Berghoff Bar & Restaurant, Chicago

On Tuesday, January 3, 2006, Allan and I visited [for the last time], the famed Loop German restaurant, Berghoff. We just had to go have lunch there because we had just read that it is closing forever on February 28.

Today I learned that Berghoff is open now as 17/West [December 28,2006.

We had to stand in line outside in the cold for about 15 minutes, but we took that opportunity to soak up the ambiance, peruse the menru posted outside, and to relish, for the final time, the almost extinct family-owned restaunts in Chicago's Loop.

Berghoff is 107 year old. Today, Herman and Jan Berghoff own and operate this German-style restaurant that Chicago families have loved so much. Herman is now 70 and has worked in the restaurant since 1952. It was his grandfather who founded it. Fortunately, the Berghoff family did not put this priceless place on the market because their daughter, Carlyn Berghoff, plans to move her catering company [Artistic Events] to this location. She will rename the bar, calling it 17 West at The Berghoff. She also plans to reopen the adjoining cafe; however, the restaurant will be used for private, catered events only.

We discovered that Berghoff's was the first Chicago establishment to be given a liquor license after Prohibition ended.The "men-only" bar tradition ended in 1969 because seven women from the National Organization for Women demanded it.

We enjoyed this old-style restaurant, especially the black jacketed waiters, the multiple old photographs, the remarkably lovely wood throughout, and the enchanting old hanging lights.

I feel so sorry for all of us in Chicago, but I especially feel sorry for the 92 full-time employees.
Some of these waiters have worked here for 30+ years!

Berghoff's has its own beer, simply called Berghoffs. Although lines are long, it is run efficiently. We were given a two-person table next to the wall where we were able to see all the historical photographs. Next, we were give two kinds of rye bread with delicious butter. Words are insufficient to describe the breads. Allan ordered a hot corned beef sandwich, German potato salad and Apple Strudle for dessert...oh, yes, and two German beers! I had a toasted Ruben Sandwich [corn beef, swiss cheese, and sauer kraut. I never have Thousand Island dressing on it...spoils the taste in my estimation. This delicious sandwich was served with Berghoff Chips [homemade potato chips]. For dessert, I had German Chocolate Cake with a dab of whipped cream.

An added benefit to our visit was the beautiful Christmas Decorations and enormous Christmas Tree.

What a marvelous afternoon we spent at Berghoffs and then a visit to the bar with its enormous stand-up bar. A real "treat" that will not be ours to savor again. How sad for us; how sad for Chicago.

2nd photo is stained glass inside the Berghoff.
3rd photo is at our table as Allan looks at the menu. Note lighting and beautiful wood.
4th photo was taken while looking into the main dining room with Christmas tree.
5th photo is of the attached bar. Note the size of this mammoth stand-up bar at Berghoff.

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Berghoff Bar & Restaurant, Chicago

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