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Name: The Bavarian Lodge
Address: 1800 Ogden Ave, Lisle, IL, 60532
Telephone: (630) 241-4701
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 4.03

The Bavarian Lodge

1800 Ogden Ave, Lisle, IL, 60532

(630) 241-4701
Store is closed

The Bavarian Lodge Menu

Appetizers

Bavarian Pretzel Basket

German Potato Pancakes

Wurst Platter

Tiroler Schnitzel Bites

Pork Wings (traditional Or Bbq)
Soups & Salads

Hungarian Goulasch Soup

Ironworks Cheddar Ale Soup

Liver Dumpling Soup

Homemade Soup Of The Day

House Salad
Sandwiches & Pub Burgers

The Maximillian

Smoked Thuringer Sandwich

Knackwurst Sandwich

Bratwurst Sandwich

The Matterhorn Burger
German Favorites

Roast Duck

Bavarian Rouladen

Sauerbraten

Bavarian-style Boiled Ribs

Kassler Rippchen

Jager Huhnerschnitzel (chicken With Mushroom Cream Sauce).

Schweins Hax'n (pork Shank)
Desserts

Apple Strudel

Apricot Kolachky

Triple Chocolate Brulee Cheesecake

Healthy Meal suggestions for The Bavarian Lodge

Appetizers

Bavarian Pretzel Basket [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

German Potato Pancakes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Wurst Platter [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tiroler Schnitzel Bites [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pork Wings (traditional Or Bbq) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Soups & Salads

Hungarian Goulasch Soup [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ironworks Cheddar Ale Soup [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Liver Dumpling Soup [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Homemade Soup Of The Day [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

House Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Sandwiches & Pub Burgers

The Maximillian [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Smoked Thuringer Sandwich [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Knackwurst Sandwich [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bratwurst Sandwich [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

The Matterhorn Burger [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
German Favorites

Roast Duck [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bavarian Rouladen [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sauerbraten [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bavarian-style Boiled Ribs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Kassler Rippchen [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Jager Huhnerschnitzel (chicken With Mushroom Cream Sauce). [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Schweins Hax'n (pork Shank) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Desserts

Apple Strudel [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Apricot Kolachky [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Triple Chocolate Brulee Cheesecake [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Visit below restaurant in Lisle for healthy meals suggestion.

Lisle Fox Restaurant ( 4700 Main St )

Sorry, We are updating this restaurant cholesterol menu details.

Write An Anonymous Review

Adam J.

This is one of my favorite spots in the area. * They have a great selection of craft beers on draft that are constantly in flux, and a massive list of bottled beers. Alongside the well chosen craft beers you'll find what really counts when it comes to being a German bar, a strong showing of German beers in many varieties. I love being able to try something new from Germany every time I'm here. * The food menu adheres to German traditional pretty well. German food can be a bit singular in its dimensions for me, but let me say that I never pass an opportunity to eat here. It's always delicious. * One of my favorite aspects of the Bavarian Lodge is the atmosphere- cozily dim and warm lighting, lots of dark stained wood, awesome retro German imagery on the walls. Energy level here is usually subdued, peaking at medium high; the mood is always refined. Mostly you'll find an affluent middle age crowd here, with some younger (early 20's) like myself. Staff is very friendly and knowledgable about both menus; I always run a question or two by them about my beer order! * It's slightly expensive, but I would not say overpriced. There aren't many German bars in the burbs; this one happens to be wonderful despite the lack of competition. Side note regarding that: I now live closer to Schnitzel Platz and find it to be decent but inferior to Bavarian lodge. Schnitzel Platz offers maybe a more authentic dinning room layout (think long communal tables, open room) but the prices are higher.
(5)
Josue O.

I am of German descent on one side of my family and grew up with homemade schnitzel, German potato salad, and apple wine. I'm pretty hard to please when it comes to this kind of food. I have to say, I came in pretty skeptical. I shouldn't have been, because these guys know what they're doing. First of all, their beer selection is awesome. I had several German beers and they were great. Our appetizer was hot pretzels with Boursin cheese. The salt of the cheese overpowered the flavor, so we asked for, and received, an amazing spicy German mustard. Now we're talkin'. That did it. Great appetizer! Dinner was triple schnitzel (pork, chicken, and a pork/beef combo) over homemade mashed potatoes and a side of some of the best sauerkraut I've had. The different schnitzels were all so good, but the beef/pork was incredibly flavorful. Our party also had beef stroganoff and cabbage rolls with spaetzel. They were also very happy campers. We somehow managed to put away dessert, which was crisp apple strudel (one of my favorite things). Only, it wasn't so crisp. My one complaint about the meal. But, the filling was delicious. The service was impeccable. Our drinks were never empty, our empty plates never sat on the table for more than a minute or two. I wish I could give this 4.5 stars. We will be back!
(4)
Karon B.

Super impressed. We have been driving by the Bavarian Lodge for years, and I wish as had stopped in sooner. Great German and Eastern European food. The Thuringer Sausage and Sauerkraut was fabulous. Great service! So excited about their beer list...can't wait to go back again!
(5)
Bob K.

High time for me to do a review for this fine establishment. Consistently good Barvarian comfort food, triple schnitzel, bread dumplings, red cabbage and a huge selection of draft German (and other) beers. Been coming here for years and never disappointed. Tried the pretzel roll appetizer tonite - delicious!
(5)
Alex H.

On the way to a Red Stars soccer game, took two families here for a big family German dinner and it was surprisingly satisfying to have a big German meal in mid-August. There are numerous big round tables and large booths to accommodate the larger party with our many dishes in the middle of the table. The beer list on tap and in bottles is extensive, appropriately German, and served in appropriate glassware. There's something fun about four beers on the table, all in different glassware. The Scotch egg appetizer with mustard was tasty, though two eggs is hardly enough for one person, least of all sharing, so definitely get two orders. The potato pancakes, in contrast, come in a four-pack, so you can chop those up a bit and share all around. My thuringer dinner with boiled potatoes and mustard and red cabbage and kraut was balanced and tasty and went perfectly with the pils I was drinking. The kids were talked into trying a traditional wiener schnitzel instead of the chicken fingers and mac n' cheese and they loved it. My friend whose father is first generation German, so she grew up eating all this stuff, said she loves the place for it's authentic flavors and hearty portions. The restaurant is casual and moderately noisy, so very family friendly. The decor is packed with steins and other traditional German items.
(4)
Ashley M.

My boyfriend and I dined here with his family on a Saturday night. When we arrived at 7pm, the restaurant was pretty busy, with many tables filled and a few patrons at the bar. We were seated at a long table near the front of the restaurant and enjoyed good service throughout our experience. For our meal, we ordered the following for the table to share: -Scotch egg - egg, homemade sausage, rustic breading, German mustard -Breaded White Cheddar Curds - fresh curds, panko, red pepper garlic I enjoyed both appetizers. The Scotch egg is seasoned well and cooked with a crisp. It was flavorful and delicious. I also loved the breaded white cheddar curds! Cheese curds by themselves are a treat to this Atlantan, but fried?! What an even more special concept! I love how they're light and crispy on the outside and filled with a cheesy surprise on the inside. For my main, I tried the quarter roast duck: crispy, slow-roasted, with caraway & spices. Be warned that in ordering your meal, you'll be met with a bunch of questions and you'll have to make a few tough choices. Choose from three kinds of potatoes, a soup or salad, and an additional vegetable. Wow! To say this was a lot of food is an understatement. I liked the potatoes and my pickled red cabbage. The side salad is as basic as you could get, and the duck, although full of flavor, seemed a bit old or overcooked as parts of the bone marrow had leaked into the meat, ruining the texture. Overall, I'd like to come back to this place and give their other dishes a try.
(3)
Kelsey K.

This is an excellent place to go for beer. They seem to specialize in German and Belgium stuff, but have tons of other options. They have stuff to suit every taste - from people who love sour, funky beers (me) and hopheads (my husband). The food is also German. I wouldn't say it's the best ever, but it was pretty good. It helps soak up the beer :) This place doesn't take reservations and gets VERY, VERY crowded. I also think they won't seat you unless your entire party is present (you'll have to check that.) They also have kind of weird hours. We wanted to go a couple of weeks ago, but they were closed for "summer holiday" which seems really strange to me. Anyway, despite the quirks, I'd definitely go back.
(4)
Tom H.

This place is awesome. The beer list is expansive and almost overwhelming. So many choices from overseas especially from Germany. They always have good craft brews on tap as well. The food here is consistently great! I love to get the combo platter with some sausage and the tiroler schnitzel. The schnitzel is fantastic. I enjoy the pretzel with some cheese, the soups, and really everything. Most of the food here is made from scratch and a lot of it is made the day of, only adding to greatness of their food. So why 4 stars? Well, I normally only come here 4 or so times a year and I always seem to get the same waitress. Usually the place is slammed so I kind of understand her frankness and poor service skills. But the last time I was here, it was a little slow and she still had these issues. Don't worry she's not terrible enough to throw of your experience but she still shouldn't be working here. Another issue that's sort of a positive... don't come here on a Friday or Saturday evening and expect to get seated within 30 minutes. Overall this is the best place to get German food around here and the amount of food you get for the price makes it a great deal!
(4)
Heidi K.

Seeing as how I won't be visiting family in Stuttgart anytime soon, this place is as close as I'll come to to getting my fix for delicious German fare. I've been here many times in the past and I'm surprised it has taken me this long to get around to my review. I love the interior: dark, big cozy booths, and tons of beer steins adorn shelves near the ceiling. The Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are amazing. Maybe I'm a bit biased as M won't allow me to make them at home (rightfully so, I suppose) but also because he doesn't like them. So whenever I have a chance to get my cabbage roll fix, I do it. Potato Pancakes- delicious. You get four, with sides of applesauce and sour cream. The 'kraut is fab, of course. Then again, I haven't met a sauerkraut that I didn't like.... except the store bought stuff that comes in a bag. I won't go there. Sauerbraten- yes, yes, YES. Served with spÃ¤tzle, you can't go wrong (though I prefer my own homemade spÃ¤tzle... BL's are more doughy, whereas mine are a bit more cooked). Chicken Paprikash- the hubs always gets this. ALWAYS. While damn good with the dumplings, it's no where near as good as his momma's. Liver Dumpling soup - probably the only dish this German girl doesn't care for. It's M's favorite though and he always looks forward to getting it with his entree. Great ambiance, substantial beer list, friendly and knowledgable waitstaff, and the food is usually brought out in a timely manner. No complaints there. Minus one star for always, ALWAYS being seated by obnoxious young children and parents that don't parent. Oh and for the parking lot being on the small side and sometimes it can be difficult to find parking.
(4)
Rhonda R.

The selection of beers will bring you in, the food will keep you coming. The portions are large and the menu is authentic German food - this coming from a German herself! My husband loved the Bratwurst - they serve you two brats, potatoes and a choice of another side. We'll be back!
(5)
Brande O.

I was SO excited to try out the Bavarian Lodge. I had driven past this place a hundred times, always saying that I wanted to try it out. My family emigrated from Germany originally, and I had never eaten at a truly authentic German restaurant before. So, it actually ended up being my choice for a birthday meetup with my friends. And I was SO disappointed with the experience. I ordered the Pierogi Pomodoro, which was probably a bad move on my part. The description sounded like cheese ravioli (which I LOVE, but probably should not order outside of an Italian restaurant, ugh). What I got tasted almost exactly like the microwaved Stouffer's Lean Cuisine cheese ravioli. Sauce, texture, everything - so much so that I actually wondered to my spouse if that was what was going on back in the kitchen. I did complain about the food and they offered to replace it, so kudos for that (though by that time, my friends were done eating). I know that others rave about the beer available here, which is not something that I'm into, but it sounds like that is a pretty legitimate area where they excel. The meals though...well, let's just say to stay away from the Pierogi Pomodoro! What a letdown.
(2)
Laura M.

I travel to this area a lot for work, and I always make it a point to come visit here whenever I am in town. I even get sad when I'm only in town for a Monday and Tuesday because then, I can't go to this place. Their beer list is insane. I came in yesterday and had Founders Smoked Porter, which was limited released last February. LAST FEBRUARY. I rushed my butt over there to get my hands on a glass and it was just as delicious as I remembered. Their food also is great. I'm German, and my family comes from southern Germany, so I'm very familiar with these foods. Their pretzel basket is ON POINT and their cheese spread is love. I also love the goulash. Also, after a certain time, they close the kitchen so the bar only serves wurst plattes and pretzel baskets. At first, me and my coworker were upset, but then once I had the wurst I was hooked. It's damn delicious. Also, every time I come in, the bartenders are always so helpful and nice. They know their shit about beer and they're very humble about it. I honestly wish they had this place in New Jersey. Highly recommend you go there asap and get a beer. You won't be disappointed.
(5)
Lindsay B.

Wow! Review number 300 for me, and a well loved location to get to write about. My husband and I had a delicious appetizer filled meal at The Bavarian Lodge on a Friday evening. When we arrived the place was packed and we were told it would be a 30 minute wait (they do not take reservations). However, the wait ended up being only 10 minutes- bonus. The only small blip in our evening was that it took over 10 minutes before a server arrived- but once he appeared everything went perfectly from that moment forward. I started with a Cranberry cider (fantastic) which I had never heard of or tried before- I will be on the lookout for it now in the future. My husband and I split the scotch egg and wurst appetizers- both of which were enjoyable (we slightly preferred the wurst if you are just picking one). He had the quarter duck entree, and I had the cheese soup and duck confit appetizer as my dinner. We both loved our "entrees" and would definitely enjoy trying other items on the menu in the future. I ended my meal with a warm glass of their mulled wine which was definitely a highlight of my meal. The server was kind and friendly, atmosphere was busy and fun, and everything was clean in the restaurant. Hopefully we will be back sometime in the future- it was a very enjoyable meal.
(5)
Alex P.

I have been here twice now and I must say that the food has not lived up to the hype. Specifically, the meatloaf special was just so so, it was served lukewarm and appeared to have been sitting around from yesterday's leftovers. The schnitzel was just breaded and fried chicken or pork with a dipping sauce and a few sides nothing very spectacular. Maybe it has been just our food choices but based on the reviews we would have expected better fresher food. The beer selection is very good and the bar has always been busy which makes a good atmosphere. Our service again was just so so, seemed to be fairly robotic with a slight attitude of being are too busy to bother with us. Basically, Not welcoming.
(2)
Tracie D.

Wow. I kinda don't want to let the secret out but this place is amazing for beer! The sheer audacity of these regulars to casually order a Zombie Dust as if it were not the elusive-hard to find beer that it is! To top it off there are THREE handles for Three Floyd's!! On a Friday night here sits a full bar at 4:30 pm. (Good Friday) Peeps enjoying craft beers and various menu items (pretzel bread!). Service at the bar was great. My husband was in beer heaven and we will definitely go back to revisit our three favorite buddies (The Floyd's)! Follow them on twitter to see what they are tapping. Best part is we tried to go earlier in the week and the BL tweeted me to check their schedule (Closed M/T ) and saved us the trip out there. Nice job at the B Lodge!
(4)
Jarrett B.

Over priced and underwhelming. The potato pancakes, Maximilian, and Hungarian Goulash were all very bland and unremarkable. On the plus side, the beer selection was impressive. The wait staff seemed attentive too, if that's your thing. I wanted to like this place, but I just can't. A mediocre meal for two for $40 isn't something I can recommend.
(2)
Larysa K.

If I lived closer I would eat here every week. A good friend of mine insisted that I check this place out and I am so glad I did. I personally love a place with low lighting for it brings a sense of relaxation to the atmosphere and makes it more enjoyable. The host was extra friendly and very informative in regards to the menu. They had a very large selection of beer on tap from local to international brews which is a PLUS. As a vegetarian, they had great food options, everything tasted homemade. Definitely left this place satisfied.
(5)
Damon B.

Good food. I'm not much for German food, but it really wasn't bad. The service could've been better, but I blame the waiter. It was pretty busy and the wait was about 1/2 an hour. The schnitzel was tender and a pretty big portion. Wether your a fan of German food or not, I recommend you give it a try.
(4)
Danielle N.

I liked this place, but I just hate to say it didn't impress me and can't say I'd return. I really loved the decor and the setting of the restaurant. It was very clean and the waitress was courteous and pleasant. The food was overall good, but everything was just "eh." I would say if you are a beer enthusiant and really love authentic german food, this is the place for you.
(3)
mono b.

This has become the go to spot for my girlfriends and me to get together each month. They always have great service. Our medium sized party is able to get a table with ample seating for all our group no problem, without that awkwardness of being smushed up against the next table. The beer selection is outstanding and when we need recommendations, our waitstaff has always been spot on in picking good choices. I love the cheese curds here, crispy and addictive. My new favorite food item is the Black and Blue burger on a pretzel bun. Seasoned perfectly and really juicy. All in all we will keep coming back. Parking can be tricky so but if you wait til 7 or 8 it's a breeze.
(4)
Colin C.

Big fan of this place. You can't eat German every day but when you do check out this place. Very homey and nice with great servers and bartenders. They have a large menu with every German item you could want, plus other delicious Eastern European options like goulash. The beer battered fries were great, the different sausage options were also amazing, as were the schnitzels and other fried options. Prices weren't bad at all and most entrees came with delicious homemade soups. Many things arrive on perfectly cooked pretzel buns and all well flavored as well. Separate areas for the bar and dining areas and lots of space throughout. Parking can be tight but another building next door is allowed for overflow. Can't wait to go back and try more. Perfect in the Chicago winter.
(4)
Matt I.

Great food! Authentic! If I lived closer I'd eat here every week! Enjoy! You won't regret it. Oh... And the liver dumpling soup was delicious! Tender dumpling in BEEF BROTH. No idea what that other guy is talking about...
(5)
Derrick S.

The atmosphere and beer selection is fantastic. However, I have definitely had better German food. All in all, I would probably go back but only if it was someone else's choice because it wouldn't be mine.
(3)
Chad B.

Food is excellent as always The service continues to be horrendous. I have yet to go there where our server isn't rushed, rude, inattentive to the tables needs for basic eating (place settings, napkins) etc. Once customer service improves, we shall return. I do enjoy the food, but its not worth the hassle of a terrible wait-staff.
(3)
Susan V.

Really enjoyed it here. Warm, cozy and excellent beer selection. The liver dumpling soup was just ok but the weiner schnitzel and sauerkraut were fantastic.
(4)
A. N.

Had the hunter's Schnitzel and a cider. Schnitzel was amazing! Even the leftovers were good the next morning. I still dream about that cream sauce. Server recommended the pickled cabbage on the side, which was also excellent. Great atmosphere, huge menu, and delicious food.
(5)
Mary V.

Authentic German food and a beer menu that is reminiscent of Octoberfest! Arrive early for dinner cause the wait is long. But this will allow you time to sample the beer options on tap!
(5)
Ramone B.

So In my quest to explore German Food I headed off to the Bavarian Lodge with some friends to check it out. The place was packed!! People were everywhere so maybe the food was pretty good huh? I LOVED the inside of The Bavarian Lodge. It's like being inside of a big cozy cabin. Big booths, fireplace, the beer steins were cool as well. Our waitress was pretty awesome I should say. She made a couple beer recommendations for me- one being Red Stone. I really liked that beer. The taste was like a combination of beer and wine. Kinda strange, but in a good way! For starters I ordered the Duck Confit- I had seen this dish being prepared so many times on the food network that I was too excited to finally taste it. You don't even know how I love cooking shows! The Duck Confit was awesome. I will definitely order it again. The pastry was nice and flaky, and I could've reached across the table and slapped the sh*t out of all of my dining companions that evening! For dinner I went for the German sausage platter which had one bratwurst, a pork sausage called knackwurst, and a beef and pork sausage called Thuringer. My dinner also has a slice of meatloaf. I enjoyed ALL 3 of those sausages and my meatloaf. What really shocked me About myself is that I ate horseradish!? I've always had a disdain for it. The horseradish meshed well with all of my sausages! It was delish! The I also tried sauerkraut which I've also never liked. I never knew there was more than one kind. I hate the others I've tried, but this german sauerkraut was pretty dope! Now you know I tasted my friends food as well, and I will most definitely order the potato pancakes next time I'm in this B*tch. They were everything! I even tried schnitzel. Which was good, but I'm not so sure what the obsession is because it's just a fried piece of meat!? #NoTeaNoShade , but my friends have raved about schnitzel and I was bored with it. Did the Bavarian lodge have dessert!? I don't f*cking know, and now as I type this review I hate that I didn't inquire. That just gives me a reason to return! Which I will so gladly!! Until next time
(5)
Michelle M.

I can't believe how long I have lived in the area without going to the Bavarian Lodge. It is seriously awesome! To be honest, I probably never checked the place out because I didn't think there would be anything for me to eat. German food is not generally known for being vegetarian-friendly. A few weeks ago, I finally noticed that Bavarian Lodge has veggie options and my mind was blown. So my husband and I finally stopped in last Friday night and after a short wait, we sat down to enjoy some pretzels, beer and (for me) pierogi. (Next time, I swear I will try the veggie schnitzel.) The pretzel basket appetizer with mustard and cheese spread was delicious. And the BEER MENU!!! Their tap selection is huge and crazy. I got to have some 3 Floyds Zombie Dust, which is one of my very favorites. (I also had a Christmas beer by Southern Tier that was so so yummy.) My pierogi were very good and my husband enjoyed his massive triple schnitzel platter. My only suggestion to improve Bavarian Lodge would be to offer a veggie gravy for the cheese pierogi because while the pierogi with pomodoro sauce is interesting, I just think a more traditional gravy would be yummier (this is how they are served on the non-vegetarian section of the menu). (Seriously, just say the word and I will send you a really tasty (and simple) veggie gravy recipe.) But seriously I have no complaints and I will totally be back in the very near future for drinks, appetizers and/or dinner!
(5)
Sherwin C.

The Bavarian Lodge really has the most selection of alcoholic beverages of any restaurant I've ever been to - not just beers but wines and spirits as well. Good place to go if you're looking for some of the harder to find selections of the major breweries. I went here for lunch on a Saturday afternoon and it was not very busy. The service was quick, portion sizes were large, food temperature was hot, and prices were fair. This is what I tried. Alcohol: Zombie Dust and J.K.'s Scrumpy Orchard Gate Gold. Both served cold and tasted fresh. Liver dumpling soup: Nice flavorful broth, did not taste too salty Broccolli and cheddar soup: A bit thin in consistency but good flavor Pork wings: Very tender, good flavor - made from pork shank and does great with horseradish sauce: Almond Breaded Duck Tenders: Nice crunchy texture on the outside and tender on the inside, the duck could have been marinated more and the almond flavor wasn't very apparent but it was still enjoyable. Schweins Hax'n: Pork shank was cooked very tender with nice crispy skin on the outside. Cooked just right. Battered fries: Not too crispy but not very soft either -- nice strong potato flavor. Wiener Schnitzel: Excellent dish, very crunchy on the outside and very soft and flavorful meat on the inside. Hungarian Goulasch: Beef was tender and the onion and paprika were bold -- went well with the house made rolls. Apricot Kolacky: Nice puff pastry served warm with a fruit filling -- better than what you'll find in a supermarket. Amaretto bundt cake: Nice amaretto flavor, cream tasted fresh. Bundt cake itself was soft but still has a nice amount of density to it. Overall, good food but the real reason to come here is the alcohol selection.
(5)
Jin Joo L.

We went in for a late Saturday brunch. Ordered the Potato Pancakes, Scottish Eggs, Pork Ribs, and one of the Sausage entrees. Had a beer that paired great with the sausage. The main dining room is quite dark, I can't imagine how dark it gets in there at night. We prefer to sit near the window. Server was nice, the atmosphere was nice, waters were filled in a timely manner. We can't wait to come back to and try all the other yummy items on their extensive menu.
(4)
Meredith B.

I often avoid German food because I find it so heavy, but I'm glad I ignored that concern had dinner at Bavarian Lodge last week, because it was soooo good! Parking lot is tiny and we had to park down the street, but once we made it inside the atmosphere was relaxed and cozy. Quite busy on a Friday, but we didn't have to wait more than 10 minutes or so. Got a few beers while we were waiting - I got the Konig Ludwig Weiss which was great, but also came in an absolutely massive 22 oz glass! I had one beer in the time that others had two. They have a fantastic list of bottled and draft beers, worth the trip alone just for that. We started with the tasty German Potato Pancakes, I believe 4 come in an appetizer portion. Just like at Chanukah, they are served with apple sauce and sour cream on the side - yum! Go with the applesauce. They tasted just like the ones we make at home. The server directed me to the special paprikash - I was going to get the chicken paprikash, but there was a beef one on the specials menu and she said I had to go for it. Great suggestion! Tender, falling-apart beef in a rich, creamy sauce that went perfectly with spaetzle alongside. The portion was pretty huge, and I couldn't finish it, but not for lack of trying. If you're in the mood for a German meal and lots of great beer, you have come to the right place! Come hungry though - this food is delicious, but heavy!
(4)
Gary D.

The beer list is awesome as everyone mentions here. The wait on a Saturday night was long, they don't do reservations or call aheads but the wait was worth it. Come hungry because they give you a lot of food. We both got to-go boxes. We started with pretzel bread as an app... yum! Then the girlfriend had the pork, it was dry as others here have said. I had the German Sausage combo and they were very good. Great saukraut, German potatoes are what you'd expect at a German Restaurant, very tasty. The atmosphere felt like I was in Bavaria... and last but not least we had a great server, Suzan I think, and she was very personable and timely with her service! We each had a beer, the app and 2 entrÃ©es and the tab was less than $60. Don't come expecting to get in and out quickly but to make an experience out of it and you won't be disappointed!
(4)
Jeremy T.

How have I not reviewed this place??????? I love this place Things I don't Like about Bavarian Lodge: 1. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, what is up with that? 2. Some of the food is at best boring 3. Some of the servers are at best, ambivalent. What I like about the Bavarian Lodge? EVERYTHING ELSE!!!!! Their beer selection is FANTASTIC. One of the best in the country. If you are a beer nerd and are in the Chicago area, this is a MUST. The bottle list is very solid as well, but it is frequently hard to order off of, as there are so many beers on the tap list that are must try. As far as food goes, I love the chicken cordon bleu sandwich. The scotch eggs are pretty darn good as well.
(5)
Gina Z.

Amazing beer collection... Great wines as well I have never had a bad meal here I have had everything from soups, apps, burgers, fish and chips, combo dishes are great when you cannot chose or want to try German Faire. Service is always great, servers are so helpful and great and are very knowledgeable about the menu. On weekends it gets busy but it's never a huge wait.
(5)
Boon K.

I gave this place an extra star because they have an impressive draft beer selection and affordable. Food wise my favs... the potatoes pancake was really well season and had a great crisp. The wurst platter was a goods well with any of their beers. We order the Triple schnitzel and by the 2 tasting I was schnitzel out but my favorite was Trioler as was the least dry and very well season.
(4)
Anthony C.

The wife and I stopped by early on a weekend recently after seeing some very good reviews on Yelp. We have eaten at hundreds of German restaurants over the years throughout Chicago and the US - as well as Germany, Switzerland and Austria - so we were looking forward to trying another one in the Chicago area that we had never visited. The experience started out nice as the hostess seated us with a smile and warm welcome. The place is very nice - clean, cozy with a great ambiance - especially the bar area. However, as soon as our waiter showed up the night out started to turn. Although he wasn't unfriendly - he seemed to have no personality or interest in us or his job. We started with a couple of appetizers - the Scotch egg and the duck confit with goat cheese. Honestly neither had any flavor at all. Both were extremely bland and flavorless. I couldn't even taste the sausage on the Scotch egg. For soups we had a cup of the liver dumpling and the Austrian spaetzle. The liver dumpling was hard and rubbery and was in a chicken broth - not beef. I have never seen that before. My wife and I never salt any of our food at the table but we were fighting for the salt shaker on the table to impart some flavor into our food. For entrees I had the sauerbraten with spaetzle and red cabbage while my wife ordered the chicken paprikash with a side of rice pilaf. While my beef was tender, the gravy was bland and the sides of spaetzle and cabbage were inedible - right out of a bag or jar. The chicken breasts in the paprikash were also tender but the sauce on her dish was also bland and not appealing. No love or effort went into any of this food. The only silver lining in this otherwise unmemorable dinner was the beer selection - both on draft and in bottles. A very nice mix of European and US craft brews. I started with a Krombacher pils that was OK but served in a half-liter stein - don't like handles on my pilsner glassware. Went to the Warsteiner for the rest of the night that was served in a nice pilsner flute. My only complaint about the beer is the purported serving sizes on line and on their menu. They claim the Krombacher is served in a 22 oz glass - but it's actually a half-liter - which is 16.9 oz. Same with the Warsteiner which is listed as an 18 oz serving. This is served in a .4 liter glass which converts to 13.6 oz. Bottom line is the place is too far away to go just for the beer because there are much better German restaurants much closer with a better German / Austrian beer selection on tap - and I would not come back for the food. I am saddened by this because German restaurants in the area continue to close and I was really hoping for another one to patronize.
(2)
Megan R.

Fantastic beer selection. Cute interior decor. Love their cheese curds and cabbage rolls! Yum! Parking can be a little tricky on weekends... Word to the wise- they don't take reservations!
(5)
Melissa C.

Go for the beer, not the food! I recently went to Germany, loved the food there, and thought I would try this place since it had good reviews. I thought I went the safe route ordering the wiener schnitzel, but was wrong. It was very bad. Ordered spaetzle and red cabbage with it. The speatzle tasted like canned chicken broth - not the traditional cheesy dumpling like goodness. The red cabbage was good, very close to what I expected. The beers were very good. A great selection.
(2)
Danielle S.

Although I am mostly German, German food is not usually my favorite cuisine (insert disapproval from my ancestors here). However, Bavarian Lodge has some good eats! Our group shared the potato pancakes, duck confit and goat cheese kolachky, white cheddar cheese curds, and some sausage. I think I could have just had a meal that consisted of all of the appetizers! Everything was so good! If I had to pick, I would say the sausages were my favorite. They came with 2 sauces that were tasty. For my entree I had the Jager Huhnerschnitzel. Sounds crazy, but it's just chicken breasts with white wine mushroom cream sauce. Of everything on the menu, I don't know that I would order it again, but it wasn't bad. For someone who doesn't like German food, it was a nice change from sauerkraut. As with most German places, the beer list is amazing. I took a sip of a few and enjoyed the Solemn Oath Butterfly Flashmob myself. I would definitely order it again. Everything is reasonably priced, which always makes my wallet happy. The parking lot is small, but you can park on the side streets as well. Inside is dimly lit with plenty of seating. I thought the service was good - our waitress was very nice and attentive, the bus boys cleared the plates quickly, and our waitress even offered to split our bill. This is a good place to come for some beers and a filling meal!
(5)
Angela P.

Bavarian Lodge is so good, so much better than I was expecting! My friend Ericka A. planned a get-together here, and I'm so glad she introduced me to this place. I'm not a big fan of German or Polish food, but Bavarian Lodge's food is amazing. We shared a bunch of appetizers: potato pancakes, duck confit and goat cheese kolachky, white cheddar cheese curds, and some sausage. They were all very good, and my favorite was...all of them. I could've eaten a serving of the cheese curds on my own, and the dipping sauce was better than your typical ranch or marinara. For an entrÃ©e, I ordered the chicken cordon bleu sandwich. The chicken was pounded super thin and breaded, and it was so crunchy and juicy. Yes, I'm still talking about chicken, so relax. It was so delicious, served on a pretzel bun with ham and Swiss cheese. I added a little more spice to it with the Dijon mustard on the table. The sandwiches and burgers here are massive, I left stuffed! The beer list is incredible. I had the Steigl Grapefruit Radler, which was exactly how it sounds: A German beer with grapefruit soda. It sounds a little unusual, but it was very refreshing and the perfect summertime beer. It was better than Summer Shandy by leaps and bounds. I also had the Vandermill Ginger and Peach cider, which did not disappoint. The interior is dark and cozy. It's fairly quiet, as they discourage drunkards that just want to holler about nothing. Bavarian Lodge is a great place for families or friends that want to relax and have a good, hearty meal. The parking lot is tight, but there is parking available on the side streets. When we entered, there were still many empty tables and no wait time, so don't be discouraged if you encounter a full parking lot and a grumbling tummy!
(5)
Karen M.

