The Historic Sausage Kitchen of Regensburg

Arriving in Regensburg, Germany, and boarding the Monarch Queen, we relaxed and settled in for our upcoming river cruise.

The next day would include a short walking tour of the city and time in the Christmas Markets. We knew we’d have free time for lunch. 

Based on the recommendations of friends (thanks, Scott and Evie) and a bunch of research, we knew there was only one place to go – The Historic Sausage Kitchen. 

It was just a short walk from where the Monarch Queen was docked.

 

The Historic Sausage Kitchen or Historische Wurstkuchl 

Thundorferstraße 3, 93047 Regensburg, Germany

 

The building that houses the restaurant was constructed in 1135 as the construction office for the Stone Bridge being built across the Danube River.

When the bridge was completed in 1146, the building became a restaurant. It initially served local dockworkers and sailors, offering boiled meat. 

 

 

This continued until 1806, when the current owner’s family took over the restaurant and started selling Grilled Sausages, Sauerkraut, and their Sweet Mustard.

 

The Historic Sausage Kitchen is regarded as the world’s oldest continuously operating restaurant! So, yes, it was definitely worth visiting.

 

Lunch at the Sausage Kitchen

The original building’s kitchen only offers takeout. With a few picnic tables between the building and the river, it would have been great on a warm day. They serve a basic menu of Grilled Sausages with Mustard and Sauerkraut.

Over the years, they have taken over two nearby buildings, each with a few tables and a slightly larger menu of regional dishes.

Wanting to enjoy as much of their food as possible and stay warm and dry, we decided to sit inside. The space they call Schenke 

 

The Menu

It’s good to know that someone in the family, who has run this restaurant for over 200 years, has a great sense of humor.

These colorful menu covers are so much fun!

 

 

The other really nice touch was that their menu highlighted the local farms and producers whose products they serve.

 

 

 And as you can see, their Sausages, Sauerkraut, and Mustard are produced in-house!

We began with one of their local beers! Crisp, clean, and just right to kick off our German Christmas Market adventure!

 

 

What Mark Ate

Mark, a straightforward, go-for-the-original guy, ordered the Six Piece Grilled Pork Sausage with Sauerkraut.

Perfectly made fresh Sauerkraut, the Sausages were incredible with a great snap! 

 

 

What Chuck Ate

Chuck and one of our lunch companions decided to go a different route and went for the Weisswurst (White Sausages) with a homemade Pretzel.

 

 

Unfortunately, neither realized that while their iconic grilled Sausages are Pork, the Weisswurst is a Pork-and-Veal blend. Something Mark knew, but he wasn’t really tuned in to what they were ordering. As a rule, neither eats Veal out of principle. 

They ate it, and the Pretzel was fantastic! Not a Philly Pretzel, but it was excellent. And Mark really enjoyed the Weisswurst leftovers.

 

Travel Tip:

Be aware, the basket of bread they place on the table is NOT free! Many of us from the US are used to it being part of the meal – they charge by the piece. – and in case you missed it they are CASH ONLY!

 

Overall, it was enjoyable to eat there because of the historical aspect. Indoor seating is limited, and although we didn’t experience it ourselves, many recent reviews mention feeling rushed and being encouraged to leave to make room for other customers.

Additionally, although we did not capture the pricing, we are also seeing many recent reviews indicating that prices have increased significantly.

For us, since most of our meals were included in the river cruise and many others were at the Christmas Markets, it was worth the splurge. Is it a little expensive for what it is? Maybe, but it was worth the price to dine at what might be the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the world.

 

Let’s Talk Mustard!

Beyond their Grilled Pork Sausage and Sauerkraut, the Historic Sausage Kitchen is known for its Mustard.

You’ll find it on the counter where you pick up your sausages and on the table in the restaurant. It’s definitely a matter of taste; it’s a sweet mustard that pairs well with their Sausage and Pretzels.

We enjoyed it in the restaurant and also found that they had a stand in the Christmas Market selling Sausages and Jars of Mustard. Yes, we brought a few jars home with us, and we have a friend who loves it so much he ordered more online.

 

 

For us, it was a significant part of Regensburg’s history and a tasty addition to our collection of condiments from around the world.

Next, touring Regensburg and its Christmas Market.