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Stammtisch

Tradition and Friendship

The Austrian and German Stammtisch tradition sometimes confuses the unsuspecting visitor or tourist.  Imagine - you enter the inn, see a wonderful empty table in the most exquisite location. You settle down and enjoy some beer and a small snack with a few friends.

Suddenly, someone approaches your table and starts “shouting and gesturing” at you while pointing vigorously at a sign that says “ Stammtisch.”

If you think that the waiter will come to your rescue forget it, conveniently he turns a blind eye.

What’s wrong? Well you have sat a the reserved table only for regulars and members of the Stammtisch. Beat a hasty and humble retreat to some far off corner.

Almost every Austrian inn/Restaurant has a table that is set aside for regular customers. You will find a sign on or over the table indicating its status.

Usually, this is the biggest table with the best location. The table is always laid immaculately and is certainly the largest table in the room.

Today you are likely to be protected by the new laws concerning smoking. Most Stammtisch members will be smokers therefore their location will be in the smoking sector so you know how to avoid it.

If, however, you are one of the regulars, you know you will always have a place in the inn no matter how busy they are. And you know that some of your friends and colleagues will eventually show up, so there’s no worry about drinking or dining alone. 

If no one is sitting at the Stammtisch, you may be able to sit there, but don’t be surprised if you are told to move.

If one of the regulars comes to sit down, you should, out of respect, offer to vacate the table.  Most of the time, this sign of politeness and respect will be met with an offer for you to remain where you are.

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