Griechenbeisl
A Timeless Taste of Viennese Culture
For a timeless taste of Viennese culture, you need to visit Griechenbeisl. Located near the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Griechenbeisl is one of Vienna’s oldest guesthouses and its oldest restaurant. The restaurant was founded in 1447, and its name comes from Levante merchants who lived nearby and enjoyed the tremendous trade relationship between Vienna and the Orient.
Artists, scholars, and politicians would gather in the Griechenbeisl to eat, drink, debate, and ponder until all hours. “Lieber Augustin” once played at the Griechenbeisl. Later on, some of the inn's distinguished guests included world famous composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Wagner, Strauss, and Brahms; the artists Waldmüller and Schwind; the world-renowned opera singer Schaljapin; writers Mark Twain, Grillparzer, and Nestroy; and political personalities like Karl Lueger and Graf Zeppelin. In the 17th century, the singer and bagpiper Marx Augustin regularly appeared at the Griechenbeisl.
In 1852, Leopold Schmied brought the completely new "Pilsner Urquell" from Pilsen in Bohemia to Vienna for the first time. All of these incredible personalities have appreciated Griechenbeisl's traditional Viennese cuisine and great comforts. The presence of all these amazing and distinguished individuals lives on with such important items as a framed autograph of Mark Twain prominently placed on the wall.
Today, both locals and visitors alike still love to come to the inimitable Griechenbeisl to enjoy the beautiful sound of live music in the famous Zither room (and other rooms upon request). The inn comes alive with vaulted rooms, wood paneling, and a figure of Augustin trapped at the bottom of a well right inside the front door. Guests can savor delicious Viennese cuisine, revel together over a few drinks, and rest in an extremely cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Experience a true taste of Vienna with every classic Viennese dish on the menu, along with three daily vegetarian options.
