A Taste of Germany in the Heart of Austin
Where Tradition Meets Texan Charm
Willkomen! Located at 1607 San Jacinto Boulevard in downtown Austin, Texas, is the beloved bar and restaurant Scholz Garten. In 1966, the Texas Legislature authorized House Resolution #68 that proclaimed Scholz Garten as “a gathering place for Texans of discernment, taste, culture, erudition, epitomizing the finest tradition of magnificent German heritage in our state.”
German immigrant and Civil War veteran August Scholz opened his historic establishment in 1866. His initial investment of $2,400 for an old boarding house and surrounding property would allow his venture to become the oldest continuous business in Texas and the oldest beer garden in America. Generations of Texans and visitors from around the world have made their way to Scholz’s for great beer, lively music, and German food in its purest form.
The menu is basic – bratwurst and schnitzel, pretzels and sauerkraut, traditional side-dishes and then throw in some burgers and sammies (sandwiches). Scholz’s gathering spaces are legendary and the architecture of the main building is welcoming and reminiscent of a Bavarian establishment. As you enjoy your meal, you can learn about the singing and bowling clubs that have operated on the property. The surroundings, and the history, help you to escape from Austin’s hustle and bustle. Sit back and take in 158 years of beer, food and fun all in one great location.
Our children have made Austin home for over thirty years as they departed the Texas Plains for work, school and fun in our capital city. I asked daughter Kimberly Mosser Gerlich and sons, Kelly, Chris, and Kerry Mosser to reflect on moments when Scholz Garten became part of their routines.
Kimberly Mosser Gerlich: “Scholz Beer Garten has been our go-to spot for pregame gatherings during college football season for many years. As a Texas Tech University graduate, coming to Austin to watch the Red Raiders battle the Texas Longhorns began with fun and food at Scholz’s. Living in Austin often finds me meeting local friends or hosting out of town guests at Scholz’s. We always enjoy the spacious outdoor seating while treating ourselves to the best food and beverages. It sets the perfect atmosphere before making the short walk to DKR Stadium to cheer on our favorite teams.”
Kelly Mosser: “Scholz Garten is always a hub for gatherings before University of Texas football and basketball games. It has a large outdoor patio great for large groups and college sports fandom, and they have often hosted ESPN’s “College Gameday” broadcast. I have frequented Scholz’s many times on my way into a game but what most people don’t realize is that there is a private event space and dance hall attached next door. I have attended weddings and awards events there. They even have an old bowling alley that is still operational today!”
Chris Mosser: “Outside of being the perfect pregame spot for any event happening at UT I’m headed to, Scholz Garten is big for me as a place where Austin’s political and social scenes have merged for over two hundred years. I have helped host many Democratic club meetings there, and I know Republicans have events at Scholz Garten as well. Saengerrunde Hall, the German singing club that shares the Scholz beer garden, is an even more terrifically preserved historical gem. In a town that has lost a lot of its past in our recent leap forward, Scholz Garten is perhaps the most important public place where Austin’s historical heritage lives on.”
Kerry Mosser: “When my mother asked me to write a paragraph about Scholz Biergarten, I decided to go to lunch and target the basics. Parking is ample. Doors open at 11:30 for lunch and there were people waiting to get in. The building holds its historic value in its walls, floors, roof, art, and the carved wood bar you would expect to see in an iconic establishment from the 1800s. The unique scent that permeates Scholz’s comes from the full course menu cooked up each day for years on end. To my delight, I found old friends working the bar. I ordered a Paulaner and the first burger on the list, the Scholz Haus Burger. Everything about my visit, much like a visitor to our city might experience, was exceptional. The preservation of the historical architecture, the delicious food, and the friendly staff were in simple words, authentic Texas. Sholz Garten is a bucket list item for a truly authentic experience in the heart of the great state of Texas. Prost!
