FAQ – Sternbräu Salzburg

1. What is Sternbräu and where is it located?

Sternbräu is one of Austria's most famous and largest restaurants, located in the heart of Salzburg's Old Town – between Getreidegasse and Griesgasse 23 (A-5020 Salzburg). This expansive culinary establishment features eleven different dining rooms, three outdoor dining areas, and a total of approximately 1,300 indoor and outdoor seats.

As part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Salzburg's Old Town, Sternbräu is an ideal starting point for city tours and unites tradition with modern hospitality under one roof.

2. How old is Sternbräu – and what makes it historically special?

The history of the building dates back to the Middle Ages. Sternbräu is first documented as a brewery with an inn in 1542 – hence the slogan "Since 1542." The star, as the guild sign of brewers, has even been traceable since 1425. Particularly noteworthy: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart demonstrably visited Sternbräu around 1777. The large-format murals in the Bürgersaal – created by painter Karl Reisenbichler around 1924/1929 – depict scenes from Salzburg's city history and can still be viewed in their original state today.

Particularly remarkable is the careful blend of history and modernity: during the general renovation in 2013–2014, the listed historic building components were meticulously preserved. These include exposed remnants of the late medieval city wall and a defensive tower from around 1480, which are now visibly integrated into the modern architecture. The listed annex building (Stöckl) in the Stern-Biergarten (with baroque foundations from approx. 1750) also bears witness to this respectful approach to cultural heritage.

3. When is Sternbräu open?

Sternbräu is open daily from 9:00 AM to 12:00 AM.

The kitchen operates as follows:
Sunday to Thursday: 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM
Friday and Saturday: 11:30 AM to 10:30 PM

Breakfast is available from 9:00 AM in the SternLounge. You can choose from 4 breakfast variations (served on étagères) or à la carte.

4. How can I reserve a table?

Reservations for up to 8 people can be conveniently made online via the website (sternbrau.at/reservieren) using the ZenChef booking system.

For groups of 9 or more, please send a written inquiry to our Reservations Manager, Ms. Mierl:
Tel.: +43 (0)662 84 21 40
Email: office@sternbrau.at

Available: Mon–Thu 8:00 AM–4:00 PM, Fri 8:00 AM–2:00 PM

5. How do I get to Sternbräu? Directions and Parking

Address: Griesgasse 23, 5020 Salzburg, Austria

Sternbräu is located between Getreidegasse and Griesgasse in Salzburg's Old Town. The Old Town is car-free – best reached on foot, by bicycle, or by public transport.

By public transport: The nearest stop is Ferdinand-Hanuschplatz (trolleybus). Several trolleybus lines (including 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8) stop there.

By bicycle: Salzburg has a very well-developed network of cycling paths (over 180 km). Sternbräu is easily accessible via the Salzach riverside paths and bike-friendly bridges. There are numerous bicycle parking facilities in the immediate vicinity.

Parking: The Salzburg Old Town parking garage is only about a 5-minute walk away. Guests can have their parking ticket validated with us and receive a discounted rate (3 hrs €4.70 / 6 hrs €7.00 / 8 hrs €8.50).

6. Which dining rooms and areas are available at Sternbräu?

Sternbräu offers eleven areas with very distinct characters:

Ground Floor: Bürgersaal (historic murals), Braumeisterstube (traditional beer culture), SternLounge (modern & trendy), SternZeit.

Upper Floor: Festungssaal, Bierstube (with its own tap), SternGalerie, Turmstube, Jedermannstube, Jagdstube.

Outdoor Areas: Arkadengarten, Stern-Biergarten, SternLounge-Garten. Nine of the eleven rooms are barrier-free accessible.

7. Which outdoor areas and dining gardens are available at Sternbräu?

Sternbräu features three very different outdoor areas with a total of approximately 670 seats – together, they form the largest dining garden in Salzburg's city center:

Arkadengarten: The classic restaurant garden. Here we welcome guests who wish to dine comfortably outdoors, surrounded by historic arcades and old chestnut trees.

Stern-Biergarten: Self-service area with old chestnut trees. Food and drinks are available at the adjacent listed Stern-Stöckl (annex building).

SternLounge-Garten: Modern outdoor area directly on Griesgasse with sun umbrellas and water features.

8. What does Sternbräu serve – what kind of cuisine is offered?

Sternbräu stands for classic Austrian cuisine, reinterpreted by Head Chef Michael Pratter with high-quality cooking processes. Pratter, who comes from renowned award-winning kitchens, combines traditional classics with modern demands – without excessive showmanship.

