One of History’s ‘Most Meaningful’ Moments Occurred at an Illinois Bar

I had no idea that a place that became a destination to visit at least once in my life had so much history.

I knew that the restaurant was old, but I had no idea something so significant happened inside.

I guess I should've figured that The Berghoff, one of Chicago's oldest bars and restaurants, would have at least one or two notable things happen inside but not to this level.

What I didn't know as my wife and I were killing time before going to see Hamilton at the CIBC Theatre back a few years ago was that I was heading into The Berghoff that it had something so memorable happen, I feel more people need to know about it.

So as I was thumbing through The Takeout's 8 Restaurants and Bars Where U.S. History Was Made, I was stunned to see The Berghoff mentioned, and here's why.

The Takeout:

One of its most meaningful historic moments took place in 1969, when seven members of the National Organization of Women, including Gloria Steinem, sat down at the men’s-only bar and demanded service, which they were eventually granted.

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The article mentions that The Berghoff was a men's only establishment when it first opened its doors in 1933.

Obviously, quite a bit has changed in the over 50 years since Steinem and company walked into The Berghoff, but one thing remains the same, The Berghoff itself.

Do yourself a favor and go check the place out. Not only because the beer and the food are good but because the restaurant played a role in changing history, and the overall aesthetic looks like a place frozen in time.

The Berghoff is located at 17 West Adams Street in Chicago.