Illinois is full of historic restaurants that invite patrons into a dining experience that began well before they were born.
These establishments boast rich history and culture, and remain open due to the delicious food that graces their menus. While there are a handful of Illinois eateries that have been in business for decades, only one has been open since 1887 and still stands to this day!
According to a list compiled by LoveFood , the most historic restaurant in Illinois is The Berghoff in Chicago. This standout location was initially a beer stand at the World Fair in 1893 and went on to become the best place for German food in the city!
Here’s what LoveFood had to say about the oldest restaurant in all of Illinois:
“The Berghoff is a Chicago institution. It all started when German immigrant Herman Berghoff set up a beer stand at Chicago’s World Fair in 1893. A permanent beer-focused place followed in 1898, before Prohibition hit and the onus shifted to authentic German food. The restaurant reopened its bar in the 1930s, receiving Chicago’s very first liquor license. Now customers come in for the beer, schnitzel, brats, and potato pancakes, and the welcoming atmosphere.”