There are a several places in the Bay Area to get German food. Perhaps top of the list is Suppenküche. Its not exactly a perfect copy of the food that you would find in Germany - but this is a good thing. It is kind of a California fusion. Easier on the heart and they even give you vegetable. Walzwerk is another great choice for a German experience. It is a very comfy and cozy restaurant. It bills its self as serving East German cuisine. The decor certainly enhances the experience. The food is a bit heavier and perhaps a bit more authentic - if that's what you're after. Both restaurants have a selection of very good beer.
There are a few other places around town that you can find German style fare. The Junket in El Cerrito plaza in the east bay is a great little deli where you can find all sorts of european food stuffs with a heavy emphasis on Germany. They are also open for lunch. The owner is German, and he has been there for quite a while. The German Cook in the tenderloin is a place some people are very fond of. I see it listed a lot on Hungarian pages, so I am pretty sure this place has some crossover. Unfortunately, I have been told that it closed December 2002. There is also the Schnizelhaus and Schroeder's near the Embarcadero. Schroeder's used to be a men's club, but now it is open for all. This is one place you might even see some lederhosen - beware of the Polka! Another place you can check out, is The Hungarian Sausage Factory & Bistro.
Sadly, some restaurants have closed. The venerable Speckman's has closed it doors and well as the Alt Frankfurt and the Deutschlander. The Alt Frankfurt (with bartender Miss Munich 1974) was a wonderful dive bar that was the favorite of many. The Deutschlander had been in buisiness for over 20 years when the owners - who also own the Gina Hotel - decided to close.
There is a new place in the East Bay now! Speisekammer in Alemeda just opened its doors. It is open late with a big bar! The menu reminds me a lot of Suppenkueche, which is a good thing. The meatloaf was particularly tasty.
Check out Californiadeutsche as well.
Marcus Kirche