Wow, has the beer selection at this place improved! We've been coming to The Bavarian Lodge for years now whenever we're in the area because there's not a whole lot of places you can find authentic German food in the western suburbs. Back in the '80s, their beer list was mostly standard German stuff like Warsteiner. We stopped in here again yesterday and found out The Bavarian Lodge is all up-to-date with an extensive selection of 38 on-tap offerings, including some from several local craft breweries like Revolution, Solemn Oath, and Three Floyds. They also have over 150 bottled brews from German breweries we've never heard of, although good old Warsteiner still makes an appearance. We started out with a Kloster Andechs Weissbier Dunkel, a dark wheat beer with fruity undertones, on the recommendation of a beer aficionado named Dave who was seated at the bar. (Tip: Beer nerds who really know their stuff usually sit right at the bar.) The 22-oz. steins lasted us all through the wait for our table and half-way through our sausage platter dinner, and the brew itself was light and refreshing enough to drink all day. We finished up with a limited-time-only Revolution Bean Gene, which is Revolution's chocolatey Eugene Porter that has been aged in Woodford Reserve bourbon whiskey barrels for 8 months with dark roast espresso beans (hence the name). As for the restaurant itself, it's small, cozy, casual, and usually packed because they don't take reservations, so get here early. (The beer list is interesting enough to keep you occupied while you wait.) I would also leave small children at home with a sitter. Not that they can't accommodate kids if you bring them, but since it's a pub, it's just more geared toward adults.
(5)
Stacey S.

I need start off by saying we have never had worse service at a restaurant. We were ignored not only at the bar but then again once we were seated. I stood at the bar waiting to place a beer order while we waited for our table, 5 minutes later without so much as a hello we finally were able to order our beers. Then we were seated. We sat for 15 minutes and again no hello, no one minute,.... Nothing. The tabels around us that were seated after us had servers and we sat ignored. Finally we asked a server walking by if we had some working or table. She says yes but she would take our drink order while we waited. Our server never showed up. The same server that took our drink order also finally took our dinner order. I will say the food was great but the service was so bad that we still will never go back. My husband talked to the manger and she said she was sorry and that never happens and never offered to compensate us for the horrible experience. Extremely disappointed!!!!!
(2)
Chris T.

Lot of bad reviews here lately, not sure why. We just went for the first time and sat at the bar to eat/drink. The beer selection was incredible. The beers we had were all served in the correct glasses - extra points for this. We had the wiener schnitzel, some sort of pork chop (can't remember the german name), and the sauerbraten. All with a variety of sides. Everything was delicious. We'll be coming back soon.
(5)
Kylie F.

I tried this place for the first time last night and really enjoyed it! We arrived and the hosts had us seated right away. Our server Lisy was very friendly and knowledgeable. She told us about some of the beers and we were very pleased with our selections. There is a huge beer menu and good looking wine/cocktail list as well. This was my first time having German food so I let my boyfriend order for me. I had the original schnitzel, it was very yummy! The mashed potatoes were plentiful and delicious. I selected chunky applesauce for my side and it was good, homemade and nice consistency. The only thing I wasn't thrilled with was the gravy, not very flavorful.. But the food was so good it didn't really need it anyways. My boyfriend had the wurst platter and was very pleased, huge serving and leftovers to bring home. He loved the spicy mustard sauce. For dessert we had the poppyseed almond strudel, it was interesting and good. Perfect size for sharing after a big meal. The atmosphere was nice, not too crowded and very cute decorations. A few times it got a bit loud but in a bar type place on a weekend that is to be expected. I was a bit surprised by the price, nearly $100 for 2 of us,but my boyfriend paid so I can't complain! I look forward to going back again to try more of their beers and food!
(4)
Mandy K.

Simply states... Amazing beer list, beyond delicious food, and decent prices for what you get... Huge portions and super good!
(5)
Caro T.

The food was okay, but the male blonde host with the long hair and beard should not be working in any industry where he is allowed to interact with people because he is just plain awful. This place gets busy. Our food was taking a long time, almost an hour, so we asked the host if this wait time was typical. He left to check. When he came back, instead of a "sorry for the wait, your food will be out soon", which we were okay with if that was the case, he instead told us very defensively that our food order was not taking an hour and even told us the time stamp of when we ordered drinks and said, "no, so it hasn't been over an hour". And then he left. We were flabbergasted. It was pretty much 50 minutes, which is still a long time and the guy was a total jerk! Honestly, we couldn't have cared less if the food was backed up as we were just sipping beers and talking. We were just checking to see if our food was ordered. We did not need a passive-aggressive and rude response to a very legitimate question. When we went up to complain to the manager, this unprofessional and poor excuse for an employee was slamming down menus and being huffy. Advice to the owner: fire this guy. He has a terrible attitude and is a poor representation of your warm and cozy restaurant. He just can't handle the pressure and shouldn't be working in customer service. Other than that, everything else was fine, but unfortunately, this experience has left a bad enough taste in our mouths to never return and to tell others to beware of the mediocre service and treatment.
(1)
Tim K.

We returned with four friends for dinner on a Saturday. We read their "Fine Print" which said they get really busy on weekends. We got there at 5:00. There were only two or three parking spaces left in their parking lot. Some of our party were late but we were seated within minutes of when they arrived. Everyone enjoyed their food except the ribs. They are boiled so SKIP THE RIBS. The mushroom and wild rice soup was just OK. The Scotch Egg was more of a novelty than it was good. The klotchky were very good. Our server (I didn't get her name) was a little cool at first but then warmed up and was quite delightful later on. When we left (around 7:00). The lobby was jammed with people. We got outside and there were more people waiting out there.
(4)
Kyle C.

Best German or any restaurant in the area. Homemade, handmade fresh food, can't go wrong with anything. Schnitzel variety platter is the way to go, forget about it!
(5)
Alixx C.

This place was nothing like I expected at all. To begin with it was a long wait which is promising because a crowded place means good food. Not in my case. I can't speak for the rest of my crew as they all seemed to genuinely enjoy their meals. I had the meatloaf and roasted pork. The pork was dry as a bone. Omg. It was so dry and cold! The meatloaf was cold as well. The only thing that tasted good were the potatoes. I sent the meal back after one small bite of the pork and one small bits of the meatloaf. Waitress took it back and took it off the bill. Speaking of the waitress we were there at the table for about two hours and I got one refil. My soda sat empty for almost the entire time. I could not believe it. I was pretty pissed about that too. I wouldn't go back.
(1)
Tiffany S.

Great local spot with authentic and unique dishes!
(4)
Michelle-Julia G.

I liked this place a lot I can see why it's always busy, we went at 7 and waited to be seated 30 mins (not bad) we sat and were greeted by our server Zach, he was awesome, very nice, attentive and funny! Best kinds of qualities in a server. We ordered drinks, no wait at all in those, then appetizers, I got the Duck Confit with goat cheese and it was really good, my only critique is that I thought it was just a little bland, I would of done something with a little duck fat to really bring it out a bit or simply just seasoned a little bit more, but I still enjoyed it. The rest of the table got the pretzels and they all seemed to enjoy them. Then our entrees soups and salads came out, and after we finished our entrees shortly followed, something so simple and very much appreciated is when things all come out at the right time and they nailed it. (You'd be surprised how many places botch that simple task) I got the beef strogenoff it was very tasty! The rest fibre table got Wienerschnitzel in roast pork and there was no plate clean that evening! (Although I filled up rather fast and had to take about half home lol) so very pleased over all, it was a little loud but personally, if your going to complain about noise then stay home, soo that being said, by me saying it was a little loud was for those who like to complain about something as dumb as that. Ambiance was obviously German focused, place was very clean and bus boys were on point. Good experience, I'm sure I'll be back, and asking for Zach!
(4)
Stephanie G.

I don't think we'll be coming back here again. Their Weinershnitzel is made of pork, not veal. Weinershnitzel is veal not pork. Call it what it is, breaded pork tenderloin. I was very disappointed because we made the drive out there expecting actual Weinershnitzel. We also had the meat loaf, which neither of us enjoyed at all. Overall our meal was just ok. Prices were steep as well. Next time we want good food we'll make the extra long drive to Riverside Family Restaurant in Riverside. They've got amazing food, real Weinershnitzel and much better prices. Their meals also include desert!
(3)
Kevin K.

Always worth the wait! They have some Great Beer's to try.. Our family loves the leftovers the next day.
(5)
Lisa D.

Oh wow. I'm a Bohemian girl and was raised on this kind of food. Sorry Mom but the Bavarian Lodge gravy and dumplings are better than yours. This was my first visit and I'll definitely be back. My husband and i started with the potato pancakes and pretzels. Both were delish. The pretzels are served with a herbed boursin cheese and were more like rolls than true preztzels, not heavy and not too salty. They nailed the potato pancakes, perfection. For mains, I had the chicken schnitzel and he had the goulash. Both were amazing. The beer selection is great, the pumpkin stout was so different and really complimented the meal. We finished with the poppy seed streusel. So good. The atmosphere was totally cozy and service was great. I love it here!
(5)
Kate S.

Amazing. A. May. Zing. First off, the Bavarian Lodge is a beer lover's DREAM. The beer menu is thicker than the food menu. There's something for everyone- even if you don't like beer, there's a big selection of cocktails, ciders and meads (!!). Both our meals were VERY filling, and we both took home enough leftovers for at least one more meal. Everything is homey, warm and comforting. Try the cabbage, too. You won't regret it. Our server Kyle was amazing, too. He was friendly, took my allergy issues seriously and made sure we were taken care of. Head's up- that thing on your plate that looks like bread isn't bread. It's a dumpling, which blew my little mind. Just go. Seriously, go.
(4)
Jason M.

Anything and everything German! Not American. Everything is imported and the food here is delicious! So many different types of German beer and I enjoy cider beer because when I eat here I don't want to be over filled after there large schnitzels they advertise here. I been here twice now and it will become a regular for me! There is no TV's in the bar lounge area which is made for large groups and friends but the restaurant area has a lot of German novelties and a warm homie feel to it!
(5)
Mario M.

I'm really confused why this place doesn't have 5 stars. The bar area which I usually stick to is very quaint , chill, and warm. The bar tenders are very familiar with all the beer they have and are not off put by novice questions. Their beer list is probably the best beer list I have ever seen in the suburbs. I'm really glad I listened to countless recommendations to go here. Their food is very well prepared and delicious. The vegetarian options are very formidable in regards to standing up to any regular menu item. I love everything about this place, where else can I go in the suburbs and get a bomber of Tart of Darkness and veggie schnitzel.
(5)
D Q.

Insanely overpriced for what it is: flavorless mush and deepfried slop. Service was awful -- and they weren't even busy. Parking is a challenge, even with half of the restaurant empty.
(1)
Philip M.

5-stars for beer and 2-stars for food. The beer selection is amazing and everything our group tried was amazing. I wish the same could be said for the food. Everything we tried was just ok and nothing to write home about. My advise is to leave your appetite at home and stick to the drinks!
(3)
Jason W.

What a treat. Wonderful food and beer selection was great. We were coming home from the Chicago Red Stars game and this was the perfect solution for a quick and tasty meal. We will be back.
(5)
Tom C.

Love it! Beer selection-love it! Atmosphere-love it! Food- really really like it, wish I loved, but l be back and try again!
(4)
Karl S.

2 beers, 2 plates of food (store bought dumplings, I suspect) and one shot: $56.00. Definitely not worth it! I'll pay for quality food. Just feels like I got duped here. Where do the five star reviews come from?!!? Yikes!
(1)
Maureen S.

Super cozy German restaurant. The food wasn't my jam, but the selection is nice. It's definitely American style German food, which okay, yeah, it's in Lisle. The real reason to come here is the super impressive beer list, which is not only in frequent rotation and wildly variant, but with prices so fair, it makes me want to come back just for drinks even though it's far from home. There are a lot of beers that can be hard to find on their list as well, at more than reasonably prices. Definitely worth visiting, if only as a bar.
(4)
William M.

This place is awsome for good German food and awsome beers I cant find at other places. It can get crowded on friday and other nights but if you have a reservation its well worth any crowd.
(4)
Joe R.

LOVE this place. The beer selection is tremendous and endless. The food is absolutely spectacular; the potato pancakes, the scotch eggs, and goulash, the duck. amazing. Lets not forget the schnitzel! Absolutely fantastic. I love the entire vibe. Coming from a German family, this was a little taste of the old land. Now, I have been here dozens and dozens of times. But my last visit, our server, Claire I believe, was atrocious. First of all, she smelt like cigarettes. Come on, you seriously can't wash your hands or spray perfume or do something?! Second, she gave us so much attitude, and would shoot us dirty looks if we asked for anything extra. She took her sweet time bringing us anything after we told her we were in somewhat of a rush. Absolutely terrible and I will not be going back anytime soon, sadly. Hopefully the Lodge can straighten this out. Will check back in a few months or so.
(3)
Grant P.

Meh. I could really go either way with this review, which is why I'm giving three stars, kind of right in the middle. We came here on a Saturday afternoon and there were almost no other patrons in the restaurant. The service we received was fine. Not stellar, and definitely not bad. We ordered a wurst appetizer, that was definitely wurst and not "worst." I can't even use a bad pun here. I also tried a scotch egg, and for as big of a deal as they make about these things on TV, you'd think it would be magical. It wasn't. It tasted exactly like what it was. A hard boiled egg coated in batter and fried. For my main dish I had the Hungarian Goulash which I didn't care for at all, but I didn't send it back because 1) I don't like doing that and 2) my wife was kind enough to trade me her potato dumplings. I didn't ask her to, and felt like a child afterwards, but they were definitely better than the goulash. Another friend didn't care for her dish either, but sent it back and got something else that she was equally unimpressed with. Would I go back? If asked. But I wouldn't pick it myself. The food is just unimpressive, and with a wealth of German and European restaurants scattered throughout Chicagoland, I will probably not end up venturing back here. Sorry, but it just wasn't that great.
(3)
Michal F.

I will sorely miss this place when I move. This is the type of restaurant that was made for me. Old world style, with the best beer & food. They have an ever rotating variety of beers, tons of taps and the clout to do cool brewery collaborations (Solemn Oath 1st year anniversary). Food: Hunter Schnitzel: Hearty slab of pounded breaded pork along with sautÃ©ed veggies. Good beer food. Hungarian Goulash: I've had this in Budapest where it's from and loved it but it was at least as good if not better here! I was impressed and enjoyed the slight paprika bite. Ambiance is another thing you can like about this place; they do a good job delivering the Bavarian in ambiance with steins and other German paraphernalia littering the walls.
(5)
Marc M.

Food is tremendous. Atmosphere great. Beer selection fabulous and service good. Just what you want from a place like this.
(4)
Rachael Z.

Oh my, how I love this place. While not a fan of German food (re: Schnitzel Platz review), I'm borderline four and five star for this place. Why? They have options! And the PORTIONS...my god. Don't eat all day if you plan to come here for dinner. All of their dinner sizes are extreme - worth sharing if you're on a pinch or aren't a leftover-eating lover. Good soup & salad, and you know what? They have BURGERS. It may seem silly ordering a burger at a German food specialty restaurant, but for those non-German food people such as myself, it's an awesome option. And these are no regular burgers: they are large and in charge and delicious. Appetizers range from your standard pretzel basket to duck wings - and I love this innovation at what could literally be a dry German place. I dig the attitude of the owners - time off and closing shop to allow time for family. I also dig the FAQ on the website: they don't dance around. It's blunt and to the point and I like that. The only two thing I do not dig: no reservations and lack of parking. While I realize they offer options for parking on their website, I always forget by the time I get out there, and find myself either long-hauling it or driving around in circles. And no reservations? I understand for a small business just starting out, but you've graduated, Bavarian Lodge. Accept them! Make a limit, if that will make it easier (say, six people). That's just my $.02.
(4)
Eric E.

Go for the beer, stay for the food. Met some buddies at the BL last night as we really enjoy their extensive beer selection. They have over 200 to choose from and rotate more than 300 on their in-house menu. Their beer menu changes daily and is always updated on their website: bavarian-lodge.com/beer If you're going to the BL to drink, I highly suggest researching the website beer menu beforehand, as the majority of their selections are on the rarer side. Ten stars being the highest, I tried the Olvisholt Brugghus Lava (6) Ace pear cider (10) Maine King Titus (9) and a sip of Mikkeller porter (8). For dinner I had the Matterhorn burger which is phenomenal. It comes with bacon, cheddar and a fried egg on a pretzel bun. If you like egg on your red meat..I highly advise this one. Their staff was accommodating and helpful.
(4)
Kathleen P.

Such an insider place, that you can't get inside. Arrived at 5:45 pm to throngs waiting to get in and a 45 minute wait. Had tickets to a show at 7:30, and to the staff's credit, told me not to wait, but, couldn't recommend any other place to get a meal in the area. Since we were not from the area, we weren't prepared for this. Although cordial, the staff was stressed out, and the place way too busy, crowded and just plain crazy. My recommendation would be to get in line at 5 pm.
(2)
David P.

Mediocre German food with a great beer selection. Not that German food is very exciting to begin with, but this place takes boring German food and keeps it dull. This place has your average sausages, cutlets, and meatloaf with some too sour kraut. I think the best item is their fries. Service is a little slow.
(2)
Corey C.

Love this place the food was excellent i would eat here again. If you like a nice little spot to eat at this is the place to go
(5)
Colette H.

Oil-Free Vegans: Stay Away! This is a belated review, as we were there last fall. My husband and I went to The Bavarian Lodge with my brother, as he loves the food and we owed him a dinner. We are whole-food, plant-based, no-extracted-oil vegans now, and after our experience, we won't be back (extracted oils kill your endothelial cells, which can be bad if you have a heart condition). I requested that the chef cook the Veggie Schnitzel in the microwave or dry saute it in a pan -- not fry it in oil. I tried to work with the manager in order to get the schnitzel to partially meet our needs, but she refused to budge. She even called the owner and the owner stayed firm: no concessions. I was told that (1) it wasn't vegan, as the item had a little egg in it and (2) the entree would not turn out to their standards if it wasn't cooked in the usual manner. I told them that I wouldn't mind the bit of egg, and wouldn't mind if it didn't meet their usual high standards if not fried in oil. They absolutely would NOT give. The manager told me again that it wouldn't work because it had egg in it, and that the chef couldn't cook it differently because the quality would not be acceptable to THEM -- not me: they had no regard for what I said was OK for me. We ended up having boiled potatoes and vegetables with some sauerkraut, which was actually OK. But we won't be back with my brother, due to the restaurant's obstinate need to put appearances in front of a customer's reasonable request. Disclaimer: We usually call first and ask to talk to the chef to see if our needs can be accommodated ... and they usually are ... but my brother really wanted to eat there. I saw the veggie schnitzel on the menu on-line and thought we would be good to go.
(1)
Suzanne B.

Food's ok. You can't drink more than six glasses of wine. I got cut off at 6 and I didn't like it. But, they probably have problems with rowdy customers.
(2)
Rachel S.

Super delicious! As a vegetarian I was shocked they had such delicious options! I would have liked to see a few more traditional German cabbage salads/dishes. Service was excellent. The pretzel basket was delicious and the veggie schnitzel was excellent. The sauerkraut tasted a little too sweet for my preference.
(4)
Keith L.

THE BEST EUROPEAN RESTAURANT AROUND!!!!!!! The beer menu is vast and all the latest brews are brought in constantly. I love the food menu, a lot of different items to try every visit. Expect to feel stuffed from all the culinary delight! I would drive all the way here for just the beer menu alone!
(5)
Poppy D.

Bland, flavorless food and service was not the friendliest. A frozen tv dinner would taste better.Very disappointing. Will never go back and won't recommend to co-workers and friends. Food tastes and looks like its either processed, frozen, from a box or can. It's a shame because the place looks really nice and cozy. Everything we ate from appetizers to soups to entrees was flavorless. Too turned off to have dessert. To say the least it was not a pleasant experience.
(1)
John K.

The best beer selection in Illinois and great German Pub fare
(5)
Monica B.

Everything was excellent including the service. We went for lunch on Sunday so it wasn't real crowded either. We started with the wurst platter for an appetizer which was juicy cuts of sausage with two sauces to dip them in. My favorite was the bratwurst which I am going to order next time I go. My husband had the pierogis with a side of sauerkraut. He loves his sauerkraut sour and this one did not disappoint. I had the chicken schnitzel which was so good! Juicy tender and not greasy. I also appreciate that they fry in trans fat free oil! We had two deserts one bundt cake and raspberry kolacky which were warm. We loved everything and will be back for sure!
(5)
Greg E.

We have been coming here for over a year now. Have loved the food and loved all the beer selections. Where else can you get good German food in the west suburbs? Unfortunately, after tonight, we'll never be back. First, was with seating - wanted to sit in the bar area with the kids (under 16), and they wouldn't seat us - though they had many times in the past. No big deal, until added to... The fact we ordered a very bad beer. Waayyy to smoky - tasted like liquid smoke. Asked for a different beer. When the bill came, bad beer was still on there, asked about it - response was paraphrased, "you broke it you bought it". A draft beer at that. I asked for the manager, who repeated the message. I continued the conversation at the front desk, and was told how the description on the list said "unabashedly smoky" and I should've known better. Why would I try new beers then? Even though I have never returned one in the past? So, for $7, they lost $100 this month, $100 next month, $100 after that... I can't believe it came to that. With those customer skills, they won't be around in the future. Sad. I would post zero stars, but Yelp won't let me.
(1)
Quincy J.

While working in the area I was told to try a Zombie Dust which this place had on tap. So I dropped in and had a few types of good brew and a nicely roasted hock for dinner. Great experience!
(4)
Laura C.

Great beer list that's always being updated. Most of the food we've tried has been great. Large, hearty portions. Don't miss the cabbage rolls. Service can be a little slow. Don't plan on stopping here for a "quick bite". We waited a good 20 minutes for our check last night.
(4)
J G.

Generous helpings and good service, but a bit underwhelming in flavor. Hard to taste the pretzel though the salt. Breaded pork and chicken both tender, but difficult to tell apart. The beer selection is worth a trip!
(3)
Simon B.

This place is amazing for German food. The only downside it the hours they are open, but I guess that makes you want it more. German Brats are delicious, sour kraut and potatoes are great. I didn't think I would like the liver dumpling soup but it's great. The beer selection is among the best in Chicago and taps rotate regularly. My wife isn't a big beer or German food fan and she found things she liked. Everyone was very friendly and is willing to offer great beer and food suggestions.
(4)
JoLynn W.

The Bavarian Lodge has an extensive selection of beers, and their staff is helpful if you want drink recommendations. The food is pretty good, and it's a very cozy dining atmosphere. The only issue is parking. The lot is pretty small, and most people end up parking in the street. One time we had to park and walk from a few blocks away. I guess that's a testament to their food and service!
(3)
Jeff N.

Just ok tonight. Around 6 pm Maybe they were having a bad day? The parking issue has been solved by the addition of the lot of the business next door. My wife and I walked in holding the door for an elderly gentleman. There were three people behind the counter. One attended to the gentleman. Two stood and stared at us. I hate being in these awkward situations Where I want to say "HELLO!!!!" Can you see us? Are we invisible? We eventually got seated. Our server was very sweet and knowledgeable. The beer and wine list is spectacular. Our appetizer and food took forever. The server even said "can I bring your soup Out first sInce the potato pancakes are taking so long"? The nice rye bread we remembered is now replaced with sad previously frozen rolls. The food was ok but my wife swears her Stuffed cabbage rolls were from Gordon Food Service. That makes sense since the rolls were like the ones they sell there. The managers were walking around with drinks in their hands? Jeans and western style shirts is not a good look. Take a little pride in your place. Get in the kitchen and get the food out! The beer was good.
(2)
Laura P.

The food is out of this world. I've never seen such a huge selection of beer. And the atmosphere is great. I'll definitely be going back!
(4)
Benjamin R.

Really liked this place. Probably the longest and best beer list we've found in Chicagoland so far. We also got some kind of warm spiced wine that was delicious and just the thing on a cold day. Even my wife who doesn't like wine loved it. The atmosphere is great, very German-y. This is a place nearby that we'll bring people often. Food wise we both got different schnitzels, which were good but not great, the only thing keeping this from a 5 star. Service was great though. A place I'd like to come back to many times.
(4)
Robin G.

I can't believe I lived down the street from here and assumed it was a restaurant for little blue haired old ladies. I stumbled upon a listing for Bavarian Lodge while trying to locate a Three Floyds beer and found this gem! First and foremost, the beer selection is OUTSTANDING and the bartenders know their stuff (Tyler is da bomb). The German food is absolutely delicious...never disappointed (and I've tried a lot on the menu). I recommend a "combo" so you can try a bunch of stuff - and either share or be ready to take home leftovers. The crowd is very eclectic...from blue haired ladies to the pierced and tattooed variety. I absolutely LOVE this place.
(5)
Eric N.

Authentic as you can get with a true Bavarian Lodge feel. Excellent beer selection and the roasted duck is to die for. They don't take reservations, so be prepared for a 20/30 minute wait on the weekends.
(4)
Law Man L.

Getting a reservation here for Mother's Day isn't easy (have to wait for an email confirmation), but it's worth the effort. Good old-world comfort food (like her mom would make) that Mom doesn't have to cook or clean-up after. I love the Jaeger (Hunter's) Schnitzel and this time loved the Tiroler Schnitzel... with the Spaetzel! And all the great beers to wash it down! Plus if your mama has a more Bohemian taste, they do dumplings instead of spaetzel and cabbage instead of kraut.
(4)
Deanna D.

Beer lovers, you need to come to the Bavarian Lodge. 36 ever-changing beers on tap, hundreds in bottles (& cans). You'll find brews here you can only find (if at all) in a few other establishments in Chicagoland. There are plenty German beers of course, but also many Belgians, many local and domestic, and the rest of the beer-brewing world is well represented too. On our most recent visit I had Petrus Aged Pale (Belgium) a golden, sour Flanders ale which is rarely found on tap and Jolly Pumpkin IO Saison (MI) an oak-aged, slightly funky (in a good way), sour saison made with rose hips, rose petals, and hibiscus also on tap. Both were recommended by our server after I explained my fondness for sour and / or funky, Brett-y beers. Excellent choices. We had quite a good beer conversation with our server. I'd say the staff know a great deal about beer. We choose to sit in the Pub Room. It's a dark, wood filled room with bar height seating -- dark in a sheltering, cozy, comfortable way -- think a lodge by a fire on a snowy winter day. I find it a pleasant place to relax and talk. I give only four stars because I do not like the food. Though I love sausages and duck, I feel most dishes at the Bavarian Lodge are bland and overcooked. I usually order the duck anyway, but it is consistently dry. The red cabbage is done well; it's perfectly balanced between sweet and sour. The liver dumpling soup tastes to me as if the stock is restaurant supply soup base. I wish Bavarian Lodge would would take more culinary chances and expand the menu. We'd visit more often if they did and did it well.
(4)
Melanie C.

Are you looking for a great, hard to find on tap craft beer? Well this is your place. They have the best bet selection in town. You can find Zombie Dust almost any day on tap there. They also do special tapping and get cask conditioned beers in that really boost them to the top. The food is nothing to run from either. Now being vegetarian you say, what can you eat there. Veggie schnitzel of coarse. The veggie schnitzel dinner comes with a salad (I recommend the roasted red pepper dressing), 2 schnitzel patties, choice of potatoe, and a veggie. The steamed veggies are very disappointing. They are nothing but mush. They seem like a frozen stir fry mix that's been microwaved. They also load the table with a big basket of rolls and butter. You will not leave this place hungry or thirsty that's for sure. The biggest down fall of the Bavarian Lodge is the parking. I have almost never parked in their parking lot. It is quite large, but they are quite busy. Be prepared to walk from down the street. I have Sometimes parked 3 blocks away. It's worth the walk though. You will not be disappointed.
(4)
Ben S.

I found no "due respect" whatsoever in the restaurant's reply to my review. If anything, I now understand why the waitress behaved as poorly as she did towards our table. Lousy management ALWAYS leads to lousy staff. FWIW, I was not the first reviewer to call them out for providing poor service to a group...just the most recent. And yes, I have experience waiting tables and know lousy service when I see it.
(1)
Osiris V.

Bavarian Lodge is exactly what I was looking for when I think of German food. The place is a little dark but it's nice, their dining room is separate from the bar, which some people might enjoy. There is no place for rowdiness at this shindig, so keep that in mind. As a matter of fact, read the house rules before visiting. ;) Their beer selection is extensive and their food actually looked appealing to me. We both got some beers and started off with some potato pancakes which were delicious. They came with a side of sour cream and apple sauce. I joked about forgetting my hot sauce at home, but low and behold, Tabasco was available. LOL I got the German sausage platter which I loved since I've become a hardcore carnivore and my friend got the Bavarian Lodge meatloaf and enjoyed the schnitz out of it. ;) Their mustard and home made BBQ sauce completed the meals. Yum. Then we decided to get dessert even though we were super full. We got the Apple Strudel and both agreed that it would have been much better with some vanilla ice cream. That will in no way shape or form stop me from visiting this place again. Loved it!
(5)
Jourdan W.

Love this place! Super fun decor, tons of awesome beers on tap and amazing comfort food! Yummmm Also, the Jackelope.
(5)
Sam W.

Just had another wonderful dining experience at the Bavarian Lodge. I've been here couple times and service is always wonderful for me. The beer list could make your head spin. I always just tell the waiter/waitress what I'm looking for and their recommendation is always spot on. Schnitzel is great but I love their schwein haxe. Just like the one I had in Germany (except BL is larger). One of few places around Chicago that offers shanks. Serving time could be long, specially when they are busy and if you order something that takes time to prepare. I like my schwein haxe roasted and don't mind waiting. The waiter I had today kept me informed and made sure I know that he didn't forget my order. Love the place, always find excuse to stop by if I am near Lisle.
(4)
Jim S.

Stop by and ease your weltschmerz. This is my favorite place for great Germanic food. The sauerbraten and schnitzels are wundabar. Be sure to match with a brew from their extensive list of ales, lagers, stouts and porters for true gemÃ¼tlichkeit. Add the kraut and potato pancake. Yum
(4)
Amit T.

I'm pretty disappointed with the new management. I practically lived at this bar for the last 5 years and never had 1 bad thing to say about it. However lately as I came by I saw less and less of the friendly faces that have made me come to love this place. I always came to figure it was just people moving on, as they do in the food industry. But after my last few visits I'm starting to think it may be the new manager. Very confrontational and I've never once walked in and seen her smile. I used to walk into this place and always see a smile and know all the staff by name. For the last year it seems to be more scowls, maybe they hate regulars now? Anyways, I've gone from a weekly visit to barely monthly, and honestly after the last experience I doubt I'll be coming at all. I can't give it a 1 star, despite the absolute loss of the friendly atmosphere. The wait staff and bartenders are still amazing as ever, and the food and beer selection will always be great, unfortunately, it's just not the friendly environment that drew me to the lodge in the first place, which is unfortunate because as more places serve great beers and food, it was the service and friendly atmosphere here that really placed it above all else and now it's lost that. In it's place is a new website with out of focus pictures and a constant rotation of staff. Big time bummer, hope they can figure it out and shift gears quick.
(3)
C. J.

