Bye-Bye, Berghoff!

For generations, diners with a craving for apple strudel or a stein of cold German beer have sidled up to the bar at The Berghoff Restaurant, which is closing after 107 years in business, its owners announced Wednesday.

"We share the sadness that many feel about the closing of the restaurant," Herman Berghoff, 70, who owns the restaurant with his wife, Jan, said in a statement.

Sadness, indeed. Read the whole story here.

The restaurant's history is intermingled with Chicago's. It was such a downtown staple that after Prohibition ended in December 1933, the city issued The Berghoff Liquor License No. 1.

Herman Joseph Berghoff, a German immigrant, and his three brothers began brewing Berghoff Beer in Fort Wayne, Ind., in 1887, according to the restaurant's Web site. Six years later, he sold it to fairgoers at The Chicago World's Fair, and in 1898 he opened a cafe to showcase the beer, which sold for a nickel.

If you've ever been to Berghoff, you know that Chicago will be losing a fine eatery but, more importantly, a piece of history and a fond reminder of days gone by. If you've never been, and have the opportunity to do so before their doors close on February 28th, you won't regret it.

Have an extra bite of sausage and sauerkraut for me, willya?

Berghoff
Chicago
Prohibition
Tradition