Auerbach's Cellar (Auerbachs Keller)

Auerbachs Keller in Leipzig is probably the most famous restaurant in Germany. Goethe immortalized this vaulted wine cellar beneath the Mädler Passage in his drama "Faust," and visitors from around the world still come to dine where the legendary Doctor Faustus supposedly rode a wine barrel out of the cellar. Even if you do not stay for a meal, the bronze statues at the entrance and the grand dining hall make it one of the classic things to do in Leipzig.

Where it is and how to get there

The restaurant is in the Mädler Passage at Grimmaische Strasse 2–4, steps from the Markt in the center of Leipzig, Saxony. The Markt S-Bahn station is around the corner, and Leipzig Hauptbahnhof is about a ten-minute walk away. Leipzig is roughly an hour and a quarter from Berlin by ICE train, making it an easy day trip, and Leipzig/Halle Airport has a direct rail connection to the central station. Local trains and trams are covered by the Deutschlandticket.

Goethe, Faust and 500 years of history

Wine was already being served here in 1438. The cellar takes its name from physician and professor Heinrich Stromer, known as "Dr. Auerbach," who built Auerbach's Court and set up the wine cellar. The restaurant itself counts 1525 as its founding year and celebrated its 500th anniversary in 2025.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe studied in Leipzig from 1765 to 1768 and was a guest here. He knew the local legend of Faust's barrel ride and two paintings from around 1625 depicting it, and he turned them into the famous scene "Auerbach's Cellar in Leipzig" in Faust Part One. Martin Luther is also counted among the cellar's famous guests.

When the Mädler Passage was built in 1912–13, the cellar was rebuilt and expanded. The Great Cellar (Grosser Keller), seating up to 600 guests, opened in February 1913.

What to see

• The bronze statues by Mathieu Molitor at the entrance: Faust and Mephisto, and the students bewitched by Mephisto.
• The Great Cellar, the main restaurant beneath a richly decorated vault.
• The historic wine rooms, four restored rooms from the 16th to 19th centuries, including the Barrel Cellar (Fasskeller), the Luther Room and the Goethe Room. These are mainly open for guided tours, events and groups.
• The Mädler Passage, an elegant shopping arcade above the cellar.

Opening hours and reservations

As of October 2026, the Great Cellar is open Monday, Thursday and Sunday noon–10 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday 5–10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday noon–11 p.m. There is no admission charge, but this is a working restaurant, so book ahead for dinner by phone (+49 341 216100) or through the online form; prices are in euros. Lunch tables are generally easier to get. The Mephisto Bar stays open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

An elevator from the Mädler Passage serves the restaurant and the historic rooms; wheelchair users should check in at the Mephisto Bar first. Only the last few steps down to the Barrel Cellar are not step-free.

Is it worth visiting?

Yes, especially for literature lovers and first-time visitors. Pair a meal here with a walk around the old town: the Old Town Hall is right across the Markt, with a statue of Goethe on the Naschmarkt behind it, and St. Nicholas Church, St. Thomas Church, the Bach Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts are all a few minutes away on foot.