Chef Klaus' Bier Stube

Mediocre to bad food in a place with creepy decor. The food was either so bland that it made hospital food taste spicy, in the case of the schnitzels, hackepeter, most of the veggies. Or, inedible, in the case of the sauerkraut which was so pickled that it felt like a gallon of vinegar had been poured in. It made me gag so hard that I involuntarily spit it out. The portions are large, but putting more bad food on a plate doesn't make it taste better. It just means that there's more for the dishwasher to throw out. To their credit, the baked brie was terrific and the potato salad and liver dumpling soup were good. But none were good enough to overcome the outrageous prices charged for a dinner that struggled to get up to the level of "meh". The failure to list prices on the beer menu was distressing. The service was, to be polite, relaxed. Not the worst I've had but certainly not attentive on a weeknight when there were only three other tables occupied. But what stuck out the most is how the place is decorated. I'm not the kind of guy who is picky about decor. I've loved eating at some real shacks. But this place was creepy. Like Nazi creepy. Like how I imagine Herman Goering would have decorated the dining room in his hunting lodge. You're greeted in the entrance by a trophy case filled with hundreds of toy soldiers, a few Americans but the vast majority Germans (with a toy Abraham Lincoln oddly standing in the middle of the German ranks) and a model of Hitler's limo. From every inch of ceiling space hangs rifles and machine guns, many from the Nazi era, and WWII combat planes. A model Nazi troop train, complete with swastikas on the side, rested on a shelf over our head. Even in the men's room, the view one sees while on the commode is of a framed picture of a Nazi infantryman menacing a rifle. I thought that at any given minute, the Boys from Brazil or Hans Landa and crew were going to sit down at the table next to us. We only ended up there because our go-to,Himmel's, was closed. Next time, I'll put my German food craving on hold until a night when Himmel's is open.

We brought a group of 6 people here tonight. The food and service were outstanding. The live music was also really fun. We will be back!!

Excellent service, delicious food, everything perfect and delicious.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

If you leave here hungry, somethings wrong. Great portion size for money spent. Great place for a midweek date. Nice quiet atmosphere. First thing l noticed before l went in, everyone left with leftovers and a smile on there face. Enjoy!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Best German food outside of Germany. Been eating here for many years. Never a bad meal and always consistent. I have the beef tartare every time - that tells you how good the food quality and cleanliness is.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Always consistently good authentic German cuisine.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Liver Dumpling Soup, Red Cabbage

This is my new favorite place to eat. Definitely deserve a try if you're for looking for amazing german food

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Ordered take out, the spaeztel was small and not tasteful. The goulash splash was OK, could have been richer and more flavorful, the meat was very dry. The potato pancakes were good! Food seemed slightly overpriced for the amount you're getting. The woman who took my order was very nice though, great energy!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 5

The lady in the service desk probably had a very bad day. She doesn’t want to answer my call after I picked up my take out.. without a sauce 🙄 She doesn’t want to entertain me anymore.

This is just not a place I enjoyed. The food is always good, just not great. I dont care for a plate full of bread.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 3

Service: 4

The best German food around. They have a lunch and dinner menu lunch menu smaller portion. Family friendly great service German beer on tap desserts are delicious

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

You don't need to be German to enjoy the fantastic dishes available at Chef Klaus'. The staff is friendly and helpful, and willing to answer any questions.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

My boyfriend and I had our first date here and we came back a year later, as expected this experience was nothing but amazing. Our waitress Mickey was so attentive and kind, we ordered three dishes and all where rich with flavor. In the decor there is always something new to see, and the music really sets the scene. Cannot wait to return.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great restaurant. Food is authentic and nice portions. You do not go home hungry. Atmosphere is fun. Service was fast. Highly recommend.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Sadly there are fewer and fewer German restaurants in Chicagoland. And while Chef Klaus himself has gone to that big bierstube in der Himmel, his namesake restaurant thankfully lives on.

The food here is very good. We especially enjoy the many schnitzels and the pork shank. The sides are also great — we miss the family style options for large parties — and the beer is always just right. The service varies from person to person but its always efficient and done well.

If you happen to be there when there’s entertainment you’re in for a treat! I know all the routines now. Take a turn on the almglocken! (Fancy word for tuned cowbells.)

Note: some people are put off by the military themes of a Germanic nature. That’s your right. I look at it interestingly as an amateur historian and then concentrate on the great food. Don’t go there with presumptions and just have a good time.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4