Milk bars, also known as “Meiereien”, were a continuous gastronomical fashion trend in the 19th and at the beginning of the 20th century. Since then, these have almost completely vanished from universal memory.
The smallholdings on the outskirts and dairies were known as “Milchmeier” in Vienna. Some of these businesses served milk in their own outdoor dining areas. Following the demand of that time, milk bars were set up in many parks and some excursion destinations were expanded with milk bars.
The entitled form, Empress Elisabeth’s “Kammermeierei”, could be found in the Tirolergarten within the palace grounds of Schönbrunn. 26 cows and chickens exclusively served the courtyard and were also delivered to the k.u.k-Zuckerbäckerei confectioneries.
At the turn of the century, a cure and health movement as well as initiatives for a non-profit milk bar were developed in order to counter the problem of alcohol abuse. The offering was primarily taken up by children and well-off families..
Steirereck at Stadtpark
The pavilion-like Meierei at Stadtpark, which was built by architects Ohmann and Hackhofer in the course of the constructions around the Wien river, opened in 1903. Today, the Steiereck Restaurant Is located directly in the middle of Stadtpark and looking back at earlier times, so is the “Meierei at Stadtpark”. Inside the Meierei, 120 varieties of cheese, warm Viennese desserts, hourly freshly baked strudel, and classic Viennese dishes are offers in a casual atmosphere.
