| If you are of Czech heritage, you certainly | | | | making it easy to reach from anywhere in the |
| understand the joy of a great Czech style meal. | | | | Chicago area. |
| Even if you're not, a visit to one of these | | | | The beautiful bar area is a destination in itself, but |
| wonderful Chicagoland restaurants will have you | | | | you will want to focus on the great food. Served |
| singing the praises of Czech food and drink. Here's | | | | in large portions at ultra reasonable prices, it may |
| a list of a few of our favorites... | | | | just become one of your favorites. |
| The greater Chicago area has one of the largest | | | | We are big fans of the Bohemian meatloaf here. |
| Czech and Bohemian heritage populations in | | | | Although we don't know the recipe, we believe it |
| America. It's no surprise then that you will find | | | | to be a combination of ground pork and beef. It's |
| numerous culinary gems in and around Chicago | | | | hearty, mildly spiced, and worth going out of your |
| celebrating these cultures. | | | | way for. Another good choice is the Farmers |
| Most of the Czech population in Chicago is located | | | | Platter, a sampling of several dishes on the menu, |
| in the near western suburbs. Suburban villages like | | | | and perfect for those who are unfamiliar with the |
| Berwyn, Stickney, Cicero, and Brookfield all host | | | | cuisine. |
| large Czech, Slovak, and Bohemian heritage | | | | Moldau Restaurant: Brookfield |
| communities. Located about 20 minutes west of | | | | About 10 short minutes west of Berwyn is the |
| downtown Chicago, these suburbs are home to | | | | village of Brookfield, bisected by busy Ogden |
| three of the best Czech restaurants in America. | | | | Avenue. Ogden runs all the way from downtown |
| Let's take a closer look... | | | | Chicago out to west central Illinois, also going by |
| Klas Restaurant: Cicero | | | | the name Route 34. It is one of the main |
| Klas is the grand daddy of all of these wonderful | | | | commercial strips in Brookfield, and where you'll |
| restaurants, having opened its doors in 1922. It's a | | | | find Moldau Restaurant. |
| huge place and has hosted numerous dignitaries | | | | Moldau has long been one of our favorites, being |
| over the years. | | | | just minutes from our high school alma mater. It's |
| These days, Klas is open on weekends and for | | | | a small place, but big on flavor. The hours here |
| banquets during the week. The interior is a | | | | are early and the place usually closes by about 8 |
| treasure trove of antiques and authentic items | | | | p.m., so plan on an early dinner |
| from Bohemia and the Czech Republic. And the | | | | Any of the pork platters are outstanding at |
| only thing more authentic than the decor is the | | | | Moldau. Roast pork with sauerkraut and dumplings |
| food! | | | | is as good as it gets! Save room for dessert and |
| The dumplings here are other worldly, as is the | | | | coffee. It comes with the meal, as is the tradition |
| goulash and any of the pork dishes. This is a | | | | in these restaurants, but it's really easy to fill up |
| great place to kick back and enjoy a wonderful | | | | before hand. |
| meal with friends and family, and to soak up | | | | Moldau is a real local gem that will feed you well |
| some local history as well. | | | | at rock bottom prices. Come to think of it, the |
| Czech Plaza: Berwyn | | | | same is true of Klas and Czech Plaza. When in |
| Just minutes away from Klas, in the next suburb | | | | Chicago, make it a point to visit one or all of |
| west actually, is Czech Plaza, an authentic | | | | these three great Czech style restaurants. They |
| destination for home cooked food for almost 50 | | | | will put a smile on your face! |
| years. It is conveniently located on Cermak Road, | | | | |