Zum Gemalten Haus

Zum Gemalten Haus is one of the best-known Apfelwein taverns in Frankfurt am Main, in the state of Hesse, and sits at Schweizer Straße 67 in the Sachsenhausen district south of the River Main. The painted facade that gives the house its name makes it easy to spot on a street lined with cider taverns, and the interior follows the classic Hessian pattern: dark wood, simple furniture and long communal tables where strangers share a bench. The cuisine is traditional Hessian home cooking rather than chef-driven dining, so there is no chef lineage or star rating to speak of; the appeal is the regional repertoire served in an unpretentious setting. Signature dishes include Rippchen mit Kraut, a smoked pork rib served with sauerkraut, Handkäs mit Musik, the sour-milk cheese marinated with onions and vinegar, and Grüne Soße, the cold herb sauce served with boiled eggs and potatoes that is closely tied to Frankfurt's food identity. The house Apfelwein arrives in a stoneware Bembel jug and is poured into ribbed glasses called Gerippte; the drink is tart, low in alcohol and an acquired taste for first-time visitors. Prices are moderate, with mains running about EUR 12-20 (~$14-23), and a glass of cider costs only a few euros. The dining room is lively and informal, with noise levels rising on weekend evenings when groups fill the benches. There is no dress code, and casual clothing is the norm. Reservations are rarely required for small parties on weekdays, but groups and Friday or Saturday evenings are safer with a phone booking a day or more ahead. Opening days vary between listings, with some sources giving Monday and Tuesday as closed days, so confirming before a visit is sensible. The tavern is a short walk from the Sachsenhausen riverfront and the Schweizer Straße tram and bus stops, making it a convenient stop after visiting the museums along the Museumsufer. Visitors who want a sample of the local cider culture without a long evening commitment often come for a late lunch, when tables are easier to find.