Prost! Tinley's Flipside Brewing Pays Tribute To German Culture In Daylong 'Fliptoberfest'

TINLEY PARK, IL — Tinley Park's Flipside Brewing is breaking out the steins and the German suds in tribute to the annual Oktoberfest celebration held in Germany.

Flipside's Fliptoberfest is the owner's tip of the hat to the German culture, featuring lederhosen, dirndls—and special menu items reminiscent of the world-renowned fest.

"It's our version of it here in Tinley Park," said Flipside Brewing owner Erik Pizer.

The brewery and patio at 7144 183rd St. are decked out for the moment, too, made to resemble a German beer garden for the Saturday, Sept. 26 event. Pizer will dress for the occasion in his lederhosen, with attendees encouraged to do the same.

The fest starts when the brewery opens at 11 a.m., with activities planned throughout the day with food and drink menus to match.

"Flipside will feature traditional German beers," Pizer said.
"Obviously we'll have Fesbier to celebrate Fliptoberfest with, and to go along with it a Munich Helles, which is called Wunderhell.

"It's a nice golden German lager," Pizer said, of Wunderhell. "They're both really easy to drink, served in a nice half-liter mug."

At 1 p.m., Pizer will tap a cask of Fliptoberfest. At 2 and 5 p.m., there'll be a stein-holding competition, with divisions grouped by age. At 3 and 6 p.m., they'll have a best-dressed contest.

"So if you're wearing your lederhosen or dirndls—or any German fun attire—we will judge you and give prizes for it," Pizer said.

The food menu features the brewery's hit smashburger, along with its "Burger of the Month"—a burger patty with a bratwurst, both smashed, topped with white cheddar cheese, sauerkraut and whole grain mustard, all on a pretzel bun.

"So it pairs great with either of those German beers or any other beer you want," Pizer said. "It's just a perfect bite."

They'll also offer bratwurst sliders—three small sandwiches with bratwurst topped with sauerkraut and mustard.

The fest also marks the return of a fan favorite, the pretzel-crusted chicken sandwich. Don't miss the pretzel-crusted chicken tenders or—to round out the Fliptoberfest fun—a pork schnitzel sandwich.

"A big, flattened pork loin, breaded and fried with pickles and Dijonnaise," Pizer said.

The festivities start at 11 a.m. and run throughout the day.

"It's gonna be a good time!" Pizer said.

Fliptoberfest

• Saturday, Sept. 26

• Flipside Brewing, 7144 183rd St.

• Starts at 11 a.m.