Bavaria is a land of beer, and that naturally applies to its capital as well. However , that doesn’t mean wine has never played a role in Munich’s history . As early as the 14th century, the Weinstraße (Wine Street) was established—a street that still runs past the New Town Hall today—and back then there was even a wine market here. The Weinstadl was also located nearby, in one of the city’s oldest townhouses, which has been preserved to this day. This is its story.
An eventful history
The Gothic Weinstadl on Dienerstraße, featuring an arcaded walkway and a stair tower, was built as early as 1525. In 1550, the city purchased the building to store and sell wine there. The aim was to meet the rising demand. Just one year later, however, the city had the townhouse converted into the city clerk’s office by master mason Hans Aerenhofer. The arcade and the stair tower of the old barn were preserved in the process. The façade was painted by Hans Mielich, one of Munich’s most important visual artists.
From 1552 to 1612, the town clerk’s office was housed in the townhouse; afterward, it resumed its function as the Weinstadl. Its history as a restaurant began in the 18th century, when it ceased to serve merely as a storage and sales space and became a tavern for the first time. During World War II, the building was severely damaged; reconstruction took place in the 1950s. Now it shines once again in its former glory, and you can admire the detailed paintings on its facade.
In the inner courtyard, you’ll discover the Gothic stair tower, which winds like a snail. It is the last remaining example of its kind in all of Munich. Furthermore, the townhouse is one of the few that still features a “heavenly ladder,” similar to the one at the Beer and Oktoberfest Museum. The interior spaces are spanned by a Gothic cross vault, which brings medieval charm into the present.
Dining at the Weinstadl
In the past, you could enjoy Bavarian cuisine at Hofer’s in the Weinstadl and experience authentic Munich tradition. Today, two new restaurants occupy the space, each with a completely different concept. At Bar Tartar, as the name suggests, everything revolves around tartare. Whether beef, salmon, or vegetarian, you’ll find tartare in all its variations here. You can enjoy it along with great cocktails either in the historic interior or in the beautiful courtyard.
Since 2021, the upscale restaurant Tohru, run by chef Tohru Nakamura, has also been located in the former Schreiberei. Just one year after opening, it received its first two Michelin stars, and last year it added a third. If you want to treat yourself to a truly special experience, this is definitely the place to go.