Can't comment on the food because we were never seated. Weirdly confrontational front house staff. Apparently the touchy attitudes are an ongoing issue based on comments here. I'm sure Alan T. has a great explanation for why he was rude, but I don't really care to hear it so I'll keep this vague and just say, there are plenty of other places to eat.
(1)
Dan O.

GOOD: Great beer selection. BAD: THE MANAGER YELLED AT OUR PARTY! She literally had a hissy fit in the middle of the bar area and yelled at members of our 10 person party. We finished our beers and left. I was completely appalled by her attitude/actions. I won't return.
(1)
Howard L.

In terms of the pub atmosphere and a place to drop in, relax, and have a few craft beers, I'm not sure it gets any better than this place, at least locally. The server we had was a pro and knew the extensive collection as well, and that's a bonus to boot anytime.
(5)
Tina P.

Delicious, wide variety of European food and drinks. Be sure to get there early on weekends because it fills up fast! I recommend the pork chops , sauerkraut, and the scotch egg appetizer! but literally everything we have had there is good.
(5)
Ethan A.

Ate here for my sisters birthday last year. Got the pork and chicken schnitzel. It was cooked perfectly and tasted wonderful. Not too many good German places in the area, so it was nice to have found this one. Ranges from 10-30 for an entree. Wide selection of beer/wine as well.
(4)
Nichole C.

3 stars for the food and 5 for the beer gives this lodge a solid 4... From the moment I saw the beer list, I really didn't even care what the food tasted like. I was in LOVE. There are not many places that have beer lists that make me jaw drop and drool, but this place does. The draft list is already uber impressive but add the bottles and specials and it's a horror to pick something. EVERYTHING is quality. There are local brews, imports, collabs, etc. I had a really hard time choosing but went with two new brews: Bitter & Twisted Zymatore (a Scottish Ale aged in Gin/Pinot Noir barrels) and the Three Floyd's/Mikkeler Boogoop (a barleywine). I probably should've stuck to my tried and true imperial stouts or IPAs, but when there's stuff like that on the menu, you've got to go for it. I wish I could've had more, but the ABVs on those two had me lit up pretty good. The food was pretty good, too. I mean, all German food is pretty plain. And ugly. I feel like BL does a great job making said plain and ugly food, but it's not what you go there for. I will say this, however: The schnitzel is great (awesome crunch and flavor), the sausage is smokey and good (again, nice crunchy casing), and the regular food (BBQ ribs, for instance) and sides (lots of taters and kraut) are okay. Overall, this is an amazing place for new and favorite brews, and has some decent munchies too.
(4)
Diane B.

Food = 3 stars, mediocre at best Beer menu = 5 stars, no complaints, absolutely extensive and delightful Service while dining/drinking = 5 stars Service at the host desk = 0 stars. No, negative 10 stars. Even as an Eastern Europeaner, who is very familiar with the flavors of the region, the food was very bland. Some of our party enjoyed portions of their meals, but no one had a remarkable dinner in its entirety. The schnitzel was decidedly the best among what was ordered. The beer list goes on and on. Definitely a great treat for a beer lover. Service while dining/drinking was great. Our server was thoughtful and kind with a great sense of humor which helped to ease the tension that the host desk created. Ah yes. The host desk. Never have I experienced a host desk that so visibly hated each of their guests that approached them and a host who snarled at anyone who asked to be seated or put on a wait list. The front of the house at this place needs a visit by Chef Robert Irvine along with some anger management courses and customer service training. A host should not be spending his shift checking social networking sites, I dont care if you're the front of the house manager, the owner, the host, Jesus re-incarnated... unacceptable. This was the most unwelcoming experience, even Ed Debevic's staff (whose M.O. is to be rude) is nicer!
(1)
Thomas C.

This rating is for the beer list and the atmosphere, because I did not order food. This place has about the most extensive beer list (tap, bottle and can) I have ever seen. Dozens of choices from every style category and from a huge range of brewers. The waitstaff really knows the beers well and can make very helpful and reliable suggestions. Interior is old world German, but not kitschy - really an attractive place to have a pint.
(5)
Colleen O.

Fantastic food. Service is fast and friendly. Server was very knowledgeable about beer menu and recommendations.
(5)
Abby K.

AH-Mazing! The food here is so good, anything that you can't pronounce, just order it, I promise you'll like it. All the schnitzel's I've tried are great; pork, chicken and vegetable. The vegetable was honestly a big surprise in the great taste, I think I might order the vegetable for myself next time I visit. The Bavarian Rouladen is so yummy too and tender and just plain good. The sides we ordered were perfect; the mashed potatoes, the slaw, the home made apple sauce. The one thing that i wouldn't order again are the Mini Pierogi's. They were bland and just not like you'd get a good 'ol Polish place. The beer is endless. There are pages of beers to choose from and the servers are knowledgeable to help you find something you'll enjoy. Don't be fooled by the packed parking lot, because when we pulled in we could barely find a spot to park, However, when we walked in, there were plenty of open tables. This is a gem of a place and I can't wait to go back!
(5)
Lindsay S.

This is absolutely one of my favorite restaurants. The food is fantastic. Want "real" or "authentic" cuisine? Then go to the country from which is originates. There's always going to be variation based on region. The point is, the food here is great, the plates and bathrooms are clean, the service is decent, and the beer selection is spectacular. Ohh.... oh, the beer. You can view Bavarian Lodge's beer list online. It's quite extensive, and the tap list is ever-changing. The servers are usually pretty knowledgeable about the beer (and the food) so if you don't know what you want they can guide your choice. Prices are pretty typical for this type of food, and you really get a decent portion. I always come away with leftovers!
(4)
Bobby C.

Bavarian lodge, you never cease to amaze me how good your beer list is and how utterly terrible your bartenders are. Arrogant, snobby, and clueless. After a long hiatus away from BL, I gave them another chance. Restaurant, 1 hour wait, bar 3 deep and making money hand over fist. The woman ordered a beer THAT WAS RECOMMENDED BY THE BARTENDER and after a sip didn't like it. The response? "Oh, sorry we don't have a beer exchange program here..." WTF??? You recommended a beer and you won't comp that beer? Terrible customer service...as usual. I can only pray better beer bars open soon.
(1)
Heather M.

This place was amazing! We took a long weekend trip in the Lisle area, and found this gem on Yelp! and decided to try it. We were so glad we did. First, the parking lot is oddly shaped - but there was plenty of parking open when we got there. When you walk into the restaurant, it's like a classic family restaurant with dimmer lighting and lots of wood. We were seated right away, which was nice. I ordered the stuffed cabbage - I highly recommend it! It was very good, and the sauce wasn't too sweet which is a pet peeve of mine. My fiance got the sausage sampler I believe and he really enjoyed his. We had the pretzels for an app, which was both good and bad since they were so filling! We order kolacky for dessert and even those were good. Our server was nice, he was a little hard of hearing so I felt like I needed to shout and everyone around me was watching as I ordered my food... Regardless, We are already planning to make the trip back down for my fiance's birthday soon. We would highly recommend this restaurant.
(5)
Ashley M.

My husband loves this place for the beer. We both agree the food is "eh." Went on Saturday night at 6:30 with another couple. Place was packed, as expected. Our waiter seemed annoyed with our presence from the beginning. Immeadiately after we sat down, he asked if we were ready to order. No, I wasn't ready, I hadn't even opened the menu. You could tell his main interest was turning the table as fast as he could. In total, we order an app, four beers and four dinners, so a pretty standard order. As soon as he set the check down he started pacing back and forth in front of his tables, waiting to see if we had paid. The whole time, my husband and our friend were still drinking their beers, which were at least half full. We got his hint and paid the bill. Five minutes later the guys finished their beers and he picked up their glasses and the bill (with his tip in it of course) and said "keep in mind we have a long wait." Yes, we were basically 'kicked out' of the restaurant. When we left there was NO ONE standing in the lobby waiting to be seated. We were at our table less than 2 hours and eating/drinking the entire time, not just lingering. Also, my water glass was only re-filled once. Customer service definitely leaves a lot to be desired. I won't be back.
(1)
Huma R.

I love this place! I sometimes stop in after a long day at work, or even after a nighttime gym run (I only run so I can justify the calories in beer, duh!), and no one minds that I'm usually by myself. I'm given a table or booth and allowed to sit there and read or do some work while I drink one or two of the many amazing beers they have on tap. I can't pronounce a single one of them correctly, but that's where Kyle comes in: he's super friendly and knowledgeable and makes great recommendations. This is one of my favorite little spots when I'm in the mood for a great beer.
(5)
Yvonne M.

I live close to this restaurant and have tried it a few times. I don't like it at all! The only good part about it is the beer selection. The food, however, is terrible. I don't understand why this restaurant has so many good reviews. The food is really quite bad. Won't be back.
(1)
Carrie S.

Ich heisse Superfantastisch! Ich trinke Schampus mit Lachsfisch! All awesome Franz Ferdinand references aside, I went to the BL last night for the first time, and it was super dupes. I'd been intimidated for years...what if they judge me because I want to order Old Style? What if I say "weiner schnitzel" weird? Oh man, the anxiety! But all that anxiety was for naught. The staff was so nice and helpful that even if I did order a lame beer, I think they'd only judge me behind my back and NOT to my face! Only kidding. Here's the highlights though: Ambience: cozy and old (in a good way). There's wood panelling everywhere and even a deer head if you're into it. We sat in a quiet booth toward the back of the restaurant. Drinks: The drink list was totally nutz. I didn't drink alcohol that night (what is wrong with me!), but if I did, I'd have a hell of a time. A hell of a time. Babydaddy picked out a beer with the help of our server. Food: !!!!! So good. We split the Matterhorn burger, which was had bacon, fried egg, and cheddar on a pretzel bun along with the Hunter's schnitzel, which was the weiner schnitzel covered in this awesome mushroom sauce. We got it with dumplings and red cabbage. The red cabbage made us cough, but everything else was great. Super comfort food that warms your heart and stomach like a mother's love plus like, a heating pad. I left full and happy. Parking was crazy, but luckily I got a sweet illegal parking spot, so all was well. I mean SUPERFANTASTISCH!
(5)
Steve S.

After eating at another German restaurant in Kenosha to get the terrible taste out of my mouth, I realized how bad this food was. Truly sad to see a good restaurant go down hill. It went way down hill. If you like over salted bad German food, you found your place. Drink plenty before you eat. We ate there and here is the review. Having been going to the restaurant over the past 5 years. Food was excellent along with service. THINGS HAVE CHANGED DRASTICALLY! Service was terrible. Water served with no ice. Waited over an hour to get the food from the kitchen. Had to ask for the check after waiting for 30 minutes for it. Our waitress was from Florida. Maybe they do things differently down there. Flat out poor service. It was not busy. Bears were playing on a Thursday night. Food. The liver dumpling soup was over salted, tasteless garbage. We ordered 5 entrees including the Chicken Schnitzel- Tasted like a giant over salted chicken nugget, Veggie Schnitzel - Was the best out of the 5,Budapest Schnitzel- With enough sauce for a half piece not the whole meal , Jager Huhnerschnitzel -Terrible- no taste in the pasty white sauce. My daughter ordered a Thurgood sausage that looked and tasted like a Hillshire Farms Kielbasa. We did not have desert as my daughter and I made homemade SchwarzwÃ¤lder Kirschtorte, Black Forest Cake at home which was fantastic. We have eaten all theses items before and they were all excellent. I am not sure if they changed cooks or sold the place. It is pretty sad when they did have some of the best German food in Chicago. The other option is to have three to four beers off their excellent beer menu and then the poor quality food will not matter.
(1)
Brian G.

This place was SO good that I ended my three year hiatus from Yelp! I have my reasons why Yelp is pointless and that Elite is just a joke, but the Bavarian Lodge is not. After a night of old school arcade gaming in Brookfield we wandered back home and stopped at the Bavarian Lodge. It was late, around 10:00 pm on a Saturday. Starving - yes, but quickly found out the kitchen was closed. No worries, our server hooked us up with two Wurst Platter appetizers and two pretzel baskets then it was off to the beer races. Not only was our server exceptionally knowledgable on the brewers and beers, but he took care of three guys trying to find a reason to not got home yet. Beer flights? Why the $!?& not? Even though they don't offer them we were able to get five ounce samples (not free, duh) - NINE of them, as well as a few bottles of Doppelbock AND Zombie Dust. Holy mother freakin moly. We took over a table until close and tipped our awesome server for the great service and stories. He earned 30% just by being cool, attentive and cool (again). No idea who he was, but if the owner reads this - tall dude with short dark and curly hair working late shift on 9/14. Give that man a pat on the back. I've grown up on German and Bohemian food and remember going to a ton of authentic restaurants as a kid but have been dying to find one as an adult as all the places I went to as a kid are now corporate slime food slingers like TGI Fridays and other pre manufactured crap. Homemade kraut and dumplings as well as sausage is great, but sometimes you need it done right AND you need to expand your palate. The Bavarian Lodge easily exceeds my standards of "awesome". I'm a hard critic on German food growing up in a mostly German and Irish family. Keep it up; I will be back again and again and again. Oh btw, Yelp, eat it.
(5)
Grace N.

What a charming little surprise in the western 'burbs! I certainly felt like I was dining in a German relative's home...if I'd been German of course. But I've been to Germany several times and the warmth of the ambiance and the good cheer of their servers matched the "haus"es I've visited in Germany, and we all had a great time, noshing on good Germany fare and sampling from their HUGE beer list. The schnitzel and Thuringer were great, although I'd prefer a grainer texture in the bratwurst, and the sauerkraut was strangely sweet, rather than "sauer." But it's definitely worth loosening your belt and donning your leiderhosen for.
(4)
T Q.

Ahh... good old Bavarian Lodge. It's wonderful to go somewhere and know you're going to get consistent service EVERY time you go. We always sit at the bar, the Lodge is always packed, and we can generally grab two seats at the bar top. Tyler, the bartender, is a frickin rock star, she remembers us, our likes and dislikes (beer wise) and always asks us how we've been as though we've been old friends for years, even when we haven't been there in a few months. Its so comforting to go somewhere that treats you like a real person. I find their beer selection astonishing... so many bottles and drafts, it's heaven for a beer snob. They are so good at descriptions, both verbal and written, and of course Tyler will let you know if it's something you'd like. There's always a sour beer on, and every now and again, a smoked beer as well (diamond in the rough!) The pretzels are amazing!!! We always get an extra thing of cheese because, let's face it, we're fat kids, and its too good to say no to. The potato pancakes are some of the best i've had, and we do the dumplings. GET THE PORK WINGS! Tender, fall off the bone pork... I'm salivating right now :)Their sausages are awesome, the food is fantastic, and there is something for everyone. We have never had an issue with ANY of the food, or the service (But we always sit at the bar). Best place to go if you're looking for warmth and comfotrt. If you have kids or large groups, please read the FAQ on their website. Be aware they cater to adults, not children (which is actually pretty cool)
(5)
Karen G.

Best beer bar in Chicago area. Nothing more needs to be said.
(5)
Erika C.

The day after Christmas, Cooking cleaning wrapping, carnage complete, now what to eat? GERMAN FOOD, GERMAN FOOD, GERMAN FOOD AND BEER! Sung to jingle bells of course. This place was door to door packed, we scored a table for 2. Schnitzel on the fly and German potato deep fried goodness pancakes to die for. Moving on to a holiday brew on tap and the most reasonable Chimay bottles in a 6 county radius. Hunter schnitzel too much for us to even finish. The only disappointment, the microwaved apple strudel. We shall be back! Ooomp papa!
(4)
Dema A.

Beers. Great Food. Good Service. Amazing Setting. What more could you ask for? I have yet to try anything besides beers here considering their ridiculously awesome spirits and cocktails. (single malts are good priced) I have been hooked on the Hungarian Goulash for the past several weeks and we can usually find a seat on the bar side after 9. Everyone has great knowledge of all the beers and can recommend stellar beers to you.
(5)
Justin L.

I wish I could give this four stars, but I just didn't think the food met my expectations enough for it. The food, perhaps it's because I had just returned from Europe, but the food just didn't meet my expectations. The sauerkraut was a bit too wet and perhaps a bit too... acidic. The brats didn't seem to quite have a very good/tough grilled texture, etc... The drinks, perhaps the more redeeming factor in play. I love beer, and they have a great selection of beers. Try a different beer each night and you'll still have quite a bit of variety to make it through. Overall... perhaps for a rare food fix, but otherwise I'll be sticking to beers with buddies here.
(3)
Agnes L.

My husband and I have been here for the beer alone in the past, but now that we moved back to the area, we had to finally try the food. My rating is based on my typical math Yelp equation: five stars for beverages and three stars for food = four stars overall for The Bavarian Lodge. The buzz on the beer: The lodge's biggest selling point is the variety of craft brews on tap, specifically the ones from Europe. I went for the Belgians on special, and my favs were the De Dolle Stille Nacht and the Cuvee Angelique. The menu description referenced them as winter beers for the dark, malty, caramel and/or candied sugar notes. The Cuvee finished a bit dry but not hoppy, while the Stille Nacht was actually a bit sweet. The high ABVs on both (12 percent and 8.3 percent, respectively) made them all-around wins for me and the hubby. The goods on the grub: We split an app, bowl of soup and entree. Although all were quality products, there was a bit of a discrepancy we found in pricing/portioning. The app - The dough on the goat cheese and duck confit kolachky was incredibly light and flaky. I was impressed at the crispy exterior yet soft interior, and how it was not greasy. However, my husband and I agreed that the filling was a bit sparse. I expected a bit more ooze and creaminess from the cheese. Plus at around $10, it seemed overpriced for these three little pieces. The soup - After vacationing in Budapest this summer and having what the locals deemed as the best goulasch in town, we had to order it here to compare. This one had an extreme hit of paprika and was an ultra thick stew. Honestly, it was not quite like the one we had this summer but still filling with the beef and potatoes as well as flavorful from the generous amount of spices. And for about $7, it seemed more fairly priced considering how giant the crock was. The entree with our choice of sides- Our Hunter's Schnitzel came with bread rolls, a cup of the liver dumpling soup and bread dumplings. The rolls are handmade and came out warm, but I would have preferred the more traditionally Euro sliced bread. Meanwhile, the bread dumplings seemed more like super doughy sliced bread pieces - which helped sop up the excess creamy mushroom sauce from the meat. As for the meats, I absolutely adored these items in the entree. The liver dumpling was like a rich meatball in a broth, and the schnitzel had perfectly crisped breading on the outside of the pork that truly complemented the savory sauce. Now, this was a TON of food, so I didn't mind paying about $20 for this part of the meal. Suggestions for this spot: Totally worth a visit for the beer alone. The food is overall tasty and satisfying, especially on cold days. And I recommend splitting entrees with another person because the portions are huge. Just be sure to check that the place is open. We've actually come here more than once to find it closed either because of the off-hours or because there was a special holiday schedule. (Most of the time, only dinner service is available Wednesday through Sunday, with lunch on Sunday.) Once we finally are able to visit though, we stay for a while because it's definitely got the cozy lodge atmosphere with the deer heads and country wood accents along with comfy high-backed private booths.
(4)
Tuefel H.

I loved the food. The potions are huge. I have never been a fan of German food. However, I believe I will be eating it more often. The duck wings were amazing.
(4)
Derrick T.

To my dearest Bavarian Lodge... I owe you my deepest, sincerest apologies, which I hope you'll find it in your deliciously generous heart to accept and forgive. We've had three unforgettable nights of gastronomic pleasure together, and I've yet to even write you a proper review... but I promise you that I have not forgotten a single moment of these wonderful trists... The way you tease with warm buns and delicious pretzels to start... slowly dipping into the garlic and herb cheese spread... it has me waiting in anticipation for the main course. But no, you don't allow that to begin yet... Your soups of Liver Dumpling are easily the best I've ever had, and a smooth Goulasch being a equally enjoyable treat to continue the path of enlightenment. I wasn't sure that I could handle your German Sausage platter of Knockwurst, Bratwurst, and the most enjoyable Thuringer together... but you eased me into each German sausage slowly, and I found myself yearning for more. Your schnitzels are playfully crisp and perfect, and your roasted duck surprised even the cynic in me. My only disappointment resided with the saurbraten and the lack of size... but it's not always about size, as intensity (in flavor) can often create fond memories as well. It wasn't long into our first night that I realized how much your experience, knowledge, and vast selection of beers could amplify our experience together. With so many choices that were ever changing each time I came, I was overwhelmed with where to begin... but your gentle hand put me to rest and showed me the way towards what I was familiar with (stouts, ciders, heifweissens) before teaching me how to experiment with more. And finally, when we are done and believe I can handle no more... you end each of our experiences with a memorable sweet lingering taste in my mouth... with desserts like German chocolate cake and strudels. And I vow someday, I will take the leap to try my hand at your Kolacky. So, my dear Bavarian Lodge... forgive me for not speaking my feelings sooner... but know that my stomach stirs for you... and that I count the days before I can be wrapped in your embrace again. Verdict: Great food, great prices. Who knew a place like this could be in the burbs? Will continue to come back, and often!
(5)
Lindsey S.

My boyfriend and I kept talking about checking this place out, and we finally did a few nights ago. I wish we hadn't waited so long to do so! My boyfriend instantly fell in love with the beer menu, and I started in on the menu. What went from grabbing a couple appetizers turned into a really nice dinner for us. I've never had authentic German food, so I wasn't really sure what to expect. Everything was delicious. I did "pick 3" deal and got a schnitzel and 2 different sausages, while my boyfriend got one of the specials, the pig roast. Portions were nice sized, and everything was fresh and hot. Our only damper was a waitress that didn't give us much attention. She wasn't rude by any means but she also wasn't around much. We can't wait to go back again and try something else off the menu!
(5)
Eddie F.

Beer selection is excellent, as is the German food. Service was friendly and prompt, and I don't need to yell to the person across the table, so the noise level is good also. Just a great place, and I'll gladly make futures trips to this place from Northbrook.
(5)
Cristie F.

I've had a couple crappy German restaurant experiences lately so the bf decided it was time to put an end to this downward trend and take me to a place that had awesome German food. ((Actually, I think he really wanted to attend a special night where Solemn Oath was going to be on tap - but hey, I don't complain when he wants to take me out)) My first observation is that parking is an absolute disaster. The lot is super tiny which forces people to park on the streets. We parked nearly 2-3 blocks away (which is a lot for the 'burbs), but I had no complaints. I needed more than that in exercise after the fat kid dinner I consumed... On to the grub. I'm starting to learn that I just don't love German food like I use to. It tends to be super heavy on meat, carbs, and fats - which is everything my body hates. With that being said, Bavarian Lodge is definitely one of the best German restaurants in the Chicagoland area. We started with an order of Bavarian pretzels. They put every other Bavarian pretzel I've had to shame. Get them. Devour them. Love them. We also got a cup of the vegetarian spaetzle and cheddar ale soups. Both delish. For dinner we decided to split a 3 item combination platter. ((Major points for offering combo plates!!)) We went with the housemade veggie schnitzel, a knackwurst, and a wiener schnitzel. My favorite was the veggie schnitzel. I've had many types of veggie patties and this one was by far the best I've ever had. It reminded me somewhat of an egg roll ((I'm assuming due to the cabbage in it)). Ridiculously good. For our sides we had a bowl of spaetzle (which were perfect), some forgettable creamed spinach, and a bowl of kraut which the bf loves and I don't even want on my side of the table. We wrapped up dinner with a order of kolachky which were hands down the best I've had. Service was okay. Nothing spectacular. Prompt, and courteous - which is more than I can say for many places. The atmosphere and decor is straight out of a German lodge. (obvi). Beer steins, clocks, and German trinkets line the wood-paneled walls. There's 1.5 million (at least) beers on tap, and the sound and aroma of Germany fill the air. Overall - Solid 4 stars. For good German food, Bavarian Lodge is the only place for me.
(4)
Paul K.

Incredible selection of beers and possibly the best french fries I have ever had. The bratwurst was really good and the pretzel bun was simply awesome. Recommend this place highly if you love beer and sausage.
(4)
John S.

Came here after an exhausting Friday at work with a bud. The interior just transports you to Germany and miles away from suburbia. I saw they were tapping the cask of Cascade Dry-Hopped Cross of Gold soon after we sat down. That was a splendid choice. Nothing like being the first ones to get a glass from that. We conquered the Bavarian Pretzel Basket, Scotch Egg, and Duck Wings during our stay. The food is comforting like a warm blanket. I will never skip over a scotch egg ever again! Went through a few beers that I forgot to jot down. We ended it with a Vander Mill \ Element Collectives "The Loving Cup"......hibiscus goodness. Don't drive down Ogden and pass this place up. Stop in for a pint!
(5)
Bernice R.

*12/11/2012 - Correction, our server was named Andy G, not Greg, and he rocked! ERMAHGERD, THREE WORDS: SOUTHERN. TIER. MOKAH. To quote my drinking compadre, it's the "best non-seasonal, seasonal beer of winter 2012." Make sense? Well, with a beer that awesome, it really doesn't have to. Seriously, props to Server ANDY G for guiding me to this tasty tasty stout! :) No doubt, The B-Lodge, that's right- I've nick named it, has an extensive beer selection, ranging from local and global microbreweries to popular brand names. Sure, the list can be overwhelming, but don't worry! There's at least one drink you'll fancy... ahem, my suggestion. haha. Anyway, I wish I had the same glowing review for the food. I've been here once before and I had similar lacking experience. This time around, I tried the cheese perogies and the fried duck tenders. Eh, they didn't do it for me, but hey, maybe I could have ordered something more "Germany-esque" or one of their signature dishes. Next time I suppose! But back to the good! The service was great and very attentive! We were kinda in a rush to do a presentation, so Andy G was oh so prompt in getting us boxes and our check! Storybook ending: We made it to our final and rocked the presentation! So, Bavarian Lodge (B-Lodge), danke for the beer and awesome service! It was treat!
(4)
Brandy W.

Loved it. I literally just arrived back home from our dinner at the BL and was so impressed that I had to write about our experience immediately. First, a little background. We lived in Germany for 6 months, so we had our fair share of German cuisine. I think we're pretty good judges. I also took the advice of fellow yelpers and read the website before going. Seriously, read the FAQ page. It's just about hilarious. I could tell right then and there that Germans ran the place. I could also tell that authentic Germans ran the place judging on how infrequently they are open. Okay, so my mom is sitting next to me right now and telling me what to write. She's poetic: "It took me back to Wurtzburg Castle when we had the best kraut ever..." Anyway. Here's the deal. The sausage isn't exactly the Thuringer we were used to, but it was good enough. The potatoes of all kinds were good. We had boiled, mashed, German potato salad, and fries. Basically, we tried them all. The sausage was extremely large for the price of about $15. Awesome deal. We had two different beers: Spaten dunkel and another one... can't remember. Clearly I had the dunkel and it was awesome. They have INCREDIBLE beers and quite the selection. My mom had the goulash and we ordered an extra side of sauerkraut because NO ONE has been able to top what we had in Germany. While this still doesn't top what we're used to, it does taste about 85% close to what we love. Oh, and was it worth the $3 for it! I can't wait to go back and we're surely bringing more people to experience the goodness. They've been in business 24 years (according to their menu) and I asked the waiter if the owners were German. He said, "Uh, OH yeah"-- apparently the owner passed away but his son has taken over the throne. Even the waiter was German-- but not all of them are there. That was just a coincidence. Blah blah... I won't shut up, will I? Enjoy. You'll love the experience.
(5)
Mark P.

I have been here several times and will continue to go back. I am highly critical of many restaurants I go to so for me to like one, they really have to do a great job! Everything at Bavarian Lodge is delicious and authentic too. I went there with a friend from Germany once and she said her meal is exactly like she would have at home. My favorite is the meatloaf and chicken schnitzel. I usually get it with spaten but the mashed potatoes are delicious too. For an appetizer the potato pancakes are a must so don't forget that. Also the beer selection is tremendous and they serve real award winning beer there, not lots of the same and lame microbrews most places have which put more creativity into their names and labels then they do their beer. And for dessert my favorite is their carrot cake when they have it. Also the service is exceptional. The only bad thing is the parking. Since it's such a popular restaurant and only open 5 days a week, the parking lot gets pretty full so I recommend going their earlier if possible. Also make sure they are open before you go too. I drive by that restaurant a lot and it isn't unusual to see people tugging on the doors to get in on the days they are closed.
(5)
S S.

you can get the same food or better at any other German Place. Service is mediocre at best, but for $100 we could've had better dinner,service and drinks for two. The flavor was definitely missing. to recap one star is a gift since food wasn't good and service was slow, definitely overpriced and overrated. Poor atmosphere, bathrooms out of order and hostess lousy attitude definitely makes this A place not to ever visit again.
(1)
Elizabeth R.

Oh yum, yum, yum!! My husband and I have been saying for AT LEAST a year that we needed to try this place every time we drove by it on our way down Ogden. We finally tried it last night and it TOTALLY lived up to our expectations!! We were a little overwhelmed upon arrival because, not only was the parking lot full, cars were parked for at least half a mile down the road. We parked and walked back to the restaurant and were told the wait would be about 30 minutes...no problem!! We had never been to this restaurant before and were unsure of the location of the bar and were also uncertain about whether or not we could go in and get drinks while we waited. Had the host who took our names informed us of the bar situation it COULD have pushed this place to 5 stars. However, since he didn't say anything about it and said the wait was only 30 minutes, we decided we would just tough it out. WELL, the wait ended up being just over an hour....the other reason I gave this place 4 stars. Had we known up front the wait was going to be over an hour, we would have stayed, but then I DEFINITELY would have asked about the bar and getting some drinks. Once we were seated, it was LOUD. But, the beer, appetizer (onion straws), food (roast pork for my hubby and a knackwurst sandwich for me), and the dessert (creme brulee triple chocolate cheesecake...YUMMY!) were really good. The service was also great. Our server was polite and very patient with my husband (who is deaf in one ear) in that very loud room! We will be back again :)
(4)
Marty G.

The lodge does carry some rare, quality brews from time to time, which are most definitely worth drinking. It is tough to get to the place at a normal time since they have odd hours.. but if you really appreciate a good beer and want to check this place out, here's what you need to do: 1. First check the beermenus page (they are pretty good at keeping it up to date). 2. Then check the website (or call) for the hours. 3. Finally, come early or come late. The parking lot is small and the restaurant fills up fast, so go at opening if you can. SlÃ¡inte my brothers in beer!
(2)
Phil L.

Bavarian Lodge, when I think Germans, I think Beer Hall/Beer Garden. Whoa was I totally wrong when I came into this place. This is definitely more geared towards the family restaurant that happens to specialize in offering unique beers. The kitchen closed at 10:00 PM so we only had drinks, seems like a nice enough place and the drinks are fairly priced. Had I not eaten dinner before hand I would have made a go at the wursts.
(3)
Victoria J.

Went here yesterday with my family. Party of 8 adults, 3 children aged 2-10, and 2 infants. Showed up at 3:45 and were seated by 4:05, albeit at two separate tables. Host stand seemed pleasant and knowledgable. Waitress was very competent and seemed to be in control of her section. The boys were all impressed with the beer selection and the ladies enjoyed some craft cocktails (excellent Moscow Mule!). Here's the rub: the food was just ok. Duck confit and goat cheese kolatchky app was tasty but needed more stuffing...ratio of filling to pastry shell was off. Pretzel bread sticks were good but weirdly accompanied by a cream cheese/garlic/chives spread. Cheese curds were good, not really a German thing but good nonetheless. All burgers are apparently cooked medium well so my medium rare burger loving Mom was disappointed. Roasted duck entree was tasty but the spaetzle is awful. Bland, wet and flavorless. French fries are way better. Weiner schnitzel is decent an the Thuringer sausage was smoky and tasty. Brother in law had the meatloaf which was mediocre. Sister had a chicken cordon bleu sandwich that she enjoyed. I would go back to try the goulash, sit in the bar for drinks and a small bite.
(3)
Paula S.

