***** (5 stars)
Funkenhausen offers a modern take on German food. They say it’s served with a Southern twist, but I didn’t really detect that aspect in what I had.
The menu is divided between smaller plates and larger ones, but all are sharable.
I started with the surfenturf, a delightfully creative and flavorful combination of seared scallops and braised short rib. This was my favorite dish.
The skate wing schnitzel was an interesting take, more like a breaded and fried fish filet.
The most German item I tried was the weisswurst, nicely seared sausages.
The black forest pots de creme is heavier than a normal pot de creme, essentially a fudge, topped with marinated cherries.
The wine list focuses on German and Austrian wines, and there is also a nice assortment of interesting German beers. The cocktail list is also creative. I really liked the German Visits Mexico, a blend of tequila and cucumber, rimmed with fennel salt.
The dining room probably gets noisy when busy, in the beer hall tradition, but I went early and enjoyed the funky soundtrack.
I’d rate the food a four, but the service was a solid five stars. My water glass never got more than an inch below the rim!
Funkenhausen
1709 W Chicago Ave
Chicago, IL
60622
(312) 929-4727
https://www.yelp.com/biz/funkenhausen-chicago