La Maison des Tanneurs (Gerwerstub)

La Maison des Tanneurs, also called Gerwerstub, is a winstub at 42 Rue du Bain-aux-Plantes in the Petite France quarter of Strasbourg, in the Alsace region of France. It occupies a half-timbered tannery house, one of the old tanners' buildings that line the canals of the district, and serves the full regional repertoire. It is Gault&Millau listed and sits in the upper-moderate price band. Choucroute is the signature order, and the kitchen works through other Alsatian classics that typically include foie gras, baeckeoffe, tarte flambée and rich meat dishes in cream and Riesling sauces, so the menu should be checked for the current list. The dining room keeps the character of the old building, with exposed timber, low ceilings and warm lighting, and the atmosphere is cosy, traditional and fairly quiet compared with the livelier tavern rooms in the centre. Dress is smart casual, and the setting suits a relaxed lunch or a leisurely dinner. Alsatian wine is the natural choice, in particular Riesling, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer, and regional beer is also available. An older Frommer's listing gives opening from Tuesday to Saturday, with lunch from 12:00 to 14:00 and dinner from 19:00 to 22:00, which suggests closure on Sunday and Monday, but this should be verified before travel. The restaurant takes reservations by phone on +33 3 88 32 79 70, and booking is advised, especially for dinner, weekends and the Christmas market season, when Petite France is crowded with visitors. Booking a few days ahead is usually enough outside peak periods. The location is a pleasant walk along the Ill canals from the cathedral and close to the Ponts Couverts.