German food is a much-consumed cuisine in northern Illinois.
The northern region of Illinois, stretching from the near-north suburbs of Chicago to the border of Wisconsin, is an area that has been largely influenced by German heritage. The northern parts of the state and several towns from Chicago to Milwaukee have German heritage clubs, beer gardens, festivals and restaurants dedicated to serving authentic German food.
Schnitzel Platz
About 20 miles northwest of Chicago, in the city of Glendale Heights, is Schnitzel Platz. This German restaurant not only serves traditional dishes like schnitzel, sauerkraut and sausages, the owners also provide as much authentic German culture as they can for their guests. Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, Schnitzel Platz has live entertainment in the form of a German band featuring singing and yodeling. The restaurant hosts an annual Oktoberfest, which fills not only the dining room, but an adjacent outdoor beer tent. Reservations for Oktoberfest are encouraged.
Schnitzel Platz
729 North Ave.
Glendale Heights, IL 60139
630-942-9900
schnitzelplatz.com
Edelweiss
Edelweiss is a German restaurant in Norridge, Illinois, about 15 miles northwest of Chicago. The authentic, Bavarian-style building is easy to spot for passersby, with the outside of the restaurant decked out in flags and banners. Edelweiss serves 16 different imported beers on tap, as well as many other German and Bavarian bottled beers. The restaurant is open for lunch, dinner and family-style banquets. The kitchen serves not only authentic dishes like Leberkase, a Bavarian veal dish, and bratwurst or knackwurst, but also serves American fare such as steaks and burgers.
Edelweiss Restaurant
7650 W. Irving Park Road
Norridge, IL 60706
708-452-6040
edelweissdining.com
Bavaria Hof
Bavaria Hof Restaurant is in Schaumburg, about 30 miles northwest of the city. Bavaria Hof prepares German meals such as chicken schnitzel, spaetzle and hackbraten, which is German meatloaf. The restaurant also offers a version of its menu that is completely gluten-free. Friday and Saturday nights at Bavaria Hof are known for the all-you-can-eat pig roast that happens each week. The restaurant has a banquet room that holds up to 130 people, and it is available for private functions.
Bavaria Hof Restaurant
933 S. Roselle Road
Schaumburg, IL 60193
847-891-7997
bavaria-hof.com
Der Rathskeller
Rockford, Illinois, about 88 miles northwest of Chicago, is the home of the German restaurant Der Rathskeller. The same two families have been running the restaurant since 1976. In 2009, Der Rathskeller opened its new outdoor beer garden. Diners use this outdoor space throughout the summer, and it can hold up to 100 people during the restaurant's annual Oktoberfest. The restaurant is open for breakfast on the weekend, and for lunch and dinner during the week. In addition to traditional fare, specials include all-you-can-eat brat night and Saturday schnitzel dinner.
Der Rathskeller Restaurant
1132 Auburn St.
Schaumburg, IL 61103
815-963-2922
derrathskeller.net
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