Historic Illinois Restaurant Called One of America’s Most Fascinating Places

Illinois Eatery Called One of America's Most Fascinating Historic Restaurants

The story behind this Illinois treasure begins with a five-cent beer and a free sandwich. Over 100 years of history, much adorning every wall in the place.

There are family-owned businesses on pretty much every block in every town in Illinois. Each one of them has a unique story to tell.

Illinois' Most Fascinating Places

In Illinois, there's one particular restaurant that has been serving its community for quite a long time.

And I mean a VERY long time.

There is one commonality amongst family-owned businesses no matter how they generate revenue... KEEPING THE DOORS OPEN IS TOUGH AS HELL.

A year, a few years, a decade, or even a generation are common stories. How common is keeping a business open AND profitable for 123 years?

If this restaurant is not the oldest in the state of Illinois, it has to be close.

The Berghoff in Chicago

One of America's Most Fascinating Historic Restaurants, according to LoveFood.com.

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The Berghoff opened its doors in the Windy City in 1898 and began selling beer for just a nickel. With that beer, if you can believe this, also came a FREE sandwich.

Here's Another Fascinating Fact about The Berghoff Restaurant in Chicago

I just read that The Berghoff is the holder of Chicago's first-ever liquor license. When prohibition started in 1920, Herman Berghoff used his talents to make some 'near beer' and soda to keep his business afloat. Thirteen years later, prohibition ended in 1933 and the city gave its first license to sell booze to Herman Berghoff.

According to the Berghoff historians, In 2006, The Berghoff closed briefly, transitioning ownership from the third generation to the fourth. By 2007, the establishment was fully reopened and is what it is today—The Berghoff Bar, Restaurant, and Café all housed in the historic, 45,000-square-foot building on 17 W. Adams Street.

Over 122 years later, you'll have a difficult time finding more delicious German food and beers around the city of Chicago.

I need one of The Berghoff's Bavarian pretzels and a cold beer right now!