Harry’s Hofbrau

10/11/2014 Updated review

My husband & kids LOVE Harry's Hofbrau simply for the turkey, baked ham, stuffing etc. I can't fault them because I too LOVE the stuffing that reminds me of Thanksgiving.

The food is served in my husband's words "cafeteria style" but still good nonetheless. A favorite for my kids and husband is turkey/baked ham with stuffing and a side of macaroni & cheese or mashed potatoes. For me? I like to try out their specials and go from there.

Overall... the prices are a bit pricey but the food makes it worth it with the generous portions and flavor. We will definitely be back!

10/6/2014

Last time I came here was maybe 15 years ago, and even though this was already an "old-school institution" back then, I don't even remember what I had, so I probably wasn't too impressed at the time.

Fast forward to present-day, and both my food tastes and style have changed.

Came here on the invite of my buddy who wanted to celebrate the KraftBrew Fest during Silicon Valley Beer Week. What better way to celebrate then go to a place that screams "old beer pub"! Quite frankly, you're hard-pressed to find a restaurant/bar this size 'round here in the burbs (unless you go downtown) anymore.

Twas a festive place, and we grabbed ourselves a booth and downed a brewskie before heading to the "chow line" - buffet style with daily specials, meats and sides from the carvery, hot/cold sandwiches, soups, and salads. American comfort food!

I narrowed it down to Italian Short Ribs vs. the Chicken Pot Pie Tuesday Special, so I ended up with the item that I'm least apt to make at home - the pot pie at $9.94. I also did two sides - mushrooms and steamed veggies.

The pot pie really wasn't too bad. I do prefer Marie Callendar, though it was much better than anticipated. Not the hottest, but warm enough. There were quite a few chunks of chicken alongside peas and carrots, and it was quite a hearty meal.

Note that the food is not necessarily "high falutin," but you gotta set your expectations accordingly.

This goes without saying that I really appreciate this place for the institution that it really is now. Though I'm not a native of San Jose, I've been here since 1986, and am also a California-native, so this makes me remember the good ol' days long gone - when this valley was different..

9/29/2014

This is the place to go when you don't know what you want.

By far my very favorite place to have turkey dinner with the fixings.  The turkey is always moist and tender.  In fact, this is one dish I would want to eat if it was my last meal on earth.   The mashed potatoes and gravy are off the hook good and make the turkey even better if possible.

10/17/2014

Okay, I love this place. I just do. Not because the food is amazing, it's not (although I do love their mashed potatoes). But it's because I have come here since I was a child and it's beautiful that it hasn't changed! I love that I can walk in and it's like I'm 3 years old hanging out with my mom again, getting Mac and cheese and mashed potatoes. I think it's lovely that I can immediately walk in and just be greeted by my childhood. The people who work their are always nice, even when it's crazy busy. Oh Harry's Hofbrau, you will always have a special place in my heart.

10/14/2014

I love this spot! I always order a turkey open-face sandwich to-go. It's two slices of bread with turkey shavings, mash potatoes and gravy. Simple, quick and delicious!

10/13/2014

I came here to celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving with my friends and it was the right place to be.  It's better than Boston Market.  There are lots of sandwiches, entrees, salads and desserts to choose from.  I ordered pot roast with noodles and it was good, no regrets at all.  It comes with one side, so I chose baked beans which was so good and it comes with bread and there's an option for wheat bread.  I added carrot cake with it where the guy behind the counter said that was a popular sell because I couldn't choose between the carrot cake and cheesecake.  The carrot cake tasted exactly from Safeway which both have frostings that were good and sweet and both have raisins in them.  I should've skipped the carrot cake because I literally had no room for it after I had my entree.  Overall, I had such a good experience with my friends that I'll go back.  
Oh yeah they have beers on tap at the bar, so I ordered veltins Pilsner which was supposed to come with a free glass, but they ran out of the small and big one, so a star is knocked off.

9/22/2014

Great delicious Turkey sandwiches  ....
made to order ... One of the best I ever had ...
Goes great with a Cup of Bell pepper Soup on Fridays

8/19/2014

Great traditional American food with a reasonable price! Staffs are very helpful and you get your food within seconds since it's sort of a cafeteria style.

