Zum Deutschen Eck

Chicago Illinois, USA

Closed 2000

The Disappointed Tourist: Zum Deutschen Eck, Ellen Harvey, 2025. Oil and acrylic on Gessoboard, 24 x 18” (61 x 45.7 cm). Photograph: Etienne Frossard

German immigrants had a profound impact on the city of Chicago – in architecture, culture, food, science. Yet much of this influence is no longer visible or rarely mentioned. Lincoln Square used to be the German neighborhood with many German restaurants, stores, shops… “Zum Deutschen Eck” was a popular restaurant serving German fare and beer. It was torn down and only a plaque reminds us of this piece of Chicago history today. Angelique B.

Zum Deutschen Eck was a beloved neighborhood restaurant founded by the Albert Wirth family in 1956 specializing in Bavarian food. It closed in 2000 and the site is now a parking lot.

The painting is based on an uncredited photograph from the Chicago Public Library.

No. 306