I don't know what's happened in the past year but tonight we were very disappointed. We knew they get busy in the evenings so we went early and are glad we did because it's going to take a while to digest this cardboard stuff. Although plentiful, the quality of the food has definitely gone down. The dumplings are no better than what can be purchased at the Jewel, the spatzle are bland and watery, the schnitzels (had several types) look like they were pre-purchased and then dropped in a deep fryer -- the weiner schnitzel was so thin there was almost no meat between the breading. Finally, the only difference between the chicken soup and the dumpling soup were the noodles vs piece of liver (which was actually good); it tasted like the same broth! And the waiter -- commenting on what was ordered and with constant snarky remarks. Not worth the price. It's back to Schnitzel Platz for us.
(1)
John M.

Good and Bad, something was definitely off last night. Good: Selection of Beer. Atmosphere. Bad: If I wanted a hunk of braunschweiger in a cup of broth I could have saved my time and money and stayed home. The liver dumpling soup was atrocious last night. Not sure if the server, Melissa, was having a bad night or is ritualistically this bad at her job, but she needs to learn to prioritize. Delays, serving mis-management. Wrong food to wrong tables, in wrong order. I was taking my in-laws out for dinner, and I talked to the server privately at the beginning asking that the check not hit the table as I intended to pay for them. She was unsure. I offered that, if it was policy that she has to bring the check to the table, could she at least hand it to me when she does. This is pretty standard in any restaurant for people wanting to pay without having to be rude. She agreed and went on her way. At the end of the night, after not seeing her for close to 10 minutes after we were done and table was cleared, I went to go find her or a manager, only to come back and see my father in law trying to pay the bill that she had placed on the table while I was gone. My Schnitzel came to the table having obviously sat under the heat lamp for so long all the gravy on the top had dried and turned hard. Never in my life have I not been able to finish a plate of Schnitzel/spaetzle/ red cabbage. It was almost unpalatable. I asked Melissa if it had sat under heat lamp "or something", and if I could get a small dish of gravy to put on top to soften it up. She replied that she was sorry, but that happens sometimes. Also, no gravy. Had to ask again 5 minutes later when she finally came back. The stroganoff faced the same fate, except still maintained enough texture and taste to be delicious. You can always mix the crusty hard top parts in. Hard to truly mess up stroganoff I guess. Anyway, long story short. Very little accountability, but i've never had that much trouble here before. Here's hoping that Melissa was new, and that the chef has enough sense to teach her that a server is an extension of the chef, and by screwing up, she hurts more than herself.
(4)
Silvia F.

Clean ,friendly staff nice restaurant but the food was bland couldn't distinguish one flavor from another. Ordered a combination plate w 3 different types of protein all tasted alike :( unseasoned even mash potatoes
(3)
Jen K.

I cannot say one bad thing about this place...seriously. One of the best beer selections I have EVER seen. I know people say that the new "World Of Beer" nearby has a larger selection...which is true. But the difference is, you can always count on Bavarian Lodge to have options on brews that you cannot find just anywhere. There's always MANY unique and hard-to-find options there. I always blow a ton of money just trying new beers! Aside from beer...I've never had one bad meal there. It's great to go in the dead of winter though and order a hearty schnitzel platter. The food is heavy and flavorful...so probably not great for a hot day. We love going there on a snowy day for a platter covered in brown gravy with heaping sides of potato salad and kraut, with some great Bourbon County Stout. It's just pure heaven and it feels like you are in Europe. You get so much food, I always bring some home. I always leave feeling fat and happy. The only thing that could possibly make this place bad is if the service was bad...but I've always had good, prompt service.
(5)
Jeff B.

Liked it. Food was tasty. Service was good. Beer selection was large. It's a bit pricey, but we were a fan overall.
(4)
Diane M.

Ill start first with I shouldn't have to greet the hostess and ask to be seated. It was Sunday night, not too busy she saw us walk in just stood there. BUT moving on from that moment the food is delicous! Chicken schnitzel is Amazing always! Sauerkraut is THE BEST! Bread dumplings to die for! Waiter was friendly and quick to take the order. Beer menu is outstanding. Service A+ food A +++ hostess needs some work though. Definitely will be back! :)
(4)
Lulu C.

Beer was great! Being able to order small samplers was especially nice as we found one we really liked and one that was just, meh... Having lived in Germany for 3.5 years, I didn't have any high expectations for the food, but was pleasantly surprised with the appetizers. Realistically, one could make a meal out of beer and appetizers here. We went for entrees, but kind of regretted it because we were so full from the appetizers and because the entrees weren't near as good. We would definitely go back for beer and appetizers (specifically the cheddar ale soup, bavarian pretzels, sausage assortment and fried cheese curds). All in all, a great experience. And unlike the others who reported bad service, we had wonderful service. Our waitress was attentive and kept checking on us. Not to say bad service couldn't happen, just that we didn't experience it!
(4)
David N.

Everything we hoped for and more... Wait time was okay, only about 15 minutes, and server-to-table was a bit slow, but the place was jammed, and on a Saturday night I find it hard to knock a waiter who's obviously working their tail off. As everyone figured out, their beer menu is ridiculous. My suggestion, order the smaller 5 oz tasters. Their stiffer drinks will go a long way, and considering the massive amount of food you're likely to consume, you'll be able to try a few more than you would've if drinking from a12oz snifter or pint glass. Nothing is cheap here, so drink accordingly. Our food was great. Plenty of size, flavor, and lasting impressions. The pork and red meat conglomerate schnitzels were by far the best. The chicken schnitzel was slightly dry, but the damn thing was huge, had great flavor, and the perfect crunch. Paired with some bread dumplings and gravy, the dish was definitely Homer Simpson drool worthy. My wife's boiled ribs were top-notch too. Maybe a little different and not the BBQ she's used to, but they fell off the bone nicely, weren't too fatty, and the accompanying gravy, potatoes, and sauerkraut were superb. This place is definitely worth a few looks, just make sure to bring your wallet, and leave the kids at home. You shant be disappointed. PROST!!!
(5)
Jennifer G.

This restaurant has the best German food in town. I am literally obsessed with the appetizers. My favorites are the potato pancakes and pretzel bread. Yummy.....I am salivating as I type this. My main dish was the cajun mahi mahi. You would think that since this place is German that the cajun might be a little risky to order but that was not the case. Omg....it was absolutely delicious. Very light, healthy and just enough of the cajun flavor. I have been to the Bavarian Lodge several times before and have yet to be disappointed. I would also recommend the chicken schnitzel. And what's a German restaurant without plenty of beer? The beer is amazing. There is so much to choose from. So if you're in the mood for great German food and tasty beer this is the place to go!
(5)
Mei C.

Duck was overcooked to beyond dry jerky. Potatoes seem to be pre cooked packaged from Sysco Foods with butter and herbs tossed in. The liver soup was bouillon cube, water and a liver meatball. If you're into the pre-packaged Sysco Foods heated and tossed on a plate, this is the place for you. The borscht was overly tomatoes with either butter or cream in the bouillon vegetable broth.
(1)
julie q.

We were in Lisle for the evening and needed a good place to eat. Bavarian Lodge was the only thing that was close and looked promising. I'm saying this place is "A-OK" for the burbs. In the city, I'd give it one star. Beer List - Pretty good beer list I have to say. I'd come back for the beer list...but they only do flights of their featured brewery which happened to be American... Pretzel appetizer - Pretty decent...Odd that it came w/cream cheese. Mustard would have been more appropriate? Food - Schweins Haxe - Hapy to see it on the menu, but so dissapointed with the actual flavor. We had this at Oktoberfest, in Munich. So I guess we're spoiled a bit, but c'mon!!! Season this hunk of meat and slow roast it till it drips!! Sooo dissapointing. Spaetzle was rubbery and had no flavor. Waste of calories. Meatloaf - good but my grandma's is better Boiled potatoes - again, no flavor. Sauerkraut?? Sorry excuse. It was mushy. I've never eaten mushy sauerkraut till now. Veggie Schnitzel. Now...this should not even exist. But becuase it does and was on the menu I decided to give it a whirl. It tasted like a fried zucchinni stick with a pizza puff after flavor. Liver Dumpling soup - They got this in the bag. So good. Would I go here again? No. Do you get a lot of food for your $$? Very much so. Is it decent? Sure. Is the food good? Not really.
(3)
Jess B.

I took my fiance here for his 30th birthday to enjoy a nice dinner. I picked this place because it was widely reviewed and was also recommended by a couple of our friends who are regulars. We had a really great time, and I think it's fair to post a detailed review for those of you out there who are thinking of coming here (either to enjoy a nice relaxing meal or celebrate a special occasion). Parking is a bit limited - we went on a Saturday night at prime time (7:30pm). However, once parked, we could immediately smell the delicious cooking the minute we got out of the car. Once inside, the amazing smell of fresh baked bread and cooking quickly filled my senses. What great way to start off your experience at a restaurant. We only waited about 15 minutes, which was definitely shorter than I expected for the time we got here. The host was very friendly and I liked his Lagunitas IPA shirt (one of my favorite beers). Once seated, we were greeted by our waiter - Andy - and we each ordered an Allagash White and the potato pancakes appetizer. the beer list is fantastic both for draft and bottles. They do a good job of representing some of the smaller breweries in the area, specifically Solemn Oath who we love. But back to the food... We got our appetizer, and the potato pancakes were nice and crisp, had a great blend of herbs, and came with both a sour cream-type and apple dipping sauces (which were nice to blend together) - It was delicious. For dinner, he ordered the fish and chips and I ordered the veggie schnitzel sandwich. We were both extremely satisfied with our meals. Being a vegetarian, I thought this restaurant would pose a challenge to eat at (being a German restaurant and all...), but I was in fact very pleased with how they prepared my veggie dish. Most restaurants will put a couple vegetarian options on the menu just to appease us veggie folks, then half-ass making them, but that's kind of the price you pay for being in the dietary minority of this country, so you deal with it and move on. However, at The Bavarian Lodge, they not only had some great vegetarian options, but most importantly you can tell that no matter what type of dish they prepare, they do so with passion and care - that it's important for them to make everyone happy. That made my experience here even better. My veggie schnitzel had great flavor and the pretzel bread it came on was moist and fresh. Like, straight out of the oven fresh. Our waiter suggested I order the sandwich with swiss cheese, which was a great recommendation (it really enhanced the flavor). I always appreciate getting a waiter who makes little suggestions like that. Going into a bit more detail about our waiter, he was very attentive, friendly, and experienced. You could tell the restaurant was crazy busy and I'm sure he had to wait on several tables, but he showed no sign of being frazzled or stressed. He was great about refilling our beverages and didn't just hand us the check at the end (he asked if we wanted to stay and have a few more beers or food... I love when you don't feel rushed to leave so they can clear your table). If we come back, I hope to get the same waiter. We were very pleased with our experience and will definitely go back - It was a great way to celebrate a special day! Thanks for a great time, Bavarian Lodge.
(5)
Andy S.

Without a doubt the best and most authentic German restaurant in the midwest!
(5)
G B.

Wife claimed this to be my non tropical happy place. The beer selection and food is great.
(5)
Erik H.

Oh, you mean the best restaurant with the best beer selection south of 88? And we should rename Lisle to "The place with The Bavarian Lodge"? Yes. What I'm trying to say is that The Bavarian Lodge has an enormous and constantly updating draft list that includes an abundance of German and Belgian beers, Three Floyds beers and, lately, at least one thing from local Naperville brewery Solemn Oath. The Bavarian Lodge is, in fact, one of the only places in Illinois to have a consistent supply of Zombie Dust, which is amazing right there. I've tried so many crazy, hard to find, amazing beers here. Not to mention their poster of bottled beers they have available. The food, often overshadowed by the brews, is worth the trip as well. Think all kinds of sausages and schnitzels that can get very specific plus neat things like goulash, Scottish eggs and hey, half a duck. Plus the bread basket is full of hearty German breads like pumpernickel and rye. The sides can be less inspiring - the bread dumplings are just bread with gravy (?) and the creamed spinach was not good at all, but overall they are hits more than misses. A special shout-out for the burgers here too. They are consistently huge and delicious and the Black Forest burger, covered in ham, is a revelation. I only wish they would cook them rawer than medium. My point is, The Bavarian Lodge is near perfect.
(5)
Steve S.

Might be the best German restaurant I've been to. Enormous beer selection, homemade sausage. What more could would one want?
(5)
Matthew W.

My wife and I went Saturday night and was just fine with the cram packed place. We made our way to the bar and quickly selected the perfect draft. The AMAZINGLY HUGE beer offering was so much fun to see. Our server Pasquel was one of the smartest and best in a very long time. Dinner was great and the atmosphere was really really fun. In full disclosure, I visited The Bavarian Lodge because they are a new customer featuring Whiteford's Bloody Mary Mix. I have been there many times and this made it a simple reason to return. I forgot how much I enjoyed the place and will certainly return more often.
(4)
Brian Z.

How did we not find this place before? At the recommendation of a german colleague of mine (can't get better than that), my wife and I drove down to Lisle to give the Bavarian Lodge a try. After a warm greeting at the door, we got settled in a booth. The ambience was very German (go figure) and exactly what we expected. The beer menu, however, was so much more than my (high) expectations. Oh my. Unfortunately I had to drive home, so I decided to re-live my visit to Munich last September and have a draft Paulaner Pils. Mmm... tasty. But after reading through the rest of the menu, I made a mental note to have SOMEONE ELSE drive me next time so I can sample more! The menu is extensive. So many schnitzels to choose from! My wife had the chicken but was thrilled to see that they had two kinds of vegetarian schnitzel as well! We had side salads (very fresh), an assortment of rolls (the dark rolls were very fragrant and tasty), and steamed veggies (perfect). I had a chicken dish with mushroom sauce (can't remember the name) that was quite good. The side of spatzle was delicious, too. Tasted just like what I had in the Black Forest! For dessert, we shared an apple strudel. It was tasty, but we were disappointed that it didn't come with ice cream (I thought that was standard). Would have also liked to get a slice of Black Forest cake, but it wasn't on the menu. Anyways, the food was great, beer was fantastic, and I'm already looking-forward to our next trip. When I won't be driving.
(4)
Ray K.

Love this place! What an amazing beer menu! Gotta love the schnitzel! My wife and I went here for a night out a little while back. We really enjoyed our food, we took part in a few random brews and went along our merry way. Our server was kind of an idiot and disappeared for long periods of time. I'm not going to ding them on this cause I could readily see that the other servers were doing a great job.
(5)
Michael J.

The food here is great and the service is very good and the owners are great people. Great atmosphere and the owners are dedicated to a very clean restaurant including the kitchen. Not sure what some of these other reviewers have been smoking but this is one of the best restaurants in the area.
(5)
Tom S.

It's a beer place. If you want German food...go to Chicago's capital of Germany which is Lincoln Square. I lived there for years, and I NEVER found a beer selection like the lodge. Thank you Bavarian Lodge for bringing out the best beers in the U.S. and around the globe. Fuck you very much for bringing bus loads of old folks, tool boxes who think good beer is fun cuz it gets ya drunk fast, and other beer snobs like me, who have an amazing sense of self-entitlement. Yep, I admit it. I like good beer. I know what makes a bad beer, and I don't drive my drunk ass home. I take a CAB if I have more than 2 beers in an hour. Learn this suburban peoples. Don't kill me! I have a kid to raise.
(5)
Joshua P.

The best beer selection around! I've enjoyed every meal that I've had at Bavarian Lodge. Portions are generous, and prices are very reasonable. Bavarian Lodge has become one of my very favorite places!
(5)
Diane D.

Food Good - Beer Good - Owner Sucks - After privately emailing him to give him constructive criticism he basically called me ugly (told me I wouldn't win any beauty contests) and not a fashionista (because I told him the host staff were dressed kind of like slobs - he was the host... oops or should I call him GOD) he remembered me and called me out on it and basically told me to stay the hell out of his restaurant... I have the email to prove it. Nice guy huh? I never talked to him, never called him a name all I did was wait in the lobby with a disgusting scented candle burning at the host table waiting for my friends to arrive. So if you get sick at candles burning don't go there... if you like decent food, good beer and a owner that is abusive run to the Bavarian Lodge.... It is my mission to spread this email to everyone I know... here is an excerpt: "But hey, I remember you very well standing by the front entrance waiting for the rest of your party to arrive and you certainly aren't going to be winning any beauty contests or hitting the fashion runway anytime in the foreseeable future. It seems that I was about as impressed with you as you were with me, so it all works out right? Diane, we're a casual, family-owned and operated restaurant and pub. If you're offended by the sight of someone in a brand new polo shirt and a nice pair of jeans, or heaven forbid, by a candle burning, then by all means... stay the hell out of my restaurant. " Nice huh.... Enough said.
(2)
Qball F.

i have been a happy patron of the bavarian lodge for about 7 years now. all i can say is incredible. i have gone from being a fan of good beer to a rabid follower of excellent beer. there is no better place to drink great beer and eat fine food, in my humble opinion.
(5)
Justin H.

Great Beer! Pretty Good Food. Great Beer!
(4)
Becky R.

Food is great!!! I love the sauerkraut, and the service is always great despite how busy it gets.
(5)
Johnny T.

My rating is really 3.5 but, upped it for its ridiculous beer selection. My original intent was to attend the $20 beer tasting that the restaurant was hosting & would eat something while I was there, so that I would have something in my stomach, fighting my determination to remain sober at the end. Here's what I didn't like, the menus there weren't the same as the one on their website. The selection was smaller (I wanted the goulash before arriving & it wasn't on the menu) & (at the risk of sounding cheap given the economy and all) I didn't feel comfortable spending $15 for a dinner entree, so I only got a bowl of Cream of Chicken with Spatzle for about $6. Now, for the good. Their tapped selection is TOP NOTCH, I mean TOP NOTCH like the Map Room or the Hop Leaf. Surprisingly, their prices (tap) are great at about $5-7 with a bomber (22.oz) is only $7. The service was pretty accommodating, even though the place was packed & receiving the check when my friend didn't get his meal yet. I would recommend the place, just make sure to go on a full stomach to enjoy the bar, so that you avoid spending $15+ just for basic German food.
(4)
Keri H.

If you like german food and you're a fan of beer, this will be your own personal heaven. I heard the name and thought, "Nah, I'll pass". Well, it's a good thing I didn't. This restaurant has everything from pub burgers to authentic german style dishes like vienerschnitzel and spatzel, and to boot, the food quality and taste is unparalled. Now for the beer, they have they biggest selection of anywhere I've been to around this area. My husband and brother in law brew their own beer and consider themselves to be conniseurs, and they love the selection. Thy almost always have a cask conditioned ale and plenty of beers on tap to choose from. I'd highly recommed it to anyone
(5)
R N.

Check out their beer list - they work very hard to find very unique and unusual beers. They have special glasses for most all of them. Depending on the character of each beer, the glasses are all different shapes too. I tried a blond Austrian Beer that was sweet and very strong. They served it in a cordial glass. My husband tried a dark and somewhat sweet and also very strong beer that was served in a glass shaped kind of like a wine glass. The servers and bartenders are all very knowledgable too. They are constantly changing their beer offerings, so this must be quite a challenge for them! We can't wait to return. Oh, and the food was excellent too! They have a great and varied menu, and it was reasonably priced with good portions.
(5)
Amy M.

My husband and inlaws ate here on Friday night for the first time. Started with the duck appetizer and pierogi; both were just okay. I had the chicken schnitzel which was amazing. Definitely an A+ dish. Husband had the beef roulade which he said was very good, too. MIL had a roast beef dish which the meat was very dry and very disappointing. We loved the atmosphere and were very impressed by the extensive beer menu. I think we had some mixed feelings on some of the food but I will definitely be back again for what I had.
(3)
Andrew W.

Given the fact that this restaurant is located in the suburbs it definitely has the best German food around. I personally love their schnitzel its the best I've ever had (and I've eaten at restaurants in Germany). The best deal is definitely the combo, you get to select 2 (up to three but extra $) dishes and you really can't go wrong they are all excellent. Depending on if your kids or picky or not depends on whether the place is good for kids. If they aren't they have a kids menu that has smaller portioned German (and some American style German) food. Any dish that you get their will be great. My brother is huge into beer and he says that they have a great authentic selection and that its pretty much all good. In a comment to another person's review, this restaurant is located in Lisle... one of the wealthiest suburbs around Chicago... I highly doubt they use horse meat In conclusion, If you are hungry for a nice big meal, if you like German food, or if you are curious about German food, this is a great restaurant to go to.
(5)
Kris Z.

Great german food. I love german beer - love it. It doesn't love me though.
(5)
Rachel W.

Rouladen ALMOST as good as my grandmother's! A great German dining experience, the staff was friendly and the beer selection is awesome. One of the reasons why it's not so bad to live in the burbs!
(5)
Kwoky L.

This was my first German food experience and it was very pleasant. Their schnitzel was well done and bratwurst was very lean, to my surprise. Their roasted duck was not the best I have had but the meat was very tender. It was still kinda greasy though. Duck is not easy to cook and they did a fairly good job. I was a little disappointed with their bread because it was not warm. They also have a good selection of beer and according to the menu, if you don't like beer, there's Miller Lite.
(3)
Amy D.

Great food, great atmosphere! Service is a little slow, but we were given plenty of time to eat, and were not rushed out on a busy Saturday night. Get the German Pancakes, they are divine! I am not much of a sauerkraut fan, but my husband said it was the best he'd ever had. The apricot Kolochy is amazing too!
(4)
Mary B.

Oh Lodge, how I wish our relationship could be deeper, more intense. I LOVE your beer list, and I even love the basement in Bavaria decor. But the food is just not good...and Saturday night was the worst. Thinking that I couldn't go wrong with a hamburger, I ordered the Black and Blue. When I asked that it be cooked rare, the waitress told me, "state law prohibits us from cooking anything rare." Huh? I know that's not true. (Can you imagine going to Morton's and being told you can only get your steak well-done?) So when it arrived, it was pretty obvious what the deal is. The burgers appear to be pre-cooked and then microwaved when an order is placed. The bacon on top had been cooked God knows when and was cold and dry. Even the bread basket is weak. You can do better than stale slices of random bread. On the plus side, the liver dumpling soup is very good. But as a frequent visitor to the Lodge, I often want something more substantial than soup to soak up all the beer. If I could give you a hundred stars for beer, I would. But the food...taking it up a notch would propel you into the STRATOSPHERE of beer destinations.
(4)
Tony K.

Thank GOD for this place! Best darn beer I could find. And that includes Goose Island. Food is also good. Needs more salt though. Slightly bland. But thats fixed with a request to the server.
(5)
David M.

You go here for a dinner and to talk with friends. Once you understand that then you know what to expect. Dim lights, softer music, stuffed pheasants mounted on the wall by the fireplace. Seats at the bar, tall tables on stool chairs, booths by the fireplace, a larger table by a wall that has a mural of a castle. The drink selection is HUGE, they have a rotating selection that changes more than any other place I've been to. I like trying new things so I like to come here every once in a while. The food isn't my favorite but I've found things affordable and acceptable. Their sausages are sausages if you like em. My favorite item is the potato dumplings with sauerkraut. The bartender is very friendly and knows a lot about the menu and beer. The owner is a nice man too. If you're looking for a certain beer they don't have ask him the chances they can get it in, he did so for me. They have special beer events from a variety of breweries, I haven't attended any yet probably cause I know they get kind of crowded. The best time to come is not on Friday night at 6pm. Parking is hard sometimes but I've always found a place. Bring a DD too.
(4)
Michael W.

A great find, courtesy of Yelp! Found the reviews online, and went with my girlfriend's family to celebrate Father's Day. Aside from some slow service, it was awesome. It's hard to believe places like this still exist in the suburbs, where Cheesecake Factories rule. The dining area has wood paneling and is decorated with beer steins, vintage German ads, and some dead animals. In other words, about what you'd expect! As another reviewer has noted, they have an outstanding beer list, with very detailed descriptions of each beer and where it's from, which I appreciated. I had an Ayinger Brau-Weisse, which was excellent, and my girlfriend an a rasberry lambic, also quite good. The food was also quite tasty. I had a combo platter with knackwurst and kaissler ribchen - both excellent. The red cabbage and potato dumplings were perfect. I also had some meatloaf which was great. Our waitress seemed a little over-worked and forgot part of our order, but corrected it in no time.
(4)
Kevin B.

This place is awesome. The food is good and the beer selection is even better!
(5)
Ron S.

Another great meal at Bavarian Lodge accompanied by great beer. I started with a crock of the Hungarian Goulash soup which is perfect after spending most of the day working outside. It's perfectly spiced and leaves your lips with a traditional peppery burn. To me this is the hallmark of a really good goulash soup. I followed with the Hunter's Schnitzel. The schnitzel is perfectly prepared and breaded with a golden brown batter. The schnitzel itself is as good a one as I can remember although the cream sauce is a tad heavy. My wife ordered the Veggie Schnitzel and loved it. She gave me a big bite to taste and I was pleasantly surprised to see how delicious it was. As a matter-of-fact, there are a number of veggie friendly options. Steer clear of the creamed spinach - too salty. I remember their bread baskets being better than what we had last night. The rolls were not very good but that's not why you go to Bavarian Lodge. Don't bother with them and it will leave you with more room for beer and the good stuff! The total bill for 2 entrees, soup, 2 beers, a glass of wine came to was $68.
(4)
Nikki M.

Food is amazing. Little teeny over priced. I LOVE LOVE LOVE their beer selection! I just absolutely love this place!
(5)
Alex A.

Like to try new beers? Check. Hungarian Goulasch? Stroganoff? Schnitzel? Check. check, check. Go, and do so early -- "Those who mind don't matter, those who matter don't mind." Wait. It's worth it.
(4)
Hemanshu B.

Great beers and food! A must place for the beer connoisseur. They tap beers from all around the world and they are usually hard to find so its worth to come. It's like an upscale Cheers however their prices are reasonable.
(5)
Sheri L.

Ever since our first visit here in May, my partner and I found ourselves constantly talking about going back here. We told friends and neighbors all about the schnitzels, huge beer menu and authentic touches that impressed us with the Bavarian Lodge on the first try. So when our neighbor had a birthday, we decided it was the perfect time to bring a group to check it out with us. While I was impressed with our first visit here, there is one detail that kept an ill reminder of our first experience. We did come in about 45 minutes before the dining room and kitchen closed. We knew full well the time when we got in and had no plans on lingering around. Our server that day really did take away a bit of our enjoyment. It was pretty obvious he was ready to end his shift and get his employee meal. We were seated in the back of the restaurant and before our food even came out, about half a dozen employees had taken over a large table eating their meals. At first we felt bad, but then realized it was still 30 minutes to closing time. It gave off a feeling that we were disturbing the staff at that point, I mean they chose a table just across from where we were seated and no other customers around. None the less, the food was still excellent and we knew we must give this place a second try before jumping to any conclusions. So back to the recent visit.... We had planned for a group of 7+. One friend called ahead to try and make a reservation. They do not take reservations unless it is a "Hallmark Holiday", the website spells this out pretty clearly. So, a couple from our group decided to get there early and, at the very least, get our name on the list for seating. While none of our plans really worked out - they would not seat the group until all the people were present, it was a non-issue as they had a table ready for us the minute the whole group was there. The parking lot looked packed, but the building itself is very large with a large tavern area on the right and the larger dining room on the left. The service this time around was top notch. I cannot remember our servers name, but she had the perfect personality for our group. She was friendly, knowledgeable and even quick witted to make us laugh and grab our attention when necessary. I think between the group of 7, we had something from every end of the menu and specials. One in the group even ordered the Mahi Mahi (not German fare, but I guess she is a picky eater and not adventurous). Even our vegetarian friend seemed satisfied with the selections available (I'll let her review speak more on that). We all enjoyed sampling different beers on the menu - our Mahi Mahi friend had a cosmo. The second time around reaffirmed our new found love for the Bavarian Lodge. I foresee many more trips here, we intend to expose as many friends and family as possible to the lovely experience. As far as our first experience 'hiccup' with servers, we'll put it in the past and not linger on it any more.
(4)
Kelly M.

I used to love coming to this place for the delicious food, knowledgable staff, and amazing beer selection! After having the rudest, most condescending waiter (Paul) during my last visit though, I will gladly take my business elsewhere!
(2)
Jean K.

Bavarian Lodge is our regular go-to for German food. We also belong to a dinner/beer group that meets at a different restaurant each month to enjoy their beer and food. We have chosen BL twice this year, despite the fact that they refuse to take a reservation for 17 guests. The food is great, as is the service, and there is an excellent choice of beers. However, if you want to sample something new, be warned that it's not without a cost. It's the only bar I've ever been to that doesn't allow you a free sample of tap beer. Bavarian Lodge will charge at least $2 for a a couple of ounces of a different beer to sample. Ridiculous! It really impedes the desire to try different beers I realize that there are always going to be those that try to cheat the system, but a good bartender can discern that situation and easily do something about it. I hope that this review is considered by the management.
(3)
Nari H.

OK - Here's what it's got going for it: - Extensive Beer Menu. - Semi decent prices. Doesn't cost an arm or a leg, but it's not dirt cheap either. - Food is pretty good! I now know what a schnitzel is and i like. - Go for the Pulled Pork sandwich - that was good. The whole restaurant has this german-ish lodge-y type feel, so if that's what it was going for, it nailed it. It's a casual place to be and it seems like people enjoy it. I only found out about it through yelp, never heard of it, none of my friends had either, but it was worth the try!
(4)
Chris D.

Ate here for Fathers Day. It was my first trip. I order the hunters schnitzel with spatzle. The schnitzel was seasoned well, tender, and the hunter sauce was very rich. My only complaint was the spatzle was very bland. In my opinion they need to salt the water they cook it in just like any pasta. Next time I will order their mashed potatoes. My waiter recommended a light German Beer which went well with the meal and even the stout cake I shared with my son. This wont be the last time we go. I am really looking forward to try the Sauerbraten on my next trip.
(4)
J. Chuck K.

Who knew there were good places to eat in Lisle. Started out the night by diving into their huge beer list at the bar with some of their Bavarian pretzels. The pretzels were good, but the dipping sauce/cheese spread was great and original. After a couple beers we got a table and ordered some dinner. I love getting potato pancakes whenever I can, so we ordered theirs. Aside from them being crunchy and a bit overcooked, they were loaded with an excessive amount of garlic. We could smell them coming a mile away. Because I wanted to try a couple different Schnitzels, I got the "build your own combo", and chose the Tiroler and Wiener. The Wiener was typical and good. I've never heard of Tiroler Schnitzel, much less tried it, but I'm glad I did. The pork and beef were cooked just right, with the breading extremely flavorful. The only knocks against this place, in addition to their potato pancakes, is their parking lot. We went on a Thursday and got one of the last spots; I can only imagine what it is like on a weekend. But the good food and extensive beer menu are worth coming in for on a week night.
(4)
Robert K.

Excellent schnitzel and an unmatched beer list. One hearty meal here will make you want to invade a lesser country, so be careful. I will say that the salad and soup options aren't as good as everything else, but I've heard the liver dumpling soup was delicious. I personally don't eat liver, so I can't be sure. I suggest the potato pancakes for an appetizer. They're absolutely delicious.
(5)
Kevin W.

So after posting my review about how we were pleased but just dissatisfied with our service I received a response promptly from the owner. I am thoroughly impressed with the professionalism of his letter and the sincerity in it. Anyone who thinks that highly of their establishment and their reputaion is alright in my book! Can not wait to go back to The Bavarian Lodge with family and friends!
(5)
Danny C.

