Germany, the cheers and laughter of dachshund races, and the quirky but beloved tradition of the "Chicken Dance." The aroma of freshly baked rolls, breads, and European pastries continues to fill the air daily.
German specialties such as sauerkraut, bratwurst, sauerbraten, potato pancakes, schnitzel, and apple strudel have delighted guests for generations. Visitors come from near and far for the “family-fun” atmosphere Old World has become known for. This 9-acre Bavarian-inspired village is home to a German restaurant, market, bakery, church, hotel, beauty salon, eateries, coffee houses, bars, novelty shops, and a traditional dirndl and lederhosen boutique—all open year-round.
At the heart of the property is the famous 10,000 sq. ft. Biergarten and the grand indoor Old World Festival Hall, now the concert and festival hub of Orange County, California. Hosting tribute bands every weekend throughout the year, Old World also celebrates signature events including Irish Fest, Wurst Fest, Bierfest, German Heritage Festival, Pretzel Fest, Plum Fest, World Cup, and the European-style Christmas Market. And of course, we remain the proud home of OC’s original Oktoberfest.
We also host Dachshund Races on Select Sundays, so check out our wiener dog race page for dates and times.
The Biergarten at Old World German Restaurant, together with GermanDeli.com, the Bakery & Market, is open year-round. Stop by the market to stock up on freshly sliced cold cuts, fine cheeses, and authentic bratwursts—perfect for a backyard BBQ. You’ll also find an array of imported specialty items from across Europe.
Explore the charming village shops at Old World Village, where you’ll discover beer steins, nutcrackers, Wiener dog paraphernalia, clocks, and traditional German attire such as lederhosen and dirndls from Cadirndlhaus.com. Old World offers an authentic taste of Europe right in the heart of Huntington Beach, California.
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.
The Old World Church offers a beautiful and intimate setting for weddings, baptisms, and celebrations of life. The charming chapel seats up to 120 guests, creating the perfect atmosphere for meaningful gatherings with family and friends. For more details, please visit www.OldWorldChurch.com.
Josef and Dolores Bischof built a lasting legacy at Old World. When Dolores passed away in the summer of 2010, the family was left heartbroken but continued forward under Josef’s guidance. With Josef’s passing in 2025, the torch has now been carried on by the next generation—Cyndie & Jason Kasko, and Bernie Bischof—along with the memory of Bernie’s late wife, Barbara. Together with an incredible staff, the family continues to operate the German Restaurant, market & bakery, host festivals, concerts, business expos, and the renowned Oktoberfest. Renovations in recent years have revitalized and modernized the property while preserving its Bavarian charm.
Today, Old World stands strong even as the Bella Terra entertainment center and shops have expanded directly across the street. Decades later, Old World remains a thriving cultural landmark—offering an authentic step back in time, balanced with modern facilities to welcome today’s guests.
More than bricks and mortar, Old World is an experience treasured by countless visitors each year. It is the dream of Josef and Dolores—a man and woman who wished to share their love of German and Bavarian culture in America. Proudly rooted in the heart of Huntington Beach, the future of Old World will one day be carried on by the next Bischof generation: Markus, Matthaeus, Ronin, and Ava.