"In Germany, they need little excuse for a celebration," said Tyrolean Inn co-owner Whitney Belvin.

And though some of us missed the May 21st celebration of Maifest—a traditional Bavarian welcoming of the warm season—you can still party German-style via a short drive up Highway 9 to this quaint Ben Lomond restaurant. The knotty-pine interior, beer mugs hanging from the ceiling, unique clocks on the walls, decorative beer steins lining the shelves, the beer garden with its statuary, the menus written in German (and English)—all make you feel like you've been transported to a little part of Germany.

Whitney and her husband Chuck are the third owners of the Tyrolean Inn. The original owners, Tony and Joyce Wolf, opened a deli in the location 40 years ago. Then Gabi and Dieter Seider, who were from Munich, took over until they "were ready to throw in the towel," according to Whitney. For Whitney and Chuck, "It started out as an investment opportunity for the entire property which has several rentals." Consequently, they suddenly found themselves as restauranteurs.

"While we had no experience running a restaurant," Whitney said, "we knew from being restaurant patrons that it's all about good food, atmosphere, and service." They created an atmosphere that emphasized German culture and one that welcomes everyone, including kids and pets on the outdoor patio.

"We keep the kids bounce house up every night that we're open," Whitney said. "We often have guests call just to make sure it's up so their kids can enjoy themselves, too. If the kids aren't up for bouncing, we have a great kids' play area. Plus they love getting their pictures taken with all our statuary."

And then there's the food.

The Parkers played it smart and kept Chef Greg Magnusson, who has been the chef at the Tyrolean Inn for 17 years. Magnusson has a long history as a chef in the restaurant industry. He previously cooked at the Hollins House in Santa Cruz and at the historic and prestigious Cliff House in San Francisco.