GERMANY - Best of Europe 2014 - page 593

Eating in Rothenburg
Many restaurants take a mid-afternoon break, and stop serving lunch at 14:00 and dinner as
early as 20:00. My recommendations are all within a five-minute walk of Market Square.
While all survive on tourism, many still feel like local hangouts. Your choices are typical
German or ethnic. Any bakery will sell you a sandwich for a couple of euros.
Traditional German Restaurants
(See “Rothenburg Restaurants” map, here . )
Gasthof Goldener Greifen is in a historic building just off the main square. The Klingler
family serves quality Franconian food at a good price...and with a smile. The wood is
ancientandpolishedfromgenerationsofhappyuse,andtheambienceispracticalratherthan
posh—andthat'sjustfinewithme(€8-15maincourses,€12three-coursedailyspecials,€10
one-platespecialsincludeadrink,super-cheapkids'meals,Mon-Sat11:30-21:00,mayopen
Sun 11:30-14:00, Obere Schmiedgasse 5, tel. [phone]).
Hotel Restaurant Kloster-Stüble, on a small street off Herrngasse near the castle
garden,isaclassyplacefordelicious andbeautifully presentedtraditional cuisine,including
homemade Maultaschen (similar to ravioli). Chef Rudy's food is better than his English, so
head waitress Erika makes sure communication goes smoothly. The shady terrace is nice
on a warm summer evening. I prefer their traditional dining room to the stony, sleek, mod-
ern room (€10-16 main courses, Thu-Tue 11:00-14:00 & 18:00-21:00, closed Wed, Herings-
bronnengasse 5, tel. [phone]).
Bürgerkeller is a typical European cellar restaurant with a quiet, calming atmosphere,
medievalmurals,pointypikes,andafewsidewalktablesforgoodweather.Withoutaburger
in sight ( Bürger means “townsman”), English-speaking Harry Terian and his family pride
themselvesonqualitylocalcuisine,offeringasmallbutinvitingmenuandreasonableprices.
Harry likes oldies, and you're welcome to look over his impressive playlist and request your
favorite music (€7-14 main courses, cash only, Thu-Tue 12:00-14:00 & 17:30-20:30, closed
Wed, near bottom of Herrngasse at #24, tel. [phone]).
Altfränkische Weinstube am Klosterhof seems designed for gnomes to celebrate their
anniversaries. At this very dark pub, classically candlelit in a 600-year-old building, Mario
whips up gourmet pub grub (€7-14 main courses, hot food served Wed-Mon 18:00-22:30,
closesat1:00inthemorning,closedTue,offKlingengasseatKlosterhof7,tel.[phone]).
If you'd like dinner company, drop by on Wednesday evening, when the English Conversa-
tion Club has a big table reserved from 19:00 on (see “Meet the Locals,” here ) . You'll eat
well and with new friends—both travelers and locals.
Alter Keller is a modest, inexpensive restaurant with outdoor tables on a peaceful
square just a couple blocks off Market Square. The menu has German classics at reasonable