Chef Klaus' Bier Stube

4.5 star rating
29 reviews Rating Details

Category: German  [Edit]

20827 S La Grange Rd
Frankfort, IL 60423
(815) 469-0940
Hours:

Mon-Fri 11 am - 4 pm

Mon 4 pm - 10 pm

Tue-Sat 4 pm - 11 pm

Sat 12 pm - 4 pm

Sun 12 pm - 10 pm

Attire:
Casual
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Private Lot
Price Range:
$$
Good for Groups:
Yes
Good for Kids:
Yes
Takes Reservations:
Yes
Delivery:
No
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
Yes
Wi-Fi:
No
Good For:
Dinner
Alcohol:
Full Bar
Noise Level:
Average
Ambience:
Casual
Has TV:
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Review Highlights   

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"Might be called the Rhein River Schnitzel." (in 9 reviews)
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"Sausage platter, need I say more." (in 3 reviews)
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"The decor and live music give this place a great atmosphere." (in 4 reviews)
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29 reviews in English

  • Review from Clifford S.

    Frankfort, IL

    5.0 star rating
    12/5/2011 12 Check-ins Here

    German food.  Let me say it again.  German food.  For those who share the vision, 'nuff said.  You can already smell and taste the flavors of the best food in the world and this restaurant, my friend, serves the best of the best.

    We never make a reservation and we always get the death stare from the gatekeeper because of this.  But we always get a table.  We prefer the regular tables to the high top tables just as we prefer the regular menu to the bar menu.  It is not obligatory to get an appetizer but your life is not complete unless you do.  Sausage platter, need I say more?  They will give you bread with some vegetables and liver sausage even if you don't order an appetizer.  You read that correctly, liver sausage without even asking, they are that good.

    For dinner I usually order the wiener schnitzel with spaetzle and red cabbage.  It is German ambrosia and to complete the food of the gods I like to order the struedel.  Ach du lieber, that is a meal.

    I am giving this place a five because of its fabulous food but the service, it can be more of a three depending on the night you go there.  I think the gatekeeper does get even with us for not having a reservation.

  • Review from Erin L.

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    1/22/2012 1 Check-in Here

    We made a reservation for a Saturday night at 6:30 and we weren't seated until almost 7:15. Although the guy at the front was really nice, this was not a good first impression but luckily the night got much better once we were seated.

    They have a pretty good beer list, although they were out of about 4-5 beers. The merlot I got was delicious.

    Be prepared for a huge menu! It's difficult to choose what to eat! Some have said that the prices are high but you get a shit ton of food. It comes with soup, your choice of vegetable and potato. You'll leave with a happy tummy.

    Our server Kevin was pretty good. The place was really busy and he did a good job of keeping up with our drinks and checking on us. We all shared our food and one dish was just as great as the next.

    P.S. Get the goulash soup!!!

  • Review from Danny W.

    San Diego, CA

    4.0 star rating
    12/30/2011 2 photos 1 Check-in Here

    This is my parent's go-to spot for a nice meal out in the neighborhood. I'm pretty sure if I wrote a bad review they'd strip me of my last name so thankfully I'm still a Wurst on account of it being pretty awesome.

    Any place with a beer large enough to give you tennis elbow by the time you've finished it is ok in my book, and they've got a pretty decent selection to boot. With about 10 different taps it's great to come to even if you're not eating. If you are going to grub, you'll be even more pleased.

    It's German cuisine, but the menu is very diverse with everything from seafood to sausages. I was with the fam so I had the luxury of tasting several of the items since we're big sharers. I'll spare myself the search for synonyms of the word delicious and just say that if you find yourself in the sticks checking out the Beir Stube try the Orange Roughy Flourentine, Wurst Schnitzel, Chicken Cordon Rouge, or the Oysters Rockefeller. You can't go wrong with any of em!

    All in all I'd have to say I'm pretty damn proud of my folks on this one. In a land littered with more chains than a Jersey Shore marathon they were able to find one of the best local restaurants around. Prost mom and dad!

  • Review from Emily B.

    Frankfort, IL

    3.0 star rating
    11/7/2011 4 Check-ins Here

    I came here for dinner with my Grandparents on a Saturday.   The company was delightful.

