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Addison (Blue)
Mon-Thu. 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Fri-Sat. 11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Sun. 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
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I find Mirabell to be quite the great place to dine and get sloshed at the same time... while having good conversation with friends or a little romance. It is frequented just enough that you don't feel like the staff really is watching you, but it also doesn't feel elbow-to-elbow either. I really like the staff here too, they're all laid back and quirky in their own ways... their personalities are varied in breadth and depth of character, which always makes the occasional side conversation with them interesting.
I adore their beer selection, although I do wish that they would put Erdinger on tap... Erdinger is easily in my top-five favorite beers. Actually, interestingly enough... this is one of the few places that I go to in Chicago that manages to keep me away from my ever-so-cherished bourbon drinking habits. I have to admit I haven't really tried all of their food yet... but the four dishes I have had were quite good, unfortunately I am really bad with the names of German dishes... but I will do my best to name them. I've had the following: Regular German Bratwurst (w/all the goodies), Weiner-Schnitzel, some kind of Spaetzel, and Schweinebraten. Those dishes were all excellent, if that clues you in at all...
Anyhow, going here is a good thing... but just don't go too much, because I wouldn't change a thing about this place... well maybe the prices could be a little bit lower... hehehe.
When you travel to Germany and you enjoy the food and the beer, you want to find that feeling again. After having Mirabell's food and several of their giant German beers, this is one of my favorite spots.
I'm not a huge fan of cabbage, but I can eat a bowl of their sauerkraut. I also really enjoy their smoked Thüringer. If you are new to German food, the best thing to do is just try some of their appetizers. Plus, you can't go wrong if you try their lunch specials. I had their Nova lox and caviar on white toast and it was delicious!
Another thing I love about Mirabell's is the staff. They are very nice and the owner, Jeff, is such an awesome guy. He's always pleasant and he goes out of his way to make you feel at home!
So, if you want to try out German-style food with a great atmosphere and awesome beers, you need to try Mirabell!
My first thought upon walking into Mirabell was "damn, this is a German dive bar" and it kind of is, but it wasn't long before I was talking to some of the regulars and having a great time until the wee hours of the morning. Mirabell is sort of a German Cheers. There are regulars that will remember you and even when you stop in for one drink the flowing beer will keep you there way past your bedtime.
I must admit that I haven't been to Mirabell in a while and had forgotten all about it until I drove past this afternoon, but I plan to go back soon. I haven't tired the food, but the beer is delicious and made me quite quietschvergnügt (as merry as a cricket.)
This is good, stick to your ribs, traditional German fare, which is best enjoyed on a blustery winter day - or on a random September night ;) The interior is kitschy German but it's not unbearable and the waitresses, who are all Polish it seems, know their stuff and will go into great detail about the dishes.
I had the Hungarian Style Beef Goulash (sp?), which is tender beef cooked in a rich, hearty, tasty, deep brown gravy sauce - delicious!! It's served with spatzle and pickled red cabbage. Bonus: They offer $10 bottles of white wine at dinner. The waitress was so awesome that she graciously substituted with a merlot that complemented the meal perfectly.
I would give them 4 stars if not for the disappointing sides. They always seem to overcook the spatzle. I've had way better spatzle and given that spatzle is so typical a German dish, they should work on it. Their dumplings are pretty bad too, like almost inedible but the meat dishes, which I've had so far are stellar and redeem Mirabell for me. I am wiling to visit again and again until they get it right!
FYI: There is a parking lot immediately across the street with like 5 spaces for Mirabell diners. Beware of parking on side streets. It's permit parking only.
Much love for Mirabell! One of those places I've been going to for 10 years and forgot to review. I can only comment on 2 entrees. They're so good, that's all I ever eat there. Paprika Schnitzel with Spätzle and the Schlachtplatte, which is a trio of sausages,Kassler, Bratwurst, and Thüringer with Sauerkraut and Mashed Potatoes. Their Bratwurst is out of this world. Liver Dumpling Soup is awesome. Goulash is too, but VERY spicy. Good selection of beer and wine. Skip the dessert. Service is unremarkable. Food is outstanding.