BE CAREFUL with parking, somehow people in this lot just cannot park well.

I was blocked from behind by someone else (out of no where) and the manager helped to ask around inside the whole restaurant with a mic. He was very helpful and stayed with me until we found a solution--it was eventually resolved by moving some other cars so I could get out and go home.

More than 2 cars were parked horribly in this lot, so be careful with your spot selections. Other than that, this is a great place to be!

10/6/2014

Harry's has been a favorite for a long time.  Christina M. pretty much nailed it. It's a great place to go if you don't know what you want or you've got turkey on the brain. They have a great selection of beer on tap & the people behind the bar are always willing to help you figure out what to order. Really good food & beer, Yum!  Going back tonight!

8/12/2014

How fun would it be to have a game of thrones themed wedding here?

This place is huge so it is great for large parties and groups of friends. The food is served cafeteria style so you don't have to deal with fighting for the bill or dividing up the bill at the end of the meal.

Food items included:

Bratwurst (light colored sausage)
Frankfurters
Sauerkraut (more sour than the kind I've had from jars)
German potatoes (very unique flavor)
Roast beef
Mashed potatoes with tons of gravy
Super dense stuffing
Turkey legs (juicy but not as meaty as the Disneyland kind)
Roasted chicken
Veal
Baked Mac and cheese (reminds me of the KFC kind)
Enchiladas
Carrot cake
Pie
Salads
Sourdough or wheat bread rolls (both were eh)
And tons of beers including kwok and raspberry lambic on tap ($6).

They also have horse radish and three different mustard types on the table for you. This includes a deli mustard and a sweet and spicy mustard.

The decor is German bar ish. There's stained glass and wood beams on the walls as well as steins on shelves and a bunch of international flags that hang from the ceilings.

The lobby area has deer heads as wall decor and candy machines for the kids. It's definitely a casual environment for informal dinners and a beer.

9/8/2014

Great beer selection.  You can always run into beer geeks here. They are always rotating craft brews so it definitely gives you a reason to keep coming back. I have had everything from Hoptologist to Pliny the Elder.

The food is pretty good and deserves a big appetite.  The portions are not for the faint of heart.  I highly suggest the prime rib - and a to go box!

Harry's is also open late.  As a former restaurant employee,  it's hard to find decent food at my "dinner time." So, if you happen to get hungry and you can make it before 11, its worth the stop.

8/25/2014

So I get home....ask Hubs what he's in the mood for dinner-wise. One word "meat". So I start perusing Yelp to find some decent options.

Been to hofbraus before, so kinda used to the cafeteria style line, meat carvery stations, etc.
We had pretty much decided on dinners. The roast beef plate for me, hubs opted for the tri-tip plate. Holy MOO-MOOs that was some meat!! Awesome!! And we both chose mashed taters/gravy and a green salad for side. We also got sucked in to trying the clam chowder-it was Friday and I'd decided to go all out. Wow was it good. Very generous with the gravy, over the potatoes...SO good!

Roast beef plate was an entire plate of yummy meaty deliciousness. The tri tip was cooked perfectly. The ranch dressing was so well seasoned. Definitely did not tastelike a store-bought. The mashed potatoes and gravy were perfect self-indulgence.

I ended up taking much home, and enjoying it for breakfast the next day.

That clam chowder was a creamy, heavenly, perfectly seasoned bowl of happiness.

I believe I will be going back---very, very soon.

10/2/2014

My whole experience can be summed up with one word, "Meh". I found the food to be extremely bland. I tried a turkey and ham sandwich, mac and cheese and some pie. The dutch crunch wasn't very crunchy. I ate half of my sandwich and I was so unimpressed I didn't even take the other half to go. Mac and cheese was bland though the pie was alright. I wouldn't come back here by choice.

8/14/2014

Big proportions of American style food with a home cooked taste at a good price. Their fast and friendly service also helps. It's cafeteria style service as u walk in a line, grab a tray, and order.
They also have a good craft beer selection and bar section. We luv this place!

