Berghoff Bar, Pictures from 28 Feb 06

As everyone knows the Berghoff closed on February 28, 2006. I chose to spend the evening in the bar—one of the great drinking spaces in Chicago and a real favorite of mine, as much for the beauty of the room as for the many friends I met there over the years. Many of the old-time regulars stayed away on closing night. “I don’t like funerals,” said one.

A festive atmosphere but much sadness under the surface


Nearing normal closing time (8:30), still crowded


The Mayor takes a picture


Last call, a hour later than usual


The bar cleared quickly, and Freddy prepares his last drawer


Freddy and Roberto


A visitor from the dining room checks out the bar


Mike (50+ years at Berghoff) signs a menu


Probably the last beer of the night (wish it had been mine), 11:20


One more picture then they tossed us out


The Berghoff is supposed to reopen in a few months in a different form. I hope they don’t screw it up too badly.

I've never been there but if they reopen in Schaumburg or Wheeling i'll surely not go.The old building and seasoned waiters seem to be the attraction for me,not the food.As much as i love Saurbraten and stuff,i've read recently Berghoff's food was not the best.I'm sure the vultures "developers" are hovering overhead.We'll see.

R:

Very handsome pictures. The Berghoff's bar was really a fine institution and I understand well your sense of loss.

The world needs more, not fewer, good bars.

A

For some reason I can't see any pictures or links to pictures in your post.

grant wrote:I've never been there but if they reopen in Schaumburg or Wheeling i'll surely not go.The old building and seasoned waiters seem to be the attraction for me,not the food.As much as i love Saurbraten and stuff,i've read recently Berghoff's food was not the best.I'm sure the vultures "developers" are hovering overhead.We'll see.

But of course absolutely none of these comments really apply to the Berghoff bar, where there were no waiters (it's a BAR) or "Saurbraten and stuff". So whatever you read recently about their food, at least the restaurant food, is also not relevant.

The Berghoff bar was in the finest tradition of old school bars - simple food, mostly sandwiches (which a long time ago was free to help sell drinks) with beers and booze and a convivial atmosphere. I will miss the halibut sandwiches, the steins of dark beer and the beautiful bar itself. I understand there are plans to reopen the bar but it seems to be up in the air whether the long time barstaff will still be there. Having spent many a lost afternoon in the NE corner of the bar I am sorry to see this real Chicago tradition turned off like just another light switch.

Wait, they originally said the bar was to remain open, and only the restaurant close. Has this changed?