Harry’s Hofbrau in San Jose Closes its Doors

Harry’s Hofbrau in San Jose served its last meal and beer exactly a week ago, and countless folks have been chiming in via social media about how much they were going to miss the San Jose restaurant.

I can relate, as I remember eating there multiple times with friends back in the early ’90s. It was all about the hot open-faced sandwiches with mashed potatoes and gravy. They were hearty meals and always felt like a bargain.

But then there was a 20-year gap before I ventured back. In fact, I wrote a quick post about it in July 2011, attributing my return to Harry’s to their new craft beer emphasis, which I first learned about from Peter Estaniel’s BetterBeerBlog.

I quickly became a regular – even walked there from time to time – and eventually got to know the likes of former bar manager extraordinaire Jeremy Eseroma and former general manager, beer buyer and overall beer guru Kevin Olcese.

It was still the nascent days of the local craft beer scene, where Wine Affairs and Good Karma looked to be the only other places in San Jose with a craft beer focus.

Kevin worked diligently to create and build up the beer bar and menu at Harry’s.

Many South Bay beer fans will recall the first IPA Day held at Harry’s during the 2012 SF Beer Week. It was arguably the first time that a restaurant or beer bar in San Jose attracted such a huge turnout for beer.

Kevin eventually parted ways with the San Jose location in early 2017 and has since moved to the Sacramento area.

Having played such a big role in elevating the San Jose craft beer scene from his time at Harry’s, I reached out to Kevin late last week, and he graciously shared some of his favorite memories.

Kevin Olcese

“I look back at the photos from early on – all the photos from that period were from you! – and I think about how awesome it was to be a part of the growing beer scene that was San Jose back then.

“To remember those times when there were 300 people in line for Pliny the Younger. Meeting Jeffers and Matt from Firestone. Patrick from The Bruery. I got to meet so many people and have so many great experiences, like trying Jeremy Warren’s early Knee Deep brews when he was still driving around with an Igloo cooler of samples. Now he owns Revision and is huge. And serving Batch 1 Fieldwork and being the top Fieldwork seller in San Jose. Honestly, I’m so lucky!

“There were so many great memories, but what made things even better was seeing a customer enjoy a good beer.

“You know, in all the years, I never poured myself a Pliny the Younger, because I would have felt too badly about a customer not trying it first. Ha!”

Announcements from Harry’s Hofbrau

Just prior to the restaurant’s closing, a note on their website read:

WE’VE LOST OUR LEASE!

After over 40+ years we have lost our lease and will be moving most of our crew to our locations in Redwood City and San Leandro.

Our final Hurrah is January 8th.

We will be closing at the end of business Tuesday January 8th. Come visit us by Tuesday night and let’s have a good time!

Please visit us at our Redwood City or San Leandro stores.

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Another note:

To All Our Loyal Customers

After 42 years in San Jose, Harry’s Hofbrau will be closing this location at the close of business Tuesday January 8th, 2019.

Thank you for your patronage and loyalty throughout the years. Our success is only because of you and our hard-working staff.

We are closing this location because the years have taken its toll on the facility and plans have begun for re-development of the site with the City of San Jose and potential investors.

With no current lease in place, it is time to say “Goodbye” to all our wonderful customers.

We will miss you ALL.

Please visit one of our other locations for our famous Hot Turkey Sandwich or other delicious entrees and specials.

Thank you, owners and staff of Harry’s Hofbrau Restaurants!

Hope to see you there!

Harry’s Hofbrau
1909 El Camino Real
Redwood City, CA 94063
650.366.3733

Harry’s Hofbrau
14900 E. 14th Street
San Leandro, CA 94578
510.357.1707

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Finally, below are some pics from my last sets of photos from Harry’s Hofbrau San Jose.

April 7, 2016: