I got off the plane at O’Hare this afternoon to see the local paper headlines announcing that a Chicago institution, the Berghoff restaurant, is closing for good in February. What a shocker! The Berghoff dates back to 1898 and has its roots in the 1893 World’s Fair! Tasty German fare, the best corned beef sandwiches in the city and an atmosphere that cannot be duplicated. This is one of those places you thought would always be there…because it always has been!
I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve been with friends debating where to eat downtown after a movie or before the opera when someone has said, “How about the Berghoff!” and we’d end up with a cold stein of Berghoff beer and comfort food (spaetzles, red cabbage, schnitzel) served up by terse waiters who’d been there for decades. This Chicago original, a living piece of history, will really be missed.
I still can’t believe it.
2 Things @ Once 
It would be cool if you got a few investors together you could buy it and run it yourself. Move quickly because I’m sure someone is already working on this plan. 🙂
Unfortunately, they’re keeping it in the family–the daughter is taking over the space as a private banquet hall for her catering business. I’d say I hope it falls on its face and they revert back to the original restaurant, but she’s been in business for 20 years, so that seems unlikely.