A casual step on the doormat reveals a whimsical figure, as one of the city’s most famous legends lies there. Located in the heart of Vienna’s Griechenviertel, this historic building has roots documented as far back as 1447, yet it harbors even older secrets. Some of the old vaulted cellars even date back to Roman times and served as secret shelters during World War II. We took a closer look at the secrets behind Vienna’s oldest tavern.
Traces of the Famous and a Legendary Plague Pit
The famous balladeer Marx Augustin once performed here; according to legend, he survived a deep fall into the plague pit while drunk. This incident inspired the world-famous Viennese folk song about the indomitable musician. Today, a seated statue of Augustin right at the entrance to the tavern commemorates this event, which is why guests enjoy tossing coins into his little hat.
Although various names, such as “Gasthaus Zum gelben Adler,” have dominated over the centuries, traditional Viennese cuisine has always been preserved there. The historic Mark Twain Room is particularly famous because historical figures such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Egon Schiele left their marks there. This room is now a protected historic site, ensuring that the historic autographs are preserved for posterity.
In addition, music legends such as Johnny Cash and Luciano Pavarotti dined in these rooms. The tavern completely won them over, especially since you can experience the historic atmosphere up close here.
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Culinary Classics and Architectural Journeys Through Time
Since the building has expanded over generations, the eight different dining rooms are on completely different levels. The rustic “Zitherstüberl” is located on the ground floor, while a narrow spiral staircase leads to the upper rooms. A special tradition has been upheld here since 1852, when the innkeeper at the time brought the first Pilsner Urquell to Vienna.
Ultimately, this traditional tavern impresses with dishes like veal Wiener schnitzel or hearty Tafelspitz with horseradish. The menu also features crispy pork shanks as well as homemade Kaiserschmarrn with stewed plums. If you’re planning a visit, you should budget 30 to 50 euros per person, so it’s advisable to make a reservation in advance to ensure you get a seat.
📍 Griechenbeisl
🕒 Hours: Open daily
🏠 Address: Fleischmarkt 11 / Griechengasse 9, 1010 Vienna
💰 Price range: approx. €30 to €50 per person