Best beer palace in the burbs! Great food as well and an awesome staff. Cheers!
(4)
Ken J.

We always sit in the bar area tables, it has a better, younger atmosphere and feel than the main dining area. We always get liver dumpling soup and potato pancakes to start. You get large portions here for your main course, and really don't need appetizers, but these are soooo good I can't pass them up. The potato pancakes are so thin they dissapear if you turn them sideways. Well, OK, not really but they are thin. And crispy. Lots of onion flavor. I want one right now. The Tiroler Sandwich or dinner is good as are the schnitzels, but my favorite thing here is the "Schwien Hax'n" (I'm sure I spelled it wrong), but its the pork shank. Now there's some tasty meat. Sourkraut and dumplings round it out. Since we get appetizer and soup, we always walk out with a doggie bag. No way you can eat all that (unless, say, you're over 350 lbs). Now about the beer. This place has an amazing pick list. From Franziskaner Dunkel Weiss to Samiclaus to everything in between, they rock with the beer selections. Don't come here if you want a Bud light or Coors lite, they don't have that kind of beer. They change their beer pick list selections frequently and update it daily. Beer is important to the Germans and that's fine with me. I dig it. If you like Belgian Ale, they sometimes have Delerium Tremons ON TAP! I think it's 9% or so ABV, not for wimps, but oh, so tasty.
(4)
Becky S.

Wow, just wow. I don't dole out one star reviews too often but we had a really bad experience here recently. My husband and I don't get to go out to dinner too often since having the munchkin but I had just got unexpectedly good news at work and we decided to take the little one for an impromptu dinner out to celebrate. I suggested the Bavarian Lodge because I had heard good things about their beer selection and because my husband grew up with a mom of German ancestry so German food is his comfort food. Seemed like a good idea.... First off the beer list is huuuuge here. Being a beer-focused place, I asked the server for a taste of the beer I was thinking about ordering (one of the specials). I honestly did not think twice about it -- it's pretty normal practice and in fact I had just done that same move at Rock Bottom Brewery the week before with no issue. I have also done this at the Map Room in Chicago without any issue. The server informed me that they don't do tastes. Whaaa??? I told him I just wanted a small taste and it shouldn't be a big deal. He offered to talk with the manager and came back a few minutes later insisting they would not do it. At no point did the waiter offer to give advice on any of the beers or suggestions. Ok.... So I order the beer, and unfortunately I did not like it. It had a very strong bourbon flavor that I was not digging. So I tried to send it back. The waiter refused to refund me. The whole thing was really uncomfortable. My husband wanted to leave but I insisted we stay since I was hungry and I wanted to enjoy the evening out. I should have listened to my husband. About halfway through our meal, our waiter comes by and starts asking me out of the blue about the kind of beers I do like. So I indulged him since I was assuming he was going to offer to bring me out a complimentary drink. Nope, he just interrupted our meal to ask these questions so he could suggest what I should order next time. Ummmm thanks dude. Finally at the end of the meal with the very expensive beer not drank at all and not taken off the bill, we requested to talk to the manager. Well Alan the manager came over and oh my gosh was he rude! He refused to even entertain the suggestion that the beer be removed from the bill. He also was extremely rude and loud causing my son to cry. And when my husband interrupted him as my son was crying so we could just pay the bill and get out of there, Alan erupted, yelled at my husband and stalked off. Ummm WTF??? Both my husband and I have worked in the restaurant business before and would NEVER have behaved that way toward a customer. All policies aside, this is the service industry and the customer should be treated with respect. Furthermore, if I were the manager, I would have said, "look this is our policy, but I understand this is your first time here, and we want you back, so let me comp the beer." We were truly shocked at how the manager handled the whole situation. Frankly we don't get to go out often, and we were excited to be out celebrating a nice event in our lives. Between the waiter, the whole situation, and the incredibly rude manager, it turned into a really unpleasant night. As for the food, it was mediocre at best. I'm not just saying that because it was a bad night. We just moved out here from the Lincoln Square neighborhood in Chicago which is known for its authentic German food (the Brauhaus in particular), and this was not good German food. I have to say that I do not recommend this restaurant. Anyone who reads my reviews knows that I dole out great reviews left and right so you can trust that this is legit. It was made clear to us on our visit that this establishment has no interest in serving the customer's needs and has no problem making a very small incident into a very uncomfortable, unpleasant evening.
(1)
Michelle H.

I have come to believe that Knockwurst means "really big effing hot-dog in English. It was a very good piece of sausage, though. One of the many, many things I have come to love in this place. My schnitzel was fantastic, as well, not too greasy, and breaded just perfectly. Sauerkraut was tasty, and the soup of the day, Farmer's soup, was the highlight of my meal (well, it was a tie between that and my side of perfectly prepared dumplings with gravy.) The soup had everything I love in it. Sauerkraut, carrots, sausage, all served in a creamy, tasty stock. Unfortunately, the appetizers did not wow me one bit. We had duck wings, and potato perogi. They were good, just nothing to yell about. They have beer. I mean, mass quantities of the good stuff. We were looking forward to trying our favorite, a Belgian brew called Gulden Dragg, but they had just taken it off their beer menu a few days earlier. If it were not for that, I would not have discovered my new beer crush, Kasteel Rouge, which is a dark brew with a very cherry taste. Everyone in our party was able to pick a brew that suited them. If you can't find one here you like, you just must not like beer. Most of the seating is booth style, but they were able to accommodate our party of ten in the back of the restaurant at a large round table, which was great for conversation. The place is dark, with low lighting and dark wooden paneling and fixtures. German steins, pictures, artwork and collectibles decorate the walls of this place. Upon first entering, do not be turned off by the slight musty smell in the front foyer. Some of the stuff they have in there is old, and it smells that way. In the restaurant itself, you will only smell the tasty food surrounding you. Our server was gracious and very knowledgeable, helping everyone choose both drinks and menu items, and did not sneer at us as we sat for an hour after out meal just talking and laughing. This place has what I love. A quality meal, with a good quantity, great service, authentic atmosphere, and lots of beer. I am looking forward to frequenting the place during the winter. Total comfort food. I happened to go on a summer day, and walked out of the place with a full stomach and sweating like a pig Squeeee!
(4)
Patrick S.

If you are looking to spend an average of $25-$29 per person this is a place for you. Our waitress was happy to be there but to me it seemed like we really wasn't paying attention to the table. To start out I ordered the Hungarian Goulash Soup, which was full of flavor and very good. For my main dish I ordered the Maximillian sandwich (pork shnitzel, horseradish, grilled onion, ajvar). This was not what I thought it would be, it was flat, bland and mediocre. It came with a side of fries and were ok. The presentation of the food was sloppy. The best thing of the restaurant was their massive beer selection. I ordered 2 drinks, Zombie Dust and Allagash White, which were very good. There wasn't that much parking at the restaurant additional parking was across the street, I think. I wasn't paying to much attention. If you are looking for a place to have some great beers, this would make a good hangout.
(3)
Kyle B.

I love love love The Bavarian Lodge. First are the beers, if you love beer you will love the Bavarian Lodge. Their selection is ridiculous. I don't know of any place in the area that comes even close to their selection. They always have a good variety too with all kinds of styles from both American craft breweries and great imports. The owner of this establishment clearly has a love of great beer as they are always having great release events as well as having many great rarities that you won't find anywhere else. The food is great as well. I am personally a huge fan of the cheese curds, the thuringer sausage, the tiroller (sp?) schnitzel, and pretty much everything else. Do try a salad with the red pepper garlic dressing, YUM. The mustard and horse radish they serve with the sausage are also GREAT. I should also mention their leftovers taste GREAT reheated, because of this I always order more than I can eat. In summation if you are a fan of good beer and german style meats you'll be in heaven at Bavarian Lodge.
(5)
Carmen B.

Hands down, the most extensive beer list, ever. Hidden on Ogden Ave, this place is a gem -a classic German lodge. Lots of beer and lots of food. We enjoyed several appetizers and entrees (pretzels, pork wings with horseradish, stuffed pork dumplings, wiener schnitzel) - I like the food, particularly the schnitzel and spaetzle. But the beer is the start of the show. Aventinus was on tap! You'll enjoy the visit to Bavarian Lodge.
(4)
Candice G.

I've been a foolish little Earthling. This place has deserved the 5 Sexy Star bump for a long time coming and to make this review a little more PG than PG-13, I'm going to be substituting the word "Shizznit" for "Schnitzel". Exp- This place and their rockstar beer selection is the Schnitzel! Yeah, let's do this. Bavarian Lodge houses 36 different quality and always changing tap beers from around the world. If you're the kind of person who goes to a bar and will immediately ask for a shot of Jager or Budlight out of comfort, you best be staying the fronk outta Bavarian Lodge. You are not the schnitzel, and neither is your choice of brew. The place is pretty low key as far as clientele and music are concerned. Per the house rules, you must prepare to be a grown up, use your indoor voices ONLY, no loud sports biz-nast, no jager shots, no kids, and no large groups or they'll basically tell you to flat out expect the worst... and don't even think about stealing the glassware, you filthy thief. It's a lot of work for them to house all the proper glassware for all their 9035750148493 kinds of beer and with you trying to pilfer them, you're ruining the classy for the rest of us gents. The music has vastly improved since my last visit. In fact, I didn't hear any Dido whatsoever, just some of my fave mellow songs from MGMT, Kings of Leon, Radiohead, and more. *Fun Fact: Munich's Spaten & Franziskaner breweries held a contest to find the "Best German Restaurant in America". The votes we tallied it was announced that The Bavarian Lodge was ranked #8 out of the 410 participating German restaurants. The food here is pretty rockin' too, though you won't look like Heidi Klum if you stick to a diet of it. I love that vegetarians can come and have so much more than potato pancakes. Veggie schnitzel anyone? The service can be iffy depending on the night and the size of your group. I like to think of it as a little German tough love... so just mind your manners and bartender Tanya will surely rock your beer loving world. Alles in all, I have to say that this place is the Schnitzel!
(5)
Ericka A.

I had NO idea this place existed until I accidentally came across it by deciding to take Ogden all the way to Naperville. I once was lost, but now am found! Bavarian Lodge, Ich liebe Dich! You'll be hard-pressed to find parking in their decently sized lot, but it's worth the time and effort to simply park down the end of the long block and walk your butt back to their wide double doors. They are great for letting you and your posse walk in together, or for rolling yourself out after gorging upon spaetzle and beer. They feature a different plethora of freshly tapped kegs from breweries all over the world every couple of days. There is a little something for those who like to sip local, or for the more adventurous who want to take an international taste bud vacation. Looking for something "girlie"? Ask for the pricey-but-well-worth-it Lindemans framboise lambic. And for all my budget buddies there is a featured beer of the day for only $3 a pint. Wunderbar! You might expect a place like this to stick to the typical beers and brats. Not this place! They have expanded beyond the borders of Bavaria to bring you the finest in dining from all over Europe. Try a new spin on the hamburger, or wage war with a sausage showdown (German, Polish, Italian...). I went for the uber-authentic Hungarian goulash. You call it glorified pot roast? I call shenanigans! They know not to cheat and add tomatoes. The red color comes from pure paprika! Finish up the experience with a delightful dessert. There are many to choose from, but I went with the traditional apple strudel. You can tell it is made from fresh apples and doesn't ooze with sugary syrup. Asking for it a la mode is the only thing that could make it any better. Guten appetit und prost, meine Freunde!
(5)
Mike P.

No beer place is better around these parts. Also the food is amazing!
(5)
Laura L.

Beer selection...HELLO! It was great! Sat at the bar and grabbed a beer while my order was being prepared. Almost too much to choose from but the bartender lent me his suggestions!
(4)
Steven S.

Bavarian Lodge has the best craft beer selection and the most great taps in the suburbs. They often get very busy, and you might have to wait. It will be worth it. Their drink menu always includes detailed descriptions to help the decision making process. Along with their beer selection, they have variety of liquors and aperitifs. The food is just fine, but wouldn't draw the big crowds apart from ever changing drink menu. The bar staff is friendly and knowledgeable. I've had hit and miss experience with the wait staff, but I've never had service that warranted complaint. Breaking the seal is always a fine experience in the clean restrooms with the jet engine hand dryers! That alone is a reason to frequent this place, and the untouchable beer selection on draft doesn't hurt either.
(5)
Chris T.

Fantastic place. Parking lot always looks packed but I have never waited for a table. Great traditional foods and beer. If you are in the neighborhood you MUST stop in.
(5)
Velina L.

As others have mentioned, there is a pretty extensive beer list. You won't find the mainstream ones in this restaurant - instead of Bud, Miller, Blue Moon or Stella, expect to see a good range of craft beers, European beers and German- and Belgian- style beers both on tap and in bottles. I love how everything is freshly made here, from the warm soft pretzel basket with garlicky Boursin spread to the spatzle to the sausages. Love the textures! I also really enjoyed the liver dumpling soup that came with my entree, a clear beef broth with a beef and liver meatball. It was a little on the salty side but still had a good flavor. Portions are large so come hungry, and I'd be surprised if you have room for dessert. Service was excellent. Our server was very friendly, extremely helpful, and made some great recommendations. He also told me that while they don't offer beer flights, you can order 5 oz samples of the different beers and create your own flight.
(4)
Sara S.

My new favorite restaurant. Food, beer, atmosphere, and service was phenomenal. The sauerkraut and dumplings were as good as my grandmas and the Wiener schnitzel was fantastic. The potato pancakes were delicious and I don't even like liver, but the liver dumpling soup was wonderful. I loved everything about my visit and I will be a repeat customer!
(5)
Myles I.

This was my 2nd time here, however the first time I had gone when I was very young so i don't remember it. Immediately you will find that the parking lot is packed. You can park next door to the West which has spots open. I find the amount of activity a good sign for a restaurant and walking inside you will notice the tables are packed (we went during dinner on a Wednesday night). Though there is a lot of people, the establishment isn't built like a lot of new places where all the sounds are amplified to a point in which it sounds like you're listening to an 80's stereo blasting crowd noises into your ear. Its quiet enough to hear your friends, but there is a noticeable amount of buzz. Definitely not a bad thing. I went with 2 friends and we all enjoyed drinks and the food. The beer menu is massive. Like crazy big. The pricing is a little high for the area but the beer specials keep the drinks within reason. I had a Belhaven Black Nitro Stout and the pour was perfect. Each of our beers came in different glasses depending on the type of beer which I thought was good attention to detail. The food was excellent. I am told I'm pretty picky but I prefer to think that I just like things done right. They don't have to be perfect, but they should be a home cooked meal with as few processed ingredients as possible. I think The Bavarian Lodge does a great job of sourcing good ingredients and food. There is a good variety of sausages and we got to sample a few of them on the "wurst platter". The sausages sampled were small sausages cut into medallions to enjoy for the table. My meal I got the Maximillion which was a schnitzel sandwich. It had a spicy red pepper paste and horseradish sauce. I just wish it was a bit spicier and it could've had some sauerkraut or pickles to balance the flavors (creamy horseradish on a fried cutlet is quite heavy). My friends got a sausage sampler meal (forgot the name but it was 3 large sausages with potatoes, kraut - really a man's meal) and my other friend got potato pancakes and a cheddar ale soup. It all looked and smelled fantastic and came in an appropriate amount of time. We really enjoyed our time at dinner. This might be a regular spot for us - we'll see. On the topic of management responding to rude customers, I both love and hate it. I love that someone is willing to tell customers that they're unreasonable but I can see how it can come off as inappropriate. That being said, I enjoy places with personality and that did not scare me from enjoying this restaurant.
(4)
Jen M.

We have been meaning to go here forever and it lived up to its reputation. INCREDIBLE. There is plenty of seating, but limited parking. Prepare to park far, far away. The servings are HUGE, so you better be hungry. Some highlights include the potato pancake appetizer, chicken schnitzel (better than the veal, I kid you not), and the hungarian goulash. If you are a craft beer person, you will be in heaven. Huge selection of well-known and hard to find craft brews.
(5)
Mike A.

The real deal.
(4)
chas d.

This place is in my top 3 for favorite craft beer hangouts. The Bavarian Lodge has a GREAT beer selection, everything from aged European ales to your favorite American craft beers. This place has beer to make any taste bud happy.. To top things off, they often have a " Tap Takeover " where they invite in a special brewer and present their entire line occupying their 36 taps in their bar. Their food selection is right up there with their beer selection. Their fine European flare is sure to fill you up no matter how hungry you are. I for one love weinerschnitzel and sour kraut and this place has some of the best! Their dining room can accommodate large groups and is extremely kid friendly. Their service is top notch and the servers are fluent in their food and beer descriptions. This is a huge plus in my book! Be sure to hit this Lisle gem as you will not be disappointed!
(5)
D. S. H.

I have to say that I was entirely disappointed. Although I am an American, I lived in Germany when I was younger and travel back there often. I found the food neither a good example of the German Kitchen nor an example of good food at all. I'll admit the beer list is fairly impressive, but it would be better just to grab a beer and let the food lay where it is. If you really want German food, you will have to fly 8 hours from here, but you won't find it at this place. For the Germans out there, please see below. Muess ich sagen, dass ich ganz enttaeusched war. Obwohl ich Amerikaner bin, ich wohnte fruehrer in Deutschland und gehe oefters zurueck. Ich fand das Essen weder ein gutes Beispeil von der Deutsche Kueche noch ein Beispiel von gutem Essen ueberhaupt. Ich werde zugeben dass die Bierkarte ziemlich beeindrueckend ist, aber besser einfach Bier trinken and das Essen lieber liegen lassen. Wenn Sie wirklich gutes Deutsches Essen wollen, muessen Sie 8 Stunden von hier fliegen, aber hier finden Sie es nicht. :-(
(1)
Chuck A.

Yesssssss!!!!! Amazing food selection and an equally amazing beer selection!!!
(5)
Chester R.

i have driven past this place about a thousand times, and for the first time yesterday I went in. Got there right at 4pm on a friday, and there were people out in the parking lot waiting to go in, so I was very surprised. But, now I know why. The beers are outstanding, there are literally hundreds of selections on tap and bottles. German, and tons of both domestic and europeans. I actually tried a german beer that smelled and tasted like smoked meat. How great is that ? The atmosphere is nice, lots of character, very comfortable lighting.....it's a dark cozy place. I tried 3 apps, the pretzels, the fried duck breast bites and the wurst platter. All 3 were great, and they have different dipping, mustards, cheese to compliment. I will be sure to make this a regular spot.
(5)
D W.

Always had very good food and very good service. I will admit they are busy, but I also see them working their butts off. The beer selection is impressive and I have taken recommendations from service staff before and not been disappointed. Latest visit had the usual schnitzel and liver dumpling soup to calm my addiction. Waiter was very nice and attentive. Highly recommended.
(5)
Christa F.

For what this place SHOULD be, the food is just ok... And the service is CRAP to be even remotely nice about it! They may be knowledgeable about beer, but they can be downright rude when the place gets busy! We've been to this restaurant several times and we keep coming back desperately hoping that the service and food will get better, but it never does! It's unfortunate that this is the only place of this ilk in the area and that they know that they can get away with treating people this way without losing business! First, the Manager / Host - He started off nice the first couple of times we were in, but when we asked to speak to him the last couple of times due to a rude server on one occasion and a rude bartender on another occasion he refused to listen to what we said. He took the sides of the employees both times stating that they would have never acted the way they did if we hadn't provoked it. Seriously? So our parents and us are now provoking people to treat us poorly?! Next, the older female bartender - Seriously don't sit at the bar when she's having a bad day and don't ask her what types of ciders they're carrying this month! My bff is allergic to beer so we drink cider. FYI... They are NOT the same! There are no barley or hops in ciders! Just apple cider and yeast! We know these things! We brew our own! Learn the difference if you're going to tend a bar and don't take your bad day out on us! A good portion of the wait staff - It seems that on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights this place can get REALLY busy and they have a small kitchen (there are rules, read them or don't come to this place... Ever!). We completely understand that if we're going to eat there on these days that we plan for it to take anywhere from 2 - 3 hours. We are really nice to the wait staff and we even make jokes with them. We tell them not to worry about it taking time as long as they get things right because we have allergies and food restrictions to worry about. It's a huge pain though when the server won't write anything down and then they act as if it's our fault that they can't get anything right. I mean if you take an order for 4 people and only bring out 3 salads, don't you see an issue here?! Then you finally bring out the 4th salad with the meal... What's the point now? That is one of the lesser issues. I won't even go into some of the more tragic and ridiculous things that we've experienced from a service standpoint at this place...
(1)
LOIS B.

While everyone else looking for corned beef and cabbage was fighting to get into whichever O'Pub, we came here. Great corned beef and cabbage and it wasn't crowded. Every visit requires trying a new beer, and the list keeps on growing. Now a little Irish music and you never would have known the source of very tasty corned beef was the wrong European country.
(5)
Anthony C.

What can be better than great German food paired with an incredible beer list? I can't think of anything. I absolutely love this place, although if you go on a Friday or Saturday night it can get CRAZY busy and the service sometimes suffers as a result. I love this place and I will continue to give them business because I believe in sausage and beer.
(5)
Irena M.

I have been to Bavarian Lodge seven times in the last half year. The group varied from two to six people. The German food and European beer were excellent on every visit. We had a great time and the service was very good. With six people sharing a meal, one of us paid the entire bill which we later split among ourselves. The restaurant does not allow reservations and gets full quickly. I read the comments from Ben S. with great interest praying that his criticisms decrease the excessive number of customers, but to no avail. I still hope he will vote with his feet and maybe his absence will shorten the wait for tables for the real schnitzel-and-beer connoisseurs. The major weakness of Bavarian Lodge is the lack of sufficient parking space, highly unusual for suburban dining. I always recommend to my friends scheduling their meal early, for both the restaurant and the parking lot get crowded very quickly. On one Saturday we actually parked our cars at a remote location, pilled into a single vehicle and had an easier time parking by the restaurant.
(5)
Scotch E.

Awesome beer drinking and dining experience. Great interior! In line with what one would believe a German bar/lodge would look like. The food exceeded my expectations. The Hunter's schnitzel was best choice. The potato pancakes were pretty good as well. The beers offered something for everyone.
(4)
Shannon P.

11/8/2011 The response from this manager was as repulsive as their food. He personally attacked me in a comment. He throws out an insincere invite to their kitchen. Had it been a real invite I would gladly accept. Yelp profiles aren't a business persona. They are individual and online. Feel free to pick on where I am from, what I enjoy and who you think I am. We sat in your business, ate your food -that claims to be authentic- and drank your beer. My opinion of that is below. The purveyor of the ever authentic Mahi-Mahi Schnitzel's poo throwing comments to follow. *Edited* - Two days after my visit; I went from disappointed to angry & traumatized. Yet another rustic German food claim is another nail in the coffin on German in the US. (i.e., Maders in Milwaukee- yuck) How f*ck*in! hard is it to get some quality meat and make a fresh sauce? As I usually never quote other establishments in a review, this is the exception. Why in the hell you would go here over Two Brothers, 15 minutes away, I will never know! Took two bran muffins at breakfast with some kefir to cleanse my body of the memory of that chicken schnitzel with the apparent Campbells soup with chicken starch sauce. Cream, butter, S&P and herbs. Not rocket science.* Beer selection is stellar. So much so, it traps you to eat the crap-tastic food they add cornstarch to and call German. Go to Germany. ImbiÃŸ Schnitzel kicks the *knoedels- previosuly bullocks* off it. If you are holding your hopes on it being on par with German food in Germany--you will be disappointed! Service sparse due to how busy they are. Sparse but accurate and friendly. No foul there. Go for the beer. Leave after your beer.
(1)
Tim H.

Very disappointed after reading the reviews. Went for an early dinner on Sunday. Sauerbraten was dried out and tasteless. Service is lousy, not a good value.
(2)
Pascal M.

Can I write my review in German?!?! Typically, I am not a huge fan of German themed restaurants. Since 1. I'm German and these places usually deliver drool compared to my mom's or some family over the Atlantic's cooking and 2. They're usually offensively tacky and inaccuarate. Bravarian Lodge crushes my stereotypes of German Bar's, Lodges, Eateries, whatever. Everyone has it hands down. Superb beer selection. Have fun here, break your norm, ask the knowledgeable staff for a recoomendation. Start with something you know, then go bold. .They have an incredibly wide draft selection and an even deeper bottled selection. The food is not worth raving about as much as the beer, but it's still really good. As i mentioned, i'm German. So I'm far more biased than a typical customer, but I still left happy with everything we ordered. The mixed sausage appetizer was a nice dish to have with our beer. This is a local spot that most who visit are greatful for to have nearby, it's even worth a little drive if your from a far. PROST!!!!
(5)
Osmond S.

It's a shame people think of this as a bar. To me it's an awesome restaurant that also happens to serve great beers. Fantastic menu! Went here a couple days ago and was totally blown away by The Matterhorn Burger. Yes, a burger...it's unbelievable and massive. Unlike most others that focus only on the meat, the Bavarian Lodge changed everything with this burger. I had no idea what the hell a pretzel bun was until I ate it here and fell in love. It's the perfect way to encase a delicious burger patty, which I might add was also really really good. And about the beers...well all the previous reviews were right. I had to hold myself back to just two - the Glazen Toren Jan De Lichte and the Franziskaner Weissbier. Both of which I would highly recommend anyone who loves a good witbier/weiss! The only drawback I can see is parking. It was a little tight and the restaurant wasn't even full. So on busy nights, I could see people parking elsewhere and walking over. Still, this isn't enough to knock it down from 5 stars. If you're in town, definitely stop by and treat yourself to some great dining.
(5)
Robert G.

The food here is simply great. I recommend getting there early on weekends. The beer is vast. The schnitzel is to die for. The saurbraten was good but I would say go for the schnitzels combo platter. The spatzles are good and service is great.
(5)
James T.

This is THE go to spot for some of the best German food and beer anywhere. That never disappoints. I have at times experienced service that was a bit standoffish and even a bit aloof. Not enough to ruin the dining and drinking experience, heck maybe I just prefer go be a bit more interactive with servers. If you are in the area, do not miss this gem but be prepared to wait.
(4)
LoudMouth M.

I was here a while back for a big business dinner. EXCELLENT German food and beer. We stopped in on a Friday and made reservations just in case. Got seated without any issues, they were also very busy. Service was great, mood was as well. We got our food on standard time and I have to say. MUAH! But those German beers were outstanding. The selection and the knowledge they had of the beers was priceless.
(5)
Sue M.

This is the place to go if your looking to find a plethora of beer and expand your tasting options. Good place to educate your beer palet at and enjoy. Check-out the B.L.'s beer menu on-line, it has a nice link to beermenus.com . I have to say, I like this place, the pub room is comfortable. The dinning room is yo-dal-lay-hee-hoo alpine. Now lets get to the food: The food is not German German it's tweaked German. Nothing special but nothing too bad. Could easily make it better with a few changes. Appetizers are skimpy for the price and nothing special. Skip them .However, my biggest pet peeve is the spatzel. It has absolutely no flavor. Please add a dash of salt , nutmeg and lightly fry. Don't get me wrong, the food is good. I would suggest that you try to stay with the daily specials, wiener schnitzel, pork, burger or brats. My other recommendation is stay away from anything with a white cream, mushroom or jager sauce. Pasty, dull and blah!!!! Also, patrons can tell when a restaurant is trying to save money here and there. Just little tweaks every once and a while but I have definitely noticed, and if I do, so do other regulars. No bread basket anymore, only the exact number of buns per person at the table. This is not very welcoming and appears cheap. Stuffed cabbage rolls were 3 now 2 and have more rice and pork filler. Not nearly as good. The Bavarian rouladen is made w/flank steak - that's way too thick not true to the recipe of rouladen. Doesn't have the same flavor as the round steak rouladen. People notice the changes. Yeah, we really do!!!! Go for the beer and enjoy, don't expect to stay. Unfortunately, it's not a place to hang out. If you go at prime time on the weekend it is too crowded and not really worth the wait.
(3)
Bill S.

Our large party (13) was split into two tables, that were next to each other. Understandable. One table completed dessert before the other table had received main course. Manager was approached and did nothing... not even an apology (but many excuses!) Guess our business was not worth providing good service, so it will be brought elsewhere.
(1)
Rita G.

I am from Germany and am totally familiar with the cuisine. I love the Bavarian Lodge. They are friendly, helpful and make great authentic dishes. The atmosphere is cozy, and has a lot of gemÃ¼tlichkeit. I especially appreciate that they use pork that has been sustainably raised. Thank you for a touch of home.
(5)
Laurence P.

Been meaning to try this place for a while now, so when one of my friends said she wanted to go too, we jumped on the occasion. We went there early since I had read parking could be an issue, and where seated within minutes... Neither my friend or I are beer fans, so we probably missed out on some of the experience, but we both got the Pear Cider, and enjoyed it. Food was great, although word of warning, if you are looking for light fare you are out of luck here (this is German food after all!)! The Alpine Schnitzel is delicious, but there is enough food on that plate for 3 meals!!! Service was impeccable, and the waiter checked on us regularly to make sure we had everything we needed... The bust boy was maybe a little too eager at some point, but all in all, great dinner experience.
(4)
Karen Anne B.

Oh Bavarian Lodge - how do I love thee, let me count the ways... This place opened when I was six and I grew up a mile and a half from it. I'm in my 30's now and I just went here for the first time last year. Shame on me! This place has a great and ever changing beer list, good food, a warm cozy atmosphere (although a little loud sometimes) and good service. It's great any time of year, but the warm woods, fireplace and heavy comfort food makes it a great place to hole up for a long winter evening. Though I'm not sure it's really German, we always start out with the fried green beans - yum! And of course a beer. I usually get the Veggie Schnitzel (this place seems to be the only veg-friendly German restaurant in the Chicago area). My dining buddies have tried several things and I've never heard any complaints. (I'm not a fan of the Pierogi Pomodoro though - tomato sauce doesn't belong on a pierogi! Sauteed onions would be better.) Portions are generous and you are likely to have leftovers. The restaurant is pretty large and there are lots of cozy booths and some tables. I've been here 4 or 5 times, I've never had to wait for a table and only once did the food seem to take a bit to come out, but still not unreasonably long. The website lists some house rules, worth taking a look at. I'm sure they are serious, but they give me a chuckle. A sign on the door warns (lightheartedly) that they only have 3 people in the kitchen, and basically says that if you are picky, in a hurry, impatient or offended by the sign you should go elsewhere. I'm picky and impatient - but not here and I will continue to go back!
(5)
Benia Z.

