Scholz Garten
Experience Texas history at Scholz Garten, America's oldest Biergarten. Enjoy authentic German cuisine, large portions, and a vibrant atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Scholz Garten
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience Texas history at Scholz Garten, America's oldest Biergarten. Enjoy authentic German cuisine, large portions, and a vibrant atmosphere.
"A must-visit when you're in Austin! Oldest Biergarten in the United States and longest continuously running restaurant in Texas."
Happy Hour Deals
Visit during Happy Hour for $5 appetizers and sample dishes at a lower cost.
Try Signature Items
Must-try menu items include the Bavarian pretzel with bier cheese or the wurst board.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
German
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Texas' Oldest Biergarten
Step into history at America's oldest Biergarten, serving authentic German fare since 1866. A true Austin institution!
Giant Bavarian Pretzel
Don't miss the legendary, head-sized Bavarian pretzel, served with delicious bier cheese and garlic butter.
Authentic German Specialties
Savor hearty German classics like Jagerschnitzel and build-your-own brats with a variety of traditional sides.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Happy Hour Deals
Visit during Happy Hour for $5 appetizers and sample dishes at a lower cost.
Try Signature Items
Must-try menu items include the Bavarian pretzel with bier cheese or the wurst board.
Avoid Peak Times
Consider reservations for peak hours or game days to avoid long waits.
Quieter Seating
Request seating away from loud areas for a more relaxed dining experience inside.
Tips
from all over the internet
Happy Hour Deals
Visit during Happy Hour for $5 appetizers and sample dishes at a lower cost.
Try Signature Items
Must-try menu items include the Bavarian pretzel with bier cheese or the wurst board.
Avoid Peak Times
Consider reservations for peak hours or game days to avoid long waits.
Quieter Seating
Request seating away from loud areas for a more relaxed dining experience inside.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Scholz Garten is celebrated for its historic atmosphere and its iconic giant pretzel. While many enjoy the traditional German dishes and lively biergarten vibe, some diners note that the German food, while good, may not be the absolute best in the area. Service can be inconsistent, with some experiencing attentive staff and others finding it lacking during busy periods.
"Considered the oldest restaurant in Texas, Scholz Garten in Austin is a historic gem, established in 1866 by German immigrant August Scholz as a saloon and beer garden. Starting as a hub for the growing German community, it evolved into a cultural landmark, purchased by the Austin Saengerrunde in 1908, who still own it today. Recognized as a Texas Historic Landmark in 1967 and added to the National Register in 1979, it’s survived wars, Prohibition, and Austin’s rapid growth. Once a spot for concerts and political gatherings, it now blends tradition with modern vibes, offering German fare and UT game-day energy. A must-visit for history lovers! And the pretzels are great!"
Madelyn Smith
"Got to check out this cute German Restaurant / hang out … loved the eating area out back but it was closed for a party … the vintage inside was cool as well. It was really loud with some tables very close together but the waiter was great and moved us to another area that was a little quieter (however it was still loud and a hard to hear my freind). The restaurant vibe was fun and nice for big parties. The giant pretzel was amazing and so delicious- a must get! We shared beef tips, the Greek goddess salad and the hot potato. All was good. The beef tips were more “gravy” and a few bit sized pieces of beef, so I wouldn’t order that again but everything else was great. The wait staff was friendly and nice when you could get their attention. We got our drinks but no check backs for refills (even on water). After our meal was delivered the waiter was not back to check on us, refill drinks, never brought extra napkins requested - staff was around but never made eye contact with our table, stopped to check and could not hear our “excuse me” when leaving the table next door…. we had to catch a show, so we got up and went to the bar to ask to pay for our meal … it was busy, but it would have been easily possible to drop napkins, water and the bill after delivering the food. Would try it again, but the service side could use a step up. Would be a great place to grab beers and hang out on the patio … overall good and clearly a fun spot - but needed more follow up on the table service."
Christy Geiger
"A must visit when you’re in Austin! Oldest Biergarten in the United States and longest continuously running restaurant in Texas. Large portion sizes, and my favorite was the Bavarian Pretzel (the bier cheese and garlic butter were delicious!). Nice atmosphere (we ate inside but the outdoor area looked fun too). Our server, Ashlee (not sure if I am spelling his name correctly) was wonderful! Look forward to returning next time we are in town!"
Rachael T
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Scholz Garten is renowned for being the oldest Biergarten in America and the oldest continuously operating restaurant in Texas, serving classic German cuisine and a wide selection of beers.
Reservations are recommended, especially if you plan to visit during peak hours or on game days, to avoid long waits.
The legendary giant Bavarian pretzel with bier cheese and garlic butter is a highly recommended signature item. The wurst board is also a popular choice.
For a quieter dining experience, request seating away from loud areas or parties inside the restaurant.
