There’s a special kind of joy in cracking through a crispy, golden piece of schnitzel and finding a scoop of warm potato salad waiting on the side. All across Illinois, hidden away in old buildings and lodge-style taverns, there are places doing this comfort food the traditional way.
Some feel like a cozy grandparent’s kitchen, while others come with live oompah music and hearty portions that leave you smiling. Grab your appetite, because these seven spots turn a simple German dinner into something you’ll want to talk about for weeks.
1. The Berghoff Restaurant, Chicago, IL
Few spots in the state carry the weight of history quite like this downtown Chicago institution, open since 1898. Step through the doors and you’re surrounded by carved woodwork, original paintings, and an old-world atmosphere that feels like a time capsule.
The kitchen leans into traditional German cooking with a modern touch. The Jager Schnitzel is a standout, arriving golden and generous, paired with warm potato salad that’s hearty in the best way and a side of good sauerkraut…