A Legacy of Authentic German Dining in San Jose

Since its founding by Ernst and Marianne Teske in 1980, Teske’s Germania has been dedicated to delivering the best authentic German dining experience in the Bay Area. When the Baumann family took over in 1990, they continued the tradition of serving classic German cuisine while enhancing the restaurant’s atmosphere, making it a premier destination for lovers of German food and beer.

To ensure the culinary traditions of Germany remained intact, Hans Baumann sent his youngest son, Scott Baumann, to Germany—specifically Baden-Württemberg, the region from which the family hails—to complete a chef apprenticeship in authentic German cuisine. Meanwhile, his eldest son Gregory Baumann and daughter Cynthia Baumann took on the massive transformation of the restaurant, retrofitting and redesigning what is now known as the best German beer garden in the Bay Area. This stunning biergarten has become a local favorite, offering guests a lively and inviting place to enjoy imported German beers and live music.

After 15 years at the helm, Hans passed the legacy on to his children, who now run Teske’s Germania with passion and expertise. Gregory, Cynthia, and Chef Scott Baumann continue to serve classic German dishes like Jäger Schnitzel, Kassler Rippchen, and Schweinshaxe, while also introducing innovative European-inspired specials that keep Teske’s Germania at the forefront of Downtown San Jose dining.

Beyond its authentic German cuisine, Teske’s Germania is famous for its Friday night jazz in the biergarten during the summer months. The restaurant is also a hub for traditional German music, hosting lively performances once a month in summer and nearly every weekend during Oktoberfest in San Jose—starting in September.

Whether you’re looking for a true taste of Bavaria, the best German beer selection in San Jose, or a lively Oktoberfest celebration, Teske’s Germania is your go-to destination for an unforgettable German dining experience. Prost!