    We arrived first and were seated right away by a sort of crabby lady at the hostess table.  The waiter took our drink order while we waited.  He was super crabby and visibly irritated when I ordered water.  When my grandparents arrived they wanted to move to a booth as it is easier for my grandpa to hear.  The crabby waiter and semi crabby hostess did not want to accommodate the request.  Hello do you know my grandma?  She is not taking no for an answer.  We moved and it was much better.  If we could have ditched the crabby waiter it would have been better.  

    I ordered the potato pancakes.  They were pretty good but the plate was way too big.  It took up half the table!  I sampled some other items and they were OK.  Nothing special and nothing unique enough to come back to.

    The food is pretty pricey and the service is hostile at best.  There aren't tons of other options in town but unless my grandparents request it, I won't be back.

    Listed in: 60423

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  • Review from Bob D.

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    • 77 friends
    • 314 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    10/29/2011

    There are a few old school German restaurants in Chicago proper, but none come close to the Germanic attitude like Chef Klaus!

    I actually got to meet the mustachioed madman on this last trip. Way off the beaten path for most Chicagoans I was lucky enough to be out this way on a Saturday night. There are long waits so make a ressie on the weekends or get in early.

    The beers are fresh and delicious, I had a Miebock 7.2% and served in what seemed to be a milk jug. Then came the platter of liver sausage, pretzel roll, veggies, and butter. This is to lubricate your system to sneak the next ten pounds of meat based foods down your gullet.

    We had the stuffed rabbit and the prime rib, both were very good. Sides of spetzel, pickled beets, sourkraut, cabbage, and German potato salad were ample. I highly recommend the schnitzels. If you order the chicken breast just turn yourself in at the psyche ward on your way home.

    The decor is a combination of weapons, hunting, and beer mugs.  Great model planes dive bombing the stoic Germanic suburbanites out for a night of liver dumpling soup and giant beers. People watching is interesting at The Bier Stube.

    Sure many will say the original had so much more charm and that is true, but once you snuggle up to that litre of suds and bite into some liversausage you will completely forget you are in an old cornfield turned strip mall.

  • Review from Eileen O.

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    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Romeoville, IL

    3.0 star rating
    1/25/2012

    I wish I could rave on and on, but....The food is great, but the general attitude from the owners is that they could care less is they get your business or not.   I booked a reservation for over 50 people who wanted to hear a German band and eat great German food..  The band cancelled and the Reataurant owner didn't think it was important to tell me this.  My group ended up barely hearing a piano player singing Sinatra songs---far from the German themed evening we planned on.

  • Review from Erika C.

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    • 7 friends
    • 36 reviews

    Lombard, IL

    4.0 star rating
    10/16/2011

    Oktoberfest! Music and fun festive atmosphere. Suckling pig and red cabbage to die for. Even the kid burger and fries were fresh and delicious. Everything was tasty and well prepared. Skip the carrot cake dessert and just finish up with a cold German beer instead.

  • Review from Dana G.

    Woodridge, IL

    4.0 star rating
    2/3/2011

    Das Boot!!! Filled with Konig Ludwig. Kthanxbai... It was ze greatest beer in all ze vorld!!! ehem..

    Great authentic German food, live music, giant servings of beer. Amazing little place in Frankfort worth mentioning and definitely visiting. Even the knowledgeable staff is dressed in Lederhosen! Being quarter German I should really like more of the traditional fare. Not for me, but the "safer" menu items were perfecto! I did watch my bf wolf down some tar tar and some schnitzel. This is a great place for dinner or some drinks with friends that is unique and has less db per capita!

    What are you waiting for? It's time to scheisse, or get off ze crapper! Go to ze Stube!

  • Review from Kathleen M.

    Frankfort, IL

    4.0 star rating
    11/7/2010 28 Check-ins Here

    The month of October rolls around and my husband starts thinking Octoberfest...beer...German food!

    Luckily we live right by an excellent German restaurant with superb choices.  We met another couple, one likes German food, one did not.  I ordered the sauerbrauten, with sauerkraut and spatzle.  Sehr gut!  My friend had the grouper with asparagus and was equally happy.  So bring along those kraut haters, they will find great eats also.

    The food was a five, the service was inconsistent.  We had to ask for the bread basket which arrived with the entrees.  We had to ask for little plates for the appetizers.  And what is with the tall tables?  They really don't work for dinner, my legs fell asleep!

    We probably would have had better service had we avoided Saturday night, without a reservation.  The food made up for it!

  • Review from Dusty K.

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    • 36 friends
    • 290 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    11/29/2010

    Now I must first tell you that I'm writing this review while music like this plays in my head... http://www.youtube.com...

