Oktoberfest Events At Three Old World German Restaurants

Can't make it to Munich? Journey instead to these classic German restaurants in nearby Chicago suburbs to celebrate Oktoberfest (which begins this Saturday, September 19) in old-world style.

Once you get a taste of an old-time brauhaus you'll be glad you gave fratty Oktoberfest bar parties das boot.

The Bavarian Lodge Come here for dark wood, a dizzyingly long beer list and two German classics: wiener schnitzel a la holstein (topped with fried egg, pickles, tomato and anchovy, $18) and rouladen (rolled beef with onion, egg, sausage and peppercorn gravy, $18). On September 18, they'll be holding an Oktoberfest kickoff pig roast ($18 per plate), which begins at 4 p.m. 1800 Ogden Ave. (at Devon), Lisle; 630-241-4701 or bavarian-lodge.com

Schnitzel Platz Dine amidst the cuckoo clocks at Schnitzel Platz, a Spaten-stocked haunt that's created a special menu for the celebration. For an über-meaty experience, there's the Oktoberfest platte, which comes loaded with smoked German pork, roast pork, sausage, sauerkraut and home fries ($21). On the "lighter" side, try Münchener wurstsalat, a vinegary, German-style sausage salad with onions, pickles and Swiss cheese ($10). 729 North Ave. (at Glenrise), Glendale Heights; 630-942-9900 or schnitzelplatz.com

Edelweiss Along with lederhosen-clad servers, stained glass windows and stein-centric décor, you'll find live German music (Thursday through Sunday, from now through November 1) at this bustling, family-populated brathaus. The special menu–which includes giant, Swiss-cheese-smothered Bavarian pretzels ($6.50) and sauerbraten (German pot roast, $19)–demands liters of Köstritzer, Bitburger and Franziskaner Dunkel Weiss beer to get it all down. 7650 W. Irving Park Rd. (at Overhill), Norridge; 708-452-6040 or edelweissdining.com