Kern's Beisel

Frommer's Review

The term beisl implies an aggressively unpretentious tavern where food is plentiful and cheap, and the staff has minimal attitude. That's very much the case with this neighborhood favorite, although in this case, the "neighborhood" happens to be within a few steps of the city's tourist and cultural core, Stephansplatz. You'll dine in an old-fashioned wood-paneled dining room darkened by smoke throughout the ages. The tables in back, near the kitchen and separated from the front with a wooden partition, are a wee bit cozier than those near the front, which are more brightly lit. Here, you might discover groups of five or more wine-drinking friends, sometimes middle-aged ladies, celebrating their after-work rituals. Overall, it's fine, and charming in kind of a rough and mountain way. The dinner menu changes weekly and might feature a starter platter of mixed Austrian appetizers, including vegetable terrine, cooked ham, and strips of fried chicken; cream of garlic soup; and roulades of poached chicken with pumpkinseed sauce. There are also wurst with dumplings, beefsteaks, goulash soup, and Wiener schnitzels of both veal and pork, and, in autumn, some well-prepared game dishes.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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