Iconic Zurich sausage stand operating since 1963. Famous for grilled Bratwurst and St. Galler sausages at budget prices.
Sternen Grill on Theaterstrasse in Zürich, operating since 1963, is one of the city's most enduring street-food institutions and a direct competitor to the better-known Bellevue Kiosk a few hundred metres away. The format is identical: an outdoor grilling stand with no seating, serving classic Swiss sausages to a standing crowd of office workers, students, theatregoers, and late-night revellers. The location on Theaterstrasse, steps from the Zürich Schauspielhaus theatre and the Bellevueplatz tram hub, means it catches foot traffic at all hours. Sternen Grill's particular association is with the St. Galler Bratwurst, the pale, unsmoked veal-and-pork sausage that is the house specialty alongside the standard Swiss Bratwurst. The St. Galler variant is milder and slightly more delicate than the Zürich-style Bratwurst; regulars tend to have a strong preference for one over the other. Currywurst — a German-influenced preparation with curry-tomato sauce — is also on the menu, catering to a slightly different appetite. Prices are at the same low level as comparable Zürich sausage stands: CHF 6–8 per sausage with bread. Hours run daily until 23:00, making it practical for a post-theatre or pre-club stop. The stand has been operated by the same family across two generations and is regarded by its regulars as one of the most consistent sausage experiences in the city.
Signature dishes
- Bratwurst with bread — $6
- St. Galler sausage — $7
- Currywurst — $8
Good to know
- Hours
- Daily: 11:00-23:00
- Reservations
- Walk-in only (takeaway)
Location
Theaterstrasse 22, 8001 Zürich
47.3672, 8.5439 View on map
Highlights
- Zürich outdoor sausage stand operating since 1963 — two generations of family ownership
- St. Galler Bratwurst specialty: pale, mild, unsmoked veal-and-pork sausage distinct from the standard Zürich variety
- Steps from the Zürich Schauspielhaus and Bellevueplatz — prime theatre and nightlife foot traffic location
- Daily service until 23:00 — practical for post-theatre and late-evening stops
- CHF 6–8 per sausage — among the most affordable hot food available anywhere in central Zürich
Tips for visiting
- Order the St. Galler Bratwurst at least once — it is milder and slightly more refined than the standard Zürich-style sausage.
- Peak times are lunchtime (12:00–13:30) and post-theatre/pre-club (21:00–23:00); mid-afternoon is the quietest.
- Eat standing at the counter — there are no seats and the sausage is best consumed immediately from the paper wrap.
- Bellevueplatz is 200 metres away; combine with the Bellevue Kiosk for a Zürich sausage double to compare the two institutions.
Accessibility
Sternen Grill is an outdoor standing counter on Theaterstrasse. The surrounding pavement is flat and fully accessible for wheelchair users. There are no steps or barriers to approach the counter, though the service window is at standing height.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Sternen Grill's St. Galler Bratwurst and a standard Swiss Bratwurst?
The St. Galler Bratwurst is a pale, mild, unsmoked sausage of veal and pork from St. Gallen's tradition. The standard Swiss Bratwurst is similar but may have a slightly different fat and spice composition. Both are grilled to order.
Is there seating at Sternen Grill?
No. Sternen Grill is a standing outdoor counter only. Sausages are eaten standing at or near the grill.
How does it compare to the Bellevue Kiosk?
Both are Zürich outdoor sausage stands at similar prices. Sternen Grill's distinction is its St. Galler Bratwurst and its Theaterstrasse location. Both are considered Zürich institutions, and regulars typically favour one.