Have Sippy Will Travel

Disclosure: In any review for a product or service, products or compensation may have been provided to me to help facilitate my review. All opinions are my own and honest. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC Guidelines. Please see “Disclose” and "Terms of Use" tabs for more information.

If you’re like most Americans, one of the best aspects of traveling is coming across sites and establishments that are older than all of the United States. Though Germany itself is only as old as some of the newer states, the country boasts eating establishments that are upwards of 900 years old. If you want to get a literal taste of history, check out these three oldest restaurants in all of Germany. They may be miles apart, but the atmosphere and food is worth investing in a rental car from CarRentals.com and making the drive.

Zum Roten Baren

Zum Roten Baren is hands-down the oldest restaurant in Germany, dating back to over 700 years ago. If you’re skeptical about the true age of this establishment, just ask the current landlord for a ledger that details precisely who ran the establishment and when over the past seven centuries. There are a total of 50, each with a tenure of 30 years or more. The name “Roten Baren” has remained the same since its inception, as too has much of the décor. However, the street outside has seen a significant change. From within the restaurant, you can see where the road line used to be 800 to 900 years ago, which is 3.6 m beneath the level it’s at today.

In addition to delicious and hearty traditional German fare, the restaurant also boasts an extensive wine collection, which is stored in the cellar that was there even before the restaurant. That said, if you’re looking for a fancy restaurant, this is not. If, however, you’re a person who appreciates history and all its quirks, you will love this place.

Zur letzten Instanz

Established in 1621, this Berlin restaurant is nowhere near as old as Zum Roten Baren, but then again, a restaurant probably doesn’t exist that is. Zur letzten Instanz has been run by the same family for four generations, with each generation working with the same goal in mind: to provide a place where people can gather, eat, and be merry. Despite being over 400 years old, much of the historic structure remains. In fact, according to the owner, Napoleon himself was served at the restaurant’s tiled stove.

You too can eat at the tiled stove, or you can request a private room, a table within one of the two adjacent restaurants, or a spot in the beer garden. Once you’re settled in, you’ll be given a beer list of some of the best beers Germany has to offer, plus an informal menu with homey items such as pork knuckle, stuffed Beef Roulade, and liver.

Wurstkuchl

Located along the Danube, Wurstkuchl is appealing simply because of its location. However, it has something going for it that many surrounding establishments don’t: age. Wurstkuchl is over 500 years old, hence its prime location next to the Old Stone Bridge. The kitchen itself, however, is even older; evidence suggests that the current kitchen’s location has been a cooking area since as early as 1135.

The food itself has remained more or less the same over the past 500 years. While the menu does include more modern offerings, its best-selling plate continues to be the bratwursts and sauerkraut with sweet granny mustard.

Experience history like you’ve never experienced it before. Visit the three oldest restaurants in Germany for a history lesson like you’ve never been given before.