The Berghoff Chicago Review, Now and Then

The Berghoff Chicago Translates Well Through the Years

The Chief Blonde in front of The Berghoff Chicago (2013), and her younger self in front of the SAME WINDOW (1984)

Returning to Chicago? The Berghoff Chicago is there to Greet YOU!

I received my MBA from the University of Chicago, in 1986. I received my addiction to Chicago (German) food from The Berghoff. Then it was a charming, wood and stain glass interior with the most darling wait staff that I had ever experienced, many of the staff were in their 70s…very dignified and professional. You would come in and wait in a rather long que in the wood paneled lobby with great anticipation for the heavy delicious German meal selections that awaited you. The men in the party were always in high anticipation for the Berghoff Beer!

Very little has changed from the ’80s as far as visual appeal. The decor still sports the bold woodwork, stained glass and checkered floors throughout the main-level dining rooms. Original brass light fixtures hang from high ceilings, and hand-crafted murals overlook the famous stand-up bar. Throughout the restaurant hang photographs of the Columbian Exposition and Old Chicago from the Chicago Historical Society’s archives.

The Berghoff Restaurant located 17 West Adams, Chicago, IL 60603 (just down the street from the art museum); Murals of the Wall of the 1893 Columbian Exposition; Berghoff’s Beer was served at the historic Columbian Exposition; the Chief Blonde with fellow Fashionista Rachel Jay (Suburban Style Challenge) at the Berghoff.

The Berghoff, a Contemporary Menu for Today’s Foodie

I was to The Berghoff for lunch with my Daughter in 2010 and noticed a lot of menu changes from the heavy fare of the 1980s.

The Chief Blonde’s daughter and The Chief Blonde enjoy some refreshment at The Berghoff (2010); Panko Crusted Goat Cheese Salad, mixed greens, grape tomato, seasonal vegetables, balsamic reduction ($13.25); Half Roast Chicken, roasted fingerling potatoes, grilled asparagus, and natural jus lie ($12.95)

I had the opportunity to return to The Berghoff in early May of 2013 , where I was invited by The Berghoff along with two of my fellow Fashionista bloggers , Bre Dale & her husband (Bre’s Baubles) and Rachel Jay (Suburban Style Challenge) to experience The Berghoff. I learned from our server, Linda that The Berghoff menus have evolved to include newer, lighter and more contemporary dishes (including many that are gluten free), alongside treasured old world favorites. Well YEEHA! Something for everyone. Who doesn’t like that?

Three Fashionistas at the Berghoff: Rachel, Shelley (The Chief Blonde), and Bre; Top picture: Stuffed Mushrooms, Oven roasted Mushroom caps filled with Berghoff’s famous creamed spinach, parmesan cheese; Middle Picture: Potato Pierogies; Bottom Picture: SpinatKnodel, spinach and bread dumpling, sun dried tomatoes, shaved parmesan, quinoa and arugula salad

Even More Delicious Dinner Items from The Berghoff 1st Column: Sausage Trio, bratwurst, knockwurst, and smoked thuringer with sauerkraut; Peppercorn Crusted Ribeye Steak; 2nd Column: Stuffed sole, dungeness crab, rock shrimp, and spinach over green pea risotto; 2 fabulous desserts

Chief Blonde Remarks: If you want a classic “Don’t Miss” piece of Chicago, then The Berghoff MUST be on your list. Although, I have been there throughout the years, I feel the new menu update was needed a breath of fresh air. I especially love the fact that all gluten-free choices are noted on the menu. Linda, our server was top notch, a true embodiment of the service that has been at The Berghoff for years. Keith, the Maitre d’, was our host for the evening at took special care to ensure we understood the menu, the history of the restaurant and the history of the food.

I have been to many restaurants all over the world and trust me when I say,

The Berghoff translates WELL through the Years. One of my absolute hands-down favorite restaurants for my entire life. Food and a venue you will return back to with every trip to Chicago and always recommend to your friends.
—Shelley Zurek, The Chief Blonde, Still Blonde after all these YEARS