Die Fromme Helene

Frommer's Review

This is the kind of upscale tavern where the food is traditional and excellent, the crowd is animated and creative, and the staff is hip enough to recognize and recall the names of the many actors, writers, and politicians who come here regularly. Part of its theatrical allure derives from a location that's close to several of the city's theaters (including the English Theater), and to prove it, there are signed and framed photographs of many of the quasi-celebrity clients who have eaten and made merry here. Expect a wide range of traditional and well-prepared Austrian dishes, including schnitzels of both veal and pork, pastas, and a chocolate pudding (whose name translates as "Moor in a Shirt") served with hot chocolate sauce and whipped cream. The establishment's enduring specialty is Alt Wiener Backfleisch, a long-marinated and spicy version of steak that's breaded, fried, and served with potato salad. There's a range of pasta and vegetarian dishes as well. The restaurant's name, incidentally, derives from the comic-book creation of a 19th-century illustrator, Wilhelm Busch, whose hard-drinking but well-meaning heroine, "pious Helen," captivated the imagination of the German-speaking world.

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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