Honored with the Muvamo Award for its remarkable history and heritage – the Griechenbeisl, Vienna’s oldest restaurant, continues to embody centuries of tradition, character, and authentic Viennese hospitality.
Griechenbeisl: Where History is Served
Griechenbeisl traces its origins back to 1447, making it one of the oldest continuously operating restaurants in Vienna. Originally a gathering place for traders and travelers, it soon became a favorite among musicians, poets, and intellectuals. Over the centuries, it has welcomed an impressive list of guests, including Ludwig van Beethoven, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Richard Wagner, Franz Schubert, and Mark Twain.
The restaurant’s name, “Griechenbeisl,” translates to “Greek Inn”, a nod to the Greek merchants who once frequented the area. Despite its many changes over the years, the building has retained its medieval character, complete with low ceilings, wooden beams, and historic murals.
One of its most famous legends is the story of “Dear Augustin,” a 17th-century street musician who allegedly survived the plague after drunkenly falling into a pit of corpses. The song “Oh du lieber Augustin” remains a beloved folk tune in Austria, and the restaurant keeps his memory alive with a sign on the restaurant’s facade, indicating that he first sang his famous song there.
Griechenbeisl is a testament to Vienna’s long and storied history. For almost 580 years, it has welcomed emperors, musicians, writers, and travelers, all leaving their mark in one way or another. From its medieval origins to its role as a gathering place for some of history’s greatest minds, it remains a living piece of the city’s past.
