Raise a Stein to Oktoberfest
Autumn has arrived, and with it comes one of the season’s signature festivities: Oktoberfest. This beer-centric celebration, which runs through early October, entails a bevy of European-inspired specials at bars and restaurants throughout Chicago.
At The Butcher’s Tap, chef Sean Currie is cooking up a trifecta of German-accented specials through September 26. These include a sausage plate of traditional bratwurst, German potato salad, bacon and beer sauerkraut; a Sheboygan-style brat on a bun with melted onions and a side of potato salad; and a schnitzel sandwich.
Raise a glass (or several) to Howells & Hood, which is hosting a seven-course Oktoberfest beer dinner to commemorate the season on September 23. Taking place from 6:00 pm until 10:00 pm, the beer-paired degustation features dishes like schweinebraten suckling pig, veal schnitzel, housemade pretzels, beer soaked chicken, and more. In addition, Oktoberfest beers from the likes of Urban Chestnut Brewing Company, Avery Brewing Co., and Surly Brewing Co. will be on deck.
Oktoberfest adapts a Chicago accent at Dusek’s Board & Beer, as the Pilsen restaurant presents its “Blocktoberfest” celebration to simultaneously tout its two-year anniversary in business and the German festivities. Taking place September 27, Blocktoberfest is an open-to-the-public, family-friendly block party situated in front of Thalia Hall from 2:00 pm until 10:00 pm. Attendees can look forward to sausages and other German-inspired dishes, German beers, face painting, and numerous DJs.
For one night only, Tokio Pub infuses its contemporary Asian and Latin stylings with a bit of German flavor. On September 28, the restaurant plays host to a four-course Oktoberfest dinner filled with German beer and German dishes. Starting at 6:30 pm, the meal features a schnitzel bao, beer and cheese soup, bierwurst with fried spaetzle, and a brown butter Belgian waffle with hot maple ice cream.
The Butcher’s Tap
3553 N. Southport Avenue, Chicago
(773) 325-0123
Website
Howells & Hood
435 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago
(312) 262-5310
Website
Dusek’s Board & Beer
1227 W. 18th Street, Chicago
(312) 526-3851
Website
Tokio Pub
1900 E. Higgins Road, Schaumburg
(847) 278-5181
Website