I love Germany, and I love German food, so after moving to this hood a few months back, I knew I had to get there and see how their schnitzel held up -
The boy and I finally had a free night so we walked our happy asses over. We were greeted warmly and ordered two huge steins of Bitburger. I had the goulash soup to start and I'll add to the numerous positive reviews - that soup is the shiz. Spicy and hearty - I think I'll be craving that during the colder months. I went against my intuition and ordered the Schlachtplatte for dinner. My guy had this awesome pork dish which for the life of me I cannot remember. I enjoyed the entree, but really wish I had ordered the Schnitzel instead.
Our major disappointment came with dessert - we got a piece of cherry strudel to go. It was HORRIBLE - the filing tasted artificial like gross Kool-Aid. The actual pastry part tasted like awful freezer burn. My boyfriend acts like a human garbage disposal and even he wouldn't finish the strudel. I'm hoping it was just a fluke, but next time I'd probably grab ice cream down the street instead.
Mirabell is my favorite German restaurant for its beer selection, neighborhood feel, and spectacular goulash. It's a must for my out-of-town guests who are tired of touristy haunts and want a taste of a true Chicago establishment.
I am a native Austrian who moved here from Europe. I am making it my goal to try all the German and Austrian restaurants in the city.
The food at Mirabelle is pretty ok. It's not mind-blowingly tasty but it's quite good.
I had the roast pork with a dumpling and the goulash soup as a starter. Both dishes were good.
The interior was cute and the most German interior I have seen in Chicago so far.
The service was excellent and our waitress was very nice.
I'll be back.
Laschets is still my favorite German restaurant though.
Training for Oktoberfest 2009, I figured it would be good to visit some of the local German establishments. This place was ok, I am not sure if I am going to run back there right away. I have to say the goulash was fantastic, it really has some kick to it, they must use a significant amount of white and black pepper, my dinner was so-so, the cheese strudel for dessert was delicious. The beer was good, its rare that beer is bad. Atmosphere was so so, visited on a Saturday night, was there from 6-8, the place was about 1/2 full. The value was there, the food wasn't too pricey. Overall, its a decent place, not my favorite, I will have to continue my training at other venues in the city.
I was just a few days back from Germany and decided that after many years watching Lincoln Square decline (remember all the great deli's, etc., that were there before the complete Yuppie mom take over?). I would move west to this place I had heard great things about.
This place is wonderful. Now, I lived in Austria and ate traditional cooking all the time and what they do here is pretty darned good. I miss the large dumplings I got used to in Bavaria and Tirol, but for a good German meal, some great German, Czech, and Austrian beers on the Northwest Side this is the place to go. I liked that the bartender gave us shots our first night, but wondered why he did not do so on our second visit even though he gave shots to other tables. This schnapps after dinner routine is quite common in Austria and Bavaria.
Parking is tough since there is permit only parking. One block East on Bernard we parked easily and walked over. We did not want to park in the mall lot but I suppose we could have.
Food: Not exactly what I expected; maybe I just didn't order the right thing. For appetizers, we ordered the lox on toast (excellent, and I'm not a big fan of caviar) and escargot (perfectly seasoned and prepared). The goulash really is to die for - it might become something I crave in the winter. One companion was offered a liver dumpling soup - not sure why it was only offered to him - and it was basically a liver meatball in broth. It was interesting, to say the least, and not bad, if you like liver. For dinner, I ordered the roast pork loin - which said nothing about being drowned in sauce. I didn't feel the menu description really matched the meat. The red cabbage had an overly strong onion flavor but wasn't overly sweet. Several of us felt the dumpling was fishy in flavor, but the spatzle was quite good. The tongue had excellent flavor and a soft texture. I suppose the less common foods you like, the more you'll like this place. Strudel was great dessert - I suggest ordering one cheese and one cherry and eating them together.
