The Berghoff Restaurant is a family-run German restaurant at 17 W Adams St in Chicago‘s Loop. It has served schnitzel, sauerbraten and house-brewed beer since 1898. German immigrant Herman Berghoff first sold his beer at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, then opened a saloon on Adams Street. Travelers come for hearty Old World cooking, steins of Berghoff beer and one of the most intact historic dining rooms in downtown Chicago.
What to Expect at The Berghoff Restaurant
The main dining room has dark wood paneling, leaded glass, vintage murals and white-tablecloth service. The adjoining bar is famous in city lore. During Prohibition, the Berghoff stayed open by selling near beer and its own root beer. When repeal came in 1933, it received Chicago’s first liquor license. The business has stayed in the same family for more than 125 years, and many staff members have worked here across several generations.
The menu sticks to German-American classics:
- Wiener schnitzel
- Sauerbraten with red cabbage
- Bratwurst and knackwurst platters
- Giant Bavarian pretzels with mustard
- Creamed spinach
- Apple strudel
Lighter salads, sandwiches and vegetarian plates round out the list. House lagers and seasonal brews pair with almost everything.
- Wiener Schnitzel: Thin, pan-fried cutlet, the signature plate for first-timers.
- Sauerbraten: Marinated braised beef with tangy gravy and spaetzle.
- Berghoff Beer & Root Beer: House labels with roots in Herman Berghoff’s original brewery.
- Historic Bar: Long wooden bar beneath vintage photographs, ideal for a quick stein.
- Christkindlmarket Season: Holiday crowds flow in from the nearby German market each winter.
The Berghoff Restaurant at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 17 W Adams St, Chicago, IL 60603 |
| Neighborhood / Area | The Loop, downtown Chicago |
| Operating Hours | Monday–Saturday 11:30AM–8PM; Sunday closed |
| Admission / Price Range | $$; moderately priced entrees and beers |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1 to 1.5 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Monroe (Blue Line), Jackson (Red/Blue), Adams/Wabash (Loop lines); nearby Loop garages |
| Official Website & Phone | theberghoff.com · +1 312-427-3170 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Weekday lunch fills with office workers from about noon to 1:30PM, and the dining room books up fast. Reserve through the official reservations page, or arrive at 11:30AM opening for a calmer meal. The kitchen closes at 8PM, so plan an early dinner. Several CTA stations are within a few minutes’ walk:
- Monroe on the Blue Line
- Jackson on the Red and Blue lines
- Adams/Wabash on the elevated Loop lines
Driving is costly downtown, so book a garage space in advance. Guests needing step-free access should call ahead to confirm the best entrance and seating.
Several landmarks are an easy walk from the door:
- Federal Plaza, with Alexander Calder’s red Flamingo sculpture, is about two minutes away.
- The Art Institute of Chicago is roughly ten minutes east on Adams.
- Millennium Park is just beyond it.
- Willis Tower’s Skydeck is about ten minutes west.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are The Berghoff’s hours?
The Berghoff opens Monday through Saturday from 11:30AM to 8PM and is closed Sundays. Early lunch or mid-afternoon visits are quietest.
Do I need a reservation?
Reservations are strongly recommended, especially at weekday lunch and during the holiday season. Book on the official website or by phone.
How much time should I budget?
Plan 60 to 90 minutes for a full meal. A beer and pretzel at the bar takes about 30 minutes.
Is The Berghoff family friendly?
Yes. Children enjoy the pretzels, schnitzel and house root beer. The dress code is casual, and private rooms suit larger groups.
When planning your Chicago travel guide or browsing verified american restaurant in Chicago, pair this stop with standout local spots including Tom (Ping) Memorial Park, The Village, Southgate Market, and Exchequer Restaurant & Pub (0.2 km away).
