If you can't make it to Munich this year, there's plenty of spots in Chicago to celebrate Oktoberfest in style over the next few weeks.
Bratwurst & Beer
Bull & Bear is kicking off Oktoberfest with brats, beer and plenty of flair. A special German dish will be available after 3 p.m. through Oct. 9, and every Sunday of the month. Menu items such as Herb & Panko-Crusted Wiener Schnitzel paired will be paired with seasonal beers. Be sure to check out the official Oktoberfest Bavarian bar maids on Thursday. Bull & Bear, 431 N. Wells, (312) 527-5973
Citizen's Oktoberfest Extravaganza
Citizen Bar is hosting a three-day celebration Oct. 8 - 10. The highlight is sure to be a glass boot that you can purchase for $25 and fill with unlimited Warsteiner Draft. Live entertainment, brats and sausage will also be on tap, and special food and drink specials will be offered each day. Citizen Bar, 364 W. Erie St., (312) 640-1156
Oktoberfest on the River
Brews, brats and schnitzel will all be on the menu October 13 at Fulton's on the River's Oktoberfest party from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Traditional German "Beer Maids" from Warsteiner will be on hand to help celebrate and serving 16.9 oz steins of the brew for $6, with refills $3 each. Fulton's on the River, 315 North LaSalle, (312) 822-0100
Das Bier Boot
We're starting to sense a theme with these glass drinking boots. Clybar and Grille's German "Das Boot" weighs in at a massive 72 ounces, and can be filled with any of their seasonal beers for $36. You might want to reserve in advance, because we're told the boot is pretty popular. If that's a bit too much brew, Clybar has a number of other seasonal beers on special this month. Clybar and Grille, 2417 North Clybourn, (773) 388-1877
