Hofbräuhaus Oktoberfest

If you can't make it to Germany for Oktoberfest this year, head to Rosemont and celebrate the beer-soaked holiday at Hofbräuhaus Chicago. The beer hall's celebration runs from September 13 through October 31 and features live music, huge steins of Oktoberfestbier and a menu of Bavarian schnitzels, sausages and more (Oktoberfest specials are offered beginning at 4pm Monday through Friday and beginning at 11am on Saturdays and Sundays). Stop by on Friday and Saturday nights to take part in the “Masskrugstemmen” stein-holding contest, which challenges participants to hold a filled one-liter stein parallel to the floor using only one arm.