The end of The Berghoff after 107-years I don't know if any of you have ever visited The Berghoff in Chicago? The 107-year old Loop icon is a German styled bar and restaurant and was the first Chicago establishment to get a liquor license after Prohibition ended in 1933 and it was also known for maintaining a separate, men-only bar long after such practices faded.

The Berghoff traces its roots to Herman Joseph Berghoff's desire in 1898 to showcase his Dortmunder-style beer and he sold it for a nickel a mug and offered sandwiches for free. Prohibition forced The Berghoff to stop selling alcohol, so it was made into a full-service restaurant during the dry years of Eliot Ness.

It was a classic old man's pub and has served many a stressed out suit a quick beer after work. However the tradition will come to an end in February when it will pull it's last pint and serve it's last schnitzel.

I am told by older colleagues here that it was the place that all son's got taken to by their Dad's upon turning 21 (the legal drinking age in the US) but they would, I am sure, have been pleased that the men-only tradition ended in 1969 when seven members of the National Organization for Women sat down at the bar and demanded service.

On February 28th Herman Berghoff, the 70-year-old grandson of the restaurant's founder, and his wife, Jan Berghoff retire. The Berghoff's still own the building at 17 West Adams St and they will lease it out to their daughter Carlyn Berghoff's catering company, but it is her who has decided to change history by renaming the bar 17 West at The Berghoff. She will open a cafe next door but will reserve the dining room, cloaked in rich oak and graced with pictures of old Chicago, for private events.

If you are in Chicago between now and the end of February, add The Berghoff to your list of things to do.

The Berghoff in 1959 and inside the other day.  ¶ 13:58