Herzl Weinstube is a traditional old-Styrian inn (altsteirisches Gasthaus) at Prokopigasse 12, 8010 Graz, in the heart of the city’s oldest quarter just off the Hauptplatz. Robert Herzl opened it in 1934 inside a 17th-century townhouse. It has served regional Styrian cooking and local wines for 90 years, and travelers come for its celebrated Backhendl and its unhurried, wood-panelled tavern atmosphere.
What to Expect at Herzl Weinstube
The kitchen sticks to Styrian classics built on seasonal regional produce. The house signature is Backhendl, breaded fried chicken served with potato salad dressed in dark, nutty pumpkin seed oil. Expect Wiener Schnitzel, Tafelspitz, roast pork, Styrian Brettljause cold platters and, in autumn, game and chestnut dishes. The inn has also staged its own Steirerburger and Backhenderlschmaus events, and it hosts seasonal spring and autumn festivals.
The wine list leans on Styrian producers: crisp Welschriesling, Sauvignon Blanc from the Südsteiermark and pink Schilcher from western Styria, poured by the glass or as a Gspritzter. Dining rooms keep the historic vaulted character of the old house. Groups can order cold platters and buffets, and locals subscribe to a weekday lunch menu plan.
- Backhendl: The inn’s best-known dish, fried crisp and paired with pumpkin seed oil potato salad.
- Styrian Wines: Schilcher, Welschriesling and Sauvignon Blanc from regional estates.
- Historic House: A 17th-century building in Graz’s UNESCO-listed old town.
- Lunch Menu: An affordable daily midday menu that is popular with office workers.
- Platters & Buffets: Catering-style Styrian spreads for groups and celebrations.
Herzl Weinstube at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Prokopigasse 12, 8010 Graz, Austria |
| Neighborhood / Area | Innere Stadt (Altstadt), steps from Hauptplatz |
| Operating Hours | Monday to Sunday 10:00 to 24:00, including holidays |
| Admission / Price Range | $$; mains roughly €14 to €25 |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1 to 2 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Tram 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 at Hauptplatz; Kastner & Öhler and Andreas-Hofer-Platz garages |
| Official Website & Phone | dieherzl.at · +43 316 824300 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Dinner between 18:30 and 20:30 fills quickly, especially on Fridays and Saturdays, so reserve online or by phone. For a quieter meal, come for a late lunch around 14:00. All trams cross Hauptplatz, two minutes’ walk away. The old town is largely pedestrianised, so drivers should park at the Andreas-Hofer-Platz garage.
Prokopigasse is a narrow cobbled lane. Like many historic Graz houses, the building may have a threshold step and tight passages, so wheelchair users should call ahead to arrange a table. Afterwards, the Schlossberg funicular and Clock Tower are a 5-minute walk away. The Bermuda Triangle bar streets around Mehlplatz are 5 minutes off, and the Kunsthaus across the Mur is about 10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Herzl Weinstube open?
The inn is open daily from 10:00 to midnight, holidays included. Late lunch and early evening are the calmest times to visit.
Do I need a reservation?
Reservations are strongly recommended for dinner and weekends. Book through the official website or by calling +43 316 824300. Expect a $$ price level.
How long should I plan?
Allow about an hour for lunch and up to two hours for a relaxed dinner with Styrian wine.
Is it family-friendly?
Yes. The dress code is casual and families are welcome. Kids tend to like the schnitzel and Backhendl.
When planning your Graz travel guide or browsing verified restaurants in Graz, pair this stop with standout local spots including Schlossbergbahn, FRida & freD, Hotel Motel One Graz, and Café Greenhouse (nearby).