Atmosphere: Cozy, small neighborhood place. You enter through the bar, which made it is little difficult to find the hostess, but I'm not shy and managed okay. Tables were a little too close together in my opinion, especially considering there was an empty dining room across the bar. There was quite a traffic jam when my group left, holding up waitresses and other patrons.
Parking: Plenty of parking at the KMart across the street, and just a few blocks north of the Blue Line Addison stop if you'd rather take mass transit.
Prices: I thought for the quality of the main courses -I'm talking about meat, here, people- the prices were a little high, but we managed to check out, tab and all, for four adults with appetizers, entrees, beers, coffee and dessert at about $155, so maybe it wasn't as bad as I thought.
Service: Friendly but not overly so - I prefer a little more personality in my servers. Knowledgable on their beers and keep a pretty good eye on drinks & empty plates, so no real complaints.
I'll go back if someone else suggests it, but I won't be rushing in on my own until I've tried a few other German places.
OK, so after years of riding by Mirabell on the 152 bus on my way to the blue line, I FINALLY got a chance to go there last Saturday.
And I can definitely recommend it to anyone who's ever wanted to try it.
Fellow yelpers are correct: The place feels authentic, the food is tasty, hearty and affordable AND the beer flows mightily. Unfortunately for us, it was chilly (and rainy) on Saturday so we did not try the patio, but I would love to go again for the al fresco experience.
Don't you love the sort of old-fashioned places that offer soup or salad with a dinner entree? Don't you miss it sometimes? I sure do. I especially love it when that included salad offers more than iceberg lettuce so thank you, Mirabell, for that nice surprise.
On this particular night, there were four of us and I was in a greedy mood so I actually got to try four different things, including tongue. The chicken paprikas (the only dish that actually belonged to me) was very filling and came with spatzel. The tongue came with authentic dumplings which were yummy if lacking a bit in flavor.
I really liked the vibe of this place and was almost sorry it was our first stop of the night (We were headed to a show at the Abbey Pub) and couldn;'t hang out. The bar looked friendly and who can resist who mugs of beer?
I passed by Mirabell's so many times and I always thought it was just a tavern. Even when I came through the door I was expecting it to be a small place maybe two tables and a bar. Boy was I surprised.
My husband and I went here on Saturday and it was not busy at all.
We were immediately greeted by a very sweet German waitress who was awesome. She recommended a glass of riesling for me and it was the best riesling I had thus far. I also tried their spicy goulash soup which I found to go down nicely with some beer. The goulash is surprisingly spicy!
I also had their Chicken Paprikash (Lots of chicken done in sweet paprika sauce) It was ok and a huge portion. The Spätzl was a little on the greasy side. I had a lot of left overs to take home and it tasted much better the next day.
Overall, Mirabell's was a very nice experience my only problem is that it was expensive for food that is easy to make. Most items on the menu are around $15.99 and up. Dinner items come with the choice of soup or salad.
Also after driving around we were able to park our car on one of the side streets that doesn't have street permit. Bernard I think. But as we found out you can also park in the K-mart parking lot across the street if you are going to Mirabell's.
Mirabell is your standard German-American pastiche. And that's not a bad thing. Friendly people, tasty schnitzel, refreshing adult beverages. I have always had a very happy and relaxed time in this place.
If you want an authentic German experience, pack up your lederhosen and head for Munich. If you want a hundred beer choices, go to some strip-mall beer palace in Hoffman Estates. (btw, bars and beer halls in ol' Deutschland usually only pour a handful of local brews... plus Budweiser, of course, for the hipsters.)
Beer list is not as extensive as I would like it to be. With all of the steins and German memorabilia on and in the place, I would like to see A LOT more beers, especially dark ones. Staff seemed friendly. I was only there for 1 beer. The crowd at the time was hipsters in the booths and regulars (middle aged people probably of German decent) at the bar.
1 draft beer + 1 bottle beer was $10.
