Ratskeller Munich is closing after 50 years – what happens next?

Ratskeller Munich is closing after 50 years – what happens next?

A piece of Munich's gastronomic history is coming to an end: The Ratskeller, a popular meeting place in the heart of the old town since 1975, will finally close its doors on December 31, 2025. The innkeepers Peter Wieser and Toni Winklhofer are saying goodbye to their business after 50 years. The reasons for the closure are varied: In addition to personal aspects, there is also a costly renovation that would cost around 1.5 million euros. These measures would have been necessary due to the outdated building technology.

But what happens after the closure? This question currently remains largely unanswered. The CSU/FW faction in the city council has already asked several times for clarity regarding the future of the Ratskeller. An application was submitted six months ago to preserve the Ratskeller as a restaurant, but so far the city has shown little willingness to talk.

Future of historic spaces uncertain

The historic rooms at Marienplatz could soon be used differently, but which direction will be taken is still completely open. A general renovation of Munich City Hall is planned, which was originally planned for 2027 but has now been postponed to 2032. In the coming years, the city will conduct the necessary research to determine what actions need to be taken.The city spokeswoman informed that the renovation will begin in the 2030s, but there is currently no information about a possible usage concept for the premises.

Manuel Pretzl from the CSU/FW parliamentary group is urging that the Ratskeller be preserved as a restaurant and is calling on the city to be more transparent in this process. The group has also suggested working with a new tenant and considering possible lease reductions to enable investment in the urgently needed renovation work.

A look at the current situation

The closure of the Ratskeller is imminent and the inquiries to the city are increasing. The city council wants to know what steps were taken to save the Ratskeller. The deadline for processing the application has now expired and the city asked for an extension, which can no longer be granted as the Ratskeller will be closed at the beginning of 2026.

With all the excitement surrounding the Ratskeller, you might think that Munich's gastronomy scene was at a standstill. However, there are numerous exciting projects and tips that will continue to be popular in the near future. The BAU 2023 trade fair will take place in the art area from April 17th to 22nd, while gastronomic tips such as the Tushita teahouse and the café at Beethovenplatz are first-class recommendations. These places offer good cuisine and a welcoming atmosphere that bring joy to Munich residents even in times of change.

Whether the Ratskeller returns in a similarly esteemed form or goes in a new direction remains to be seen. One thing is certain: This debate will continue to accompany the coming months and it will be exciting to see what will develop in the heart of Munich's old town.