First night in Salzburg

Kristen -

My husband and I were in Salzburg for three nights this past September. We greatly enjoyed the Augustiner biergarten and monastery in Old Town. Fantastic atmosphere and considered one of the most iconic biergartens in this part of Europe. If the weather isn't great, there's several large halls inside (we thought they sort of resembled Hogwarts). The food and beer is self-serve. The portions were large enough that the husband and I were able to split a plate of pork knuckle and potato salad, and split an apple strudel. I think we had dinner and 2 beers for maybe 25 Euro or so. Not a bad deal, and the beer is wonderful. Enjoy - that's a wonderful part of Europe!

Thanks, Jen! I'll definitely check it out.

Kristen

I have stayed at Haus Am Moos before and I'm returning there this December. We really like the host, Walter, and his family. The setting is very nice. There is a good bus service to the old town, which passes right by the beer garden. The last time that I was there, we had a great Indian meal at a restaurant on this bus route - I am hoping that it is still open and that the food is still as good.

the bloberger hof does very good dinners as well, yummy brekkiies, too. the bus is very close and goes right downtown. sorry for the caps but i have type left handed

The Goldene Ente.

"The Goldene Ente."

As a place to stay or for a meal, or both?

Thank you for the additional responses!

I wish making these decisions wasn't so hard. But what a good "problem" to have!

Kristen

Hands down, the Barenwirt. Few tourists, mostly locals, excellent food and drink...reserve, reserve, reserve before going.
http://www.baerenwirt-salzburg.at/

I'm partial to the Augustiner Braustubl. The food arcade is fantastic and they serve a pretty tasty beer. On some nights they have live entertainment.

I'll second the Augustiner Brewery! It has such a great local feel, a wide selection of food, and the beer is very tasty!

Diane, have only eaten there; we stay at the Weisse Taube. Goldene Ente may also be a good place to stay.

The Augustiner Brewery would also be my recommendation for at least one evening. In June, on a nice night, it should be pretty lively. The food is simple but definitely local flavor. The beer is good (not Guiness in Ireland good, but fresh).

In the evening make sure you stop on one of the walking bridges that connects the old center (and brewery) to the other side of the Salz river. In the middle, look back at the lighted old center with the fortress above. In my mind, it's one of the best single views anywhere in Europe.

Another thing to look for is any music festival - Salzburg seems to have them almost continuously. The quality of music in Salzburg is really impressive, from street musicians to classical performances.

I agree with Augustinerbrau as well. You can sit out in the beer garden under the chestnut trees or sit inside in one of the big halls. Don't be afraid to share a table with others. It will most likely be somewhat crowded. You have a variety of choices when it comes to food. You can get anything from a plate full of thinly sliced radishes sprinkled with salt to grilled fish to desserts all in the food stalls. And the beer that the monks still brew is tasty too.