About a month ago I sent in a query about restaurants in Chicago that would "scream Midwest." I want to thank everyone who posted or sent me an email on this subject. I just returned from my trip to Chicago. I did not have time to get to Golden State for hot dogs (may be that will be a future trip) but I did manage the Berghof and also Pizzeria Uno. The Berghof did not disappoint and in fact was much better than I was I was expecting. Got right in at lunch time on a Saturday although there were very few tables. Had the sauerbraten with spaetzels and creamed spinach. Also the hot fresh bratwurst sandwich with tasty potato salad. Their draught dark beer was excellent; it was heavy with lots of taste. Service was efficient and friendly. Did not intend to try Pizzeria Uno but it sort of just was there in our way so we dropped in and got the last table. There may be Pizzeria Uno franchises around but nothing like this has found its way in the franchises themselves. Had to wait the prescribed 40 minutes for the pizza with time to drink lots of beer and check out the other diners or those at the bar. Seemed to be a mix of locals, out of town tourists, and suburbanites. I had never had a deep dish pizza before and found the crust to be interesting. It had almost the texture of heavy corn bread or scones. The pizza was good and a "small" is a perfect size for 2 people. It serves 2 large pieces per person. And it is eaten with a knife and fork. Did realize that I prefer the thin crust with lots and lots of cheese. Anyway the important thing is that Chicago did not disappoint. I just do not know why I waited so long to visit. Mai in San Francisco
Chicago, IL