We have our fair share of historic restaurants in Texas, but one rises above all the rest: Scholz Garten in Austin. And as the oldest restaurant in Texas, it’s a must-visit. Scholz has been around since 1866, and its history is so rich that you can almost feel the years of memories made here over the years. If you’re looking for a restaurant with character, scrumptious Texan and German cuisine, and a friendly atmosphere, this is definitely the place for you.
August Scholz, a German immigrant and Civil War vet, established the restaurant the very year following the war’s end.
scholzgarten.com
His intention was for it to serve as simply a meeting place for the Germans of Austin, but it quickly evolved into a social gathering hub and favorite eatery for all.
Yelp/Sarah M.
He operated the restaurant until his death in 1891, when the honor passed to his stepson and later to the Lemp Brewery Company.
beerhistory.com
The UT football team celebrated its first undefeated season here in 1893, a tradition that has lived on over the years.
Flickr/jrandallc
In 1908, German singing club Austin Saengerrunde purchased the restaurant and built an adjacent bowling alley that’s still in operation.
Facebook/AustinSaengerrunde
Scholz hasn’t changed too much save for the obligatory occasional renovations, but that’s just how the locals like it. In fact, one of the previous owners was almost run out of town for trying to change it too much!
Yelp/Rafe G.
Scholz earned a rightful place on the list of Texas Historic Landmarks in 1967.
Yelp/Demetrius A.
Boy, does this place have a rich history and plenty of stories to tell - it was a popular site for political debates and even college political science classes back in the day.
Yelp/Dawn C. Some of the debates were even broadcast on radio stations!
And let’s not forget the food. Nobody can resist a fluffy, warm soft pretzel with cheese dip and Dijon mustard.
Yelp/Nina H.
Sink your teeth into some magnificent chicken fried chicken and fried okra.
Yelp/Staci Kae A. Of course, you’ll also find a wide variety of authentic German eats here. If you’re craving some crispy and flavorful schnitzel, this is the place to go.
All in all, Scholz Garten is an amazing place to experience history, great food, and German heritage, and everyone should have the opportunity to visit Texas’ oldest restaurant at least once.
Yelp/Dawn C.
To learn more about their menu, live event schedule, and current hours, visit Scholz Garten‘s website or Facebook page.
scholzgarten.com
Yelp/Sarah M.
beerhistory.com
Flickr/jrandallc
Facebook/AustinSaengerrunde
Yelp/Rafe G.
Yelp/Demetrius A.
Yelp/Dawn C.
Some of the debates were even broadcast on radio stations!
Yelp/Nina H.
Yelp/Staci Kae A.
Of course, you’ll also find a wide variety of authentic German eats here. If you’re craving some crispy and flavorful schnitzel, this is the place to go.
Have you ever been to Scholz Garten, the oldest restaurant in Texas? If so, we want to hear all about your experience! Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
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Address: Scholz Garten, 1607 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
oldest restaurant in Texas November 29, 2020 Elisa Regulski Are there any historic restaurants in Texas? Yes! There are tons of fascinating historic restaurants in Texas. If you want to get a taste of the past, dine at Stagecoach Inn Restaurant in Salado. This unique spot was once a popular stopping point for travelers along the Chisolm Trail, and it still boasts antiquated architecture to this day. Eating here really feels like you’re taking a step back in time. If you loved this place, you’ll also want to check out O.S.T. Restaurant in Bandera. Short for “Old Spanish Trail,” this eatery will whisk you back to days gone by. The atmosphere is both quirky and inviting, with saddle-shaped bar stools and old west decorations. You simply have to see it for yourself! What kind of food is Texas known for? Food in Texas is hearty, tender, and made with love. When most people think about food in the Lone Star State, their mind immediately rushes to BBQ. While this isn’t wrong by any means, it’s definitely not all we have to offer. There is also a rich German and Czech influence here. You’ll often find scrumptious schnitzel and classic Czech pastries along Texas’s major highways. It just goes to show, Texas’s culinary history is vast and rich. What are the most famous restaurants in Texas? When visiting the Lone Star State, you have to stop in at least one famous eatery. Some of the most notable include The Salt Lick BBQ in Driftwood, The Big Texan in Amarillo, and Snow’s BBQ in Lexington.
The OIYS Visitor Center
oldest restaurant in Texas
November 29, 2020
Elisa Regulski
Are there any historic restaurants in Texas? Yes! There are tons of fascinating historic restaurants in Texas. If you want to get a taste of the past, dine at Stagecoach Inn Restaurant in Salado. This unique spot was once a popular stopping point for travelers along the Chisolm Trail, and it still boasts antiquated architecture to this day. Eating here really feels like you’re taking a step back in time. If you loved this place, you’ll also want to check out O.S.T. Restaurant in Bandera. Short for “Old Spanish Trail,” this eatery will whisk you back to days gone by. The atmosphere is both quirky and inviting, with saddle-shaped bar stools and old west decorations. You simply have to see it for yourself! What kind of food is Texas known for? Food in Texas is hearty, tender, and made with love. When most people think about food in the Lone Star State, their mind immediately rushes to BBQ. While this isn’t wrong by any means, it’s definitely not all we have to offer. There is also a rich German and Czech influence here. You’ll often find scrumptious schnitzel and classic Czech pastries along Texas’s major highways. It just goes to show, Texas’s culinary history is vast and rich. What are the most famous restaurants in Texas? When visiting the Lone Star State, you have to stop in at least one famous eatery. Some of the most notable include The Salt Lick BBQ in Driftwood, The Big Texan in Amarillo, and Snow’s BBQ in Lexington.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Yes! There are tons of fascinating historic restaurants in Texas. If you want to get a taste of the past, dine at Stagecoach Inn Restaurant in Salado. This unique spot was once a popular stopping point for travelers along the Chisolm Trail, and it still boasts antiquated architecture to this day. Eating here really feels like you’re taking a step back in time. If you loved this place, you’ll also want to check out O.S.T. Restaurant in Bandera. Short for “Old Spanish Trail,” this eatery will whisk you back to days gone by. The atmosphere is both quirky and inviting, with saddle-shaped bar stools and old west decorations. You simply have to see it for yourself!
What kind of food is Texas known for?
Food in Texas is hearty, tender, and made with love. When most people think about food in the Lone Star State, their mind immediately rushes to BBQ. While this isn’t wrong by any means, it’s definitely not all we have to offer. There is also a rich German and Czech influence here. You’ll often find scrumptious schnitzel and classic Czech pastries along Texas’s major highways. It just goes to show, Texas’s culinary history is vast and rich.
What are the most famous restaurants in Texas?
When visiting the Lone Star State, you have to stop in at least one famous eatery. Some of the most notable include The Salt Lick BBQ in Driftwood, The Big Texan in Amarillo, and Snow’s BBQ in Lexington.
