These 7 Illinois German Restaurants Serve Their Schnitzel Golden With Warm Potato Salad
There’s a special kind of joy in cracking through a crispy, golden piece of schnitzel and finding a scoop of warm potato salad waiting on the side. All across Illinois, hidden away in old buildings and lodge-style taverns, there are places doing this comfort food the traditional way.
Some feel like a cozy grandparent’s kitchen, while others come with live oompah music and hearty portions that leave you smiling. Grab your appetite, because these seven spots turn a simple German dinner into something you’ll want to talk about for weeks.
1. The Berghoff Restaurant, Chicago, IL
Few spots in the state carry the weight of history quite like this downtown Chicago institution, open since 1898. Step through the doors and you’re surrounded by carved woodwork, original paintings, and an old-world atmosphere that feels like a time capsule.
The kitchen leans into traditional German cooking with a modern touch. The Jager Schnitzel is a standout, arriving golden and generous, paired with warm potato salad that’s hearty in the best way and a side of good sauerkraut.
Vegetarians won’t be left out either, thanks to picks like creamed spinach, potato pierogies, and the Rahm Schnitzel.
Save room for dessert, because the German Chocolate Cake and Black Forest Cake are worth the extra button on your waistband. There’s a Bavarian pretzel for snacking and plenty of comfort food to go around.
Open daily from 11:30 AM to 8:00 PM, it sits at 17 W Adams St in the heart of downtown. The crowd skews family-friendly and great for groups, though it draws plenty of tourists too.
Parking downtown can be tricky, so leaning on a garage or reserving a table ahead of a dinner visit is a smart move.
2. Laschet’s Inn, Chicago, IL
Homey barely covers it at this Irving Park Road gem, where the walls are covered in photos and knickknacks that make you feel like you’ve wandered into someone’s family living room. The vibe is old-school and unpretentious, and that’s exactly the charm.
Locals in the know will tell you the flavors here are built up to an eye-opening level, turning a casual dinner into something genuinely memorable. The chicken schnitzel is a house favorite, and the sides steal plenty of attention on their own.
Picture roasted potatoes, spaetzle, sauerkraut, and warm German potato salad crowded onto the same plate. It’s the kind of spread that makes you slow down and appreciate every forkful.
The kitchen keeps unusual hours for anyone with a late-night craving, running Tuesday through Sunday from noon all the way to 2:00 AM (closed Mondays). It’s a friendly, cozy spot that welcomes kids and groups, with outdoor seating when the weather cooperates and free wi-fi if you linger.
Parking is rarely a headache here, which is a rare treat for a Chicago dinner out.
3. Chef Klaus’ Bier Stube, Frankfort, IL
Walk in and you’ll immediately sense you’re getting the real deal, from the knickknack-covered walls to the live oompah music that fills the weekends. It’s the kind of place that transports you straight to a lively festival hall.
If schnitzel is your love language, prepare to be spoiled. The menu reads like a schnitzel dictionary, with Schnitzel Florentine, Wurst Schnitzel, Schnitzel a La Holstein, Rhein River Schnitzel, Schnitzel Cordon Bleu, Rahmschnitzel, Schweizer Schnitzel, and Jager Schnitzel all vying for your attention.
Pair any of them with Rotkraut, potato pancakes, and warm German potato salad for a plate that hits every comfort note. Portions run generous, so come hungry and maybe stretchy pants.
Found at 20827 LaGrange Rd in Frankfort, it keeps welcoming hours seven days a week from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM. The setting is cozy and historic, great for groups, and even dog-friendly out on the patio.
Kids get their own menu, parking is plentiful and free, and reservations are a good idea if you want a table when the music gets going.
4. The Bavarian Lodge, Lisle, IL
Step into a lodge-like tavern with a crackling fireplace and decor that instantly sets the Bavarian mood. It’s the sort of setting that makes a chilly evening feel downright cozy.