We need more neighborhood establishments like this! I have been coming here for 10 years and the Tues stuffed cabbage special, among many other great dishes, is fantastic. Killer brew selection and the kind of place you can disappear in. Friendly service and barkeeps make this a winner hands down.
HUGE portions served up at Mirabell's. I could probably use the wiener shnitzel like a blanket and wrap myself up in it but it's way too tasty to do that.
Service is very friendly and the restaurant is quaint and cozy.
Great place to check out if you've never been.
Only reason I am not giving this place a perfect score is that I have only been there once. But from that one experience I have to say that the food was to die for. The lady, who was counting the reciepts, took the time to make sure we were happy, and I have to say we had a great conversation. When I get the chance to bring someone out for a good German meal, I will definetly be going there again (only reason I don't go by myself is it's a little bit of a haul for me, I like to drink in my walking area).
It's kinda funny when I walk in with my son cause it's always awkward for the first few steps since right when you walk in, you're welcomed by barstools lined up against the fully loaded bar before you get to the restaurant in the back of the building...
But hey, my son eats goooood when we go here so how can I complain?
;)
spaten on tap! hot, hot goulash! more spaten on tap! makeout with your husband in the kmart parking lot across the street! ...wait maybe it's time to go home...
It seems like October is the month to re-establish the challenged roots of yesteryear. Brauhaus was overbooked, so Mirabell seemed like the zing for 2008's annual sampling of the fatherland brat und brau. Beer flows quite well at this Addison Avenue mainstay. Mirabell has good fare with all of the traditionals including ox tail, sauerbraten, spaetzels, etc. The H B Octoberfest on tap was quite crisp and as anticipated.
Missing is hasenpfeffer, among other more pronounced, but unfortunately low demand dishes. Apparently, too many are too fond of Bugs Bunny these days. Great America is just around the corner.
I admit to being distracted to see Werner's photo with black bunting attached to the left corner. Some were reminiscing at the bar. However, there were a number in attendance with their lederhosen. Festivities could be heard in the banquet room.
Many of us, who have sensitivities, have seen the cheerful video of Chef Werner Heil in full tilt on cable tv. We vowed to find time to meet this herr for the Fall season. I heard people speaking fondly of him, but there is still kulture in this venue. I look forward to this institution continuing Werner's legacy.
Mmm German food. We always go for lunch (except during Oktoberfest) and enjoy ice cold BBK's with a cup of body warming goulash soup, followed by Spatzel and Wiener Schnitzel with gravy. So so good. The staff is friendly and fun, and they sure like to keep your beer filled and your tummy full! Highly recommended for anyone who likes a quaint, authentic, and fun food find.
I used to live just down the street. I would pass it on my way home from the train. I stopped in a few times for a cockie and dinner.Very nice atmosphere,good food, but not a great deal for me to eat-I am not a big meat & tater eater. Good time at the bar!Gotta do a shot of Jager with the bartenders,they love to do shots of Jager!
What's Chinese for Weiner-Schnitzel?
Last night I went with my boss and two guests from China to Mirabell. They had never had GERMAN food and this was recommended. Trying to explain what things like Wurst, Schnitzel, Spaetzel and Bitburger Beer was quite amusing. But not as much as the look on one of their faces when they got their order of Liver-Dumpling Soup. German dumplings are definitely not the same as Chinese dumplings! After watching his spoon hockey with the floating meatball, we enjoyed some hefty glasses of beer. The food came and it was good. Not AWESOME, but good. Hearty portions. The atmosphere wasn't much to be desired. However, the Hummel statue of two kids in a Seig Heil pose was fascinating. We had a good time and the waitress was nice. The price on the other hand was not so much. For 4 people we paid $200!!!! Fine when it is on the company card, but I won't be going there anytime soon for a social event.
It's a cute atmosphere, and fun place to try out, but I can't say I'd go again. It's smaller than I thought it was, and feels a little cramped, but the decor is reminiscent of Bavaria, although maybe a little tacky.
