Eateries looking forward to first Oktoberfest Weekend

Martino’s International Cafe, one of the 10 restaurants participating in Oktoberfest in Vermilion this weekend, hopes the event will bring in more foot traffic to the eatery.

Kristina Klempay, a manager at Martino’s, 4415 Liberty Ave., said the restaurant is offering German Bratwurst and pierogies with sauerkraut as well as Great Lakes Oktoberfest and Samuel Adams Octoberfest on tap.

“We’re hoping it drives people to the community in general,” Klempay said.

“We really want people to get back out and enjoy themselves again, especially as the seasons change. It’s exciting for us.”

Main Street Vermilion is sponsoring an Oktoberfest Weekend from Oct. 1-3 and 10 local restaurants have put special items on their menus in conjunction with the event.

The event comes on the heels of Vermilion Restaurant Week in March, which was deemed hugely successful.

“We thought a fall-theme weekend would be a good complement, and visitors and diners won’t be disappointed,” said Amy Hoffman, Main Street Vermilion’s special projects coordinator. “There’s a fabulous selection of craft beers throughout town, sausage, roasted meats and Germanstyle fare on many participating restaurant menus.”

Huggy’s Social House, 5024 Liberty Ave., has its signature Vermilion Red Ale on hand.

Brewed at Unplugged Brewery in Elyria, the beer being served this weekend was bottled Sept. 28.

“It’s exciting to have a beer named for our community that puts us on the beer map,” Hoffman said.

Martino’s International Cafe, Huggy’s, The Wine Vault, Jim’s Pizza Box, Susie’s Homestyle Cafe, Big Ed’s Main Street Soda Grill, Woodstock Cafe and Coffee, Your Pit BBQ and HollandBond VFW Post 7576 (located on Poorman Road) and The Old Prague are participating in the event.

A $25 gift card will be awarded for the best social media posts that tag participating restaurants.

“We’re expecting people to be creative with their posts and lederhosen or dirndls would be a welcome touch,” Hoffman said.