Schnell's Brauhaus

The story

Schnell's Brauhaus took over at 45 West Slade in January 2015, just weeks after its predecessor, Bauer's Brauhaus, closed after three years of operation. The bar itself—the striking 30-foot carved oak centerpiece—was installed by the Bauers and has remained at the same address through multiple ownership changes. Before Bauer's, the location housed Christl's German Inn. Joel and Brian Schnell maintained the German-American menu and beer selection when they reopened, keeping many of Bauer's dishes and adding their own touches. The bar features hardwood floors, traditional German décor, and a menu of house-made bratwurst, schnitzel, sauerbraten, and rouladen—the same bones as its predecessor, but run by a family with its own German-American heritage.

Everything that was here

• 2015–present · still open

  Schnell's BrauhausBar

  The hand-carved 30-foot bar at Schnell's has been pouring German beers and serving schnitzel to Palatine since the Schnell brothers bought the space in 2015—it's the third German brauhaus to occupy the spot on Slade Street.

  See the map in 2016 →
• 1870–1932

  Fink's Hotel / The AnnexHotel

  Three meals a day for 25 cents, fifty guests at a time, and a nickname bestowed by the athletic club next door.

  See the map in 1871 →

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Nearby history