    I love traditional German restaurants. They're so lively, energetic, and fun. I'm generally quiet in nature but in a restaurant like this I want to throw my inhibitions to the curb, grab a woman and dance around the room. A few liters of beer and suddenly I feel like a king downing suds and sausage with them best of them. I went on a Monday for lunch so it was quite tame compared to what I envision this place to be on a weekend night.

    The decor and music alone would put anyone in a great mood. From World War 2 paraphernalia and photos to the beer hall music, when it all comes together I feel like a kid on Christmas. For lunch I had the bratwurst sandwich with German mustard for dipping. On the side came fried potatoes with onion and sausage crumbles mixed in. Delicious! I can't wait to head back - next time for live music on the weekend with some lederhosen and a nice German gal.

  • Review from John S.

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    • 2 friends
    • 24 reviews

    Mokena, IL

    4.0 star rating
    8/28/2010

    Gotta be one of our favorite local places to eat.

    The schnitzels are friggin' delicious!  I've probably had most of them, but I always end up ordering the one with chantrelle mushrooms and cognac.  Might be called the Rhein River Schnitzel.

    Great atmosphere.  Great apps and side dishes.  I even like the plates they serve on.  Oh, and Dunkel on tap!

    But the hostess who is usually there is a major Can't Understand Normal Thinking.  She gots to go.

  • Review from Ashley M.

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    • 2 friends
    • 31 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    4/16/2010

    Chef Klaus' is one of my all time favorite places to eat. My family and I have been going here ever since I can remember, and we have never had any complaints. Everything is so good here! The prices may be a little high but they also have the bar menu you can order off of which has a lot of reasonably priced (and super good!) items on it.

    One thing I HIGHLY recommend that everyone try are the Oysters Rockefeller. Never have we had them so good, and we have tried plenty of other places but none surpass Klaus' Oysters Rock. Even if you aren't a big fan of oysters I still recommend trying this. I have brought plenty of non oyster lovers here and made them try this and they LOVE it.

    Such good German food, great service, and authentic atmosphere. I love it!

  • Review from Katelyn K.

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    • 0 friends
    • 14 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    10/6/2011

    The Oysters Rockafeller is fantastic.  YUM

  • Review from taffy g.

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    • 1 friend
    • 37 reviews

    Matteson, IL

    2.0 star rating
    4/8/2011

    While the food is good, I found it pricey...
    3 bratwursts on a platter for $21.00??! YIKES

    the piano player is terrible!!!  over sings most of the songs he plays and he doesn't have a great voice...
    the Santa Fe shrimp is to die for... yeah, in a German restaurant!! go figure.

    what a dysfunctional family...
    the owner is a a drunk and his father, the old man fights with customers...

  • Review from Amy Elizabeth S.

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    • 26 friends
    • 93 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    1/7/2008

    I just got so excited to see Mag W's review posted!  I love this place!!!!  My boyfriend and I eat German food constantly, and this place is bar far the best there is.  Like Gus said, it is a reincarnation/morphing of several of Chef Klaus' restaurants, but it combines the best of all of their menus.  They have the best schnitzel (and dozens of varieties), awesome seafood (try the the Grilled Shrimp Santa Fe appetizer), and kick ass beers on tap (Erdinger Weiss on tap?!?!?).  The staff has pretty much been working their since the Berlin wall was erected (but more realisticly, since it came down), so they know their stuff.  

    Every time I am down in the south suburbs, a visit to Klaus' is ALWAYS on the agenda.

  • Review from Greg L.

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    • 26 friends
    • 151 reviews

    Tinley Park, IL

    5.0 star rating
    2/21/2008

    When the original Bier Stube burned down we cried.  When they expanded Chef Klaus' on LaGrange road in Frankfort, we were ecstatic.  The food is just great, and if the decor doesn't do it for you, keep an open mind.  The food, service, and German band will win you over.  On a date or out for a romantic night?  Get one of the enclosed tables for two.  Really a nice touch.  All in all, this place has the most consistent German dinner fare I have ever had.  Want a great steak?  Don't pass theirs up.  Lobster or seafood, give theirs a try.  If you're a fan of that "other place" for steak and seafood near 191st in Mokena, you are sure to make this your new favorite.

    Their Crab stuffed large mushrooms are outstanding and their Oysters Rockefeller the best anywhere.

