LINCOLN SQUARE — If it's September, it must be Oktoberfest.
Why? It's a long-ish story that's actually pretty dull and doesn't really matter anyway because ... beer.
As the historical hub for Chicago's German community, Lincoln Square naturally serves as the city's unofficial Oktoberfest headquarters.
We've rounded up a list of some of the best places in the neighborhood (and general vicinity) to celebrate.
Patty Wetli explains why Oktoberfest is in September and where the best places are to enjoy the festivities:
The Real Deal
You can't go wrong downing mugs of Kostritzer at one of these bona fide German bars, where Oktoberfest is as much a perpetual state of mind as it is a date on the calendar. Sing along during the chorus of "Zigge, Zagge" — "Zigge, zagge, zigge, zagge, hoi, hoi, hoi!" — and you'll fit right in.
Chicago Brauhaus, 4732 N. Lincoln Ave., is arguable the granddaddy of them all, with Oktoberfest specials running Sept. 24 - Oct. 26. Nosh on schnitzels and brats, quaff a few brews — you'll need the liquid courage if you plan on entering the yodeling contest — and then take to the dance floor, with music provided by the one and only Gody. Reservations are highly recommended; call 773-784-4444.
Laschet's Inn, 2119 W. Irving Park Road, will be tapping a different Oktoberfest beer each week during October. You'll definitely want to grab some grub here, too, if only for the fun of ordering off the menu — everything sounds funnier in German, like Königsberger Klopse, which are veal meatballs. A pig roast is being planned for Oct. 4.
Planning on heading to Mirabell Restaurant, 3454 W. Addison St.? You're going to have some catching up to do — they've been celebrating Oktoberfest for weeks already. But don't worry, this family-run joint still has plenty of fun in the works, with music every Friday and Saturday night — no cover charge — through the weekend of Oct. 30.
For those who only visit Mirabell during Oktoberfest, be prepared to encounter some changes since last year. The bar's German beers are now available in sample flights and the dining areas and menu have received a makeover. In addition to its famous wiener schnitzel, the kitchen is now turning out new twists on German classics, including Duck Grilled Cheese, BBK Pilsner Braised Oxtail and Veal Bratwurst.
Reservations recommended; call 773-463-1962.
If the weather cooperates, you can't beat Resi's Bierstube, 2034 W. Irving Park Road, which boasts one of the city's best beer gardens. These folks know their German beer — they were the first to serve Weiss beer in the U.S. Choose from 12 brews on tap and more than 40 in bottles. Coat your stomach first with an order of sausages, which have traveled all the way north from the Paulina Meat Market.
Crawltoberfest hits up Lincoln Square's remaining German bars — plus the Brauhaus — in one fell swoop during an epic pub crawl that starts at noon on Sept. 27 and just keeps going. The first stop is the rooftop beer garden at Gene's Sausage Shop, then it's on to the Brauhaus, Huettenbar, Carola's Hansa Clipper and Ricochet's. Tickets are $10 or four for $30 and can be purchased online. Prizes will be awarded for best costume, and crawlers will also have the chance to participate in the Chicken Dance, pint races and stein hoisting contests.
The Rest of the Fests
New this year at Fountainhead's annual Oktoberfest bash, Sept. 22, there will be live music on the rooftop courtesy of Alpine Thunder. The band takes the stage at 8 p.m., but the beer starts flowing at 6 p.m., with plenty of domestic and imported Oktoberfest brews on tap, 1970 W. Montrose Ave.
Bowmanville is getting in on the action with its first-ever Okto-Beer-Fest, 3-9 p.m., Sept. 27, 1940 W. Foster Ave. The event is a joint collaboration between the Bowmanville Community Organization and the Griffin Theatre Company. The emphasis is on local food, local music and local beer, with brews provided by Metropolitan, Half Acre, Begyle, Empirical and Aquanaut. Admission is $10, which includes one beer ticket.
Prost! St. Benedict pays homage to the parish's German roots during its 49th Annual OktoberFest, Oct. 3-5, 2215 W. Irving Park Road. In addition to food, music and, of course, beer, the festival also features carnival midway rides, activities and games.
The Irish know a thing or two about throwing a party. The Irish American Heritage Center's Fourth Annual McToberfest combines German and Irish beer, food, music and dancing for double the fun. The event is scheduled for 7 p.m. to midnight, Oct. 18, 4626 N. Knox Ave. Tickets are available for purchase online.
If all this immersion in German food and drink has you interested in learning more about the country, its history and perhaps even its language, DANK Haus German American Cultural Center, 4740 N. Western Ave., offers a full slate of programs and classes on all things Deutsche, every month of the year.
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