Himmel's — Restaurant in Lake View Township

In the past month, I’ve been to Himmel’s twice and both have been very pleasant experiences. I knew I liked it from the start, but now I know I love this hidden Lincoln Square gem. Is it merely a coincidence that the owners' last name "Himmel" means "heaven" in German? I think not. ;)

The first time I visited, my daughter and I sat at the bar and enjoyed a cocktail and a couple beers (Spaten Lager and Hofbraeuhaus Dunkel) and some delicious food while Sarah, the bartender, attended to us and was very cheerful. I opted, at Sarah's suggestion, to go with the family specialty, Champignon Rahm Schnitzel, which is pork cutlet smothered in a mushroom gravy, with red cabbage and Spaetzle. It was delicious comfort food, and there was plenty of it. I forgot what my daughter had, but she liked it and took some home.

Last weekend, following a show at Old Town School of Folk Music, a group of 14 of us showed up unannounced and without a reservation. The owners, who are sisters, took it all in stride and with a laugh or two, and treated us like family (only better, haha). Again, I opted for the Champignon Rahm Schnitzel. But before that, I indulged in the trademark pretzel bread and a cup of liver dumpling soup. (I don't usually go for liver but was feeling adventurous and was pleasantly surprised how delicious it was!) Others in our group ate Wienerschnitzel and Chicken Schnitzel. Everyone was very happy with the food quality and portions—which are MORE than generous. At the end, the owner happily split the check many ways (we had asked ahead of time, so as not to be "that guy.") The owners were assisted in waiting on us by a pleasant young man.

We did not happen to be there on one of the three nights they have live music, which is, I believe, Thursday through Saturday.

With all entrees under $25 and many under $20, the restaurant offers a tremendous value. Did I mention there's also pizza on the menu???

The atmosphere is cute and cozy, with lots of family- and Bavaria-related memorabilia, but not overly cutesy.

I reserve 5-star reviews for places that, for what they are intended to be, have no room for improvement. This is that kind of place. I wouldn't change a thing. I wish I lived closer to Lincoln Square, but now we have one more reason to go back to the neighborhood. As someone who has seen all too many authentic German restaurants in Chicago turn into hipster locales and apartment buildings, I truly appreciate Himmel's and the sisters who so lovingly host their...

Had 5 pm reservations. Inside of restaurant was dark and dingy. Needs an update and cleaning! The narrow hallway to the bathroom was cluttered with boxes. Took awhile before someone took our drink order. Asked for mai-tais, then waiter returned to say they don't make them. He suggested wine, which we ordered. He made 5 trips from the bar to serve the 4 of us our drinks. He first brought a glass of wine, then another, then one beer, then another beer (same kind) and finally, he brought "mai-tais" (don't know what they really were, but not good). BTW, the waiter was condescending and rude the entire time. We ordered all 4 of the appetizers on the menu. They were actually pretty tasty. Then the waiter seemed surprised that we wanted to order entrees. One in our party ordered a large bowl of soup, two of us had roasted young duckling and one had chicken schnitzel. Here we go... the soup was just okay, needed flavor. Asked for and was brought maggi seasoning. The duck was horrible. It was not done and too tough to cut. No duck sauce or gravy. Asked for some and the kitchen sent out a small cold bowl of mushroom gravy. The spaetzel that it came with was hard and dried out. The red cabbage salad was okay. The chicken schnitzel was HUGE and good. It came with a very large serving of mashed potatoes that were good too. An award winning German chef was in our party. Twice, he asked the waiter to request that the chef come to our table. The chef never came. (They were not busy, with the exception of about 15 people at the bar watching the Super Bowl and I think one of those WAS the chef. ) When we finally got the check, our waiter said " Did Carol come over and talk to you"?, knowing full well she didn't. He was very sparky. We did receive very good service from the busboy. He did a lot of the waiter's job. We will not be going back. Not a...

I had the chance to check out Himmel's while wandering around Chicago. This German restaurant is located in Lincoln Park, close to the famous Lake Shore trails and steps from the DePaul University campus.

Himmel's transports you to a cozy Bavarian village amid the big city hustle and bustle. Stepping inside, I was greeted by the aromas of grilled sausages, sauerkraut and soft pretzels. The dark wood paneling and decorative plates on the walls added to the authentic vibe.

We sat down and were promptly served heaping portions of classic German fare. I opted for the jägerschnitzel, a pork cutlet smothered in mushroom gravy. It was tender and flavorful, seriously satisfying my appetite on the windy Chicago evening. With every bite, I swore I heard a "Prost!" My dining companions raved about the spätzle and sausages.

The friendly staff made us feel right at home. Our server was knowledgeable about all the Bavarian beer selections. I enjoyed a malty Doppelbock myself.

After our fill of food and drink, it was time to explore more of Chicago. I'd recommend stopping by Himmel's if you want to warm up with some hearty German cuisine while taking in the vibe of Lincoln Park. Don't forget to try the apfelstrudel for dessert! I'll be back in this city...