Hofbrau is an American cafeteria-style restaurant concept, similar to a carvery. The name is derived from the German term Hofbräu, which originally referred to a brewery with historical ties to a royal court. Hofbraus emerged in San Francisco just after World War II, and spread through Northern California and elsewhere. The concept is in decline in the 21st century, though it still exists.

Food

The choice of meats offered at most hofbraus includes some form of roast beef such as prime rib, tri-tip, or brisket; some form of salt-cured meat such as corned beef, pastrami, or ham; a whole roasted bird such as turkey or chicken;^[1] and sometimes buffalo.^[2]

Meals are typically served as sandwiches or as plated dinners, per the customer's preference. Sandwiches are often served au jus on sourdough rolls in French dip style, or open with beef jus or gravy ladled over the sandwich at the carvery station. Dinners often come with a side of mashed potatoes and gravy, with gravy ladled over both the potatoes and the meat. In addition, a dinner roll with butter plus a choice of hot and cold side dishes is included. Hot sides often include corn, macaroni and cheese, rice, and green beans.^[3] Cold sides often include macaroni or pasta salad, potato salad, or regular iceberg lettuce salad.

Beer on tap is commonly available at most hofbraus. Liquor is sometimes available, and most alcoholic drinks are generally inexpensive.^[1]

History

This restaurant concept was developed in San Francisco following World War II, and spread throughout Northern California. Tommy's Joynt on Van Ness Avenue in San Francisco opened in 1947.^[2] As of 2023^[update], Tommy's Joynt is still in operation. In the 1950s, successful chains like Harry’s Hof Brau, Sam's Hofbrau and Chick-n-Coop were established in Northern California.^[1]

Hofbraus have declined in business success and popularity in the 21st century. Lefty O'Douls, a beloved hofbrau on Union Square in San Francisco since 1958, closed in 2017 after a bitter dispute with their landlord. ^[4] Brennan’s, a popular hofbrau in Berkeley, closed in 2018 after 60 years in business.^[5] Sam's Hof Brau, in business in Sacramento for 64 years, was severely damaged by a fire in 2023.^[6] In January, 2024, the owners announced that Sam's Hof Brau would not reopen.^[7] Harry's Hofbrau, once a larger chain, lost the lease on its San Jose restaurant in 2019. That restaurant then closed, after 42 years in business. As of 2023^[update], Harry's Hofbrau has two locations, in San Leandro and Redwood City.^[8]

Operations

Restaurants are laid out cafeteria-style: Customers take a tray and utensils at the beginning of a long steam table, place meat orders at the carvery station, add side dishes as they move down the line, pay the cashier at the end of the line, and then seat themselves.

Expansive dining areas are generally available at larger hofbraus, and are typically used as meeting places for large groups of people who gather to eat, drink, watch sports on television, and have parties.