Chicago has a long history of German influence. While German Chicago isn’t as prevalent as it used to be, there are still pockets of Deutschland in town. Most of the German stores and restaurants are located in the Lincoln Square neighborhood, along Lincoln Avenue around Lawrence and Western. Here are a few places to check out:
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European Import Center, 4752 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-561-8281. This little store contains German gifts, a few magazines (Der Spiegel, etc.), birthday cards, and candy. The proprietors and the customers often speak in German.
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Europa Books, 832 N. State St. You can find German novels, dictionaries, grammar guides, magazines, and newspapers at Europa Books.
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Merz Apothecary, 4716 N. Lincoln Ave. This place has been around since 1875. It has all kinds of stuff in it, but you can find some German beauty and grooming products and some German candy.
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Dank Haus, 4740 N. Western Ave. Dank Haus is the German American Cultural Center. They have language classes, movie screenings, art and music events, historical exhibits, cooking classes.
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Chicago Brauhaus, 4732 N. Lincoln Ave. German food and beer, live music. “It is always Oktoberfest at the Chicago Brauhaus”. Closed on Tuesdays.