Cafe Brauer is located along the south pond of the Lincoln Park Zoo, overlooking the pond where you can rent row boats and swan paddle boats during the warmer months. It was built in 1908 and designed by Prairie-style architect Dwight Perkins.
The building was originally called "The Refectory," which means an institutional dining hall. That's pretty much what it still is today thanks to a thorough, $4 million renovation in 1989. During the warmer months, the Zoo runs a decent, but run-of-the-mill cafeteria out of the cafe's first floor. They also host a small, outdoor beer garden. They rent out the more magificent arts-and-crafts style second floor hall for private events and parties. It was designated a Chicago Landmark in 2003.
The building was originally called "The Refectory," which means an institutional dining hall. That's pretty much what it still is today thanks to a thorough, $4 million renovation in 1989. During the warmer months, the Zoo runs a decent, but run-of-the-mill cafeteria out of the cafe's first floor. They also host a small, outdoor beer garden. They rent out the more magificent arts-and-crafts style second floor hall for private events and parties. It was designated a Chicago Landmark in 2003.