    Highly recommend their French Onion or Liver Dumpling soups, and their schnitzel.  Although I have tried most of them, I think their plain schnitzel with fresh lemon squeezed over it is the best.  Ask for an extra lemon and you will be jamming!

    If you are going on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday night, better get a reservation.  
    This place is awesome!

  • Review from Melissa B.

    Frankfort, IL

    4.0 star rating
    11/15/2010 1 Check-in Here

    I'm not sure why I often forget about this place when I'm nearby and wanting a drink and a quick bite to eat. I almost always sit at the bar. I've always had friendly service. There is live entertainment most times I've been there. I usually don't order a full entree here (the menu just isn't my thing). I love the appetizers though. I usually go for the potato pancakes...Huge and enough for a meal! Most often I am the only person here under the age of 55, but that's fine with me some nights.

  • Review from Kay J.

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    • 17 friends
    • 278 reviews

    Schererville, IN

    5.0 star rating
    10/13/2009

    Every fall Mom gets a taste for German food.  This was our first visit to Bier Stube in Frankfort and it was great!

    The staff was friendly and helpful.  They were genuinely happy to serve us and helpful with beer and food recommendations.  We split a sausage platter ($5 for the split).  The waitress said it came with extra sides and when my friend did not want her side, she brought it to the table for us to enjoy family style.

    There was a pianist who played a lot of smokey, '50s music - quite nice.

    The German potato salad (warm please) was as good as Mom's and even after splitting the sausage platter, we had leftovers.

    I have to get here more often and not wait until Oktoberfest time!

  • Review from Christina M.

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    • 0 friends
    • 56 reviews

    Calumet City, IL

    4.0 star rating
    1/28/2011

    I took my boyfriend here for his birthday recently.  I had never had German food before and we joked before we came that we should try some, so I jokingly looked for German food places and this came up and I saw all the great reviews they got, so I decided we'd give it a try.

    We got seated in this booth that was secluded from everyone else which was very cool, even though everyone else at the time was at the bar, but as time went on, they got much more busy.  The pretzel bread was delicious and so was the lentil soup.  I got the sausage platter though and I guess it turns out I don't like German sausage too much, but my boyfriend's meal was good and we both enjoyed the German fried potatoes.  We will definitely go back at some point, to eat some more German food!

  • Review from A B.

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    • 0 friends
    • 10 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    8/20/2009

    Chef Klaus is one of my favorite restaurants. Their food is great, I love the atmosphere, and the kitchen is open fairly late at night.

    The steakburger is fantastic! The sandwiches come with a potato choice, but there are so many options to pick from - german fries, french fries, sweet potato, and maybe 6 or 7 other choices.

    I know people who have really enjoyed the various schnitzels as well as the peppercorn crusted filet.

    I definitely think you get your money's worth, although I would recommend ordering off of the bar menu.

  • Review from Bruce E.

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    • 0 friends
    • 6 reviews

    Manhattan, IL

    5.0 star rating
    5/4/2010

    One of my favorite places. I really miss the downtown Frankfort location but that's the only thing that changed about the Beir Stube.

    Get the Beef Stroganoff and a Warsteiner draft. You will not be disappointed.

  • Review from Kristina C.

    Lombard, IL

    5.0 star rating
    11/2/2009

    After a trip to the Motherland earlier this year, I've been checking out German restaurants in the area in hopes to find some Bavarian bliss. If heaven had beer and sausage (which I believe it does), this place would be the pearly gates.

    My friend brought me here and it was helpful to navigate the menu with a pro. You have so many options  - veggies, salad or soup, 80 different ways to make potatoes. We started with the shrimp appetizer, which with black beans and cilantro, is anything but German. The shrimp was nicely grilled and the black bean puree made me want to cry. The bread basket had lovely pate and pretzel bread. I got my Hacker-Pschorr beer and a smile came across my face.

    The goulash was good - not great, it could have been spicer. My platter o sausage was amazing. I also skipped the veggie du jour and had spatezel and the potato casserole (potato du jour). At this point, I could only eat about 3 bites of each item because I had WAY too much. But, its making for mighty nice left overs the past few days....

  • Review from Maggie W.

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    • 28 friends
    • 109 reviews

    Park Forest, IL

    5.0 star rating
    1/7/2008

    My friends and I love coming here whether its for dinner or just some beers. They have both a "bar" and "dinner" food menu, both are extensive. My friends love their schnitzel, I'll admit I've only had tastes. However everything I've ever had has been good - from steaks to seafood to sandwiches. The beer is great. I usually get Warsteiner - good German beer.  

