The Berghoff Restaurant

"A Chicago institution that’s been around for more than a century, the Berghoff continues to serve traditional German fare to both locals and tourists alike. The restaurant is certified by Beyond Celiac and places a strong emphasis on providing gluten-free dishes. Diners can try sauerbraten, cedar plank salmon, barbecue chicken salad, and flourless chocolate cake. Make a reservation through OpenTable." - Samantha Nelson

"If you're at Christkindlmarket in the Loop and “eat bratwurst” is a non-negotiable on your holiday market checklist, head to this stall. Just make sure you’re very okay with eating two slightly salty sausages in a slightly stale bun for $12." - John Ringor

"Year Opened: 1898 What To Get: Wiener schnitzel (or any schnitzel, really), sausage trio (comes with bratwurst, knockwurst, and smoked Thüringer, plus sauerkraut and potato salad), or their reuben The Old-School Factor: Aside from its two-story-tall neon sign, this German spot in the Loop has checkerboard floors and enough colorful stained glass to convince you that Prohibition just ended—they were the first place in Chicago to get a post-Prohibition liquor license.  " - john ringor, veda kilaru, nick allen

"Chicago is an old city full of activities like architectural boat tours and visits to the places where mobsters used to hide out. And if you want to continue this historical theme, consider eating at The Berghoff. This German spot opened in 1898, and still has an old-school bar/tavern feel. You can expect dishes like wiener schnitzel, sauerbraten, and a pretty fantastic reuben sandwich. Come here for a casual meal with someone who just spent the day listening to a tour guide talk like Al Capone. And hope they’re not inspired to practice their new gangster impression, or it’s going to be a long meal." - adrian kane, john ringor, veda kilaru

"This German spot opened in 1898, back before labor laws existed. But other than your 18-hour workday now being illegal, not much at Berghoff has changed since then. You can expect dishes like wiener schnitzel, sauerbraten, and a pretty fantastic reuben sandwich. The quickest strategy for lunch is to not sit down in the actual restaurant. Instead, head downstairs to the cafe and eat cafeteria-style, or (our personal favorite) follow the guys in suits to the express lunch sandwich stand in the main bar area." - adrian kane, john ringor, veda kilaru