Tucked away in the heart of downtown Chicago, The Berghoff Restaurant stands as a living testament to tradition, resilience, and timeless hospitality. Since opening its doors in 1898, this family-owned establishment has served generations of locals, travelers, and history buffs with its signature blend of authentic German-American cuisine, warm wood-paneled interiors, and old-world charm. More than just a restaurant, The Berghoff is a cultural landmark, a place where the past lingers in every dish, and every visit feels like stepping into a story that began over 125 years ago.
Start Your Meal with a Taste of Tradition
The Berghoff’s appetizer menu blends rich German-American heritage with elevated culinary flair. Whether you’re craving something savory and nostalgic or looking to sample bold, contemporary twists on classic ingredients, this selection sets the perfect tone for your dining experience.
A Diverse and Satisfying Selection
From hearty Bavarian pretzels and brats to delicate potato pierogies and bourbon-infused cheese balls, the appetizer offerings cater to every palate. You’ll find comforting Midwestern staples, old-world favorites, and creative small plates that reflect the restaurant’s historic yet evolving identity.
Calories & Nutrition
Most appetizers range between 300–600 calories per serving. Richer items like cheese curds, bacon-wrapped shrimp, and Käsebällchen lean toward the higher end, while soups and mushroom-based starters are generally lighter. Ask your server if you need specific dietary or allergen info.
Menu & Prices
- Gretchen’s Potato Pancakes – $14.95
Landjager, Brie, fig marmalade, green apple, bacon - Mini Brat and Knockwurst – $12.25
Served with German potato salad and sauerkraut - Stuffed Mushrooms – $10.00
Mushroom caps filled with creamed spinach and Parmesan cheese - Potato Pierogies – $13.95
Beurre blanc sauce, quinoa arugula salad, sour cream - Fried Calamari – $14.95
Served with tomato sauce, house lemon vinaigrette, and grilled lemons - Liverwurst Mousse – $11.95
Pickled red onion, radish, grain mustard, toast points - Käsebällchen (Fried Cheese Balls) – $13.95
Bourbon-infused cheddar, Swiss & American jalapeño cheese, served with green olives, pickled vegetables, rye toast points - Classic Creamed Herring – $12.50
Served with pickled beets and toast points - Bavarian Pretzel – $13.95
Served with sweet mustard and house-made beer cheese - Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp – $14.50
Barbecue sauce glaze, served with cheese polenta - Wisconsin Fried Cheese Curds – $13.95
Chickpea-wasabi crust, served with apricot-wasabi sauce - Alsatian Onion and Apple Soup – $8.95
Beef broth with Granny Smith apples, onions, rye crostini, and melted Muenster cheese - Soup of the Day – $7.95
Ask your server for today’s selection - Bread Basket – $2.00
House-made rye, sourdough, wheat, and lavash
Fresh, Colorful, and Full of Flavor
The Berghoff’s salad offerings are more than just sides — they’re vibrant, hearty dishes crafted to satisfy both health-conscious diners and flavor seekers alike. Using fresh, seasonal ingredients and house-made dressings, each salad offers a well-balanced blend of textures and tastes.
From Light & Crisp to Hearty & Bold
This lineup includes refreshing field greens, protein-packed chicken and salmon options, and creative touches like panko-crusted goat cheese and apple bourbon vinaigrette. Whether you’re in the mood for something fruity, savory, or classic, there’s a salad that fits the occasion.
Calories & Nutrition
Salads typically range from 400–700 calories, depending on toppings and proteins. Lighter options include the Berghoff House Salad, while more substantial choices like the Paleo Salmon Salad or BBQ Chicken Salad are ideal as full meals.
