Zum Storch

In 1317, a building arose, just two years after the Frankfurt Cathedral began its skyward climb. This building, known as Zum Storch, has witnessed centuries of Frankfurt’s history unfold. Zum Storch is more than just a restaurant. It’s a living testament to the city’s resilience and enduring spirit. Zum Storch initially housed the Guild of Drapers, their work unfolding in the cathedral’s shadow. As time marched on, around 1600, the Würz family, prominent wholesalers and among Frankfurt’s top taxpayers, called Zum Storch home. Their story intertwined with the tumultuous era of the Thirty Years’ War. A new chapter began in 1704. The pastor Vinzenz Ussum acquired Zum Storch, transforming it into a tavern. This marked the beginning of Zum Storch’s life as a place of hospitality, a tradition that continues to this day. Tragedy struck in 1944. World War II bombs rained down upon Frankfurt, reducing Zum Storch and the historic city center to rubble. Yet, from the ashes, Zum Storch rose again. Rebuilt in 1954, it found new stewards in the Hahn family in 1960. They embraced the restaurant’s legacy, adding al fresco dining during the summer months. The name “Zum Storch” (The Stork) carries an air of mystery. One legend whispers of a time when the cathedral burned, and Zum Storch served as a makeshift baptistery for infants. Another tale, perhaps more grounded in reality, suggests the name comes from the “Storken” family, the building’s original Jewish owners. Even the great Goethe frequented Zum Storch, drawn by its authentic Frankfurt cuisine and German delicacies. Today, Zum Storch offers a taste of history alongside its menu. Imagine savoring prime boiled beef with “Frankfurter Grüne Soße” or the rich “Sauerbraten,” just as Goethe might have done centuries ago. Zum Storch isn’t just a restaurant. It is a story etched in stone and timber, a story of survival, adaptation, and the enduring power of hospitality.