SausageFest Chicago 2014

In case The Jungle didn't make it jarringly clear, Chicago is a meat-loving town. We've got seemingly limitless appetites for hot dogs, burgers, steaks, BBQ, and everything in between. In light of our meat-loving ways, SausageFest Chicago is an apropos celebration. Taking place August 22 through 24 at St. Michael's Church in Old Town, the venerable meaty fete brings together a who's-who of encased meat purveyors and restaurants from throughout our fair city. Time to get meaty. 


SausageFest Chicago
(Get hungry for this)


Considering our penchant for hot dogs, it's no doubt that Chicago loves its encased meats. And when it comes to tubular sausages, we don't discriminate. Chicago has got plenty of room for all kinds of sausages, from the all-American Chicago-style dog to brats, Italian links, Barese sausages, and lots more. Hence, SausageFest Chicago is here to pay homage to the city's diverse sausage scene, running the gamut from every far-flung corner of encased meat-making. 


The centerpiece of the sausage soiree is seven esteemed vendors, including longstanding Chicago staples Paulina Meat Market, Bari, and Bobak's Sausage Company, each one sporting its own defined character and flavor. All this plus Haute Sausage, Chicago's Dog House, Gilbert's Sausage Company, and Kaiser Tiger. Vegetarians and vegans have options as well — though maybe something called SausageFest is perhaps not the best place for them to be? — in the form of tamales from Dia De Los Tamales


In addition to all that meat, SausageFest will also feature live music from the likes of Michael McDermott and The Verve Pipe (where the hell have they been the past several years?!), kid-friendly performances by Medieval Times, putting games by Golfsmith, and more. The fest runs from 5:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. on August 22, from noon until 10:00 p.m. on August 23, and from noon until 8:00 p.m. on August 24. The cost to attend is merely a $5 donation.


- Matt Kirouac

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