"The Lodge," as my friends and I sometimes call it, always provides us craft beer lovers a great tasting experience. With 40 taps of mostly fantastic beers, the selection cannot be beat! I've heard some folks say it's better than any place in the world, including Germany! I love sitting at the bar best, as that is where Tyler, Robert, and Melissa are usually working hard, serving us beer people what we love best! These servers know their delicious beers and will never serve us a sloppy pour (sticky on the outside). They also keep us well hydrated and fed so we can enjoy as much as we can in a sitting. I live farther away than I like from this beer haven, so I like to make the most of my visits by arriving early and staying late. The new taster size glasses (5 oz.) also give me a way to try as many of the many draft beers as I can in a visit. Please note, however, that not all beers are available in a taster size (especially anything with a high ABV, comes in a snifter, or has a pricier cost per serving), but if doesn't hurt to ask politely. The food is pretty authentic German fare, from what I've heard from those who have been to Europe. I take their word for it. The portions are large, and the selections are tasty. I jokingly call this style of food "brown food", as it tends to be devoid of the colorful veggies most of us need, but, to be fair, there are plenty of colorful salads, veggies, and other vegetarian options, if meat and potatoes isn't what you're craving at the moment. For example, I had a Mahi-Mahi dish (the Kapriole) with rice and veggies (green beans with a few carrots and bell peppers added) and it was pretty tasty. If your appetite is small, try sharing or getting appetizers. I also enjoy the always-available liver dumpling soup, but they have other soup options, too, like a farmer's soup, and a creamy potato soup. The restaurant is divided into a dining area and a bar area. I never go to the dining area because I am always about the latest beer selection (and the child-free environment in the bar area). The bar area has several tables and booths, including a couple tables that can accommodate groups of 6, if need be, but the 3-sided bar in the back is where I prefer to sit - close to the taps and the bartenders. There are fresh lists of the current tap selection with very detailed descriptions of each beer on every table and every few seats at the bar, as well as a chalkboard of just the names of the beers available. Beermenus.com also lists their current selection if you want to plan your choices ahead of time. If you can't decide based on the descriptions, Tyler will gladly offer her personal opinions of what you might enjoy, based on what she might know about your tastes. Every so often, Bavarian Lodge hosts beer events, where a brewer is featured for a day with several taps dedicated just to that brewer's beers. In the past, I have attended events for: Stone, Dogfish Head, Founders, and Three Floyds. I'm sure I will attend others. If you do attend one of these events, be prepared to either come early (pre-opening time lines do form outside the building), or suffer the consequences of the most fantastic selections having been sold out by the time you get your order in. It's all about your own personal priorities. As for decor and ambiance of the place, the outside is a cute Bavarian styled building. Inside, you'll see dim lighting with charming. dark wood furniture ("the dank" as I call it, to quote Moe from "The Simpsons"), hear recognizable songs from the past few decades (mostly) playing softly as background noise (unless it's crowded and noisy, which makes the music harder to hear), and stuffed animals on the walls (taxidermy, not plush), and various craft brewery logos on plaques and decorations near the bar. If you are in the bar area, you'll find a mere 2 television sets, which are not always on and are tucked away in the back at the bar for those who cannot stand to miss the game or need somewhere to stare for a few seconds. I love the fact that there are not a thousand TVs on at this place, and that it's all about the beer, then the food. It's exactly the kind of place I look for in a bar and I have had a great time every time I've been there. I've been going to the Lodge for many years now and hope to continue for many more years.
(5)
Patrick B.

So here's the deal. I've eaten here many times and always enjoyed the food. They have a weird policy in the bar that I have to let everyone know about though. My family and I ate there last night and my sister in law ordered a hard cider that she had never tried before. She did not care for it and immediately asked if she could exchange it for something else. Our server told us that they do not except returns and "maybe someone else will drink it". What?? We spent $250 on dinner and sure enough, that drink (still full and sitting on the table) was on the bill. They also charge for beer samples. I've traveled all over the country and have never experienced this policy of "buyer beware" before. Doesn't exactly encourage trying anything new does it?
(2)
Michael B.

I've never had anything but a great time at the Bavarian Lodge! If I could afford it, I'd be here everyday. My biggest problem is that I love the food and beer so much that I can't keep the money from flying out of my wallet. Don't get me wrong. The food and beer is reasonably priced when you consider the quality and quantity, but an appetizer, soup, entree and a few (several) beers really adds up. You basically have to roll me out of this place. First, let's talk about the food. This food is in encoded in my DNA (100% German). I haven't worked my way through the entire menu yet, but I will and I'll die happy (most likely from a heart attack). The tiroler schnitzel bites are delicious! The breading is nice and crispy, and what carnivore doesn't like pork and beef? The wurst platter is the best! (See what I did there? Yes the pun is terrible, but I amuse myself and that's what counts). You get little slices of different sausages to dip in mustard. I recommend getting this appetizer followed by some schnitzel for an entree. Throw in a pretzel and you've hit the Bavarian trifecta. However, if you're looking to back away from the meat extravaganza, I highly recommend the potato pancakes. They are really tasty. Now that you've had a delicious appetizer, you really should try the goulash. You can get it as a bowl of soup or an entree. It is extremely flavorful (I love paprika). If you're looking for a more substantial entree and you have trouble deciding on just one, then you should get either the schnitzel platter or the sausage platter. Talk about a guilty pleasure! What can I tell you that you don't already know about schnitzel or german sausage? They sell themselves. Occasionally I deviate from the German feast and go with a burger. The French farmhouse burger is amazing with sauteed mushrooms, grilled onions and Boursin cheese. I don't know why I haven't ever had Boursin on burger because it's incredible. Saving the most important for last, it's time to talk about the beer. They have 36 taps and always an incredible selection. Rarely is there something not worthwhile on the tap list. There are always a selection of imports, but the American craft beers dominate, including a couple taps that seem to be dedicated to Three Floyds beer. As tough as it is to decide between all of the great food, the beer selection is even more paralyzing. You just have to pick something because it's hard to go wrong. Keep an eye out for their special events and then get there early if you don't want to wait. I was at the Dogfish Head tap takeover last year, and it was crazy packed. I've also seen a Bell's tap takeover, Smuttynose, and Southern Tier. Most weeks they also have Firkin Friday, which includes the tapping of a firkin (cask) of a selected beer.
(5)
Jared K.

Food was great and our server Pascal provided a one of a kind experience. Definitely coming back and requesting pascal.....
(5)
Jenni E.

I loved this place - the best yummy, German comfort food that I have ever had in this country. Before coming to this place, I looked at their website and was completely annoyed almost to the point of not wanting to go. They make it blatantly clear that they will not be flexible with large groups, will not make any substitutions and really don't care what it is you want - if it isn't on their menu or part of their policy they aren't doing it. I was a little worried about coming to this place with a large group because of all these "rules" they have on their website, but was pleasantly surprised when I got there. The service was excellent, they were pretty accommodating despite all the threats on the website and though I had to use my math skills to split a bill 12 ways, the food more than made up for it. The only other gripe I have about this place is the parking situation. They were pretty packed the night we went, but there were no spots in their lot, so we all ended up parking blocks away and having to walk to the restaurant. However, the walk was needed after the large portions of amazing food we consumed. They have a huge selection of both German and not so German fare and from what I am told they have one of the best beer selections around. One thing I loved was that they also offered a great selection of non-beer drinks and wine for people like me that just can't stand the stuff. A great thing about their German food is that they have an option to make your own combo so that you can try several different things instead of committing to one entree. I opted for Weiner Schnitzel, Smoked Thuringer with a side of dumplings and creamed spinach. All of it was great - especially the sausage which the waiter recommended. Everyone else in my large party also loved their food. The portions were pretty big and several people took stuff home; with none of us making it to dessert. This was a great find near my house and I will definitely be back for more schnitzel!
(4)
Carolyn R.

I foolishly thought to bring friends here on a whim after a visit to the Arboretum. On a Saturday night... In October... Unsurprisingly it was packed but it was totally worth the wait. This is an old school restaurant and I mean that in the best way - I do love this place. They don't take reservations, they don't cater and they aren't trendy. The food is not pretentious, deconstructed nouvelle cuisine or vegan. If that is your thing then this is not the restaurant for you (if so, there are other phenomenal restaurants I could recommend but this ain't one of them). I'm gonna focus on the food in this review - a quick trip to their web site will show you how massive the beer selection is and I just can't do it justice. I had the build-your-own-combo and started off with the salad with Thousand Island dressing. I picked the meatloaf and the Thuringer sausage with sides of bread dumplings and sauerkraut. It came with gravy and horseradish sauce. I ate until I felt full and I still had half of my food on my plate which I boxed up and took to work for lunch. And guess what - I still could not finish all of it for lunch. 2.5 meals for the price of one! I was glad I tried the meatloaf -- I almost didn't because I though it might be too boring of a choice. It is NOT American meat loaf with a ketchup crust on top so if that's what you are expecting and you are fussy about food you may want to pick something else but I'd recommend it highly. The best part is that you always leave feeling very well taken care of. They don't rush you in and out even when it is super-busy. The waitstaff is very nice and the service seemed pretty quick for them being so packed on a Saturday night. The owners / management definitely have a sense of humor (take a look at the FAQ page or House Rules on their web site). In summary: Feels like somebody's grandma from 1974 is cooking in the back. Wear loose pants and prepare to be in a food coma after you leave.
(5)
Ashley J.

We went to the Bavarian Lodge last weekend after dinner at Tairyo down the street (read my review!) The beer selection is out of this world and the bar tender was very knowledgeable about each beer. (Knowledgeable, but not friendly). I wish I could remember what she recommended for me .. The only bummer is that they charge you $5 to taste the beers before they pour .. The inside looks like you'd expect - a German pub-like atmosphere. The bar area is a little cramped, but it was sorta fun that way! Seems like a fun place for a group. We went on a Saturday night around 9ish, and the place was slammed. Parking wasn't that bad- but I assume it's pretty difficult during dinner hours. Next time I'll be sure to visit for dinner - I browsed over the menu and saw LOTS of things I'd love to order.. I'll update my rating afterwards! Not a huge deal, but one thing that rubbed me the wrong way- their website. There are sections called "FAQ" and "House Rules" which tells you " (1) Don't steel their glassware (2) If you're wearing too much cologne or perfume, we will ask you to leave. (3) Come in a group of 8 or less (4) If you've got a horribly inappropriate tattoo, it needs to be covered up .... while these all make sense, I don't think that it's completely necessary to reiterate common sense. *No reservations
(3)
Don Z.

I have visited The Bavarian Lodge many times since I first discovered it around 2007. I like to get there right at 4PM when they open and spend a few hours savoring the experience. In the past we have chosen a table in the bar side, but that made it hard to interact with other patrons and the bartender. We have also noticed that the table wait staff is perhaps a bit too busy to give great service. So now we park at a corner of the bar and everything is great. The bartender, Tyler, was friendly and prompt. She has a true appreciation for the beer as well and offers suggestions based on personal experience. The chairs are comfortable and the rail is in just the right place. I was able to sit and enjoy my visit without squirming in a bad chair. The beer is great. They don't brew their own, but they have a fantastic selection of Belgian, German, and American craft beers. There now have about 40 different selections on tap, and probably double that in bottles. The biggest problem is trying to decide which ones to try. Due the the massive variety of beers, they do not offer the kind of samplers that are common at brewpubs. The bartender explained that the variance in prices from one brew to the next is also a factor which makes a sampler infeasible. Oh, if you hate beer, they do happen to have Miller Lite on tap. The description on the menu describes it as "Very pale yellow with a seltzer taste. What did we do to Milwaukee to deserve this?" On each of my visits I have tried different beers, but to give you an idea, here are a few from one of my visits All of them were good. 3 Floyd's Moloko - milk stout Gouden Carolous Tripel Great Lakes Xmas Ale Ommegang Chocolate Indulgence Dark Horse 3 Guys Off the Scale - I love this barleywine Dark Horse Black Bier Ale Surly Furious IPA - an excellent example of the style! The unique selection and imported nature of many of the beers means they come at a premium price. Many of the stronger beers are served in smaller 12oz glasses. For me it is worth it, but if you are looking for cheap beer to guzzle, then look elsewhere. The food at Bavarian Lodge is good, but nothing to rave about. The concentration on German cooking means that most everything is "brown". Not to say that I don't like liver dumpling soup, spatzel, sausages, meat in gravy and sauerkraut, but it is, what it is. The beer justifies the long trip from my house. The food helps fill me up in between beers. The veggie schnitzel was an interesting departure from the traditional menu. The roast duck is also pretty good. I find myself returning to the hunter schnitzel most of the time. I like the atmosphere at the Bavarian Lodge. It has plenty of dark wood and relatively few TVs. The music is quiet enough to permit conversation. The choice of music was a little odd... not polkas, but not top 40 either. Since it was mostly unobtrusive I didn't mind much. Overall, I would recommend this place for anyone looking for a great selection of great beer. The crowd is a mix of younger and older and everyone seems to be able to enjoy themselves. I will definitely be back. I just wish it was closer to Bartlett. Then again, if it was, I might never go anywhere else!
(5)
Stacey K.

This is the best German food aside from the Berghoff in my opinion. The beer list is similar in length to Webster's dictionary. The dumplings and gravy are things I often dream about at night, second only to George Clooney.....but I digress. My usual order is as follows: liver dumpling soup, 2 pieces of rye bread with butter, sip my beer while I wait for my entree which is usally the Wiener Schnitzel (it's pork - don't worry. And you'd never know it). 2 big slabs of that, along with my sides of dumplings and gravy, sauerkraut. I come close to eating it all, save half a piece of schnitzel which I put under my pillow when I go to bed for George to show up and feed to me during the night.... GO HERE. IT IS THE BEST.
(4)
Matt K.

Born and raised in Germany, this place offends me. Looking for a home away from home, a co-worker suggested the Lodge. Boy, was I disappointed. Their sausages (I won't even call them 'Wurst') are terrible, none of them present authentic flavors. Their sides not far behind, the warm potato salad is especially bad. The only reason this place got saved from a 1 star review is the beer selection, it is actually quite impressive, many imports. Needed to wash down their food. If you going for beer alone, this is 4-5 star destination.
(2)
Laura D.

My husband and I LOVE this place! They have an incredible, ever-changing beer selection, and the food is incredible. If you do get a dinner entree be prepared to take at least 1/2 of it home - there is a ton of food! If you haven't been there before, be sure to check the website before you go. It is a family business and sometimes the restaurant closes for family functions/vacations.
(5)
Vinay B.

The best beer selection in the suburbs hands down. If you're a craft beer lover this is the place for you. The prices are pretty reasonable for what you get (drafts range between usually $5-$11). The food here is good...it's authentic german cuisine. I've pretty much sampled most of the items on the menu and one of my favorites is the roast duck. If you're looking to have a couple beers and eat and only looking to spend $15-20 this isn't the place (I've gone by myself and after 3-4 beers and an entree with tip you're looking more like 38-50 bucks depending on what you're drinking and eating...most of the entrees are $13 and up). One of my favorite things about this place is the crowd...it's a little bit of an older crowd (late 20's and up usually from what I've seen weekends/week days. A lot of professionals during the week stopping in for a few pints). The staff is really knowledgeable on all the beers so don't hesitate to ask them any questions. You can also check out their beer list which is updated daily on their site. The only reason I can't give this place 5 stars is the parking. It's absolutely terrible if you don't get there before 5:30-6pm (they open at 4pm). *had to update my review since the new parking allotment. Really awesome what a great job they've done.
(5)
Julie M.

My group of 8 arrived at 7PM on a Saturday and we had to wait about an hour for a table, but it was worth it. We asked for a table in the bar area because it seemed more lively. So, in the meantime we found a spot a the bar where we could try some beers and watch plates of food go by. They have such a great beer menu that you just have to say what kind of beer you like and they have a ton of choices. I'm glad I went with a large group because I got to try so many different things. I knew from reading on yelp that the potato pancakes would be great and they didn't disappoint. However I would never have tried the duck wings appetizer and it was so good. The wurst platter was another good appetizer choice to get a good sampling of flavors, plus you get the added bonus of continually annoying the server by asking for the "WO/URST platter" and then laughing. For dinner I had the wiener schnitzel cordon bleu with bread dumplings and sweet and sour cabbage. Great breading, and I love anything with cheese. The sweet and sour cabbage was a real surprise because I expected to sort of be an afterthought but it was very flavorful (too much for one of my friends, but hey a win for me). I, on the other hand, thought that there was too much bread in the bread dumplings, but another one of my friends ate them instead. I would definitely recommend this as a place to go with a group so you can try out different beers and different appetizers. If you can get there a little earlier and put in your names it might also help decrease the wait time.
(4)
Tyson H.

Remember that part in 'European Vacation' when the Grizwolds, whilst in Germany, find themselves at a Munich-style biergarten in the midst of an Oktoberfest celebration? Do you remember the part where Rusty, lovable if not excessively dorky, meets the frau of his dreams and said frau exposes her breasts to him, thusly blowing his mind? As a youngster, I loved that movie, particularly that part. And even as I have gotten older, learned more of Germany and its culture and even visited the country, that was always my favorite "German" thing. Until now. Rusty and his lusty booty-call have been replaced by the Bavarian Lodge. My own booty-call and I recently ate dinner in the bar area and had a particularly nice evening. Plainly put, this is a beer lovers heaven. If you only came to this place for the beer, you would leave with a glazed look, babbling about the excesses you just witnessed. The beer list is long, strong, and bound to get any beer lovers pulse a' racing. Changing taps everyday, beers of all difft varieties, beers from myriad countries and American regions- they have it all covered. We also ate dinner, and it being my first time, I went for the schnitzel. The portions were massive, and each meal is served with soup or salad, and two sides. I ate with gusto though and took down the large portion of pork. It was ample, it was good. My only minor complaint was that our server disappeared toward the end of the meal, but it being the bar at 9:30pm on a Saturday, people were getting their draaaaaaaaaank on, well on their way to to the type of intoxication that makes babies. To be expected. Go to the Bavarian Lodge, you wont regret it.
(5)
Yvonne O.

I agree with the vast majority of the reviews here - food is okay, but the beer is what you really come for. I was amazed at the sheer variety of options to drink, but underwhelmed by the food (other than for sheer ginormous portion size). I loved that they had Original Sin Pear Cider, but had hoped for a better choice of soup than just liver dumpling and/or cream of asparagus. The choose two option is what I went with and got the meatloaf and the wienerschnitzel. Meatloaf was pretty standard - plus for the BBQ sauce they brought to use with it. Schnitzel was really heavy and greasy - I have had far better elsewhere. Shocking that the dessert options did not include a black forest cake, but there is no room for more after that massive amount of meal!
(3)
Judd K.

Bavarian Lodge, how I love thee. You are so amazing that you can be closed on Monday AND Tuesday, yet this only makes us crave you more. Your beer menu is in a three way tie for the BEST BEER MENU IN CHICAGO. The German fare is pretty good but not great. I am a fan of most of the various schnitzels. The food is reasonably authentic as well, though the big miss of the entire menu is -amazingly- the spaetzle. I have never had a more tasteless example of this fantastic noodle. Weird. Still. It doesn't matter. Just don't order the spaetzle. Or order it anyway just to see what it's like since you get two sides and a soup or salad with entrees. I love the atmosphere in the bar area. It strikes just the right balance of comfort and curiosity for me. Can't wait to go back. Perhaps tomorrow since it's Tuesday.
(5)
Brad C.

What an amazing beer list! I can't even count how maybe people have told me about this place and the great beer list and now I can final say I've been here. They don't open til 4PM and I recommend getting there early because the place gets pretty packed. I heard a few people say they had been waiting for over an hour on my way out. Which just goes to show you that people are looking for something different than just your typical chain restaurant. And when it's as tasty as The Bavarian Lodge, I can understand why. Like I said, the beer list is huge, the list is on par with the HopLeaf in Chicago. A good 20 beers on draft and a huge bottle list that I didn't even come close to dipping into. The food portions are huge and you really don't need an appetizer unless you need an extra something to soak up all that beer. I orded the schnitzel trio because I couldn't make up my mind. The schnitzel was good. For a side, I would skip the spaetzle and go with the cabbage. A few of the people I was with orded the sausage plate which looked fantastic and will be something I'll order next time. The place is a bit expensive but overall a great restaurant with good service.
(4)
Zorin D.

This place has an amazing beer selection and delicious German food.
(5)
Craig L.

I really really want to give 5 stars. The beer list here is the best I've seen in or out of the city. The staff is always friendly but can be a bit slow occasionally simply due to how busy this place gets. Parking is also a bit of an issue but even when I have had to park a good distance from the restaurant the wait has always been shorter then the host told me. Plus, the wait gives you a chance to sample those amazing beers! I absolutely love their kassler ripchen. It's a smoked center cut pork chop that's simply amazing. On this visit it was a bit dry, but the flavor just sings. I did the combo and also got the troller schnitzel which is a pork/beef mixture. Put that with the mashed potatoes and pan gravy and I'm a happy man! I also highly recommend their pretzel appetizer. The pretzels are fantastic and that Boursin cheese to spread on them is amazing. I kept the leftover cheese for my dinner rolls and just savored every bite. The only reason this outstanding restaurant doesn't get five stars from me is the parking situation for one. The other is that my wife is not a fan of German food and has tried different options that didn't work so well. On this visit she tried the fish and chips and we found the fish dry and the tartar sauce overly sweet. Just wish their was a better option for someone like my wife that doesn't want a burger or chicken. That being said, we went with our friend whose parents immigrated from Germany and is a beer lover. I asked if there is a better place in the Chicago area and was told this is the best. I couldn't agree more!
(4)
Victrix V.

Solid restaurant. Lovely selection of local beers on tap, and some tasty dishes. I appreciate their quality, but I still think it can be improved. Meats are fresh, but do not offer organic or hormone free options. And all vegetarian selections have cheese or their dish suffers in flavor from lack of the cheese. I would love to see some menu items updated among the staple yumminess.
(3)
Daniel D.

Best beer selection I have seen even better than the many bars in the city which try to specialize in micro brews. Three Floyds Zombie Dust on tap daily.
(5)
Sara M.

I cannot say enough great things about this place. German rustic atmosphere, the Bavarian Lodge has a home- y feeling. With their detailed list of harder to find tap beers, it easy to get a bit overwhelmed. Never fear though, the staff is always willing to make a suggestion. The food never disappoints and the beer never stops flowing. I've tried almost every appetizer on the list and have yet to find one I don't like. Their beer cheese soup is by far the best I've had. Honestly, it's one of those places you just have to experience for yourself. So grab your lederhosen, craft brew lovers. Beer heaven is just a car ride away...
(5)
Jason B.

Amazing beer selection for the suburbs. Great service.
(5)
Brenda T.

The parking lot was overflowing on a Friday night, but we were still seated in less than 5 minutes....always a huge plus! Authentic German food and more than 200 beer choices (bottle and tap). Highly recommend the stuffed cabbage rolls that melt in your mouth, along with the bread dumplings. Service was excellent!!! The only reason I didn't give 5 stars is because the place is a little too loud for table conversation at times.
(4)
Tj M.

Me & my gf found this place when we were up there for the evening.They don't take reservations,first come/first serve.So on a sat. night we waited an hour till we got seated.This place was packed,so packed that parking was hard to find & almost impossible.After 15 minutes,My honey found a spot and all was fine. An hour is a long time to wait,but it was worth it.We both looked forward to trying there appetizers so my honey got the cheddar ale soup which she liked a lot.I got the scotch egg,which was a hard boiled egg,with a sausage breading around it,deep fried mmmmmm it was delicious and i have never had anything like that before.The hot preztel basket was great too that we both enjoyed. The main entree I got was a Hunter's Schnitzel which was real good,along with the creamed spinach & red cabbage. she got the vegetarian schnitzel,which wasn't that great,but she still enjoyed everything else. We really liked the decor all throughout the place,and it was loud as it was so busy on a saturday evening.We also like that the place was dimly lit,as it seems to be common in other german restaraunts that we go too.We would come back here again for sure,great food,good decor, and great service, but we only come during the week,as we don't care to wait too long.
(4)
brett s.

Great German food with modern decor. Great beer good service.last time I was there no res but all so well, a must for the burbs
(5)
Elizabeth W.

If you are looking for a bar to get some incredible beer, you have found your watering hole. In saying that, I give the beer 5 stars, but I give the food about 2 or 3. As much as I love great beer, in order to not be falling down drunk, I need a little food to go with my beer. The food is a little on the pricey side and they seem to have too much going on. I like simple German food with great taste. They seem to have complicated food with ok taste. Let's get back to the beer! There are about 36 taps with always changing brews and an endless selection of bottles. The greatest part about this bar is that you can get a little 5oz taste of beer for about 2-5 bucks depending on the brew. If you are like me, and like to try as many beers as you can, then you are going to want to come and try this place out!
(3)
Tom B.

Beer, beer, beer, beer, beer! Ouch I hurt myself here. Shout out to Sheila for driving. Beer selection is fabulous at the Bavarian Lodge. The food is very solid if you like German food. My table shared the following: rouladen - tender and tasty, but not spectacular. Roast pork loin - tender and moist beyond belief for a usually dry cut. Veal schnitzel - great with the gravy and solid without. Bratwurst - not greasy and great spice. Would get 5 stars if you could make a reservation.
(4)
Kent R.

Excellent beers and delicious German food!!
(5)
Jeffrey R.

Staff here is GREAT!!! Food here is pretty great. They seem to skimp on the spatzle and they don't serve hasenpfeffer, but they have the best smoked pork chops I have ever had.
(4)
Andrew M.

This place is great. Incredible beer list, top notch friendly service, and good food. I will definitely have to come here and try it again.
(4)
Amanda S.

My husband and I come here almost weekly. Not because it's only 10 minutes from home, but because of the excellent beer selection and food. the beer is always tapped fresh and flies out of the kegs so quickly that it is of best quality when we drink it. The food is awesome- chicken schnitzel cordon blue?!?!?! YUMMMMM. If we lived an hour away we would still make it a habit to go out of our way to come to Bavarian Lodge. I gave 5/5 stars for this reason: My husband whom Alan and staff would recognize due to the frequency of his visits--had his credit card declined on a $20 bill. He was embarrassed and said he had no other tender-the bartender gave him a hard time. However, Alan the owner, allowed my husband to leave a personal belonging at the front hostess stand and return with cash from an ATM. Although I don't know what was wrong with the credit card machine there to begin with-it was nice that they trusted him to leave and return with payment. Not sure what else could have been done in the situation but it avoided embarrassment slightly.
(5)
mei s.

what a pleasant surprise this place is! i've been wanting to try this place for a while as we've driven by it a number of times and have been curious. friends of ours invited us out to go try it. i normally don't think much of german food, but the food here was tasty. in fact, the schnitzel that i had here was better than the meal i had at a famous austrian restaurant. it has totally changed my perception of schnitzel! the apple sauce that accompanies most meals was so fresh and homemade. the potato pancakes was loaded with garlic. that's a plus. the only thing we were mildly disappointed with was the dumplings for the kids. it was basically a loaf of bread with gravy. i think dumplings are supposed to be doughy or at least small piece of biscuit in gravy. this was like a loaf, sliced up.
(4)
Laura C.

I enjoy experiencing new flavors and different restaurants as part of my trips. I visited The Bavarian Lodge with my friend, after reading the raving reviews here. I have to say I was disappointed. I gave it 3 stars because the service and beer selection was very good. Otherwise it would've been 2. The atmosphere at the bar is laid back. They did have a wide variety of beers and decent prices. If you're there just to drink beer then you're safe. We were pleased with our selections. Once we were called to go to our table, the waitress gave us a couple of suggestions on what to order. She mentioned that the items in the menu with a star were the recommended dishes of the restaurant. That sounded like a safe bet so I ordered the cream of asparagus, which was delicious and the Hungarian Goulasch with spatzle as my main entree. The flavor of my food is very easy to describe: think Chunky beef soup (those tasteless pieces of meat) in a red sauce (that did nothing to spice the meat) and the spatzle that was just a simple bite of flour and nothing else. I abandoned my plate (which I never had done since I was 5 and I ate liver!) after having 3 bites from it. It was tragically awful. The waitress asked if she could change it for another item (which was very nice of her) but I was too afraid to try anything else and vanish the only good experience of the night...the soup. My friend ordered from the "Make Your Own Combo" which turned out to be a wise decision. Her sausage was good, along with the Wiener Schnitzel and fries. Not the hot potato salad, a little sour. I ate a few bites from her plate and wished I had ordered something else instead. The only way I'd go back is to have a couple of beers or sausage...not to dine. "Prost", "Salud", Cheers!
(3)
Andrew T.

Beer selection. Now that I have your attention, allow me to elaborate. I frequent this locale in the autumn for their pumpkin beer during Oktoberfest. They have on tap a plethora of beers that changes throughout the year, giving beer enthusiasts more reason to become loyal customers. There are so many beers on tap I gave up on keeping track of what I tried. The food is also great if you are into wursts. They have a large selection and the service is exemplary. I went for lunch once and ordered a 2 wurst platter that also came with potato, sauerkraut and bread. It was quite a feast. I recommend the Bavarian Pretzel Basket or the Schnitzel platter to start things off. I normally go to the pub for a few beers, a little appetizer and a great time with some friends. I strongly recommend this place.
(4)
Rebecca M.

Anyone who rates this place with less than four stars must have something stuck up their you-know-where. The Bavarian Lodge is unbelievably amazing. Granted, I've never been to Germany, so I can't compare with food from the Motherland, but this place has some of the best food I've ever tasted. My fiance and I went for dinner on a Friday night, and having never been there before that, we had NO clue how busy it would be. It was packed! Walking up to the restaurant though, it smelled so good we said we'd wait whatever. They said the wait was an hour, but we probably only waited 30-40 minutes. So worth it. We went to the bar area while we waited and had a drink - crowded and small, but authentic. Their beer selection is also outstanding. I had the Wiener Schnitzel ala Holstein without the anchovy garnish, and chose the mashed potatoes and red cabbage as my sides. The schnitzel was so tender and delicious, and had tremendous flavor. I probably wouldn't get the red cabbage again, but mostly that's because I'm not a big fan in the first place. I just wanted to try it again to see if my taste buds had changed at all. Nope. The mashed potatoes however... WHOA. GET THEM. That's all I can say. In addition to the meal, you also get soup or salad; I chose the soup - liver dumpling - and it was unreal. Sounds gross, but you'll be so glad you got it! I can't wait to go back to this place!
(5)
Jessica F.

I went to the Bavarian Lodge about two weeks ago for a nice dinner with my parents. The authentic Bavarian decor was fun and interesting, but that was the only positive I can give. There was no host to seat us and the employee's did not seem very eager to approach us. The restaurant was very loud and the service was very slow. We waited about 45 minutes to receive our dishes, only to find that our food was lukewarm. The food itself tasted pretty good, but the fact that it was not hot made it somewhat unappetizing. In my opinion, the prices are too high for the level of quality. Although, If you are looking to drink rare and unique beers, the Bavarian Lodge would be a great place.
(3)
Jason H.

Since the first cherry-poppin' review, I had gone back to the Bavarian Lodge weekly until I moved out of state. Awesome food. Awesome ambiance. Bathroom floors you could eat off of. I had never had the rude service on the dining room side that some people mention, and the bar always had great service. My normal female bartender was always accomodating but BEWARE: tipping high will NOT get you anything extra. At first I used to tip like mad (even 50 percent on occasion), but I never got a free drink, shot or anything so I went down to standard amounts.
(5)
Jon B.

Been here three times. It has a great beer list, but the food isn't all that good.
(3)
Melissa H.

This is a fantastic place to hit up if you're looking for something different in the burbs. They've got a menu chock full of German traditional favorites, as well as a full complement of pub-type food. No where else can you get wienerschnitzel and beer-battered fish and chips at the same table. Try the pretzel bread served with Boursin cheese. The portions are huge and the food is top notch. Their beer menu is dizzying. An infinite amount of choices on the regular menu, plus a special menu, and usually a few more on a placard on your table. The servers are all very well educated and can always give good suggestions for you. Beware, this place gets super busy on weekends, and is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
(4)
Jen F.

5 stars for the beer list, 3 stars for the rest (service, decor, food), so average of 4 stars for me. Of course I have to start with the beer. The selection is vast, reasonably priced, and offers some hard-to-find brews. The ones our group ordered were all fantastic, and the menu descriptions were all spot-on. We couldn't find a seat at the bar for 3 of us so we ended up at a table in the dining room instead. The carpeting seemed old, and the knick knacks seemed a little dusty to me, so that was a bit of a turn off. The waiter was really busy, and we sat for a while without our order being taken. The bus staff was prompt with water and bread, so props to them. We decided that we didn't want to stick it out for a full meal since we had already been there a while, so we got appetizers instead. The pretzel bread was great - very tasty and the cheese spread was delicious. The cheese curds were good, but what really made them stand out was the dipping sauce. Overall, it was a pretty uneven experience. I'll definitely go back for more beer and probably apps, and give their service another try.
(4)
Craig O.