Yes, Scholz Garten features a large, covered outdoor patio with picnic tables, a stage for live music, and games, making it a great spot to hang out.
Yes, Scholz Garten is a dog-friendly establishment, perfect for enjoying German food and drinks with your pet.
Visiting during Happy Hour is a great way to sample various dishes, as they offer $5 appetizers.
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Walk through the Texas Capitol grounds northeast to Scholz Garten, an Austin institution known for its beer and schnitzel. It also happens to be Texas’ oldest restaurant, established in 1866 by civil war veteran and German immigrant August Scholz. Since then it has reliably served Bavarian pretzels, wurst, and endless pints of beer to both the German immigrant population and UT Austin football fans—it’s a popular spot on game day.
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Scholz Garten isn’t just the oldest bar in Austin—it’s one of the oldest operating businesses in Texas, dating back to 1866. The huge German beer garden is centrally located, right near UT, and one of the most popular spots for tailgating a Longhorn game or pregaming a show at the Moody Center. It’s also home to great German food.
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Scholz Garten, a beloved German biergarten and dining hall in downtown Austin, is a prime representation of the wave of German immigrants who came to central Texas in the 19th century. August Scholz, a Civil War veteran originally from Germany, opened this spot in 1866 on a property that used to be a boarding house, and it quickly became a major center for the German community in Austin. Scholz Garten continues to serve steins of German beer, brats and pretzels and schnitzel, and a welcoming energy that explains why it’s the oldest continuously-operating restaurant in Texas.
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In 1866, Scholz Garten opened its doors and has kept the party going as the oldest operating business in Texas and longest-running biergarten in America. As a relic of Texas' German heritage, the venue is known for its genuine polka music, a safe place for politicians on both sides of the aisle, including nearly all of Texas’s governors, and a meeting place for college football fans from the neighboring University of Texas. Build your own sausage or enjoy a Duetsche Platte of delicacies as you listen to live music on their outdoor stage.
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Scholz Garten, established in 1866, is the oldest German restaurant in Austin. This historic spot offers a variety of traditional German dishes, such as schnitzel, sauerbraten, and potato salad, made with authentic recipes. The beer garden provides a relaxing atmosphere with large shade trees and comfortable seating.
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The oldest Biergarten in all of Austin and it is located right in Downtown Austin!. This Austin staple has a huge covered patio so rain or shine you can enjoy the space. Complete with corn hole games, long picnic tables, and a stage for live music, Sholz Garten is a great spot to hang out.
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Happy Hour just got even happier with this dog friendly German food bar. Featuring an assortment of German food that goes hand in hand with their busy bar, Scholz Garden is perfect for getting fueled up before any event at the Frank Erwin center. They will have you saying “Wunderbar!
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Address: 1607 San Jacinto Blvd.Nearby: Moody Amphitheater and Blanton Museum of Art A beloved local hangout for sipping brews since 1866, Scholz Garten is the oldest beer garden in Texas. Psst — stop in for a UT game and don’t forget to order some German fare when you visit.
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The oldest restaurant in Texas is still going strong, and Austinites never miss an opportunity to party here. Scholz Garten's inventive menu combines traditional German food with spicy Tex Mex attitude. Enjoy some brews in their beer garden located at 1607 San Jacinto Blvd.
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Since 1866, when councilman August Scholz first opened his tavern near the state capitol, every Texas governor has visited it at least once (and many quite a few more times). It’s changed with the times, catering as much to students at nearby UT as to politicos.
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Texas’s oldest tavern is still thriving, even after nearly 150 years in business, and its fascinating history is rooted in the German Biergarten tradition. Over the years, the place has welcomed innumerable. politicians, writers, artists, and musicians.
Best Downtown Happy Hours in Austin
Happy hour takes place at Scholz Garten Wednesday-Friday from 3pm to 5pm. During this magical hour, you can benefit from cocktail specials and food deals like $2 off draught beers and cocktails, and $5 apps at 1607 San Jacinto.
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Watch the game while enjoying more than a half dozen artisan sausages, from venison to vegan, along with burgers, wings and more at the state’s oldest continually operating beer garden. 1607 San Jacinto Blvd. 512-474-1958,
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1607 San Jacinto, 512/474-1958www.scholzgarten.comHours: Wed.-Sat., noon-8pm; Sun., noon-6pm; closed Mon.-Tue. Happy hour Wed.-Fri., 3-6pm. Scholz Garten claims "oldest working beer garden in the nation" status.
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Packed during football games, this famed spot features beer and burgers in a shaded outdoor setting. Enter through the garden side on 17th and all dogs should be on a leash. Contact Info: (512) 474-1958
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Scholz’s is a traditional 19th century German biergarten in the heart of Austin. Biergartens were a social trend that swept across Germany in the 1800s. German families brought this tradition to Texas…
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