The schnitzel here has earned serious praise, described by folks who’ve eaten across Germany as some of the most succulent they’ve ever had. And the menu backs up the boast with what feels like every single style of schnitzel imaginable.
Beyond the breaded classics, there’s plenty to explore. Think liver dumpling soup, the Bavarian Lodge meatloaf, a German sausage platter, and rich sauerbraten, all rounded out by sides like potato pancakes, sauerkraut, and German potato salad.
You’ll find it at 1800 Ogden Ave in Lisle, open Wednesday through Sunday with dinner service and longer weekend hours. The atmosphere is welcoming to families, groups, and everyone else, with kids’ menus and high chairs on hand.
It doesn’t take reservations, so plan for a possible wait on a busy Saturday evening, but parking is easy and free.
5. Edelweiss German American Cuisine, Norridge, IL
Old-world charm practically drips from the walls at this festive Bavarian lodge in Norridge, where weekend oompah music turns dinner into a mini celebration. The setting is cozy and a little nostalgic, the kind of place that feels like a warm hug.
Can’t decide on just one schnitzel? The Schnitzel Sampler solves that problem beautifully, letting you taste the range, and there are pork and chicken versions ready to satisfy any craving.
The kitchen prides itself on homemade cuisine at prices that won’t break the bank.
Round out your meal with a Bavarian pretzel, potato pancakes, beef stroganoff, or the hearty Bayerischer Schweinshaxe. The sides shine here too, especially the German potato salad that pairs so naturally with a golden schnitzel plate.
And for dessert, the apple strudel is a sweet, flaky finish.
Located at 7650 W Irving Park Rd, it’s open Wednesday through Monday starting at 11:30 AM, with Tuesdays off. The spot is family-friendly and welcoming to groups, offers a kids’ menu, a braille menu, and even delivery.
Free parking makes the visit that much easier.
6. Schnitzel Platz, Glendale Heights, IL
The name says it all, doesn’t it? Schnitzel takes top billing here, and the kitchen delivers a huge variety of styles dressed in different gravies and veggies so you can keep coming back for something new.
Weekends bring live entertainment to this old-world German joint, adding a lively soundtrack to your meal. The atmosphere stays cozy and casual, the kind of spot that works just as well for a family dinner as a night out with friends.
Order the chicken schnitzel and let the sides do their thing. German potato salad and spaetzle make faithful companions, and the German plate is a great way to sample a bit of everything.
If you’re feeling adventurous, the Curry Wurst and the Sauerbraten mit Brot Knodel und Rot Kohl are worth a look.
You’ll find it at 729 North Ave in Glendale Heights, open Wednesday through Monday and closed on Tuesdays, with the longest hours falling on Friday and Saturday. Between curbside pickup, delivery, and outdoor seating, there’s flexibility for how you want to enjoy it.
Free parking and a kids’ menu round out the family-friendly appeal, and dinner reservations are recommended.
7. Fritz & Frites Bistro, Galena, IL
Tucked into the historic heart of Galena, this cozy bistro takes German and European cooking up a notch into something a little more refined. The mood is romantic and upscale without feeling stuffy, making it a favorite for a special evening out.
Elegance shows up on the plate. The sauerbraten sauce is silky and perfectly tart, and both the sauerbraten and schnitzel entrees are prepared with real care.
A recent dinner might pair schnitzel with green beans, German potato salad, and crisp frites for a plate that hits every note.
The menu wanders happily between countries. You’ll find Escargots de Bourgogne, onion soup au gratin, salmon with lingonberry, choucroute garni, and spaetzle, plus a German potato salad listed right among the highlights.
There’s even a full vegetarian menu and a German chocolate cake for a sweet send-off.
Located at 317 N Main St, it’s open Wednesday through Sunday from 4:00 PM, with dinner running to 8:00 or 9:00 PM. The price range stretches a bit higher here, reflecting the polished experience, and reservations are required.
Street parking can be a little tight, so give yourself extra time to stroll charming Galena before you dine.