I've had the food here a couple times, but that's not why I come back. The beer selection is superb, worth the trip! Bring your platinum card though, a few quality beers here will lighten your wallet.
(4)
Adam J.

Loved it and can't say a bad word about it. The best beer list I've ever seen along with some really delicious food. I can't believe it took me so long to go to this place
(5)
John D.

This is one of the best German restaurants I've ever dined at, dating back to 2004. The portions are INSANE. When I started eating here years back, you could get lucky on a Friday (early evening) and get a seat with ease. Now- forget it because the secret is out!!! Now when it comes to the portions, you get exactly what you pay for. Here's how my average dining experience begins. Take a choice of soup or salad (I prefer the goulash) and some warm bread. Go easy on the bread especially if you plan on finishing dinner. Then the dinner main course. Generally you get a potato & veggie dish (mashed potatoes & creamed spinach are what I like). Imagine being able to create a 2 or 3 item platter with the following (*= my normal choices but I do change from time to time): - Bratwurst / Knackwurst / *Smoked Thuringer / *Roast Pork Loin / *Homemade Meatloaf / Wiener Schnitzel (Add $1) / Chicken Schnitzel / Tiroler Schnitzel / Kassler Rippchen (Add $1.50) / Veggie Schnitzel Other meat dishes to consider that I've enjoyed: - Schweins Hax'n (Pork Shank)- this thing is HUGE and very tender. - Sausage platters. The menu is pretty big but still the quality doesn't miss. Now if you don't drink, you'll pay anywhere between $15 and $25/person. If you do drink, there are plenty of choices. I would suggest checking their Internet site and get an idea of what to expect. You leave here hungry, that's your fault (or you're just that hungry). If you go, get there early or expect a wait.
(5)
Adam B.

Beer List= A++++++ Food= meh. Me and two others checked out the Bavarian Lodge recently. We were extremely excited due to the great yelp reviews. But, the food we found there was pretty greasy and bland. No one in the party really enjoyed their meals. Snacking on the stale bread on the table didn't really help their cause either. It seemed like most of the other tables were having a good time, but then again, maybe it was the beer talking.
(2)
Christopher S.

First, I'm NOT a fan of the food here. It's okay at best. Why 4 stars then? The freaking beer bar is amazing. Doubt you'll find a better beer bar anywhere. 5-star beer bar attached to a 2-star (at most) restaurant.
(4)
Paul P.

Hands down the best beer selection in the suburbs. They have 36 taps and hundreds of bottles. The draft selection is always changing and there is always someting very rare on tap. I find that I can never drink all the ones I want to try because there are so many gems. Many small brewers are represented. The food is also very good. Traditional comfort food. Do not go there if your in a hurry, this place should be taken in slowly. I always sit at the bar, and the service is awsome! The bartender is well versed in beer. The decor is relaxing and the music selection is interesting. I recomend spending three or more hours with some good friends on a Sunday. Oh ya, get a d.d. because the beer will get ya silly!
(5)
Christopher A.

Great beer selection outside if Chicago and great German food!! Great place to hang on a winters night!!
(5)
Stove P.

If Germany offers the veggie schnitzel, consider me MIA and about 20 pounds heavier. Depending on how fast that schnitzel metabolizes, I may be paying for an extra seat on the flight home. German food is not typically a part of my veggie diet as this country's culinary creations tend to center around meat and potatoes. And if that isn't enough to make you an obesity statistic, there's always dumplings. However, when there is a "Vegetarian fare" section on the menu, I'm left feeling pretty content in competing with my carnivorous party for the fullest tummy. Yes, vegetarians, eat like a meat-eater without guilt here. Also, the beer selection can be a bit intimidating since this could be the Quenchers of the suburbs, but the servers know their beer. Ask for a suggestion, and they'll give you something catered to your taste while still keeping it creative. Taking my family here for my dad's birthday was a real pleasure. Trying something new for a birthday celebration is always a risk, but the Lodge left us complaint-free. I also came here a couple months ago with a much bigger group, and the service was just as intimate. Oh, and don't even try leaving without dessert. German chocolate cake?? Why stop the calorie-packing now?? Just assure yourself that you'll be too full to eat for the next couple of days.
(5)
Bill S.

First review on yelp... Awesome place. Showed up with 3 other couples... at 8:20 on 11/12... We were hungry but ready to wait because of reviews on here. Walked in. Had a table for eight. No wait. AWESOME BEER SELECTION. Wonderful food. Great waiter with great knowledge of food and beer. Schnitzels, perogis, potato pancakes, bratwurst, meat loaf, goulash, sourkraut, sausage ... all delish (cause we shared) we drank a lot. Ate a lot. Super impressed. Worth the trip from Iowa. P.s. my wife is a vegetarian ... and she was also impressed. Go there...& have fun!_
(5)
Lois A.

Rating on beer alone this would be a five star place without a doubt. But they also have food - the menu is like reading a book. We went with some German potato salad, the Matterhorn burger, Beef stroganoff and some wiener schnitzel, bratwurst, and chicken schnitzel. I love all of the above things....normally. Everyone tasted everything and no one was raving about anything. The stroganoff was ok but adding the sour cream to the sauce cold after it was served made my dish cool down rapidly. The roasted red pepper dressing on my salad was just ok. The bratwurst wasn't good and the chicken schnitzel was good but again, nothing amazing. It's really rare that my boyfriend doesn't down his burger in a few minutes. He only had half of it. Real gut bomb food. The kind of food that helps soak up beer but doesn't do much for the taste buds - except for the German potato salad. That was very nice. Service was fantastic and all the beers we tried were great. This place really has a fun feel to it and I'd love to come back for drinks. I probably wouldn't order food from here again though.
(3)
F. U.

Good authentic food and many kinds of beer to chose from. always a good meal!
(4)
melanie f.

Hooray for places to eat near Metra stops! Ok, this one is a little walk, but that's better than getting a DUI or having to abstain in beer heaven, right? I don't like beer. At least that's what I thought until I went to Bavarian Lodge. I just hadn't found the right beer. My husband kept ordering beer he thought I'd like until we hit on a winner (too bad I can't find it on tap anywhere else). They also have a decent wine list if you really don't like beer. If you are taking a group, get there early and plan to hang out for awhile in the bar as they no longer take reservations. They will tell you over the phone an approximate wait time and your whole party does not have to be present to be seated. I have never eaten anything sub-par here. Schnitzel, wurst, dumplings, kraut, burgers. . .it's all delicious and served with a friendly smile. Service does get a little slower the later it gets on weekends, but that's probably par for the course. Do yourself a favor and head to Bavarian Lodge the next time you want a pint. . .I'll probably see you there!
(5)
Drumn M.

Vegetarian Schnitzel? Saison du buff? This is what drew me here. The Dogfish Head tap takeover night brought me back (where they had some rare pours, Midas Touch, 90 min through randall, etc). This weekend it was the Aprihop and the Vegetarian Schnitzel. You can't expect to go for a quick 20 minute meal, as they mention their kitchen is small and there are only a few servers running around. I think they offset the wait with the amazing beers. Not only is it great food and beer, but it comes with a free nap!!!
(5)
Christopher G.

My wife and I went to the Lodge this past weekend, and we came away 100% impressed. Service: A fantastic waiter - friendly, nice, and he came equipped with decent suggestions. Beer: A fantastic beer list, I found a German Wheat that was among the BEST beers that I have ever tasted. My wife's Belgium wheat was great as well. Both from the keg. Food: Appetizer, soup, entree all came out at a respectable pace. Not so close that you ever overlapped but not so long that you begin to wonder if the kitchen lost your order. It took us a good hour to go through the entire sitting, which was about right the number of courses and drinks. Word to the wise, this is a German restaurant. If you don't believe in eating copious amounts of Pork - stay away. Only the chinese have a stronger love for the fat little piggy. Thank you Bavarian Lodge, I WILL be back!
(4)
Kelsey B.

Hubby is from Germany. We naturally flocked to this place when we moved here over a year ago, and looooove it. Very delish hunters schnitzel. It has a unique atmosphere that is really welcoming. DEF get here early or you will be waiting. We have been one of the many waiting outside the doors when this place opens just to avoid the crowd. It was even freezing cold one day, and we were among a flock of people braving the weather just to get in to eat. Totally worth it. I know some people just go here for the beer, but if you have time I would suggest grabbing a bite to eat also. This place is addictive!
(5)
Food Nazi A.

I selected this restaurant by word of mouth to kick start a nice group vacation and heard from those who had been here have enjoyed it....but I must disagree!!! I was getting ready to start my vacation, which was a week in GERMANY and found the food and service to be rather lacking. As 1 in a party of 8 we waited nearly 45 minutes for the food to arrive at the table only to find a majority of it was COLD!!! My gravy was cold and my potato dumplings were nearly hardened by the time everything arrived at the table. Not only was my food cold, but everyone else had cold food on their plate as well. When my friend confronted the manager they simply took the food back and within minutes brought it back out warm, BY WAY OF MICROWAVE!!! No explanation was given for the delay or coldness of the food nor was any kind of compensation/discount even offered. TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE FOOD SERVICE!!!!! The only thing going for the place was the great selection of beer. Was originally thinking about coming back for a family member's birthday, but not a chance now! NOT GOOD FOR GROUPS AT ALL. I can find a breaded pork tenderloin at local places that taste better than the wiener schnitzel and potato dumplings served here. Thank goodness I'll have REAL German food to look forward to and hopefully get rid of the bad taste this place left in my mouth. NEVER AGAIN!!!! If you're looking for German style food skip this place!!!!
(1)
Bonna M.

We went to the Bavarian Lodge about 5:00PM Friday evening. There was plenty of parking and plenty of seating. They said that it was really slow for a Friday. My husband and I both got two draft beers. All of them were good. They have a phenomenal selection of beers on tap and in the bottle. We did try a sample each and thought they were free because our server didn't tell us otherwise. They are 2.50 and 3.00 per sample, that was really the only negative. My son got a shrimp basket with fries, there was enough for 2 kids! My husband got a pork cutlet sandwich with a red pepper spread on it and loved it. I got a black and bleu burger which was ok but not the best I've had. My daughter got a burger too and she thought it was wonderful. The pretzel buns are really good and so is the pretzel basked appetizer. Also, their fries are very, very tasty! It is a neat place and we will definitely return.
(4)
Natasha O.

Having lived in Germany, I feel that I have some tenuous right to be finicky about German establishments. Let me tell you, this place is better than the restaurants in Germany (although maybe that's just because it's non-smoking and in USD, not Euros).. but even if it were the same par isn't that still the best you could ask for here?? Do try the beers.. and do try one of the specials - I got the meat stuffed potato dumplings and they were out of this world. Do also fast all day before this meal, because you will need space for the heavy food. It will be worth it, my friend.
(5)
Ryan H.

Not much can be said here that hasn't been already. The beer selection is amazing. So many different brews on tap or bottled that it makes deciding quite difficult. I'm fine with that. I'll just try as many as I can! :) The food is equally wonderful. I've dined at The Bavarian Lodge many times and I've never been let down. German food is their specialty and they deliver the goods. The saurkraut is to die for. Dessert featured a german chocolate cake that was moist and delightful. All in all, always a great dining experience. It appears as though they recently remodeled parts of the restaurant. The bar area was very clean and looked new. Restrooms equally clean and new in appearance. Downsides -- beers are a bit spendy and some are served in rather small glasses. Also, they are supremely inflexible about menu substitutions -- goes with the whole german thing, I suppose. They will not split checks and they prefer cash, even stated right on the menu, "We begrudgingly accept credit cards but prefer cash."
(5)
Pierre D.

Good food however the service was seriously lacking. It look about 15 Minutes for beers to arrive and about 30 minutes for our soups to arrive. The atmosphere is unique. Also the parking gets pretty tight after 5PM on a saturday... I'd say give this place a shot if German food is your thing.
(3)
Marie B.

This place is a gem. I have been driving past it since it opened, but had no idea it would be an amazing beer bar on top of being an excellent restaurant. The beer selection is truly on par with some of the best beer bars in Chicago. While checking out the menu online prior to eating here, I was considering just ordering some sides and potato pancakes, as those are the things I like best about this type of food. On the online menu, it sates that the entrees are served with "homemade soup or house salad and a basket of home-baked bread & butter." I needed sour kraut! I needed creamed spinach! I needed spatzle! I wanted a dumpling, too! Fortunately, when we arrived at the restaurant and perused the menu, I was ecstatic to find out that the entrees DO come with sides. I ended up getting chicken schnitzel and the first three sides mentioned above. I would recommend this place to beer aficionados and anyone who enjoys German food. It can't get much better than this!
(5)
Jenna A.

Bavarian Lodge is one of the top listed places in Lisle, according to yelp.com so I decided that me, mom and dad had to stop in before they dropped me off for my friend's Christmas party. After a three hour drive, I wanted some comfort food..I knew my dad would like this place after the great reviews. We sat at a perfect table for three next to the bar area. This place is huge. My dad, a restaurant owner, was amazed by how big this place is with tall and short tables, tall and short booths, fireplace. Adorable. Dad got the sausage platter with dumpling bread slices, gravy and three different enormous sausages. He also got the liverball soup. They said it was very tasty. Mom and I shared the fish and chips. Best F&C I have had in a very long time. Big slice of fried, perfectly breaded fish and a big helping of fries. My dad hates when we split dishes but it was enomorous...there was still food left over. Unfortunately, I probably won't be in Lisle or Naperville for few years..but I know my parents will go back. Wish I had a place like this in Denver!
(5)
Marcy M.

Love love love this place. TONS of GREAT beers to try which was awesome! Really great atmosphere and the food is fabulous. I ate everything, and German/Bavarian food is not really my favorite. My bf loves German food and beers and was thrilled with this place. Service was great, 0 complaints.
(5)
alicia b.

They earn 5 stars just solely for the fact that they offer such thing as VEGGIE SCHNITZEL!! I have eaten at Bavarian maybe 10 times or so and I have a great meal and time each visit. The place is pretty big with a large bar area.The bar is the only place we have sat.Its a nice ambience mainly becasue my Bf and my dad like to sit right next to the cool chalkboard that lists their featured beers with, brewing location, and % alcohol info.One evening they got a out of control and tried 5-6 different beers each with my Bf ending by trying a %12 or %14 beer called samiclaus (his name is sam so he just had to). The samiclause sent him into an obllivion and he didnt return till the following day.I still think it was the beer combo and possibly the 3 shots of apple pear brandy that were thrown in there. Vegetarian food---Being a German girl I never get to enjoy any of the food since German like to cook with sausage or at least throw the grease into just about everything.So its very nice that they actually have veggie options. The best is the veggie schnitzel!!! I'm sure it has clogged an artery or two but thats ok its worth it. The only problem is I find the options a little pricey for being meat free. Meeattty food--- Daddy luvs the schnitz and spatzel,my momma luvs the knockwurst (sp?) sandwich and the fries are tasty! They have a weird breading/seasoning on them that works with me:) Beer/Brandy----Spaten is my fav so thats all I ever order,it comes cold and always in a spaten glass. Cons--A lil pricey, music played usually sucks,bartender is mean and doesnt realize that customers pick up on her attitude, not good for business but besides that this place kicks booty!
(5)
Egan V.

Just an FYI for all the veg heads out there. The veggie schnitzel is not vegan as they use egg to bind the breading to the schnitzel. But atleast they have a vegetarian version. And there's always the booze.
(3)
Sara P.

I have gone here twice now. The first time I had a decent dinner but the mixed drink I got tasted too sweet. I drink mostly liquor and mixed drinks so saying it is too sweet is not an understatement. I know that you don't come here for mixed drinks but rather German food and beer, both of which I am not a fan. The second time I joined some friends who were already here and had just dessert. The apple streudel was very good and my mother really enjoyed the almond dessert she had. (I can't remember the name). Parking can be pretty tricky but it is mostly because it is a smallish lot and the restaurant / bar is popular. So I say if you like german good or german beer go for it. Someone who doesn't like those things, go to be social but be prepared for limited selections for yourself for dinner and drinks. If you live nearby and you can, definitely walk. There is a sidewalk on Ogden at that point so why not?
(3)
David M.

This place is seriously awesome. Their sausages are amazing. And the schnitzel makes me drool. The only downside is the location for me. It's such a far drive and I always want to have at least two or three beers there. I wish it was walking distance!
(5)
Chris B.

OK, so my opinion of this place is a little high because, in part, I enjoyed dinner with good friends. However, I have to admit this is a quaint and authentic German restaurant. A little background - my mother is Bavarian, and I was raised with Bavarian cuisine. So, I usually have a critical palette when eating at German places. We started with beer - and they offer lots of great German beers to drink. After a round, we ordered dinner (and another beer, 'natch). They brought fresh-baked bread while we waited. I ordered the "make your own" 2-entree combo - Schnitzel and Knackwurst. The only Schnitzel they offered in the special was the traditional, but the waitress brought a side of the Hunter sauce - very good. For $14.95, I thought I'd get a small portion, but NOOOO - it was huge! My friend, a vegetarian - yet, also of German decent (a paradox, I know) - tried the veggie schnitzel. We wondered if it was made of potato, but I found out later that is was gorund vegetables. Very good. Definitely worth a second visit.
(4)
Rob S.

Love it, I just wish they sauteed their spetzle
(5)
D M.

I'm going to keep this one short because I don't remember the details of everything that was ordered. What I do remember is that they had a huge beer menu and a pretty big food menu too. Everyone in my family who had beer had a different beer and liked it. One person had wine and liked that also. Everyone liked their food. The schnitzels seemed to be the favorite.
(4)
Yukari T.

This is an awesome place for a leisurely dinner to catch up with an old friend. The wait for dinner on a Saturday for a party of two was about 30 minutes. Pretty long, but I say it's worth the wait if you've got the time. It's a great all around experience - the atmosphere, the food, the beer, the service, it's all top notch. It's truly got that dark lodge look and feel. I was in a booth near the fireplace and it felt quite private. Great thing about the menu is that they have combos so you can try a few different things. I had a bratwurst, wiener schnitzel, spatzle and creamed spinach. I wouldn't recommend the creamed spinach unless you've had it before and you know you like it. Other than that, I loved all of my food. The side salad that came with the entree was quite substantial. The entree itself was a good size, not ridiculously large. I cleared off everything and even had a few pieces of bread. My meal was paired with a Franziskaner/framboise concoction that was fruity and delicious. I look forward to returning to Lisle and dining here again!
(4)
Garth P.

Great German food and an amazing beer list. They have German beers hard to find in the US, and a good selection of American and European crafts. Try the potato pancakes. Very garlicky, very delicious. Plan to spend some time there. Waits can be lengthy.
(5)
Jen T.

Read all the reviews, focus on the negative ones because if you visit this place more than once that will be your experience. The rude blonde hippie that they have seating people should be the first clue. He is a horrid person, nasty and dismissive. God forbid you should have any issue, because he will make you feel like an idiot. The huge Beulah Ballbreaker woman who is apparently an owner is no better. Food is cold? Tough! Don't like the beer THEY recommended? Oh well! Bathrooms are disgusting? It must be you! Bugs in the restaurant? Well you must be hallucinating. I waited months after my last visit here to review because they verbally bash anyone who actually dares to review this place accurately. The food is usually decent but the absolutely AWFUL staff make this a place that won't ever see a dime of my money again. Nepotism is alive and well and don't fool yourself, they don't give a damn about their customers.
(1)
TB H.

If you are into German white wines well you hit the mother load. If you want a bear with a kick order the EKU 28 it's not always available but definitely something for an adventurous beer lover to try. Duck tenders always good. Also try the sausage sampler nice to share as an appetizer.
(4)
Economic Far Right W.

This is a tough review to do, not enough German food places to compare it to in the burbs. The couple times I was there the food was good, and no issues with service. Thought the prices were a little steep, than how far are you willing to drive for German food?
(3)
Dusty K.

Quite possibly the best restaurant in the Chicagoland suburbs. I just ask that you don't visit often as I'd hate for the lines to get any longer. *Beer menu updated daily identifying kegs as newly tapped or about to finish *Large draft beer menu with top quality imports and domestics *Large bottle menu with top quality imports and domestics *Delicious German food *Deep fried cheese curds What is better than sausage, schnitzel, spaetzle and beer? My new favorite home in the burbs.
(5)
Jessica D.

Wow, where to start? For beer lovers, they have the longest list of beer you'll ever see. They open casks for specialty beers periodically and announce it and other specials on their facebook page. For those among us who don't like beer, they have a strong offering of ciders and lambics, and other libations. The food is spectacular. It's piping hot ,delicious, and tastes like no other German food you can have in the area -- probably cause there aren't any German restaurants in the area! LOL They even have lighter fare and vegetarian options -- the pierogi with tomato sauce are much better than I anticipated. But no one can keep me away from their liver dumpling soup, spaetzle, sauerkraut, or one of their schniztels. And don't get me started on the huge goulash bowl. OMG to die for. Don't forget to indulge in one of their kolachky or a slice of their coconut cake. MMM. Beware the crowds if you go at full rush hour (lunch or dinner) especially around Octoberfest. The crowd is a mixed bag of 20s-30s and older groups who come to have a great time. The place vibrates with a great vibe.
(4)
Denise H.

I was refused to seating because I was in a wheelchair and they were too busy. I will never ever ever give them a dime. It was a Friday night no reason to refuse me because my chair is too big ...they're too crowded. When I spoke to the manager he just said they have the right to refuse service. I hope they rot in hell. They only have one star because I can't give him 0
(1)
Bernie B.

Apart from the beer and the food being really good, I love the way the management handles customers. They're patient but firm on the first go but then don't take crap. "Please stop asking me when your table will be ready, no your 5 year olds can't sit at the bar, you drank half your beer and don't like it and you want a refund......no". I enjoy the wait on Saturday, it's like dinner and a show. Great places like this don't have to put up with idiots. Keep up the great work
(4)
Jeff S.

Have to say I was not all that impressed with our first visit there. Honestly I think a second trip would most likely result in an additional star, but for a first-timer there were a few off-putting experiences. Firstly parking is a pain, their own lot is probably not sufficient to cover 25% capacity of the restaurant, so at 7PM on a Friday night there were cars parked all the way down Devon literally to the end. There are a few adjacent lots in which you can park (Midas, the sewing place) without fear of towing. Secondly the spÃ¤tzle was completely underwhelming, tasting like raw uncooked dough. Lastly they don't appear to serve traditional 'wiener schnitzel' as their offerings are not veal, but pork meaning they should be titled differently (Schwein). Ok, splitting hairs here, but when the words 'traditional German fare' are located on the front page of the menu then I'm always hoping for something reminiscent of my time spent in southwestern Germany. The remaining issues were not things that I would hold against them as it was all just poor timing: annoying crying kids on both side of our table (dumb luck), slightly infrequent trips from the wait staff (maybe short a server or two that night), little variety of drafts (Revolution was guest brewery and occupied the majority of their taps). On the plus side the schnitzel was excellent, and the cask-aged Anti-Hero IPA was a nice alternative from the standard Revolution offerings. Sampled the bratwurst which was excellent; nearly melted in your mouth. When back in the area I'd like to try again-and with a heartier appetite-since some of the appetizers looked really good as we saw them float past our table.
(3)
Jen A.

This is definitely a favorite for my boyfriend and I. The food is always good and the beer selection even better! We love the pretzel bread and the specials have always been good. I usually get some type of wiener schnitzel. The only complaint is the lady at the front. She never seems to be happy, and based off of other yelp reviews it looks like new management is affecting the staff as well. We can't really tell with the staff because my boyfriend always makes them laugh. I just hope management doesn't bring this place down!
(4)
Reginald W.

Came here with friends. Hour long wait, but thats ok that must mean food is really good. Got the pear cider, liver dumpling soup and the Schweins Hax'n (Pork Shank). The warm pear cider was nice on a cold autumn night, esp after a hour wait. the liver dumpling soup was ok, it was not overpowering and had nice flavor. But what i was anticipating the most was the Pork Shank. Now the Pork Shank is a very popular dish in Germany. But I'm sure this was not how it was suppose to be. It was described as having a lightly crisped skin, but I've had fries that were more crisp than this. The skin was soft and while the meat was somewhat tender, overall the meat was missing flavor. Very disappointed. This is a great place for beers and Schnitzels. But don't get the Shank.
(3)
Jim P.

This review has been a long time coming and I'm kind of conflicted. The food is pretty damn good. Whether you go for a burger or the more traditional German fare you probably aren't going to go wrong. Then of course there is the star of the show. The beer. The beer selection is absolutely insane. Not only are they always rotating the taps with rare, delicious, craft beer, but they always have Zombie Dust on tap. That's worth at least 3 stars right there. However, I will agree that they sort of have a "we know you were going to come here anyway because we have Zombie Dust on tap all the time so who cares if we are attentive to your dining needs" attitude. No one is ever really rude, but like they'll forget to give you a spoon with your soup. Or roll their eyes when you ask for separate checks. Still there's nothing quite like the Bavarian Lodge, and until the food and drink start to suffer I'll continue to go.
(4)
Justin S.

The food here was great!! I ordered the mahi mahi. The fish was moist and juicy. The sauce added on top of the fish had a lemony flavor which complimented the fish. The side dishes were mixed vegetables and rice pilaf. Both were good. The vegetables weren't overcooked and had great flavor. The rice was a little over cooked but not bad overall. The beer selection is amazing!! A lot of IPAs, I definitely recommend the Sam Smith organic chocolate stout (not an IPA). The service was ok. The waitress was knowledgable about the menu and made beer recommendations to complement the meal. I did go through my first drink and the waitress didn't come back to offer a refill or ask for another. Maybe she had an off night. Overall, give this place a shot. Food is great, and the beer selection is plentiful.
(3)
Shannon B.

A true gem of a place and excellent choice for any meal you want to enjoy with friends and family. I think it may be my new favorite restaurant in the Western Suburbs. It's a breath of fresh air to not be at a chain restaurant and the menu and beverage selections are incredible. Food is fresh, superior quality and attention to detail will make you feel like you should be paying more for what you're getting. Our server was top notch, explained the menu completely and even though it was crowded and there were tons of folks waiting for tables crowded at front door we were never made to feel rushed and meal was paced perfectly. I think most impressive was the fact there were menu items to please all in our party. My husband grew up in a German family and found the rouladen to be better than his Omi's! Our friend's children never had German fare before and loved the dumplings and schnitzel. For those unsure of classic German dishes there are tons of great classic options. My friend raved her burger was the best she's ever had and we all enjoyed sharing each other's entrees. The eclectic beer selection delighted the adults and the friendly service and upbeat ambiance and decor kept the kids engaged and happy. You will be stuffed after your meal but save room for dessert. We had a baked apple and caramel dessert that was worth the calories. This is our new go-to for dining out on date night or as a surefire hit when with a group and somebody says "where's a great place to eat?"
(5)
Eli H.

This place exceeded all of my expectations, which, admittedly, weren't very high to begin with. A weird ultra-German themed restaurant in the Chicago suburbs? Why would that be good? WELL, IT IS. The food was amazing, the beer selection was insane, prices were great, and we were even seated immediately even though it seemed like we were parking in the last available spot in the parking lot. I'll be going back, that's for sure!
(5)
Mike N.

This place is great. The beer selection is incredible, the food comes in huge portions and the beer selection is phenomenal. They go really heavy on the Belgian styles, which is awesome, except every time I go they're way too busy to offer any advice on what to get, so I always end up getting drunk trying to find a beer or two I like. Either way, definitely a great place to check out, especially when it's cold outside.
(4)
Maria S.

Kids menu, check. Lindemans Framboise Raspberry Lambic, check. Delish bratwurst and spaetzel, check. 5 stars, check.
(5)
Jason S.

Tons of Beers Tons of Beers Tons of Beers. Awesome place to eat and drink. I can not wait to go back
(4)
J. R. H.

Fresh beer...need anyone dare say more? Complain about the food all you like...that's not why you or your friends parked in their lot. So why drive here?...Surly brews--Darkness, Furious, Coffee Bender, they had most all of them, plus plenty of other hard to find drafts from the US (Omegang), Belgium, Germany, Holland. If they had focused on food, then they would likely be following some Irish theme.
(4)
Kimberly N.

I really wish this restaurant would be open more. I always pass by wishing it would be open, But it's not. They have great food. Golden duck used to be my favorite but then they closed. And I found this place. Won't go anywhere else for bohemian food. Good food, Good service, Kinda cool atmosphere!
(4)
Eldhose S.

A good selection of beers and not unreasonably priced. The food was expensive but was good. I would definitely go for the beer.
(3)
Dave S.

Mmmmmm... Just thinking about this place is making me have to loosen my belt a notch or two. If you are on a diet or a light eater, then this might not be your best option. If you are looking for a hearty meal full of outstanding fare than this is the place that you need to go for a true Bavarian feast! The atmosphere is very authentic and this place fills up fast! Our server did a good job on keeping up with our large party who can be at times quite demanding. The menu here is quite extensive and can be quite overwhelming for the Bavarian ordering amateur! I would suggest ordering one of the build your own platters which is exactly what I did. You have the option of two or three meats and two sides. I started out with the farmer's soup which was a veritable plethora of ingredients: pork, sauerkraut, and other veggies. I could have made a meal out of this soup in and of itself. I ordered the two meat meal and ordered Wiener Schnitzel and the knockwurst. I have never had a knockwurst before and much to my surprise, it tasted almost exactly like a hot dog! I am not sure if this is how it is supposed to taste but I got a kick out of it anyway. the sauerkraut had a nice creamy texture and the bread dumplings were pretty darn good too. I can't end this review without mentioning the beer selection. I should say the extremely massive beer selection. Whatever your preference, they have something for the pilsner/ale/stout lover in you.
(4)
Kris C.

This is our 'go to' place for beer. They change their menu almost daily and have the most extensive beer menu. The wait staff is very knowledgeable about the beers and always recommend something delicious. We also like to eat here and think they have a great selection of food to go with their drinks.
(5)
Melissa L.

The soup is delicious! It tastes exactly like my grandma would make. I have never had schnitzel before, but could have eaten the whole plate of Hunters Schnitzel my husband ordered. My order of cheese pierogies was sweet and delicious. The sides were delicious as well- mashed potatoes and dumplings. Will definitely be coming back again.
(5)
Jillian D.

who knew that lisle was home to such incredible and authentic german fare? my austrian roots definitely approve! having read about this place, my mom was on a mission to find it. we drove past it the first time - funny because the exterior really resembles a bavarian lodge, just as the name indicates. ha ha. there was no wait for a table (it was only 3:30 after all), the service was attentive and the food oh-so-delish. from the homemade bread brought fresh to the table to the lovingly prepared weinerschnitzel. everything was delightful!! and the portions were enormous - so i got to resavor the experience the next night :)
(5)
Curtis C.

Food is ok but the beer selection is awesome. Im from the Pacific NW where the beer is amazing and ahve been to Chi multiple times for work with no luck in getting decent beer (BUD LIGHT IS NOT A BEER, its flavored water)... this place is pretty rocking with the beer... the food is decent but nothing to write home about... but when your on a heavy wheat liquid diet, who needs food?
(4)
Nick K.

