This Iconic Texas Restaurant Has Been Feeding Generations Since 1866

Standing outside Scholz Garten, it is easy to forget you are anywhere near a busy campus. The wooden exterior and old signage look like they have been there forever, and in many ways, they have.

Open since 1866, this place carries more than a century of Austin history without making a big show of it. Walking in, I caught the smell of something savory coming from the kitchen while laughter drifted in from the shaded patio out back.

It does not feel like a restaurant trying to imitate European charm. It feels lived in, steady, and comfortable, like it has been doing things its own way for generations.

I found a seat and settled in, ready to see what more than 150 years of tradition tastes like.

A Living Monument to Austin’s German Roots

August Scholz probably had no idea his little saloon would still be standing over a century and a half later. When he opened the doors in 1866, Austin was a very different place, and the German immigrant community was looking for somewhere to gather and feel at home.

That original vision stuck around through wars, economic shifts, and the wild transformation of Austin into the tech hub it is today.

Walking around the property, you notice layers of history everywhere. The bar inside is the original one from the 1860s, still polished and sturdy, a piece of craftsmanship that modern furniture just doesn’t match.

In 1908, the Austin Saengerrunde, a German singing society, bought the place and still owns it to this day, which explains why the traditions feel so genuine.

Scholz Garten earned its spot on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979, and it was named a Texas Historic Landmark back in 1967. But what really makes it special isn’t the plaques or the accolades.

It’s the fact that people keep coming back, generation after generation, to sit under the same trees and share the same kind of meals their grandparents enjoyed.

The Legendary Bavarian Pretzel That Steals Every Table

If there’s one thing everyone talks about when they mention Scholz Garten, it’s the pretzel. I ordered one without really knowing what to expect, and when it arrived, I understood the hype immediately.

This wasn’t some sad, chewy knot you’d find at a mall food court. It was enormous, perfectly golden, with a slight crunch on the outside and soft, pillowy dough inside.

The pretzel comes with three dips: a tangy mustard, a rich garlic butter, and a creamy cheese sauce that I could have eaten with a spoon. Each bite was different depending on which dip I used, and I found myself rotating through them like I was conducting some kind of delicious experiment.

The garlic butter was my favorite, though I’m sure that’s a divisive opinion.

What surprised me most was how fresh everything tasted. You can tell they’re making these throughout the day, not reheating something from a freezer.

Multiple reviews mention this pretzel as a must-order, and after trying it myself, I’d have to agree. It’s the kind of starter that makes you want to come back just for that one item alone.

Schnitzel Done Right in the Heart of Texas

Schnitzel is one of those dishes that can go very wrong if it’s not treated with respect. Too thick and it’s chewy.

Too thin and it disappears under the breading. Scholz Garten seems to have figured out the balance, especially with their jagerschnitzel, which comes smothered in a rich mushroom gravy that adds a deep, earthy flavor to every bite.

The breading was crispy without being greasy, and the meat inside stayed tender. It’s served with spaetzle, those little German egg noodles that soak up the gravy like tiny flavor sponges, and a side of tangy sauerkraut that cuts through the richness.

I appreciated that the dish didn’t feel heavy or overly fried. The mushroom gravy had a homemade quality to it, not something out of a packet, and the spaetzle had just the right amount of chew.

For anyone unfamiliar with German food, this is a great introduction, and for those who grew up eating it, it’ll feel comfortingly familiar.

The Sausage Board That Brings Germany to Your Table

Germany takes its sausages seriously, and Scholz Garten offers a sampler board that lets you try several varieties in one sitting. I went for the wurst board, which came with three different types of sausage, each with its own flavor profile and texture.

Some were smoky, others had a subtle spice, and one had a snap to the casing that made every bite satisfying.

The board also included sides like sauerkraut, rotkohl, and a selection of mustards that ranged from mild to sinus-clearing. Pairing each sausage with a different mustard became a fun little game, and I found myself appreciating the craftsmanship that goes into making each variety distinct.

One thing I noticed from reviews is that some people felt the sausages could be overcooked during busy times, so timing your visit might matter.

The currywurst was an interesting addition, served with a tangy curry ketchup that gave it a completely different vibe from the traditional options. It wasn’t my personal favorite, but I could see why some people would enjoy the twist.

Overall, the sausage board is a solid choice if you want to explore different flavors without committing to just one.

Reuben Waffle Fries That Break All the Rules

Sometimes fusion food feels forced, like someone threw ingredients together just to be different. But the Reuben waffle fries at Scholz Garten actually make sense.

