The Rathskeller at the Athenaeum

One of the oldest restaurant in Indianapolis, The Rathskeller at the Athenaeum has been serving diners since 1894. Housed inside what was once known as Das Deutsche Haus, the landmark eatery remains a living link to the city’s German heritage.

Located along Massachusetts Avenue, the 94,000-square-foot Athenaeum is the epitome of German Renaissance Revival architecture, with its tower, turrets and arches. Designed by the architectural firm that once belonged to author Kurt Vonnegut’s grandfather, the idea behind the Athenaeum was to create a place that supported German culture and cuisine for the many German immigrants who settled in Indiana during the 19th century.

The Rathskeller features Bavarian-style dining rooms with leaded- and stained-glass windows, Baroque-era furniture and a bar with elaborate brass beer dispensers and rows of ceramic steins. Just down the hall, visitors can find the Kellerbar, a long and narrow space with high ceilings reminiscent of an old-world tavern. The space features lustrous, dark wooden walls decorated with animal heads, cascading greenery, colorful flags and banners, and historic photographs.

The menu highlights various schnitzel offerings, roulade and the popular Mixed Wurst Platte, which features a sampling of bratwurst, kielbasse, bockwurst and a beer-steamed-and-grilled German wiener, all served with a heaping helping of sauerkraut. In addition to the indoor dining spaces, visitors can also enjoy their meal in the spacious outdoor Biergarten.

Each meal pairs perfectly with the authentic German beer on tap. First-time visitors should opt for the Original Six, which features a sampling of German brews such as Weihenstephaner Hefe Weisse, Warsteiner Isenbeck and Spaten Lager, all of which date back to when the restaurant first opened. 401 E. Michigan St., Indianapolis, Indiana 46204, 317/636-0396, rathskeller.com