9/15/2014

Came by this place for the first time because a couple of my friends suggested to go here because they were craving thanksgiving food. I was surprised at how busy this place was, it kind of reminded me of a cafeteria because the way they served their food it was already pre-cooked . I got the prime rib w/ Mac and cheese and mashed potatoes & macaroni salad. It cost about $20... The food was mediocre and okay... Not to good in my opinion because I wanted medium rare for my prime rib but it wasn't... Overall you can't go wrong w/ their beer!

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  Prime Rib w/ mac&cheese & mashed potatoes

  Prime Rib w/ mac&cheese & mashed potatoes

8/20/2014

Yikes! There is NOTHING German about this food. The Sauerkraut was horrible. The turkey was great, the stuffing had a strange consistency and the mashed potatoes were OK. I got water, and it tasted so much like chlorine that I didn't drink it.

But, the beers here are really good.. I had a chocolate stout and it was delicious.

The ambience is like Vegas during the week. Predominantly old people and an authentic German band... with a banjo!?

Great for laughs and beer. Avoid the food, or get a sandwich!

7/18/2014

This place is great for a man date location.  You know how I can sell you guys on that?  It specializes in HUGE JUICY MEATS and BEERS.  I am not a huge meat person but I myself favored the banana cream pies, food sides, and ciders.

I wasn't a huge fan because I didn't fancy the idea of a cafeteria style restaurant.  But, my fiance loved it to the max.  I think he is planning some man dates as I type lol.  

Have fun :)

7/5/2014

Have you ever driven by, walked by, jogged by, or biked by a restaurant for years and years such that you never ate there?  Harry Hofbrau is one of them.  I had never known what Harry Hofbrau was.  I thought it was a buffet.  The restaurant is next to Garden City.  Perhaps some people are confused the restaurant is connected to Garden City for something else.  I was confused.  Anyways, I set the record straight.

Harry Hofbrau is a sit-down, cafeteria style restaurant.  The food is not cafeteria style.  Ordering your food is cafeteria style.  The menu is along the back wall with the prices and daily specials.  Customers walk up to the counter to tell the chefs your order.  The chefs prepare your order in front of you.  The plate is moved along each station with another chef asking what other foods you want.  Customers order drinks before the cashier.  The customers finished order is covered to keep the food warm.

The prices are reasonably on the high side.  You get huge portions on your meat.  I ordered the ham which covered my entire plate.  My side orders were vegetables, mashed potatoes, and a roll.  My one complaint is the side order portions were small.  The small side order portions are good for those on a strict protein diet.

The seating area is big and open.  Customers can sit anywhere.  I'm not sure drinks are refillable.  My guess is yes because the glass size for sodas is small.  There's a bar for alcoholic drinks.

7/24/2014

Great food and large portions!  Prices are very reasonable for the amount of food that you get.  I've had the roasted chicken and turkey.  Meat was very tender and juicy.  Flavors were simple enough that you can still taste the meat itself.  Mac & cheese is awesome!  

The cafeteria style ordering is a little stressful though. Haha.  I see all the choices in front of me, and I can't make up my mind!  What do I want? What do I want?!

They had flan for dessert, but I didn't order it.  I think I will try it next time.  Yes, there will be a next time.  :)

9/16/2014

I love HH it's just a great home cooked meal. Tons of sides to choose from. I like the turkey, pastrami, pork loin. Not a fan of the prime rib both times it was not warm and had a ton of unrendered fat. Stick with the turkey dinner and you can't go wrong.

8/31/2014

Many people will take one look at Harry's Hofbrau and simply dismiss it as a relic of a bygone era.  Sure, it would be easy to do that.  I mean, the decor hasn't changed since their opening 30+ years ago.  From a culinary perspective, the cafeteria concept isn't exactly en vogue these days.  However, the transformation of one aspect of their business model has ensured that a new generation can experience the greatness that is Harry's.  A few years back, craft beer became a part of the menu, served alongside hot open-faced turkey sandwiches.  At first, it seemed a highly incongruous pairing.  The majority of new craft beer establishments were creating specialized menus, usually using organic, locally sourced ingredients.  It was also a very controversial idea, with the stalwarts suspiciously eyeing the new, young customers pouring in and hunkering down at the bar for some new brew.  In fact, I have seen things actually get down right contentious between the established base and the new order, especially during SF Beer Week, when Harry's gets overrun by hop heads looking for a glass of the fleeting Pliny the Younger.

