Ratskeller

Ratskeller, historically Rathskeller) is a name in German-speaking countries for a bar or restaurant located in the basement of a city hall (Rathaus) or nearby.

The Athenæum (Das Deutsche Haus) Ratskeller restaurant in Indianapolis, known as the Athenaeum, received historic landmark status and has served Bavarian cuisine since 1894.

[1] The California Hall (formerly Das Deutches Haus) was built in 1912 in San Francisco and had a Rathskeller restaurant in the basement.

[2] The Rathskeller in Boston was a famous rock and roll club from 1974 to 1997, a locus of Boston's alternative rock scene, hosting local bands like The Cars and Pixies as well as many other bands such as The Police and Metallica before they achieved breakthrough fame.

[6] Many universities and public institutions have pubs or student center dining facilities located in repurposed basements.