My husband is German and we've been trying out the different German restaurants in Chicago. He hasn't approved of any of them yet, but this was probably the one he complained the least about.
I'm not a huge German food fan, so I didn't like the food, but I don't like many German dishes anyway. They're all so fatty and I feel like I'm eating an overcooked chunk of meat. Where are the vegetables?? Sauce anyone?
To their benefit, though, the service was excellent, and they have a bar in the front, which is quite popular. I thought their wine selection was excellent, and quite reasonable.
We went with a few friends on a Thursday night and had a great time. I followed our waitress advice and wasn't disappointed, the food was tasty and the beer was fantastic (you can order your beer by the liter).
When I go its for lunch during the week and I sit at the bar with a friend or two. Its very easy to get there, right off of 90/94 at the Addison exit, you can park in the Kmart parking lot, however, I park one street east on Bernard which does not have permit parking. Great lunch prices, my favorite is their perfectly breaded Wiener Schnitzel, I also enjoy a big bowl of their Hungarian Style Beef Goulasch, wowsers. I haven't tried their desserts but I can tell you that I find that their coffee is the best I have had in Chicago; that may seem strange but its true.
This is a pretty neat place to check out. The restaurant is very well decorated and nicely kept. It has a very authentic feel to it and the food is pretty yummy. The people working here are great and will do lots to make sure your experience is an enjoyable one.
I adore this litte place! Having lived in Austria for a while, I would like to tell P S that German food is not all about the "vegetables and sauce." It may be the case that German food does not please your palette, but please take this restaurant for what is and don't have expectations that are unrealistic. In my opinion, the food is wonderful and exactly what you would expect to see on a German menu. Plus, the waitresses are adorned in traditional dress and the atmosphere is warm and inviting!
Chicago has seen the demise of numerous German restaurants over the years, but the neighborly Mirabell is still kicking on the Northwest side. The exterior features colorful regional coats of arms. You will find hearty meat and potatoes stuff like sauerbraten and schnitzel, all pretty good and filling. Even if you are not dining, a cold German beer in the outdoor patio sounds good in the summertime.
Delicious meals served up in huge portions. Everything tastes as good as homemade, and the restaurant has a very homey atmosphere. Good beer and wine selection, and really friendly service. The location is a bit off the beaten path... unless you're going to KMart, I guess... but it's well worth the trip. The prices are a bit higher than some comparable restaurants, but the size of the portions makes up for it. I think I prefer Laschett's, but I'll definitely be back here again.
Too many reviews do not tell you what people actually ate. I love hearing what people eat because it is the most important to me.
This place has great food with lots of nick knacks. I was avoiding this place like the plague. I went with some friends and the place was pretty empty. When the waitress took us to an area called the "Beer Garden" I was expecting an outside tent or something. But it was just a room with a lot of Hummel figurines and beer steins.
As for the food you know it will be good food when you see groups of old people. At first I felt a little out of place. But after a huge tasty beer I felt like one of them. Music selection was a little out there, I vaguely remember hearing a few techno-like songs. Our waitress definitely did not want to be there and was of no help to us. It's a good thing we are self efficient and patient. I got the wiener schnitzel with Spaetzel and it was great. We also has the beef goulash soup and it was great too, very spicy. It's worth a try and worth being in the atmosphere at least once. But I do think I would go back again.
Good German food at a reasonable price. It's a small, quaint spot with a very quiet ambiance to it. The food is hearty and tasty , and the beer selection is excellent. Street parking is tough during rush hour.
This place has some great german food, but it's tiny, and there have never been more than one other table eating when we have been. They have a nice collection of hummels and steins to admire, but the whole experience leaves you wanting something more...especially when you've experienced the chicago brauhaus atmosphere. There is free parking nearby and everyone is incredibly welcoming.
you can also park in the k mart parking lot theres a section for mirabell
Neighborhood: North Center
Category: German
Neighborhood: North Center
Category: German
Neighborhood: North Center
Category: German
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Category: German
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