    The decor and live music give this place a great atmosphere. The service is always friendly. And now that the state is smoke-free, this place is even better!

  • Review from Ann E.

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    • 1 friend
    • 7 reviews

    Tinley Park, IL

    4.0 star rating
    12/18/2010

    I always have such a good time at Chef Klaus'! Its not necessarily a "hot spot' in the south suburbs, but when we went to celebrate a birthday with a small group of friends, we had such a great evening. Whether we've stopped in for a quick meal in the lounge or a full dinner and relaxing evening, its been a really lovely dining experience every time.

    On this particular visit, I was looking to try something new. Authenticity isn't a question - their entire menu is accessible and authentic at the same time. Sure, they do have a few "gimme" offerings on the back page (pasta, etc...), but why go to such an authentic spot and not order schnitzel? Or sauerbraten? I asked my waiter for a recommendation and he advised me to go with the Rouladen of Beef. It was an interesting idea - the roulade was around a dill pickle and onions. The flavors were fantastic, but I didn't really care for the texture of the meat. It seemed a bit mealy and over-cooked. However, the sauce on the plate was perfect to go along with the spatzle I kept piling on my plate - the sides are an attraction all on their own. Do yourself a favor and try the cabbage - its better than anything you've had on a reuben. And the hot German potato salad is heavenly.

    Each time we've gone, the waitstaff have been outstanding. When asked about beer, wine, and beverage selections, our waiter gave his honest recommendations and every person at our table was happy with their drink. if you want knowledgeable servers that are friendly, attentive, but not "hovering" please visit Chef Klaus.

  • Review from Jackie R.

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    • 23 friends
    • 113 reviews

    IL

    5.0 star rating
    7/18/2008

    I used to work at the original Bier Stube when i was like 15 or 16, wrapping food and filling water, and Chef Klaus was absolutely terrifying! He threatened to fire me every time he walked past me.....Haha, setting all personal feelings aside, the food here is just fantastic. Ive lived in Germany and this food IS authentic. I love the music, the decor, the energy, the aromas, the BEER!!! I always order the escargot, and one of the many schnitzel options. Mmm Mm.

  • Review from Erik L.

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    • 2 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Monee, IL

    4.0 star rating
    5/11/2010 2 photos 2 Check-ins Here

    Chef Klaus' is a nice place.  Good food, good beer, but the prices are kinda steep for an every night hangout kinda bar.

  • Review from T W.

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    • 2 friends
    • 35 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    6/10/2009

    We love the food here.  Not much more to say.  They are always packed.  I always order the peppercorn steak, but my family often orders the German dishes and everyone loves what they order.

    They often have live music.  They also have a bar with cocktail tables.

  • Review from D M.

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    • 5 friends
    • 76 reviews

    Bourbonnais, IL

    5.0 star rating
    1/13/2010

    I stuff myself every time we go, Great Food, Great Beer - can cost you a little for a whole family...

  • Review from Garrett A.

    •  
    • 1 friend
    • 5 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    1/24/2010

    Ok, right off the bat you need to get past the older crowd and cheesy decor (none of which bother me, but may be a shock to some). The food and the whole experience are way beyond what I was expecting. The wife and I dropped in on a Friday evening around 5:15 and were promptly asked if we had reservations, to which we looked at each other in awe. Luckily, they were able to squeeze us into a little private booth in the back. The menu can be quite overwhelming as they have an awesome selection of German food. After getting a quick education of the beer selection we settled on 2 large steins of a fine German ale.
    Our meal started off with an interesting plate of pate, cream cheese, and assorted vegetables. My wife and I looked at each other puzzled and then proceeded to enjoy this tasty little treat. Next up our soups were not only excellent, but were very generous portions.
    For the main course we both decided to have a schnitzel dish. I had one that was no breaded, but in a creamy sauce and my wife opted for a breaded cut, with mushrooms and Swiss. They were both phenomenal and large enough to feed a boy scout troop. These dishes were coupled with generous portions of sides which included German potatoes and sweet and sour cabbage for me and sauerkraut and potato pancakes for my wife. Of course we gorged on this feast and couldn't believe gem was tucked away off of LaGrange Rd.
    I can definitely say we will be back and will be sure to call for reservations first. Highly recommended for those looking for a large hearty meal!

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