Our Story

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 40+ 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 born 1929 immigrated to the United States in 1952 as a tailor. He planned to stay for two years….. 70 years later, at 93 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 Papa 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 who work together to keep the Southern Californian German community alive. Unfortunately, beloved Barbara Bischof passed away in 2017. 

OUR HISTORY
Josef and his family built 50 homes above 50 shops in the traditional Bavarian style. Lanterns were imported to light the path along the cobblestone streets, and 70 vibrant hand-painted murals decorate the building walls, which depict scenes from 18 European countries. A church to worship, a hall for social gatherings, wedding receptions, a garden gazebo, a restaurant, and a market were also built. Our colorful and well-known maypole Topped with the cross of Jesus Christ symbolizes spirtual strength and a happy life filled with a season of warmth and comfort.