Isi Bräu

Isi-Bräu is a charming home-brewery that's been operating since 2001 just 6km north of central Salzburg in the Bergheim neighborhood. It's a residential area but if you've got the address (or even just the street name) you shouldn't have any trouble finding it. Walk up the driveway and the door is on your right. There are some picnic tables outside, and then more under cover in the garage (about 40 seats). If there's anyone out there just grab a seat and the proprietor Isidor Brunner (hence the name) will be out to grab a beer for you, or stop inside if the weather's not good. It's cozy and comfortable, just like someone's house, and don't be surprised if there's bunch of guys sitting there playing cards and watching TV.

There's only one beer available at a time, but it's occasionally switched up. During my visit it was a wonderful Münchner-style helles, but he does many other styles including hefe weizens, dunkles, and bocks. There's even a special easter beer.

There's food as well, which is probably what keeps the locals coming back just as much as the beer, and not unlike the beer, the menu changes as well. They do all kinds of things including dumplings & asparagus, smoked trout, Kronflesich, and lots of BBQ - in fact, the grill can be seen sitting in the garage.

But there are two other things that are of interest as well. Behind the house there are caged birds, one of which is an owl. I'm not even sure if there are others, but he's interesting to look at. And during the spring and summer hops are grown along trellises back there.

Overall it's a really interesting stop where you're sure to run into some locals who are interested in you because you're intruding on their turf! (kidding), and where you can get at least one very good beer. If you have an auto it's well worth a stop.