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The recent closing of the Berghof was lamented by several at this site. Well now there is good news:
The lower level Cafe is now open and has about 500 customers per day. Eventually there will be three (3) segments operating. In addition to the Cafe, the Century Room will occupy the street level dining room and the old Berghof bar will reopen as 17 West.
This site at 17 West Adams Street will have a Berghof family member as owner and manager.
sojourner Member # 3134
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Thanks, RR China. I had a few new places lined up to try during my train changing in Chicago (always assuming the Capitol Ltd isn't too late!) but it will be nice to have the Berghoff there again.
amtrakwine Member # 4265
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That is great news. I had lunch there on my last trip on the Eagle in Feb. Was sad to here it was closing.Now I am glad it is reopening. Such a great place to kill time while waiting for train connections. Thanks for the update.
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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This message is adapted from material I submitted to another forum. Likely by now most who are familiar with The Berghoff, either from a past visit, reviewing this discussion, or even reviewing out of town restaurant reviews are aware that The Berghoff "reopened", of sorts.
Actually, what I believe occurred is that another restaurant, named 17 West, opened up in the Berghoff premises @ 17 W Adams and adopted the trade name of 17 West at the Berghoff. The past Tuesday was my first occasion to sample the new establishment.
Beer afficiandoes are in luck as they offer Berghoff brewed beers. As far as I was concerned, their wine list was "adequate' for a lunch and I did not think priced in the stratosphere.
While I blame only myself for having the new owner's version of a sandwich plate, I did order a "side" of Berghoff creamed Spinach, which I found to be "just the way it always was". They also offer a selection of six some "traditional Berghoff dishes', which, until I have occasion to try, I will pass judgement regarding to what esxtent the Berghoff has been reincarnated.
Additionally, they offer a buffet table set up in their bar. While those red carving table lights have a way of making day old roasts look mighty tasty, years of experience have taught me that looks can be deceiving.
All told, I don't think Sherman Kaplan (noted Chicago restaurant critic) or William Grimes (New York Times; he came out to mark the closing) are about to pay the new establishment a visit anytime soon. But since it has been a favorite of Amtrak Westbound LD travelers, I thought it appropriate to update this topic and share these thoughts.
sojourner Member # 3134
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Thanks so much for the info. I have heard from a friend in Chicago that the way the help at the Berghoff was treated on the closing and reopening was not very nice, so I think I will eschew the new incarnation until I hear more about that. Meanwhile, I have gone, based on recs here, to the Walnut Room and enjoyed that, esp the dessert (Frango ice cream, cobblers). I am planning on trying Greek Islands (in "Greektown," the other direction on Adams) one of these times too. I heard walking that way used to be a not-so-great neighborhood but I walked over last time I was in Chicago and it was fine when I did it (a weekday evening in summer).
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