The Berghoff Restaurant

The story

Herman Joseph Berghoff set up a beer stand on the Midway Plaisance at the 1893 World's Fair, and in 1898 he opened the Berghoff as a saloon at 17 West Adams Street. When Prohibition came, he kept the doors open by brewing near beer and making sodas, and expanded the food. After repeal, the Berghoff received Chicago's first post-Prohibition liquor license, and the original still hangs in the bar.

The bar served men only until 1969, when Gloria Steinem and others demanded service. The restaurant closed on February 28, 2006, when Herman and Jan Berghoff retired, and reopened under their daughter Carlyn.

Everything that was here

• 1898–present · still open

  The Berghoff RestaurantRestaurant

  Herman Berghoff sold his beer at the 1893 World's Fair, opened this Adams Street saloon in 1898, and kept it going through Prohibition with near beer.

  See the map in 1899 →
• 1898–present · still open

  The BerghoffRestaurant

  German immigrant Herman Berghoff opened this beer hall during the 1898 post-World's Fair boom and received Chicago's very first liquor license after Prohibition ended.

  See the map in 1899 →

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