All this aside, there are few places in the Bay Area where one can get the kind of comfort food that is Harry's forte.  The fact of the matter is, the quality of the food here is generally quite high.  I recently had the pork stew and polenta special, both of which were absolutely delicious.  All of the carved meats are roasted on premises, on the bone and are perfectly cooked.  The mashed potatoes and gravy are better than what mom used to make.  The portions are large and filling, all the better to soak up the high octane beers served at the bar.  

Even if craft beer isn't your thing, give Harry's a try for the excellent and satisfying food that they've been dishing up consistently since the early 70's.

6/18/2014

What can I say about this place? I've seen it so many times, yet never ventured in. Not sure why, but it reminds me of Las Vegas vacation where Chevy Chase and the cousin are getting food at the buffet. There's a lot of senior citizens here, and the food is cafeteria style. I decided on the turkey leg with mashed potatoes and gravy, hub got the sirloin tips and noodles.

It's comfort food, but not the best. I definitely prefer Boston market carved meats and sides over Harry's any day.

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  Beef tips pasta

  Beef tips pasta
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  Ginormous turkey leg

  Ginormous turkey leg

7/16/2014

Came for a big home-like meal and a good beer! It has been here forever, and it will probably never go away. Defiantly one of those well loved home-town kinda places. The inside is kind of old-school, yes. But that is part of its charm!

The food is served cafeteria style, where you chose your main dish, sides, dessert and such. Expect to pay about $10 on food and $10 for a beer or two. The meats are delicious and there is always a little sumpin' left over for later. Beer selection changes periodically and they have "events" now and then. Have yet to try one, but planning on it!

Hofbrau will always have a place in my heart.

p.s.
stay outta my booth.

9/7/2014

Harry's .. So good. The service is quick and friendly, and the food is great. We usually get the prime rib or roast beef. The meat is always juicy and the sides are in abundance. They also have great beers on tap. This is the Goto place for when my wife and I don't know where to go.

6/23/2014

Once you get pass the dated look and realize that the same people that comes here for the spIit pea soup every Monday for the last 50 years. Then close your eyes. Open them. Clean them by rubbing your eyes. This is BEER heaven. I really just come here for the awesome craft beer selection. Their taps are rotating constantly and they always have something good that I want to try. The guy behind the counter who orders the beer is super knowledgable.

The food is okay, I only tried the roast beef sandwich. I like that they dip the sandwich in au jus.

Now I am always tempted to come here for a beer when I'm in the neighborhood.

7/1/2014

I guess this is where I'll come if I'm craving prime rib, but only on Saturdays, because that's when they have it.

This place is pretty unique. The way they serve their food is like a lunch line. You tell them what you want, and they put it on your tray for you. You pay at the end of the line. The decor makes me feel like I'm on vacation. It particularly reminded of the Excalibur in Vegas, LOL.

They have a huge selection of carved meats, and sides. I ended up with the corn-beef, sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, and a roll. The food was pretty good, but not extraordinary. My boyfriend's prime rib was pretty tasty. His fried potatoes were dry though.

I'll definitely be back to try other things especially their selections of pie!

9/12/2014

Great food great beer and.amazing service...what more can you ask for? Life is good when you at the hofbrau

10/1/2014

everything about it brings back the 'MEYBERGS' feel!!!

6/19/2014

With a vast selection of hand carved meats, sides, and gravy to smother on everything (and I mean everything), the Brau is a legit spot.

And then there's the bar area, with padded seats, multiple TVs, and nearly 30 craft brews on tap. Just tell Jeremy what you like and he'll pour the good stuff. But be careful with those padded seats, they're a bit too comfy.

I think I may have just found the ideal place to watch the World Cup.

9/4/2014

This place us 4 stars for the turkey dinner!  I love it and it's even better the next day!!! The place is rustic as in kinda old almost like a diner cafeteria style. Good beer choices and baby/stroller friendly except for the bathroom there is no changing table.

6/11/2014

Do people already call this place the 'Brau? If that's not a thing, can we make it one?