Salads Menu & Prices
- Berghoff House Salad – $15.50
Field greens, shaved fennel asparagus, tomatoes, lemon vinaigrette - Cajun Chicken Salad – $24.50
Mixed greens, citrus segments, blueberries, strawberries, red radishes, avocado, peppers, onions, tomatoes, lemon vinaigrette - Paleo Salad – $25.95
Seared salmon, baby kale, strawberries, blueberries, roasted root vegetables, lemon vinaigrette - Roasted Beet Salad – $21.95
Mixed greens, bell peppers, onions, goat cheese, lemon vinaigrette - BBQ Chicken Salad – $21.95
Grilled BBQ chicken, romaine lettuce, cucumbers, onion, tomatoes, kidney beans, corn, ranch dressing - Panko Crusted Goat Cheese Salad – $22.95
Mixed greens, grape tomatoes, peppers, onions, fried leeks, balsamic vinaigrette - Autumn Harvest Salad – $22.95
Mixed greens, grilled chicken, apples, glazed walnuts, bleu cheese crumble, apple bourbon vinaigrette
Stacked with Flavor, Served with a Side of Tradition
The Berghoff’s sandwich menu offers a delicious lineup of hand-crafted, generously filled creations — each served with Berghoff seasoned chips and a crisp pickle. Whether you’re craving a classic deli Reuben, a smoky pulled pork, or a modern vegetarian option, there’s a sandwich that satisfies every appetite.
From Deli Classics to Modern Bites
Meaty mains like the Reuben, Roast Beef, and Lamb Burger speak to the restaurant’s old-world roots, while bold newcomers like the Black Bean Burger and Marinated Portobello Panini cater to modern tastes. Each is crafted on house-made breads or rolls with premium toppings and sauces.
Calories & Nutrition
Depending on ingredients and portion size, sandwiches range from 600 to 900 calories. Heavier options like burgers or pulled pork may exceed that range. Lighter or plant-based options offer a balanced alternative without sacrificing flavor.
Sandwiches Menu & Prices
All sandwiches served with Berghoff seasoned chips & a pickle.
- Reuben Sandwich – $21.95
Hand-carved corned beef or turkey, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, Thousand Island dressing, house-made rye - Hot Corned Beef Sandwich – $18.95
Hand-carved corned beef, house-made rye - Roast Beef Sandwich – $19.95
Hand-carved hot roast beef, horseradish cream, tomato, pepper jack cheese, arugula - Pulled Pork on Baguette – $18.50
Pulled pork, ham, sautéed garlic Swiss chard, garlic aioli, au jus - BBQ Pulled Pork – $18.50
BBQ pulled pork, pickled red onions, cole slaw, house-made Kaiser roll - Bratwurst Sandwich – $14.95
Veal bratwurst, sauerkraut, Bavarian pretzel roll - Turkey BTLA – $20.50
Hand-carved turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, avocado, Sriracha aioli, sourdough - Berghoff Bacon Burger – $21.00
Cheddar cheese, applewood bacon, fried onion straws, fried jalapeño, house-made Kaiser roll, served with fries - ASB Burger – $21.00
8oz Black Angus, American cheese, fried egg, red onion, lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise, house-made Kaiser roll - Grilled Lamb Burger – $22.95
Garlic, onions, feta, mixed greens, tomato, fried onions, garlic aioli, house-made Kaiser bun, served with sweet potato fries - Codfish Sandwich – $17.95
Fried cod, lettuce, tomato, cole slaw, tartar sauce - Black Bean Burger – $19.50
Muenster cheese, guacamole, lettuce, tomatoes, Sriracha aioli, served with sweet potato fries - Marinated Portobello Panini – $19.95
Oyster mushrooms, pepper jack cheese, roasted red pepper, garlic aioli, served on a 9″ roll
Hearty Classics & Contemporary Twists
At The Berghoff, entrées are where the restaurant’s German-American roots truly shine. These dishes blend Old World culinary traditions with a fresh, modern touch — delivering comfort, flavor, and thoughtful presentation in every plate.
Something for Every Craving
From golden schnitzels and rich sausages to seafood, vegetarian pasta, and even game meats, the entrées menu offers a satisfying journey across regional and seasonal flavors. Each dish is crafted with care, showcasing house-made sides, sauces, and signature flair.
Calories & Nutrition
Entrées typically range from 700–1,200 calories, depending on ingredients and portion sizes. Dishes like schnitzel, goulash, and pork chops tend to be more indulgent, while lighter fare like whitefish, salmon, or salads offer balanced alternatives.
