B is for Berghoff - Chicagoans will know.
David_S85
Administrators Posts: 13,245 moderator
The Berghoff Restaurant, an important icon and Chicago historical gem, 1898-2006.
Native Chicagoans were shocked and saddened when Herman Berghoff, 70, and 3rd generation owner of the famous Chicago establishment announced they would be closing their doors forever at the end of February, 2006. Mayor Richard M. Daley even held a special press conference over the news and the loss of this 107 year old establishment, which has been ingrained into most everyone's collective memory since childhood. While I know from personal experience what it's like to shut down a longrunning business, I really can't wrap my head around what this decision must have meant for Mr. Berghoff and family.
So deciding on a (early) Valentine's Day outing wasn't difficult. We just had to go one last time. It seemed everybody did. And we knew it would be busy. A train ride and a 3/4 mile walk later, we arrived at The Berghoff just after noon on Saturday for lunch.
The sign near the main door and their website reads: "We are not accepting any more reservations. Patrons will be seated on a first come, first serve basis. The restaurant will be closing on Tuesday, February 28, 2006."
This meant long lines.
Very long lines! When I say the lines were around the block, they were literally around the block. We were already hungry when we joined the line at around noon.
Luckily for us, an employee was doing pre-head counts some 70 people from the entrance. Singles and couples were ushered in past the confused hungry masses. This saved probably another hour.
The lunch (now dinner time) menu had been pared-down to favorite selections only for efficiency's sake, due to the intense numbers of patrons in this last month.
Mr. DGrin head moderator would chastise me forever if I neglected to include a food shot. Just a simple chicken and potato dish, but a very tasty Berghoff chicken and potato dish. Coffee was plentiful.
The Berghoff has an unusual reputation of retaining their employees. Four decades is not considered unusual. Our waiter, Lupe, seen below making his moves on Diana, has only a moderate 28 years of continuous service; his first and only job. Known for their efficiency and ability to balance 6 or more plates on each arm, the staff are a marvel to watch. We asked Lupe what he will be doing following the closure... he doesn't yet know. He's just as sad about the closing as everybody is. Exhausted, Lupe was glad when we asked him questions, and paused long enough to chat. These guys already work long hours, but since December's announcement, the lines and the anxiety has been growing greater by the day.
We made some extra time to walk about the place after we had finished. Patrons had tears. Employees had tears - talking to families they've grown to know for decades, and would probably never see again. It was a very bittersweet outing, and when we left, we bid auf wiedersehen one last time.
Brief Berghoff History:
The restaurant's founder, Herman Joseph Berghoff, an immigrant to America in 1870 from Dortmund, Germany, began brewing Berghoff Beer in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 1887 as a family enterprise with his three brothers, Henry, Hubert and Gustav. A promoter by nature known for his sparkling blue eyes and determination, Herman dreamed of expanding the market for his beer beyond Indiana. The Chicago World's Fair of 1893 proved to be a perfect introduction when he sold the beer to fair-goers on the now-famous Midway.
Inspired by the wide public acclaim the beer received at the fair, Herman opened the Berghoff Cafe in 1898 to showcase his celebrated Dortmunder-style beer. Originally located at the corner of State and Adams streets, one door down from its present location, the bar sold beer for a nickel and offered sandwiches for free.
The Prohibition era (1918-1933) forced many establishments to close, yet Berghoffs continued to thrive; inventing new beverages and foods to attract new customers and keep long time patrons happy. In 1935, the City of Chicago was more than proud to issue Liquor license #1 to Berghoff's Bar and restaurant. They display it proudly (no pic, sorry). It's sure to become part of the Chicago Historical Society's collection soon.
Much more history and historic photos here.
Native Chicagoans were shocked and saddened when Herman Berghoff, 70, and 3rd generation owner of the famous Chicago establishment announced they would be closing their doors forever at the end of February, 2006. Mayor Richard M. Daley even held a special press conference over the news and the loss of this 107 year old establishment, which has been ingrained into most everyone's collective memory since childhood. While I know from personal experience what it's like to shut down a longrunning business, I really can't wrap my head around what this decision must have meant for Mr. Berghoff and family.
So deciding on a (early) Valentine's Day outing wasn't difficult. We just had to go one last time. It seemed everybody did. And we knew it would be busy. A train ride and a 3/4 mile walk later, we arrived at The Berghoff just after noon on Saturday for lunch.
The sign near the main door and their website reads: "We are not accepting any more reservations. Patrons will be seated on a first come, first serve basis. The restaurant will be closing on Tuesday, February 28, 2006."
This meant long lines.
Very long lines! When I say the lines were around the block, they were literally around the block. We were already hungry when we joined the line at around noon.
Luckily for us, an employee was doing pre-head counts some 70 people from the entrance. Singles and couples were ushered in past the confused hungry masses. This saved probably another hour.
The lunch (now dinner time) menu had been pared-down to favorite selections only for efficiency's sake, due to the intense numbers of patrons in this last month.
Mr. DGrin head moderator would chastise me forever if I neglected to include a food shot. Just a simple chicken and potato dish, but a very tasty Berghoff chicken and potato dish. Coffee was plentiful.
The Berghoff has an unusual reputation of retaining their employees. Four decades is not considered unusual. Our waiter, Lupe, seen below making his moves on Diana, has only a moderate 28 years of continuous service; his first and only job. Known for their efficiency and ability to balance 6 or more plates on each arm, the staff are a marvel to watch. We asked Lupe what he will be doing following the closure... he doesn't yet know. He's just as sad about the closing as everybody is. Exhausted, Lupe was glad when we asked him questions, and paused long enough to chat. These guys already work long hours, but since December's announcement, the lines and the anxiety has been growing greater by the day.
We made some extra time to walk about the place after we had finished. Patrons had tears. Employees had tears - talking to families they've grown to know for decades, and would probably never see again. It was a very bittersweet outing, and when we left, we bid auf wiedersehen one last time.
Brief Berghoff History:
The restaurant's founder, Herman Joseph Berghoff, an immigrant to America in 1870 from Dortmund, Germany, began brewing Berghoff Beer in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 1887 as a family enterprise with his three brothers, Henry, Hubert and Gustav. A promoter by nature known for his sparkling blue eyes and determination, Herman dreamed of expanding the market for his beer beyond Indiana. The Chicago World's Fair of 1893 proved to be a perfect introduction when he sold the beer to fair-goers on the now-famous Midway.
Inspired by the wide public acclaim the beer received at the fair, Herman opened the Berghoff Cafe in 1898 to showcase his celebrated Dortmunder-style beer. Originally located at the corner of State and Adams streets, one door down from its present location, the bar sold beer for a nickel and offered sandwiches for free.
The Prohibition era (1918-1933) forced many establishments to close, yet Berghoffs continued to thrive; inventing new beverages and foods to attract new customers and keep long time patrons happy. In 1935, the City of Chicago was more than proud to issue Liquor license #1 to Berghoff's Bar and restaurant. They display it proudly (no pic, sorry). It's sure to become part of the Chicago Historical Society's collection soon.
Much more history and historic photos here.
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Cheers,
zum wohl und auf weidersehen.
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