Visiting The Berghoff Restaurant Chicago means embracing the culinary hub of Chicago. Oldest of the lot, the venue is a spot where foodies from all over the world come to tantalize their taste buds with genuinely mouth-watering dishes. Berghoff stands out as a beacon of gastronomic excellence among the city’s many acclaimed restaurants. This iconic eatery has delighted diners for over 120 years with its stellar reputation and stunning ambiance.
The Berghoff Restaurant Chicago For Amazing Food
Overview
Ever wondered what is the oldest Chicago restaurant operating even now? The answer is Berghoff. The Berghoff is a rare gem in the American culinary scene. There are other families connected to this business besides the Berghoffs. Numerous employees have been with The Berghoff Restaurant Chicago for many generations, not to mention the generations of diners who have honored anniversaries and bonds of friendship there. The Berghoff’s continued success is evidence of the high caliber its authorities have upheld. In everything they do, a good, familial tradition is reflected.
The History
The heritage dates back to 1870 when Herman Berghoff immigrated to America from Germany. Herman established his brewery in Indiana after stints working on cotton and sugar cane plantations and even performing at Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show.
Herman Berghoff put up a booth in the Midway Plaza to sell his beers to visitors entering and leaving the World’s Fair in Chicago in 1893. Due to his success at the fair, he started looking into more long-term Chicago locations to market his beer. As a result, The Berghoff started operations in 1898. Beers cost a cent and included a complimentary side sandwich!
The Berghoff Restaurant Chicago Dining Room
Herman’s entrepreneurial spirit encouraged him to grow his company rather than close it down when Prohibition began. He expanded the dining service and started brewing “near beer,” and Berghoff soda pops. The Berghoff Hotel earned a reputation for serving delectable, historically accurate German food during the 14 years that Prohibition was in force.
Berghoff’s Caffe
Herman successfully obtained Chicago’s first post-Prohibition liquor license and opened The Berghoff Bar while still managing the eatery after repealing Prohibition. The city now ensures that The Berghoff establishment always gets the city’s first liquor license, making this distinction an annual tradition. Currently, the Berghoff bar boldly displays the original. When it first opened, the bar only served males.
The Menu of The Berghoff Restaurant Chicago
Traditional German Cuisine and steins of beer are typical in the vintage settings of the Berghoff. Sauerbraten, wiener schnitzel, and a delicious Reuben sandwich are menu items you can appreciate. The fastest tactic is to avoid sitting down in the restaurant itself. Instead, go to the cafe downstairs and dine in the cafeteria style, or (our personal favorite) go where the businessmen in suits go and get a sandwich at the express lunch counter in the main bar area.
There are potato pancakes topped with Landjager, Brie, and apples and drizzled with fig marmalade and bacon for appetizers. Alternatively, diners can choose the stuffed mushrooms, which feature oven-roasted mushroom caps stuffed with The Berghoff Restaurant in Chicago’s famous creamed spinach and topped with Parmesan cheese. The mini brat and knockwurst come served with German potato salad and sauerkraut, while the Bavarian pretzel is served with beer cheddar cheese dipping sauce and sweet mustard. For seafood lovers, the applewood bacon-wrapped shrimp is a must-try, served with a side of cheesy polenta. Finally, there are two delicious soup options: the Alsatian Onion and Apple soup, made with beef broth, Granny Smith apples, and onions, and served with rye crostini and baked Muenster cheese, and the soup of the day, which changes regularly. With so many mouth-watering options, guests will find something they love at Gretchen’s restaurant.
Conclusion
The Berghoff Restaurant Chicago is not just a spot to overlook. It is a part of the cultural history of the country’s culinary heritage. Being one of the oldest settings in Chicago, it holds immense importance for food and its divine vintage setting. It is a must-visit for the ambiance, if not for the Cuisine.