Entrées Menu & Prices
- Wiener Schnitzel – $27.95
Pan-fried breaded veal cutlet, served with creamed spinach and house-made spätzle
À la Holstein (topped with fried egg, anchovies, and capers) – $29.50 - Sauerbraten – $26.95
Marinated roasted beef sirloin, sweet and sour gravy, asparagus, green beans, mashed potatoes - Sausage Trio – $22.95
Bratwurst, knockwurst, and smoked Thüringer with sauerkraut and German potato salad - Jäger Schnitzel – $27.50
Pan-seared pork cutlets, mushrooms, bacon, Jägermeister-infused sauce, caramelized root vegetables, house-made spätzle - Chicken Schnitzel – $22.50
Breaded chicken cutlet, marinara sauce, creamed spinach, house-made spätzle - Rahm Schnitzel – $25.50
Breaded pork cutlet with mushroom-tomato sauce, sour cream, mashed potatoes, green beans, asparagus - Seared Whitefish – $23.95
Served with green pea risotto cake, sautéed spinach, asparagus, carrots, beurre blanc sauce - Game Sausage Plate – $25.25
Wild boar, venison, and duck sausages with Madeira sauce, caramelized root vegetables, leeks, house-made spätzle - Reuben Egg Rolls – $18.25
Served with soup of the day, house-made chips, Thousand Island dressing - Molasses Crusted Pork Chop – $23.50
Bacon, apple bourbon sauce, asparagus, carrots, mashed potatoes - Spatzleknödel – $20.50
Spätzle dumpling with smoked gouda, chicken andouille, spinach, fried leeks, beurre blanc, quinoa arugula salad - Hungarian Goulash – $23.95
Braised beef chuck with mashed potatoes, sour cream, fried onion straws - German Gnocchi – $18.95
Smoked Thüringer, spinach, creamy cheese sauce, mascarpone - Fried Green Tomato Stack – $19.95
Herbed goat cheese, balsamic tomato bruschetta, red onion, Sriracha aioli, honey, quinoa arugula salad - Lemon Tortellini – $19.50
Spinach, dill, blistered tomatoes, roasted garlic cream sauce - Sautéed Calves Liver – $19.95
With sautéed onions, bacon, mashed potatoes, asparagus, carrots - Deconstructed Chicken Cordon Bleu – $23.95
Chicken with ham, Swiss cheese, mushroom marsala sauce, asparagus, carrots, fingerling potatoes - Smoked Salmon Napoleon – $22.50
Potato pancakes, smoked salmon, caper dill cream cheese, cucumber, tomato, house-made chips - Adams Street Beer Battered Cod – $19.95
House-brewed beer-battered cod, cole slaw, tartar sauce, house-made chips - Currywurst – $17.25
Smoked Thüringer sausage with fries and curry ketchup - Schlachteplatte – $24.95
Smoked pork chop, chopped bratwurst, knockwurst, smoked Thüringer, sauerkraut, fingerling potatoes - Buffalo Chicken Wrap – $17.95
Lettuce, tomato, ranch or blue cheese dressing, house-made chips - Cedar Plank Salmon – $25.50
Roasted with lemon oil, microgreens, fingerling potatoes, asparagus, carrots - Beef Medallions – $26.50
Smoked red onion demi-glace, grilled onions, fingerling potatoes, asparagus, carrots - Fish Tacos – $17.95
Blackened salmon and cod, radish slaw, avocado, Sriracha aioli, avocado serrano cream, corn tortillas
Perfect Complements to Your Meal
The Berghoff’s sides are crafted to enhance every entrée and sandwich, delivering authentic German flavors and classic comfort. Whether you prefer creamy mashed potatoes or tangy sauerkraut, each side is thoughtfully prepared to pair beautifully with your main dish.
Classic German Favorites & More
From traditional spätzle and potato pancakes to fresh vegetables and house-made chips, these sides offer variety and heartiness that satisfy every craving. Whether you want something rich and indulgent or light and fresh, there’s a perfect side to complete your plate.