I have a love-hate relationship with this place. I LOVE the beer selection and I LOVE the food. If you are a beer snob in the suburbs you have to come here. I've been to a lot of great beer spots, but this is the meca of them all. They keep a huge inventory of the best brews you can find and rotate their drafts frequently. You are guaranteed to find something that you will like if not several every time. The food is awesome - I have seen reviews from people claiming its not legit German food, but who cares - it tastes great. Awesome burgers, and cheese curds too! On to the hate part... I hate how pricey it gets. I often find myself not coming because I know after I have some food and 2-3 beers, after tip and tax its a $30+ night. I hate how crowded it gets, often you can't find a spot at the bar on a Friday night until it gets later. I hate the fact they close the kitchen at 10 and the bar at midnight. I hate the fact they are not open on Monday and Tuesday, and take a two week summer vacation around the 4th of July and basically shut the place down. My theory is that the owner knows he has created an addictive experience for the patrons and knows that if he takes it away for a few days or weeks, everybody comes back in droves to fill it up when it is open... evil genius. I hate the fact there are only two smallish flat screens around the bar and you basically have to sit on one side of the bar if you can find a seat to be able to see one of them without constantly craning your head, which makes it a bad spot if you like to hang out and watch a game. After all that being said, I still do love this place and will continue to go when my wallet permits me to. Next time you visit be sure to check out the description listed under Miller Lite in the full bottled beer menu - it makes me smile every time. Cheers!
(5)
Steve Z.

Pros: FANTASTIC Beer selection Wonderful schnitzel Delicious Sausage Yummy appetizers that were easy to share Cons: Bland salads (maybe Germans serve salad with mainly iceberg lettuce and a blob of dressing in the middle)? Unattentive service Went to the BL for the first time on 2/20 with my partner and two other couples. We had a round of drinks at the bar before being seated. Too bad we didn't stay at the bar and eat, because the woman behind the bar had her stuff together. Not so much for bearded man that took care of us at the table. Check backs were non-existent; otherwise, he may have realized I never got the cheese on my schnitzel trio, or we would have ordered a couple other sides we had decided we wanted to try and he definitely would have sold more beer. Service was so lacking that it actually became a topic of discussion at the table... he wasn't running around like he was in the weeds... he just didn't seem to care, or maybe he just couldn't muster the energy. Thankfully the busser took care of table maintenance. I got up to get the server so we could order dessert at the same time he finally walked back to us. Then it was another wait for dessert, and another for the check. I can appreciate not being rushed at a restaurant but I don't like feeling like we were being ignored. We would give them another try because of the quality of the food, but we may just stay in the bar.
(3)
Alan L.

Awesome beer selection, friendly staff, and the food is very good, nice athmosphere. Visited the lodge about 7 years ago and found it stuffy and the food was not very good, we tried it again recently and had a great experience will be back.
(4)
Jessica G.

I love Bavarian Lodge, plain and simple. The food is quite tasty - love the spaetzle and the schnitzel but my current favorite is the beef stroganoff, which has really tender beef and overall is just really nice and comforting. The drinks list is impressive with all sorts of beers from all over the world - it's definitely somewhere you want to go with a designated driver. Service has been variable every time we've gone - generally, the staff has been courteous and helpful and their bussers run a really tight ship, which is nice when you have a lot of stuff at a small table with 4 people dining. The wait can be excessive, especially at 6 on a Saturday, and it would appear that they no longer take reservations. We were told 30 minutes on a night when cars were parked down the street to overflowing, though, and we got seated in exactly 30 minutes so that works. The only reason for not giving 5 stars is the lack of parking. We ended up on the street, in the rain, two blocks away this evening and I guess given the popularity level of the place, if I was in charge, I'd be looking for alternatives for extra space. Otherwise, love Bavarian Lodge and highly recommend it!
(4)
Max C.

I guess I just don't get it. I came here with a coworker on a weekday night and found the beer selection very nice and the food good. I guess I really had my hopes up after hearing about this place from different types of people for over a year. I didn't find the staff warm or particularly welcoming. They were probably worried my fellow diner and I were scoping the place out for our next "corporate outing"
(3)
John P.

This place has really really good German food. After having eaten here several times, we tried one of the well known german restaurants in Milwaukee and found this to be much better. Sauerbraten is outstanding.
(5)
Michael R.

Great beer selection and fine German food. The Hunters Schnitzel plate is excellent as are the appetizers. Their sauerkraut is just the right blend of sweet and sour. Great service and plenty of room in the booths.
(4)
Alma M.

love, this place! great beer and food!
(5)
Grant J.

One of my all-time favorites! Stopped in out of curiosity the first time and was blown away and have returned many times since and have always been very satisified. The beers available is beyond compare, the best in Chicagoland that I've come across. They are constatnly changing styles and feature the most flavorful European and American craft brews. One of the rare places that gives you a detailed write up on their beers, complete with ABV. I love how they always tailor the glass to your selection as well. I have always enjoyed the food, especially any of their schnitzels. Bavarian Lodge has turned into a special occasion place for my wife and I and we look forward to going back soon!
(5)
Ellen H.

Every restaurant should have things figured out as well as The Bavarian Lodge. Great food and great beer along with excellent, knowledgeable staff. I love that they refuse to let the place turn into your typical beer swilling sports bar of Chicagoland. Some people are turned off by their tongue in cheek rules, but I love them. These rules assure me that I am going to an establishment that is not going to put up with BS from losers. I also love, love, love that the entire place closes for vacation at the end of June for 2 weeks. This tells me that they are not all consumed with the almighty dollar, but rather having happy, appreciated staff that deserve a vacation. Other businesses could take a lesson from The Bavarian Lodge. I love this place and could spend a dangerous amount of time here. It could become your favorite too.
(5)
Rex L.

Came here with a date on a weekday night. Place was half empty. The dining room was so cold we went to the bar where it was warmer and asked if we could order dinner. Appetizer and beer were good but dinner did not come out as ordered. Manager was rude. I won't be back.
(1)
Clay R.

Very good. That's it. Huge beer menu and awesome food.
(5)
Trevor S.

Just make sure you are getting a ride home or taking a cab, and be done with it. Oh, and either have food or drink beer... both are a little much to handle. Bah, just drink beer.
(5)
William M.

A so-so "German" restaurant with a few German beers, but mostly Belgian and American craft brews. The food is predictable, schnitzels, wurst, and a few dishes like fish for those who do not like the fatty, greasy old world fare. The side dishes are also mediocre. The rotkohl (red cabbage) is too tart, the sauerkraut is good, and strangely enough, NO POTATO SALAD is offered!! The servers are quite good, but if you do not order drinks, expect the bum's rush. I don't think the owner is German because the GemÃ¼tlichkeit found in real German restaurants is woefully missing. Expect the bar to be loud and rowdy with workers from nearby office factories and the dining room to be funereal. If you must, eat there, but for a real German experience, go elsewhere.
(2)
Anthony M.

Finally a German food!!! The food is good I always get the sausage platter and then split it with someone. It is so so tasty.
(5)
Lindsay Z.

only downside is that there is not much parking! Sometimes have to park extremely far down the road. other than that, great food and drinks. expansive collection of bottles and draft and great descriptions of drink choices. A+
(5)
Adrian W.

Swinging in this place, we had pretty normal expectations - various Germans swigging their beer boots, arm in arm with random individuals after eating copious amounts of brats and all. Sadly my imagination is wild because walking in here was a ho hum sit down joint that has working families here eating a family that is, obviously Bavarian based. We had came in here during the dinner rush. We were given an option of eating at the bar or waiting a half hour for a table. We chose the bar. The bartender was very friendly with explaining some of the massive amounts of beer they have to offer. She was very knowledgeable about the beers because, so she says, she has had every beer here. Sadly, the bar sitting was only meant to be a quick get me over until a table opens up. That being said, we could not order a dinner; only appetizers. The brat platter was quite delicious and can easily give four people something in their stomachs for the evening. Aside from the brats and beer, we really didn't want anything else since this was stop number one for the evening. Repeat only to test out their dinner plates.
(3)
Marsha M.

Perhaps my expectations were set too high based on all the rave reviews I read of this place. I was sadly disappointed. The service was bad. The staff was unaccommodating and the service was horrendously slow. I guess I should have expected poor service based on other reviews. This appears to be a long standing problem with this restaurant. This, however, is never acceptable. The food was authentic. The soup was good, as was the spÃ¤tzle. The bland taste of the rouladen was cleverly disguised by large quantities of salt. I've had better. The beer I had was great. They wouldn't serve my boyfriend because he had a temporary license and they can't accept those. This is the only place that we have encountered that isn't allowed to accept these. Definitely put a damper on the evening.
(2)
D W.

Always good service and great food! I have been coming to this place for years and it is consistently awesome, tons of beers on tap and bottles, Triple schnitzel platter smothered in swiss...love this place.
(5)
Lisa S.

Really good authentic food. Sometimes the potato pancakes taste a little too oily or are slightly burnt. Good beer selection. Friendly service. Sometimes there's quite a wait, but always worth it.
(4)
Jon J.

This is THE place for good German food in the suburbs. The food is excellent, and priced right too - cheaper than what I've been used to at Resi's Bierstube and the Chicago Brauhaus. This doesn't translate into small portions - they're huge! They also have one of the better beer lists I've seen recently. A wide selection of European brews both on tap and bottle, as well as some small-batch microbrews. Impressive. The ambiance is cool - some fun taxidermy on the walls, interesting old paintings, and hardwood throughout. Great staff, friendly crowd... a really nice place!
(5)
Matt J.

This place is excellent and rather on focusing on the dishes, I think some tips are in order. One, parking is tough when the place is crowded. Be patient and park on Devon Avenue which is a north/south street just east of the restaurant. Two, the beer list can be intimidating. Do your research before you get there or tell your server to recommend something but give them clues as to what you like or don't like. Three, take your time. Order an appetizer or two and be patient. The food menu is extensive like the beer menu. Relax. The noise of the place can be unnerving if you are on a date or want some quiet. You might be better off in the really attractive bar area. Last, read their FAQ's on their website. You will get a real flavor of the place from that. They take their business seriously.
(5)
Tina E.

If you don't go hear to eat-just sit out in the parking lot. They smells are amazing! Had the White Cheddar Cheese curds & a Schitzel sandwich on a pretzel bun. It came with these incredible battered french fries. I went early on a Friday and the parking lot was filling up fast. Great atmosphere & friendly service.
(4)
Bill H.

This place has one of the best tap selections in the Chicago suburbs. I'd rank it up with Hopleaf. They do have a website, so you can check the menu and draft list online before heading there. Just be warned: some of the beers do go pretty quickly, so they may be out of some stuff by the time you get there. I've done a beer tasting here. Also went here for the Dogfish Head invasion in early September. I try to hit this place at least twice a month. The waitstaff is friendly. Don't mess around with them, and they won't mess around with you. That's just fine with me. There is a parking lot. Others have mentioned that it does fill up very quickly, and this is true. I've had to park a couple of blocks away, but this can be helpful, especially in walking off at least a small part of your meal. Food. Mmmmm. Rouladen gooooooood. Burgers gooooooooooood. If you head here during peak hours, be prepared for a wait. They do try to keep business going as briskly as possible and are pretty accurate about the wait times. On the plus side, that'll just give you more time at the bar. Yay bar.
(5)
Tommy M.

This place is great - the food, the atmosphere, the service, everything. Our waiter was from Austria, and very knowledgeable about the food there. He made some great recommendations, like the schnitzel platter and the liver dumpling soup. It was great! If you like German beers it's a cool place to even hang out by the bar and have a few cold ones. Great atmosphere, nice woodwork, you really feel like you're in a lodge. Highly recommended!
(5)
Jack H.

You can't find a better German restauraunt in the burbs. The beer list alone will have me coming back, but the food was good as well. I still think Laschet's in Lincoln Square has the best German food in all of Chicago, however I would still recommend Bavarian Lodge as being very good as well, and by far the best in the suburbs.
(4)
Sam C.

Can't say much more than what has already been said in these reviews. Went with my friend and she's a regular of sorts and said I would enjoy it. We dont drink but its almost a shame because the only thing that looked better than the menu was the beer list.
(5)
Nancy N.

I was looking for a special place to celebrate my birthday and spent a few days on Yelp looking for just the right place. I found it. It was exactly what I was hoping for. Had a taste for some good German food and this did not disappoint. The ambience was warm and cozy, although a little dark until our eyes adjusted to the lighting. All their food is made from scratch, including most ot the desserts. My friend and I both had the combo plate of wiener schnitzel (pork) and chicken schnitzel and I couldn't have asked for better. The pan gravy that comes with it is sooooo good. They were going to seat us in the pub area since there was a party of 20 in the back of the main dining room, but I still wanted to sit in the dining room. The got another waiter to take care of us and he was very nice and helpful and patient with my asking questions and even brought me a little free dessert for my birthday. It was worth driving the 25 miles for 40 minutes to get there. Would definitely go back again. Prices are reasonable for what you get.
(5)
Adam K.

Holy beer selection, Batman! I rolled through town to visit some family and my brother suggested that we stop for an afternoon snack and a beer. I was absolutely blown away by the outstanding array of craft brews on draft, and equally impressed with the bottled selections. As a beer nerd, this is my idea of heaven. We tried the duck wings and the wurst platter. The duck wings were crispy and delicious, as were the sausages (particularly the thuringer). I did not have a full meal, but based on the beer selection alone, I give it 5 stars.
(5)
Zsiberian N.

Longest selection of draft beer I've ever seen. Pricey but good hearty food, that does you extra good on those really cold days. The interior + atmosphere can be a bit gloomy, so may not be the ideal for a birthday party. But it's all redeemed by the today's special's list. I prefer to sit at the bar. If it's just a couple of you go all the way to the right corner of the bar, it's cozy, no one walking behind you and you can see the whole place...not to mention the gigantic selection of German/Belgian/American drafts it will take you a month to sample.
(4)
Joel S.

Amazing beer list... I daresay it competes with any beer list in the Chicago area, and I don't say that lightly. The German food is also authentic and delicious. It's a can't miss in my book.
(5)
Zoe K.

The beer list is amazing, and you can get small glasses to sample more. The food was all delicious and comforting. 3 of us shared 2 appetizers (fried green beans are heaven), 3 meals, and 6 beers, and the total was $100. We went early and there was still a long wait, but the staff handle it well. The stuffed animal trophies are a bonus.
(5)
Doug W.

Beer and Schnitzle bites.... yup! My favorite bar, they have a killer selection of beer.
(5)
Kat M.

I will never set foot in this place again. I absolutely love the food here... and great beer selection... but the service is so crap-tastic that it's not even worth the stress. Not only do they hire really mean people to work there, the owners also quite obviously do not give an at's rass whether you eat here or go elsewhere. They have signs up all over the restaurant that say so. We were pretty regularly going here this summer for a happy hour on Friday evenings. (NOT my idea) This is an AWFUL place to go for happy hour because they won't seat you unless your entire party is present. We walked in one Friday night promptly at 5:30 p.m. The entire restaurant was empty... the only seats taken were at the bar, which was entirely full. Even though they weren't busy at the moment, they would not seat us. We knew that we would have 6 but only 5 were present, so we waited an entire hour until the rest of our party showed up. We could have been spending money and drinking beer and having a good time... but we were unable to do so because of the bitchy hostess that was seating people. She has a seriously bad attitude. So even though I adore their awesome food and their delicious beer, I cannot go here because I am giving them money to perpetuate their rudeness.
(1)
Kristen A.

This place is rad, great beer selection, delicious food, and enough taxidermy to make you want to go back. I suggest paying the extra $1 and getting the hot German potato salad with your entree.
(5)
m t.

I am giving 4 stars even though I didn't love my meal. I blame myself for ordering wrong. I did love the beer selection and hanging out there. I had no idea this place existed. I am definitely coming back when I am in town.
(4)
Candace Z.

Love this place, and everything about it! From the cozy atmosphere, to the incredible bartender chick! The food is fantastic, but definitely not a light fare- the beer is the same way. Exceptional quality authentic food, and beer you just can't find anywhere else! I had a great cherry beer I would recommend over and over and over again!
(5)
Ashley L.

I love this restaurant! The food is always amazing. I take friends from out of town here and they have all enjoyed it. The veggie schnitzel is a great vegetarian option and homemade. The French fries are always crispy. The very best part of the meal is the pretzel roll with German mustard! Yum!
(5)
Megan W.

If you are looking for an amazing beer selection then this is the place for you. They have a variety of beers that I have never found other places. The servers behind the bar are knowledgeable about their beers. If you can't decide on a beer, they offer taste sizes of their beers on tap. It's an excellent way to try a variety of different beers. I've never eaten here, but their food always looks good. This is absolutely one of our favorite locations in the area for a good beer.
(4)
David B.

Atmospherically, the Bavarian Lodge attracts a strange variety of diners, from older couples looking for a quiet, German dinner to groups of young adults eager to try the newest offering on tap. The restaurant is usually quieter around the dinner hour, a bit noisier at night on the weekends. Dim lighting and a few television sets at the back of the bar contrast with collections of German steins and paintings. Somehow the strange mix works... The Lodge offers an incredible selection of draft beers - and an even larger selection of bottled beers - not limited to those from Germany. This includes popular Belgian favorites Delirium Tremens and Lindemans Framboise. Their website advertises "soon-to-be" tapped beers, as well, letting customers know that there's no shortage of effort in regard to the selection of their beers. I have only eaten at the Lodge once - during their 2007 Oktoberfest. The roast pork was good and their sides are, well, German classics. Not that this will matter come January 2008, but the Lodge has been non-smoking as long as I've been going and this certainly is a benefit to those wanting to fully experience the taste and aroma of the specialty beers on the menu.
(5)
Erica H.

Came here for a night out with a group of friends. The criteria for us choosing the restaurant was a good craft beer selection. They did not disappoint. But what is debated on here most is the food and service. We arrived at 8:30 with a party of 8 on a Saturday night and we were seated right away. Our server was attentive and the food was good (German isn't my favorite so I cannot get overly excited about it). We had the wurst appetizer and potato pancakes. Both were great. My husband and I shared the combo with the beef and pork schnitzel, knock wurst and meatloaf with the bread dumplings and creamed spinach. All of it was great but wayyyy too much food. Did I mention we also had the goulash with spatzle ? That dish is something to get excited about, delish! Super tender beef and a little kick in the sauce. I would definitely order this again. German food is not something I eat often so I cannot speak about its authenticity, but then again, it was delicious so who cares if it's the real deal. I would definitely recommend checking this place out if you are into craft beer or German cuisine.
(4)
Brenda M.

Great beer assortment. If you are not familiar with americanized german food, try the Hunter's Schnitzel first with either mashed potatoes or spaetzel.
(4)
Robyn C.

I'm not a huge fan of German food, but my best friend is off-the-boat German so I took her here as a thank you. A shock to me...wow and yum! The build-your-own platter is the way to go. Choose from the nice list that contains a bit of everything that you, personally, would like on your plate. I don't remember the name of fruited sweet bread they put on the table but it's very good, and if you call ahead, they'll get a loaf for you to buy when you leave. It's too popular otherwise, they won't sell it to you unless you preordered it. The downside is they're not open for lunch and sometimes have limited hours. Call ahead.
(4)
Vick C.

I went there again last week, tried their German potato pancake..yummie!!
(5)
Jean C.

We ate at Bavarian Lodge this Saturday night and only had to wait for 30 minutes for a table, arriving around 6 p.m. I had Allagash white draft and their special potato dumplings filled with pork shoulder. The liver dumpling soup was also terrific. We were driving down Ogden Ave. and just happened to see all the cars and went in. What a wonderful surprise! Great draft beers and delicious German entrees definitely are calling us back for a repeat visit. Staff was super friendly and efficient, too. Can't believe I lived in the western suburbs all these years and never saw this place before.
(5)
Stef F.

This place is the bomb. Is that term used anymore? Well, I don't care... The beer selection is amazing. I'm not a big beer fan, but they have so many unusual beers on tap, that even I, the beer snob tried one (make that two). I'm a girly beer girl, so I tried some Dark Ale Raspberry Beer, or something like that title, and it was light and sweet with a hint of raspberry and had a nice smooth finish for $4.50. Then I switched to an apple beer that was special and on tap at $6.50... It tasted like apple cider but alcoholic and was super good and very unbeerlike. My man tried 3 beers and he liked them all, one was an Egyptian beer that was really quite tasty. They all had great names which I forgot the minute I ordered them, but I really suggest this place for checking out uncommon beers. As for the food, it was typical german food. I enjoyed the rye bread at the beginning... And man, if you're a fan of sausage this is the place for you! Overall, decent yet heavy german style food with potatoes and sauerkraut... the enormous drink selection is where it's at. Oh yea, and our server kicked ass and nicely recommended beverages based on our taste preferences.
(5)
Paul S.

Yelp did it again! Just happened to be in the Woodridge area and was getting hungry. My girl friend and I went by for dinner and loved it. We tried a little bit of a lot of things and all was good. I love the Hacker Pschorr (sp?) Weiss Bier! Double Yum!!
(5)
John S.

If you are looking to try a new beer this is the place to go. I don't know how this guy does it but he gets beers that no place else gets and I mean even places in the city. Also they are insane and clean there lines all the time (way more often then other bars) so you know you are getting a clean beer here. The food here is amazing and the portion sizes are huge. Both the Braverian and American food items are very good. There deep friend cheese curds are also amazing and something you have to try.
(4)
Sean F.

Took my girlfriend there last weekend. I thought the food, ambiance, beer selection and staff were all excellent. I had the German Sausage Platter and my girlfriend had the Knackwurst. I thought both dishes were excellent but the best part of the meal was the pretzel bread appetizer. I'm a bit of a beer snob but was well satisfied by their selection there. As far as the atmosphere is concerned, I thought that it was authentic and inviting. We'll definitely make the trip out there again.
(5)
Mary Kate R.

If you're looking for a place with some authentic German flair to it, then the Bavarian Lodge is your destination. They have a beer list as long as your arm and a selection of food that anyone will love, vegetarians as well. I'm not a vegetarian but I did have the veggie schnitzel and loved it. My boyfriend and I had 2-3 different beers each and got to try a bunch. I can't remember the names now, but the one i liked best was a raspberry beer that wasn't too sweet or too bitter. He ordered what was basically the sausage sampler platter and we had to take 2/3rds of it home because it was just too much food. It's a little pricey, but well worth they extra money.
(4)
Paul S.

This has been a restaurant we have been able to get not bad German food. I am not a fan of traditional German food. The beer selection is excellent. The beers are briefly but accurately described. However this time we got the beef Sauerbraten. It was smothered in a salty dark gravy. It was not at all as described in the menu. as being tangy. I also ordered potatoes without butter. They were also covered in the dark salty gravy. It was supposed to have a tart vegetable-based sauce. It was similar in taste to that out of I can because salt is salt. The result was a taste like gravy stew. It is not much of an exaggeration to say that the meat could have been meatloaf or spam and tasted about the same. Perhaps the waitress was inexperienced. Since I had asked for low-fat dressing and potatoes without butter perhaps she should have figured out I didn't want bad food and recommend I get the gravy on the side. My mother also thought it was all too salty. The waitress offered to bring my mom some applesauce and my mom requested a roll which was slowly delivered after several reminders. My mother brought her meal home so she could remove the brown gravy. She ate almost none of it but there was not an offer to comp the meal though the waitress did ask what she could to to make it right. My daughter's roast pork was tasty. The other diners seem to enjoy their meals. Oddly I noticed they ate rather fast; even large parties. There is a nice pub atmosphere with dark wood and beer steins.
(2)
Mukur H.

First of all... The beer selection!!!! They have an amazing beer selection, the food is also very good. The owner is apparently Czech and the entrees have some of this influence. The sample is the way to go the first time around as they don't skimp on the amount of food they give you. Our party of 2 had an awesome time drinking some lesser known beers in America and enjoying some traditional fare! The service was attentive and extremely helpful. I Highly recommend!!
(5)
Dave S.

Gotta love that beer menu!! This is a place I think of going on a cold winter evening. This is great cold weather food. My favorite item on the menu would have to be the hunter's schnitzel which is the wiener schnitzel with "a creamy sauce accented with white wine, onions and mushrooms". I will say I think paying three dollars extra for gravy on the wiener schnitzel seems like a bit much but it sure is some tasty gravy. Did I mention they have a great beer menu.
(4)
Richard O.

Great European style establishment. They have a solid selection of German and Belgium beers on tap and the bottled beer selection is very extensive. Many of the beers are served in the authentic glass designed with logo. The food is excellent the liver soup was delicious and and entrees are very large and reasonably priced. Great selection of all kinds of dishes along with great German meals and appetizers. The beer, atmosphere and food are what brings me back top quality restaurant casual setting.
(5)
Robert M.

Being German-ish (european mutt) with a mostly German father, he loves these places. I was at the Bier-stube in Frankfort at least a million times before it burned down and that other german place by north ave and the river in Chicago a ton as well. Anyway, after living within 2 miles for 10 years I finally made it over here to the bavarian lodge (they have some really kooky hours-maybe a german thing). My father had the 1/2 duck and I had the Chicken cordon bleu sandwich. I was very satisfied with my sandwich, and my father absolutely loved the duck. I expected that the bill was going to be higher, and it was very reasonable. Server was very attentive, service was smooth and prompt. A good experience
(4)
roxanne c.

This review is rather difficult as this is the best place to get a wide variety of beers. However, the service here is usually pretty terrible. This is only because the management is really rude. I've never had rude service from the wait staff. A year ago they were worse, but seems like they are starting to come around. The best thing here (aside from the beer) is the fried green beans. They are absolutely fabulous. Addictive and so yummy. Almost made to perfection. A group of friends and I go here often for happy hour on a Friday. You do have to get there by 6pm to get a table in the bar and to get parking. But this place is so cozy and is so casual that we keep coming back. Definitely recommend trying this Lodge! Priost!!
(4)
Ben B.

Fantastic beer selection, food is good. The noodles were bland, and the place is pretty dark. I went there when it was chef paul as a child, but really dont remember it at all (except that I loved the dumplings). If you want the better drink choices, go here. If you want a little bit of everything on your plate, try Schnitzel Platz.
(4)
Jerry M.

The best beer and German food in Chicagoland. Glad to have The Bavarian Lodge in the western suburbs!
(5)
Manda A.

This restaurant may not be the supreme authentic German restaurant experience, but what it does do, it does well. It has an extensive beer list -- if beer isn't your thing, they do have other unique beverages on offer. Their fruit lambics are sweet and refreshing. The food and service both vary in quality, and the variance is usually based on how busy this place is. If you come during prime time, expect a wait, and expect slower service. If you like beer and tweaked German food to go with it, you won't be disappointed. Beware of the prices though, as they tend to flux toward the high side. The parking is bad. Really bad. Come early -- like when they first open -- and you'll have a much better experience.
(4)
Kelli A.

I've been here twice and have great experiences both times. The Bavarian Pretzel Basket is a must have appetizer. Last time I was here I had the Tiroler Schnitzel. It was delicious. The spicy mustard they give the table on the side is a great addition. Their beer selection is great. They have a bunch of German and American craft beers. We would definitely come back.
(4)
Scott H.

Dear Bavarian Lodge, Why do you have to live so far away from me? Why do you continue to beckon each weekend with your mailing list updates and far-suburbanly charms. I mean, the first time I visited, I honestly considered vacation property in Lisle so I could pass out somewhere within taxi service of your front door. You constantly push the hop-infused envelope with fresh craft beer selections and one-time barrel-aged offerings. If you lived in the city, I'd show Hopleaf 'the Heisman' and stick my nose up at the Map Room on my way to your tap room. Seriously, I love you guys and don't mind that your barkeeps are eternally busy and a tad impatient at my indecision. Keep doing what you obviously love and I'll keep trekking back to the 'burbs. Note to self: Haven't seen the cousins in Naperville in awhile. Perhaps we'll head out this weekend...with just one brief detour along the way. Love, Scott
(5)
Dea A.

When I first glanced at the beer list online I thought the rest of yelp was nuts -- when you flip open the menu in the actual restaurant there is an ENTIRE PAGE covered in delicious beer choices. ON TOP OF THAT there is another menu to the side of your table with MORE beer choices!! The best part? They have Miller Light, but they make fun of it, it's the only shit beer on the menu under "Milwaukee's Worst". Hahahahaha. I love it! The Oktober Fest Feast -- meant for 2 (2 what? 2 giants with 6 stomachs between them??) can easily feed 4. It's all quite tasty, but they are missing one critical item to their restaurant -- blood sausage. I had a similar sausage platter type in Vienna and man, I could kill for that blood sausage again... Huge plus for the steamed dumpling bread noodle things, but they should stuff the bread and then steam them as real dumplings!
(4)
Matt P.

Went here last night, and all I can say is "Wow." Great stuff all around ... and the only reason that the review is not 5 yelps, is that I was a little disappointed by the goulash. Otherwise, my entree (the choose 3 ... knock and brat wursts, and the thuringer) was superb, as was everything else I ate (potato pancakes, pretzel, perogies). Not only that, the lodge has an AMAZING beer selection, of which I opted for the Spaten.
(4)
Celina B.

I have never ever heard of this place before last weekend. Weird considering two of my friends have 5 star reviews for this place! I didn't really know what to expect. I was with someone who had been there before though, and I trust his judgement on beer. I'm glad I did because they have a HUGE selection of beer! I was full from sushi & martinis, & a beer at a bar not too far so I wanted something not so heavy. My eyes immediately went to the Framboise they had on the menu and I wanted nothing else. I first fell in love with Framboise about a year ago, and since I have attempted to go gluten free (clearly I'm terrible at this) I haven't had one in a long time. I took my first sip of it, but before I could accept the taste of raspberries, it was cut off by this weird taste. The dude I was with also had a strange taste to his beer he got. After a few more sips we realized it tasted like freezer burn. It was such a let down!! I was so excited for the raspberry goodness of this drink but all i was getting was a teasing split second taste on my lips before I felt like I was sucking on an old popsicle that had been in an open bag in the freezer for months. We figured maybe it was just the lines and went with a Yeti after that to test our theory. Game on! It must have just been the lines on those two drinks we had because our Yeti's were dead on. Unfortunately we had gotten there late and they apparently close at midnight on Friday's so we had to scoot along after that last drink (that I couldn't even finish because the gluten was definitely gettin to me. *tear*). I will have to go check this place out again, earlier in the night, when my belly is ready for some extreme gluten!
(4)
Erin S.

I'm so, so in love with The Bavarian Lodge's food and beer. I mean, the place could be on fire and I'd still want to sit and finish my meal. The food is so good that to be honest, even if they didn't serve beer I'd still come here. Lucky for me, they always have some pretty awesome beers on tap too. I love their sausages, sauerkraut, potato pancakes, cheese curds, red pepper garlic dressing...can I just say everything? Oh! And their homemade stone ground mustard...drooool. You get a lot of food and I always take some home, which actually is almost even better the next day. The decor, environment, and service are always good. I mean nothing extremely above and beyond what you'd expect, but pleasant enough. And then yes, they have their "rules". If you never read their rules on their website or whatever, you'd really have no clue they even have them, but nevertheless they can be extremely off-putting. The rules themselves aren't that absurd, but it's just the fact that they feel like they need to tell me how to act like a normal, civilized, human being in a restaurant is what I don't like. I don't make a habit of screaming or stealing glassware in restaurants, so I don't need you to tell me not to. Thanks, mom. The prices aren't that unreasonable, but I still end up spending way too much money here. I guess I just can't help myself. They don't split checks here either, which I find stupid. It's really not that hard people. Other than that, this is one of my favorite places to eat, and my all time favorite places for German food.
(5)

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Address : 1800 Ogden Ave
Lisle, IL, 60532
Phone (630) 241-4701
Website https://www.bavarian-lodge.com/
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Specialities

Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street, Private Lot
Bike Parking : No
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Good For Dancing : No
Alcohol : Full Bar
Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat
Coat Check : No
Smoking : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No

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The Bavarian Lodge

1800 Ogden Ave, Lisle, IL, 60532

The Bavarian Lodge Menu

Appetizers

Soups & Salads

Sandwiches & Pub Burgers

German Favorites

Desserts

Healthy Meal suggestions for The Bavarian Lodge

Appetizers

Soups & Salads

Sandwiches & Pub Burgers

German Favorites

Desserts

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