Anton and Emmi Lenhardt, originally from Yugoslavia, came to America in 1953.  Anton and his brother Kristoff, along with their wives, opened their first restaurant in 1955 at 201¹/₂  W. McMillan.  Having only 12 seats, the restaurant expanded quickly and in 1963 Anton Lenhardt purchased the Moerlein estate, located at 151 W. McMillan.  The house was built in the 1890's as a wedding gift for Christian Moerleins daughter, who married John Goetz.
After the Goetz family moved, the house was occupied by a pediatrician.  Dr. Beamen had his office downstairs and he lived upstairs.  During WWII the army housed soldiers in the mansion.  When the army left, a fraternity moved in.  The ACC, or American Commons Club, stayed until Mr. Lenhardt bought the building in 1964.  Lenhardt's Restaurant moved into the Goetz house in 1965.  A painting was discovered on the ceiling of a dining room shortly after they opened.  The original front entrance and tile are still intact, as well as the large pocket doors and pre-rookwood ceramic fireplaces.  The original front porch pillars are now located in the Rathskeller.

In 1977, Anton and Emmi Lenhardt retired, their daughter, Erika and her husband, W.H. (Joe) Windholtz became the new owners.  In 1990, the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lenhardt, Christine Windholtz, entered the business to continue with the tradition and quality of the original for a third generation.
Upon her graduation from college Christy opened the Rathskeller in January 1991.
Seven years later the Biegarten was constucted on the east side of the building and opened in April 1998.  The inside of the Restaurant was remodeled in January 2000.

Prost!

Join us for all U.C. CCM Shows and Sporting Events.  Free parking for all dine-in customers before or after events.