ZipPicks Awards
Best Sandwiches in Loop
Master Critic Review
The Berghoff Restaurant
8.3
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Business Lunch Power Players
Group Dining Gatherings
Birthday & Celebration Central
A historic Loop dining room where sandwiches feel old-school and substantial—corned beef and Reubens served with the kind of heft that fits the room’s time-capsule energy. Come at lunch, keep the order classic, and let the kitchen do the traditional German-American comfort playbook.
Must-Try Dishes:
Corned Beef Sandwich, Reuben Sandwich, Roast Beef Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: A historic Loop institution that still treats corned beef sandwiches seriously.
Who should go: Classic-lunch people who want old Chicago vibes.
When to visit: Weekday lunch for the cleanest timing.
What to order: Corned beef sandwich; Reuben; roast beef sandwich.
Insider tip: Book ahead on busy weekdays—walk-ins can bottleneck at lunch.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated lot—best bet is nearby paid garages around Adams/Wabash; street parking is tight on weekdays. If you’re driving, plan on garage parking and a short walk.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine, but a collared shirt/blazer fits the historic dining-room vibe.
Noise level: Moderate—easy to talk at lunch; can get louder with large groups and celebrations.
Weekend wait: 20–40 min without a reservation (longer if there’s a group-heavy night).
Weekday lunch: 10–25 min during the noon rush; minimal wait before 12:00 or after 1:30.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—there are vegetarian-friendly choices, but it’s not a veggie-forward menu, so expect a few solid options rather than lots of variety.
Vegan options: Limited—possible with careful ordering, but you’ll have the best time if you’re flexible (ask about modifications).
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free friendly with options, but note they do NOT segregate fryers, so fried items can have cross-contact.
Best For
Better for: Old-school, substantial sandwiches (especially corned beef/Reuben-style comfort) in a historic dining room that feels like a real Chicago institution.
Consider Alternatives If: You want a quick grab-and-go sandwich, a modern deli vibe, or lots of vegan/gluten-sensitive flexibility—this is more tradition + dining-room pacing than customization.