I don't know how I'd never been to Harry's Hofbrau before now, but it definitely has a special place in my heart after the first experience.

I think this place is probably best for grabbing a few beers, (5 stars for the legit craft tap selection!) but the food is mediocre at best (3 Stars?).

Stop in to share some beers with your pals, and enjoy those big leathery arm chairs.. Maybe even bring a game of Yahtzee to keep it exciting!

9/4/2014

I love this place! The manager, Travis, is genuinely all about customer service;  he makes sure that all of his guests are doing great! My favorite bartenders, Andrew and Jeremy,  always make sure that my drinks are filled. By the way, they have the best bloody Mary's! Their kitchen consultant, Cory, is amazing with his suggestions and recipe's on food.  I am very picky about where I go, but this place is my neighborhood spot!

8/29/2014 Updated review

Great portions, but sucks that they don't have the A's game on any of their 3 TV's !! We asked and they didn't change even one tv !! What gives ?

8/16/2014 Updated review

I am changing my rating to 5 stars. We have done multiple birthday parties here, and each time it has been lots of fun. My favorite thing is that it is a great place for parties, because everyone can pay for themselves and their alcohol. We were just there a few weeks ago, and the food quality seemed to have improved drastically. The portion sizes are HUGE, and you cannot beat that for the price. The food is straight up comfort food, and thats part of the charm.  Their beer selection is outstanding and they have some really unique choices.

8/31/2014 Updated review

The last visit was terrible with the nasty cashier and her bad attitude!!! she was rude and told me if I wanted to complain to the manager, she points to him he was behind her and didn't seem to care  and looked like he was covering for her, though he witnessed the whole poor service..(I thnik they have "somthing going on" between them!! Too bad there was no other manager to talk to!!!  Hopefully se won't be there when I return!! as the turnover is frequent!!!

4/30/2014

My hubby and his friends talked highly of this place and last night was my first time here. The roast beef.... on point! Delicious!

The line goes by fast and all you do is tell the employee what meat you want, slide your tray down and watch another person cut your meats. Then you pick 2 sides. I went with mash potatoes/gravy and mac n cheese. I would skip the mac n cheese (dry, not cheesy enough for me). The mash potatoes/gravy on the other hand, I could not get enough of! Next time I'm just getting both sides of mash potatoes/gravy. You can ask for light on the gravy since they do drown the mash potatoes. You also get a dinner roll of sourdough or grain (I think). My favorite part in line, was seeing all the desserts they have from ice cream to pies, fruit salad and the most delicious looking strawberry shortcake. Once you're done paying, you take your tray and find a seat. FYI, your tray will be heavy!

The first bite into my roast beef was amazing with the sauce. Red, tender, juicy and chewy. The meals are huge even the kids meal! The staff here is great and according to my hubby who would come here before closing never felt rushed by any of the workers. There is plenty of parking.

Writing this review makes me want to go back tonight...

8/27/2014

I have not eaten at Harry's; I came just for the great craft beers.  They have approximately 25 or more beers on tap and an unbelievable bottle beer selection. The beer menu always has something for everyone from ales to sours to stouts.  The bottle selection is great, if you can see it. They don't have a bottle list, so you have to squint your eyes and lean over the bar to see into the refrigerators.  It is okay for me since I recognize a lot of the bottles labels. At least the bartenders are patient when I ask to see a few bottles up close.  

The restaurant is large and dark so you feel as if you can sit there unnoticed for a while. If you are alone, there are always singles sitting at the long bar and you won't feel awkward. One of these days I might eat there too.

8/25/2014

I might have ordered the wrong thing but the turkey seemed a little dry. Maybe my expectations were a little high because I thought this was going to be Thanksgiving, but I haven't returned since. The prices are pretty high for what you get too.

8/24/2014

Lots of interesting unforgettable memories here. The food is always amazing and the service is the best. I love the ambience it has this western feel too it. They have amazing roast beef and corned beef hash.

3/28/2014

This place went from great (10 years ago) to EVEN MORE FANTASTIC!

If you've been here before, you know it's reminiscent of Thanksgiving and Oktoberfest combined.

For those who don't know, this restaurant has become a player in craft beers in the area. Come fuck me sideways, the beer here is great!