A Variety to Suit Every Taste
Choose from comforting starches like creamy mashed potatoes and German potato salad, tangy pickled vegetables such as sauerkraut and red cabbage, or fresh options like vegetables of the day. Each side brings a unique texture and flavor to balance your meal.
Calories & Nutrition
Sides range from around 100 to 300 calories per serving. Lighter vegetable options like vegetables of the day and coleslaw tend to be lower in calories, while creamy or fried sides like mashed potatoes, potato pancakes, and Berghoff chips are more indulgent.
Sides Menu & Prices
- Mashed Potatoes –$4.50
Creamy and buttery, the perfect comforting classic. - Sauerkraut –$4.50
Tangy, fermented cabbage with a traditional German punch. - Potato Pancakes –$5.50
Crispy and golden, served with a subtle savory flavor. - Red Cabbage –$4.50
Sweet and sour braised cabbage, a colorful side. - Spätzle –$4.50
Soft, egg-based German noodles, lightly buttery and tender. - German Potato Salad –$4.50
Warm potatoes tossed in a tangy vinegar and bacon dressing. - Creamed Spinach –$4.50
Rich, velvety spinach in a smooth cream sauce. - Coleslaw –$4.50
Freshly shredded cabbage in a tangy, creamy dressing. - Berghoff Chips –$4.50
Crisp, house-made chips seasoned with special spices. - Vegetables of the Day –$4.50
Seasonal fresh veggies prepared simply and perfectly.
Refreshing Classics and Specialty Drinks
Quench your thirst with The Berghoff’s selection of classic sodas, sparkling waters, and expertly crafted coffee beverages. Whether you’re craving a nostalgic root beer or a rich espresso, there’s a drink to complement every meal and mood.
Variety for Every Taste
From traditional Berghoff Root Beer to flavored cream sodas and a variety of hot coffees, the beverage menu offers both sweet and savory options. Sparkling mineral waters and iced teas provide lighter choices, while lattes and cappuccinos come with customizable flavors like caramel, hazelnut, and vanilla.
Calories & Nutrition
Calorie counts vary widely here, from zero-calorie options like diet sodas to richer coffee drinks that may contain 100–200 calories depending on additions like syrups or milk.
Beverages Menu & Prices
- Berghoff Root Beer – $3.60
- Berghoff Diet Root Beer – $3.60
- Cream Soda – $3.60
- Orange Cream Soda – $3.60
- Grape Cream Soda – $3.60
- Pepsi – $3.40
- Pepsi Zero – $3.40
- Starry – $3.40
- Ginger Ale – $3.40
- Lemonade – $3.40
- Iced Tea – $3.40
- Fiji Water (16oz) – $3.40
- Perrier or Pellegrino (16.9oz) – $3.40
- Coffee (regular or decaf) – $3.40
- Espresso – $3.65
- Double Espresso – $5.00
- Americano – $4.30
- Latte (Caramel, Hazelnut, Vanilla) – $4.80
- Cappuccino (Caramel, Hazelnut, Vanilla) – $4.80
- Hot Tea (Assorted) – $3.40
Sweet Endings with a German Twist
Indulge in The Berghoff’s classic and comforting desserts that celebrate rich flavors and traditional German baking. From flaky apple strudel to decadent chocolate cakes, each dessert offers a perfect finale to your meal.
Deliciously Crafted Treats
Whether you crave the nutty warmth of apple strudel, the creamy richness of cheesecake, or a playful root beer float, this dessert menu balances indulgence with tradition.
