Wirtshaus in der Au, Munich

Das Wirtshaus in der Au blends long-standing tradition with a lively, distinctly local character in Munich’s Au district. Housed in a Renaissance-style building dating to the Gründerzeit era, the site has welcomed guests since 1901, when it first operated as a tavern serving the area’s well-known Auer Kraftbier. Among its early patrons was the Munich-born comedian Karl Valentin, adding a cultural note to its already social atmosphere. The present-day establishment opened in 1993, reimagined as a gathering place for everyone—from regulars and neighbours to curious visitors.

The setting reflects this mix of history and approachability. The exterior already suggests a traditional Bavarian inn, while inside, wood-panelled rooms and classic décor create a warm, familiar environment. A separate space, the Valentin-Stüberl, is reserved for celebrations, reinforcing the tavern’s role as a communal venue. In warmer months, outdoor seating extends the experience into a relaxed beer garden setting.

The menu stays close to regional roots, offering a solid range of Bavarian dishes, with dumplings as the clear specialty—large enough to have become something of a local trademark. Alongside regular offerings, daily specials appear on chalkboards, keeping the selection varied. Over time, the tavern has grown into one of the district’s most popular spots, also hosting events such as jazz brunches.

The building itself carries a layered past. Before becoming the Wirtshaus in its current form, it housed Munich’s first discotheque, “Sahara Dancing,” later transformed into the Pop Club, with a bar operating below. Today, a more unusual relic remains on display: a “dumpling catapult,” a curious invention that once gained international attention and now adds a touch of humor to the venue’s story.