The Berghoff Restaurant
The Berghoff Restaurant — reliable american in Loop that keeps people coming back. Casual, established, and unapologetic about it. Honest, uncompromised flavors throughout. Quick and efficient. "The pan-fried pork chop is tender, and the fried chicken cutlet has a crispy exterior" — ImAS [$$]
What 5,274 diners keep saying
What 5,274 diners keep saying
verbatim, from Google
“Primera vez en Chicago y nos encontramos con este restaurant. Un ambiente muy tranquilo, de buen servicio y con atención pensada en todo tipo de público. Agradecidos de la atención de Olivia, quien se preocupó de cada detalle para que nuestro almuerzo fuese perfecto. Lo mejor, poder llevar algunas cervezas para disfrutar en casa”
“Great restaurant. Great staff. Was told it was oldest restaurant in Chicago.”
“We visited The Berghoff while in Chicago for a national convention, and it ended up being one of the best surprises of our trip. We had a party of 9, and everything from the food to the service to the atmosphere was excellent. The restaurant has that classic old Chicago feel the moment you walk in. You can tell it has history, but it does not feel like a place relying only on its reputation. The food was authentic, hearty, and exactly what we were hoping for. Everyone in our group found something they enjoyed, and the beer and drinks added to the whole experience. What really stood out was how well they handled our group. A party of 9 can sometimes feel like a burden at a busy restaurant, but the staff made it easy and welcoming. The service was attentive, friendly, and professional without ever making us feel rushed. We went to Chicago knowing we wanted deep dish pizza and the usual classics, but The Berghoff ended up being the hidden gem of the trip. If you are staying near the Palmer House or visiting downtown Chicago, this is absolutely worth putting on your list. Great food, great history, great service, and a true Chicago experience.”
“What a neat place! Also super cool if you are a fan of the Dark Knight because this places was used for filming! Most noticeably, the scene in which Commissioner Gordon arrests Maroni and his men!”
“The Wiener schnitzel is the dish that earns the most consistent praise and it's the one to order first, a broad, thin-pounded veal cutlet that's properly breaded and fried until the crust is golden and crackly, served with a lemon wedge and nothing else that it doesn't need. The sauerbraten is the other cornerstone, slow-braised beef marinated in a sweet and sour sauce that has a depth that comes from a recipe that hasn't been overthought or updated away from itself. Both come with spaetzle or German potato pancakes depending on what the kitchen is running, and either choice is the right one. The Berghoff's own draft root beer and their house-made cream soda are worth ordering even if you're also having a beer, both available on tap and genuinely made well. The Berghoff Dortmunder lager, brewed to the restaurant's own recipe, is the one to get alongside the schnitzel: clean, malty, and not fussy about itself. Apple strudel at the end is the dessert this room was built for, warm pastry and cinnamon apple filling with whipped cream. The restaurant is loud at lunch, when the Loop fills it with businesspeople and tourists in equal measure, and quieter in the early evening when it takes on a more unhurried quality. Both versions are worth experiencing.”
“Great food and beer, I was only in town 4 days and went twice so I could try more of the menu! I tried sauerbraten, rotkohl, potato pancakes, jagerschnitzel, and the apple Strudel! A couple lagers one night and pilsners the next and everything was Wunderbar! Watched the world cup when I was there and felt like I was back in Germany.”
“Had dinner last night and the traditional German plates at Chicago’s oldest restaurant were amazing. We were seated and ordered their Adams Street Brewery drinks and the bread basket appetizer which included their homemade rye bread. Our server, Marsha, was so attentive—a joy! My Veiner Schnitzel pan fried veal cutlet with creamed spinach over spatzle was delicious. Family had the sausage trio-bratwurst, knockwurst and smoked Thuringer, along with a side of sauerkraut. If you wish to dine be aware that they close at 8pm! Definitely will be back.”
“I have wanted to visit this restaurant since I was a kid, and yesterday I finally got to. From the moment you walk in, you feel like you have been transported to another time with the warm golden artwork and lighting. Definitely an amazing ambiance! The potato pancake appetizer was awesome, and so was the cedar plank salmon (cooked perfectly!). Beer selection was great, and tasted lovely as well. Our server was kind and attentive and we felt like we were regulars even though it was our first time visiting. We can't wait to visit again!”
“My favorite Chicago restaurant, been around for over 100 years, excellent German food, great atmosphere, woodwork n original paintings, they brew their own beer as well. If you've never been here you are missing out. If you park in the Adams Street parking garage, your server will validate your parking, it was only $17 for 1.5 hours or so.”
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In the same lane · American, mid-range
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