They take everything you love about a classic Reuben sandwich and pile it onto crispy waffle fries, creating something that’s messy, indulgent, and surprisingly shareable.

The fries come loaded with corned beef, melted Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and a drizzle of Thousand Island dressing. Each bite had a little bit of everything, and the waffle shape of the fries meant there were plenty of nooks and crannies to hold all the toppings.

I wasn’t sure how well the flavors would work together, but the salty, savory, and tangy elements balanced each other out nicely.

This is the kind of appetizer that’s perfect for a group. It’s messy enough that you’ll need napkins, but that’s part of the fun.

Several reviews mentioned these fries as a standout item, and I can see why. They’re creative without being gimmicky, and they deliver on flavor.

If you’re looking for something a little different from the traditional German menu, this is a great pick.

The Shaded Patio That Feels Like Old Austin

Austin has changed a lot over the years, with new high-rises and tech campuses popping up seemingly overnight. But sitting on the back patio at Scholz Garten, you get a glimpse of what the city used to feel like.

The space is shaded by massive old trees, with string lights overhead and picnic-style tables that encourage you to sit, relax, and stay awhile.

The patio fills up fast, especially during UT game days or when there’s live music. But even when it’s crowded, the atmosphere stays laid-back and friendly.

I noticed families, students, and older couples all sharing the space, which gave it a real community feel. The misting fans scattered around help take the edge off the Texas heat, which is a nice touch during the warmer months.

What I liked most was how the patio didn’t feel overly designed or polished. It had character, with worn wooden tables and a slightly ramshackle charm that made it feel authentic.

This is the kind of place where you can spend a couple of hours without feeling rushed, just enjoying good food and the company of whoever you’re with.

Comfort Sides That Make the Meal Complete

The main dishes get most of the attention, but the sides at Scholz Garten deserve their own moment in the spotlight. I tried the potato pancakes, which came with a mushroom gravy that was savory and satisfying.

The pancakes themselves were crispy on the edges and soft in the middle, with just enough seasoning to let the potato flavor shine through.

The rotkohl, a traditional German red cabbage dish, was tangy and slightly sweet, offering a nice contrast to the heavier meat dishes. It’s the kind of side that you might overlook at first, but once you try it, you realize how much it adds to the overall meal.

The sauerkraut was another standout, with a bright, acidic bite that cut through the richness of the sausages and schnitzel.

I also appreciated that the sides felt like they were made with care, not just thrown together as an afterthought. The spaetzle, in particular, had a homemade quality that you don’t always find at restaurants.

These sides might seem simple, but they’re an important part of what makes the food at Scholz Garten feel complete and well-rounded.

A Menu That Honors Tradition Without Being Stuffy

Some historic restaurants get so caught up in their own legacy that they forget to be fun. Scholz Garten manages to avoid that trap by offering a menu that respects German tradition while still being approachable and unpretentious.

You’ll find classic dishes like jagerschnitzel and bratwurst alongside more modern options like the Reuben fries and loaded potato dishes.

The menu isn’t overwhelming, which I appreciated. Instead of trying to do everything, they focus on doing a handful of dishes really well.

That kind of focus shows in the quality of the food, and it makes ordering less stressful for people who aren’t familiar with German cuisine. The descriptions are clear and helpful without being overly fancy.

What struck me most was how the menu felt inclusive. Whether you’re a purist looking for authentic German food or someone who just wants a good burger and fries, there’s something here for you.

The prices are reasonable too, especially considering the portion sizes and the quality of the ingredients. It’s the kind of menu that invites you to come back and try something different each time.

A Place Where History Meets Everyday Life

There’s something special about eating in a place that’s been around since 1866. You can feel the weight of history in the wooden beams, the vintage photographs on the walls, and the original bar that’s been serving people for over 150 years.

But what makes Scholz Garten truly remarkable is that it doesn’t feel like a museum. It’s a living, breathing part of Austin’s daily life.

Students from the nearby UT campus stop by for lunch. Families gather for weekend meals.

Political groups and social clubs still hold meetings here, just like they did a century ago. That continuity is rare, and it gives the place a sense of purpose beyond just serving food.

You’re not just eating at a restaurant. You’re participating in a tradition that’s been passed down through generations.

I left Scholz Garten feeling like I’d experienced a slice of Austin that’s increasingly hard to find. In a city that’s constantly changing and reinventing itself, this place stands as a reminder of where it all started.

And that’s worth celebrating, one pretzel at a time.

Address: 1607 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701.