Desserts Menu & Prices
- Apple Strudel – $9.25
Granny Smith apples, pecans, and golden raisins wrapped in flaky pastry, topped with caramel sauce and powdered sugar. - Black Forest Cake – $11.50
Layers of chocolate and yellow cake with sour cherries, raspberry preserve, chocolate mousse, and whipped cream, garnished with chocolate shavings. - German Chocolate Cake – $11.50
Dark chocolate cake with toasted almonds and pecans, coconut filling, chocolate buttercream, and chocolate sauce. - Salted Caramel Cheesecake – $11.50
Creamy cheesecake on a salted almond crust, topped with caramel sauce and whipped cream. - Flourless Chocolate Cake – $11.25
Rich, smooth chocolate cake with chocolate ganache, raspberry coulis, and whipped cream. - Old World Applecake – $11.75
Warm apple cake served with bourbon sauce and whipped cream. - Pumpkin Mousse – $11.50
Creamy pumpkin mousse with a German drop cookie, blueberry, mandarin orange, and apple slices. - Berghoff Root Beer Float – $6.50
Classic root beer with creamy vanilla ice cream—a refreshing, nostalgic treat.
Inside The Berghoff: Chicago’s Oldest Family-Owned Restaurant
Fan Favorites at The Berghoff
Over the decades, a few standout dishes at The Berghoff have earned loyal followings and become must-try menu staples. The Wiener Schnitzel and Sauerbraten are classic German entrées that consistently top diners’ lists, known for their authentic flavor and comforting presentation. The Sausage Trio, featuring bratwurst, knockwurst, and Thuringer sausage, is another crowd-pleaser, offering a perfect sampling of traditional German fare. For something lighter but just as iconic, the Reuben Sandwich remains a lunchtime favorite. Guests also love starting their meal with a warm Bavarian Pretzel and finishing with the house-made Apple Strudel, a timeless dessert that captures the spirit of old-world Chicago dining.
Ordering Tips & Hacks
- Go classic — order the signatures. If it’s your first visit, pick time‑tested menu staples (Wiener Schnitzel, Sauerbraten, Sausage Trio, Reuben) they show the restaurant at its best.
- Share to sample more. Portions for traditional entrées can be generous. Order two dishes to share or pair an entrée with the Sausage Trio or a pretzel as an appetizer so everyone gets a taste.
- Pair with beer. The Berghoff is famous for its house beers and German-style pours, ask the server for beer pairings (lighter lagers with schnitzel, darker malts with Sauerbraten).
- Ask about specials & seasonal items. Servers usually know server‑only or seasonal offerings, ask what’s not on the printed menu (daily specials, limited desserts).
- Time it: lunch vs dinner. Lunch often features sandwiches (like the Reuben) and faster service; dinner showcases full entrées and the more formal experience. If you want a quieter meal, aim for earlier weekday dining.
- Request prep or portion tweaks. If you want smaller portions, substitutions (gluten-free breading, side swaps), or sauces on the side, just ask. Historic restaurants are usually flexible with reasonable requests.
- Start light, finish strong. Begin with a Bavarian pretzel or small salad and save room for the Apple Strudel or other classic desserts, desserts here are worth the space.
- Ask for recommendations. Tell your server what you like (hearty, tangy, light) and ask for their personal recs, staff favorites often become guest favorites.
- If you’re dining with a crowd, consider family-style ordering. Several entrées and shareable sides let everyone try multiple dishes without huge waste.
- Check for to-go or carryout rules on specialty items. Some items (pastries, pretzels) travel well, ask about packaging if you want to take a dessert or pretzel home.
- Be mindful of service style and pace. Older, historic restaurants may have a more relaxed service tempo; plan time accordingly if you’re on a tight schedule.
- Tipping & payment: Standard U.S. tipping norms apply for table service. If you have questions about splitting checks for a group, ask when you’re seated, they’ll usually accommodate.
Final Thought: A Taste of History Worth Savoring
Dining at The Berghoff isn’t just about the food… it’s about stepping into a piece of Chicago’s living history. From the warm, wood-paneled walls to the hearty, old-world recipes passed down for generations, every meal tells a story. Whether you’re digging into a classic schnitzel, sipping on a house-brewed beer, or savoring that last bite of apple strudel, you’re experiencing a legacy over a century in the making. So whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning fan, The Berghoff offers more than a meal, it offers a moment. A moment worth tasting, remembering, and sharing.
Read more resturant reviews and menu updates on our blog.
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