Typical dishes include Krenfleisch (boiled beef with horseradish), Fiakergulasch (goulash with sausage and egg), Sternbräu-Bratwurst (sausage) according to our own recipe, original Wiener Schnitzel of veal (also available with turkey), and Schweinsbraten (roast pork) ("best in town"). The SternLounge also offers Salzburg tapas – small, delicate portions that vary seasonally and invite you on a journey through traditional Austrian cuisine with a modern touch. A separate children's menu is also available.

9. How sustainably and fairly does Sternbräu operate?

The company describes fairness and balance as core values. It primarily uses regionally produced and fair-trade products. Since 2025, Sternbier has been brewed organically by the Salzburg private brewery Stiegl. The team of over 130 employees from 26 nations is described as an expression of lived multiculturalism and tolerance. Internally, emphasis is placed on work-life balance and employee development.

Furthermore, Head Chef Michael Pratter has consistently pursued the concept of regionality since 2014. The current menu features 36 dishes. For 50% of all dishes, ingredients come from within a 100 km radius. Another 25% are produced directly in-house. In total, 75% of all dishes are either regional (within 100 km) or homemade. 86% of our dishes are produced in-house.

10. Where do the products come from – regional and sustainable suppliers?

11. What is Sternbier and who brews it?

Sternbier is Sternbräu's house beer – a naturally cloudy, egg-yolk yellow beer. Originally, Sternbräu itself operated as a brewery; in 1956, the last bottle of Sternbier was bottled in its own brewery in Riedenburg. After a 58-year hiatus, a new Sternbier was created in 2014, initially produced for Sternbräu by Hofbräu Kaltenhausen. Since April 2025, organic Sternbier has been brewed exclusively for Sternbräu by the Salzburg private brewery Stiegl in organic quality.

In addition to organic Sternbier, the establishment offers a large selection of other beer specialties from Stiegl and other regional breweries.

12. Is Sternbräu suitable for families with children?

Yes, absolutely. Sternbräu has its own Kids Corner – a fully equipped play area with interactive drawing and gaming terminals, foosball, a Lego corner, and seating specifically for children. There is also a dedicated children's menu. The Arkadengarten is also family-friendly and barrier-free accessible.

13. Are dogs allowed at Sternbräu?

Yes, dogs are **always warmly welcome** at Sternbräu and in all of the establishment's dining facilities.

Our four-legged guests are greeted with a small treat – organic-certified snacks from koenigshappen.de. Of course, we also always provide a fresh bowl of water.

14. What special events take place at Sternbräu?

15. Can private celebrations and corporate events be held at Sternbräu?

Yes. Several rooms are suitable for exclusive booking – from the intimate Jagdstube (pine wood) to the Bierstube (with its own tap for guests) and the SternGalerie. The rooms are equipped with modern media technology (screens, projectors, and flip charts). For group inquiries, please contact the Reservations Manager directly:  +43 (0)662 84 21 40.

16. Are gift vouchers available at Sternbräu?

Yes, with the "Sternschein" (Star Voucher), you can easily give the gift of enjoyment and good cheer. The Sternschein is the official dining voucher of Sternbräu GmbH and is valid in all of the establishment's dining facilities. The voucher can be ordered online at sternbrau.at/gutscheine with a freely selectable amount or purchased directly at the Sternbräu reception as a classic Sternschein worth 20 Euros. It is perfect as a gift for any occasion. Cash redemption is excluded.

17. Is Sternbräu more traditional or modern – what can I expect?

Both – and that's its biggest advantage. Sternbräu unites very different atmospheres under one roof: traditional & historic (Bürgersaal with historic murals, Braumeisterstube, Jagdstube, Turmstube) and modern & cool (SternLounge and SternZeit with contemporary design). Anyone who walks through the building will experience several centuries of hospitality culture in just a few steps.

18. Does Sternbräu offer gluten-free or lactose-free dishes?

Yes, Sternbräu offers a selection of gluten-free and lactose-free dishes on separate menus.

Important note: Our kitchen does not have a separate area where these dishes can be prepared. Therefore, cross-contamination via air or shared work surfaces cannot be completely ruled out. The gluten-free dishes are not suitable for guests with celiac disease.

19. What payment methods are available at Sternbräu?

At Sternbräu, you can pay in cash, with EC card, and with common credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Diners Club, American Express). Contactless payment is also supported.

20. Is Wi-Fi available at Sternbräu?

Yes, **free Wi-Fi** is available throughout Sternbräu. The network is called **"guest"** and can be used without a password.

If you have any further questions:

Sternbräu GmbH

Griesgasse 23
5020 Salzburg
Austria

Tel.: +43 (0)662 84 21 40
Email: office@sternbrau.at