Laschet’s Inn is the perfect combination of a hideaway bar and comfort food retreat. The next time you’re in Chicago, you might want to stop in for some German food and great drinks!
Some History
Opened in 1971, and originally owned by Karl Laschet, the restaurant started out as just a bar. In 1994, Franz and Ursula Kokott bought the inn and opened the kitchen in 2000. The current and 4th owners in line to call the place their own are Erin Batchelder and her boyfriend, Scott Seisser. Scott, who is half German, pays homage to his heritage by serving up some of the fatherland’s famous grub.
Prior to working in the restaurant industry, Erin worked in retail. Due to the recession she was unfortuantely laid off, and subsequently began tending bar as a result to pay the bills. After her time was at its end at the pub, she moved on to Laschet’s Inn, making this year her ninth year at the establishment. While her boyfriend Scott has worked in 3 different German bars for just over 25 years. His time at Laschet’s Inn has been even more extensive, working at the German establishment for 15 years.
Being 1 of only 3 German bar/restaurants left in Chicago, they feel a certain amount of pride being to take on the title in such a world famous city.
Given that they serve up strictly homemade recipes freshly prepared each day, it adds to the casual homey atmosphere they offer. According to Erin it’s,
“Almost like being at Grandma’s place.” She goes on by saying that they get a lot of return business,
“Definitely mostly regulars. We have people that have been coming here since the ‘70s. But we have new customers every day. From the neighborhood, the burbs, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin .” A testament no doubt to their savory dishes and laid back environment.
The Food & Drinks
While their food is tasty and a real comfort, you should definitely partake of some of their beers which they are known for. With a very unique array of only German and Austrian beers, you’re more than certainly in for something special!
But don’t get too comfortable with the beers, because they also have some terrific cocktails as well. For example, you can try their house specialty. A fun cocktail made with equal parts citron vodka, plum schnapps and blackberry liqueur. All topped off with a splash of cranberry garnished with a twist.
And now onto the food. With everything they serve up being so traditional, it’s no wonder people who grew up in a German descended household relive their childhood through the tastes and smells at Laschet’s Inn.
Their head chef is Juan Amaya, who has been with Laschet’s since the kitchen opened in 2000. Having trained under the previous owner Ursula, he still usese her traditional recipes.
And my experience at Laschet’s Inn? Why not take a look at the video below which I created for all of you to see.
With all the appetizing dishes on offer at Laschet’s Inn, it’s no wonder it’s a local spot for regulars to visit time and time again.
And those cocktails? The best! Whether it’s a few beers you want to knock back or a few cocktails, Laschet’s Inn is the perfect place to have a nice quiet drink followed up with some delicious comfort food.
So what are you waiting for? You know you want to stop in and have some of that Weinershniztel and Spaetzle! Just remember that when you stop in, you let them know that Lisa sent you!
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