The Berghoff Menu: Chicago's Iconic German-American Restaurant Since 1898

The Berghoff opened in 1898, making it one of the oldest continuously operating restaurants in Chicago. It was founded by Herman Joseph Berghoff, a German immigrant who originally set up a beer stand at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. The restaurant has been at its current location at 17 W. Adams Street in the Loop for most of its history and is considered a Chicago landmark.

The Berghoff is best known for its German-American cuisine — particularly its wiener schnitzel (the signature dish), sauerbraten, bratwurst, and beef rouladen. It is also renowned for its house-brewed beers and house-made root beer. The restaurant holds the distinction of having license number one from the city of Chicago to serve alcohol after Prohibition ended in 1933.

Yes. The Berghoff has a long history of house-brewed beers, including its flagship Original Lager, Dark Lager, and seasonal offerings like the Oktoberfest Marzen. The house root beer is equally famous and has been part of the menu for over a century. Beer and root beer can be ordered on-site at the restaurant and bar.

The Berghoff is located at 17 W. Adams Street, Chicago, IL 60603, in the Loop neighborhood — within walking distance of the Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, and major Loop transit stops. The restaurant occupies a historic building with a main dining room, a bar, and event spaces. Check theberghoff.com for current hours and reservations.

Yes. The Berghoff accepts reservations for its main dining room. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for Friday and Saturday dinner, holiday periods, and special events. The bar area typically accommodates walk-in guests. Use the reservation link on theberghoff.com or call the restaurant directly.

Yes. The Berghoff offers a selection of vegetarian-friendly items including the Pretzel with Beer Cheese Dip, Beet and Goat Cheese Salad, several vegetable sides (spaetzle, red cabbage, potato dumplings), the Veggie Sandwich with portobello mushroom and goat cheese, and all desserts including the Black Forest Cake and Apple Strudel. The kitchen can accommodate many dietary requests — ask your server.

Yes. The Berghoff has hosted private dining and large-group events for well over a century. The restaurant features multiple event spaces including private dining rooms suitable for corporate dinners, rehearsal dinners, and celebrations. Contact the events team through theberghoff.com for group menus, capacity, and pricing.

The Berghoff is a classic Chicago restaurant and the general expectation is smart casual to business casual attire. There is no strict formal dress code, but jeans and athletic wear are somewhat out of place in the main dining room. The bar is more casual. When in doubt, smart casual (collared shirt or blouse, neat trousers or a dress) is a safe choice.

The Berghoff made headlines in January 2006 when it announced closure after 107 years of operation. It closed briefly but was reopened later in 2006 by the fourth generation of the Berghoff family, under the leadership of Carlyn Berghoff. The reopening preserved the restaurant's German-American menu, house beers, and historic character. It has operated continuously since the 2006 reopening.