See Inside One of the Oldest Restaurants You’ll Find in Illinois
It first opened in 1898. I believe it was the first restaurant in Illinois to be given a liquor license. Now, you can see inside what was one of the first eateries in Illinois that is still going strong today on the Loop in Chicago.
Have you ever eaten at The Berghoff? Just about everyone who has frequented Chicago at one time or another has dined there. Only In Your State recently did a feature bringing well-deserved attention to a staple of eating out in the Land of Lincoln. A few years ago, they also featured it at #1 among the longest-running Illinois restaurants. It's had staying power for a reason.
The fact that this restaurant has remained in the same family for 4 generations is incredible. Now in their 124th year, they've survived 2 world wars, The Great Depression and most recently the challenge dining places faced during 2 years of the pandemic. That's staying power that most places never realize unfortunately.
While they are known for being a German-heritage restaurant, I see lots of American staples on their menu, too. But, I don't think it's possible to visit there without at least considering the bratwurst. That's what I hear from my Chicago friends anyway.
Kudos to The Berghoff for hanging in there and thriving for the past 124 years. Here's hoping many more are to come.