All types of bars have opened since Bill Deck established the first classic American Cocktail Bar in Germany. Some of them have since vanished. However the original American Classic Bar Culture found at Falkenturm Strasse 9 remains unchanged since over 38 years! Bill and David Deck are the guarantors for this continuity.

As almost everyone knows, Bill has a variety of disguises which he used to introduce his many countless original cocktail creations. Buffalo Bill, Dirty Harry, Kanzler Cocktail, Unpaid Bill, Mizner’s Dream and Coconut Kiss to name only a few. His work received the prestigious International Kodak Calendar Award.

The well-hidden bar was opened by Bill on a quiet street within walking distance of the Opera and five star hotels as Harry’s New York Bar where Ernest Hemmingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Gene Kelly loved to frequent. All of the living Hemmingways were guests of Bill in Munich. Without change, however, there is no progress. In 1993 he changed the name to "PUSSER'S®" after the oldest rum in the world (1665). The one served aboard the Naval Ships of his Majesty. The "Pusser" was the "Purser", a name given him by the crew in days of yore. The rum drank by the men was mixed with lime juice, brown, burnt sugar and cold water and known since 1740 as "Grog". This tradition can be found and enjoyed in its original form today in "PUSSER'S® Bar".

Also, the interior has changed with the times. The college pennants were replaced with Naval signal flags used for Lord Nelson’s order to the fleet: "England Expects That Every Man Will Do His Duty." What hasn’t changed in 38 years is the sound of shaking as the bartender mixes excellent cocktails. The well-spiced chicken wings with hot salsa, and the Chili con carne from Bill’s secret recipe are still available. This chili can now be found on most of the bar cards in Munich’s better bars.

The famous have frequented Bill and David’s bar since conception. When Chancellor Helmut Schmidt engaged Bill for his 1977 "Kanzlerfest" Bill created the now famous, "Kanzler Cocktail". In the following year, he created the "Philosopher Cocktail" for the "Kanzlerfest". Over 340 champagne glasses were stacked in the shape of a pyramid. When champagne was poured into the top glass it flowed to the bottom of the pyramid. Symbolizing that all knowledge flows from one to another. This cocktail was recreated live on ARD the German television giant. Over three million viewers watched as Bill showed his mixing skills.

Whether politicians like the German Secretary of State Walter Scheel or President Richard von Weizsäcker, Industrial giants like August Oetker or Rolf Rodenstock, Artists like August Everding or Andy Warhol, Stars like Hardy Krüger, Christiane Hörbiger, Thomas Gottschalk, Arnold Schwarzenegger or Opera singers such as Anna Netrebko, Vittorio Grigolo and yes, even reigning kings and princes, they all feel drawn to the mixture of elegance, cosy atmosphere and excellent drinks offered by Bill and David in PUSSER'S® BAR. Relaxed surroundings, perfect service, professionally mixed drinks, are all the makings of a Classic American Bar.

Not only cocktails, but a large collection of over 115 Malt Whiskeys, Gins, Vodkas, Rums, Bourbons and other fine Spirits can be found here. This bar has always been the example that many bar owners in Germany still use for their establishments.

"Bill reminds you of Fred Astaire who acquired the look of a touch of aged Malt Whisky" as he was once described by a journalist. He does have some of the best whiskies on display behind the bar. 38 years Bill Deck, 38 years American classic Bar Culture in Munich. What about the future? Not to worry as son David has been shaking behind the bar for over 10 years now and is the guarantor for continuity. "He’s better than I ever was" remarked Bill recently. David joined the team after finishing his training as Hotel Expert in the five star Hotel Königshof in Munich. The regular customers are relieved as they know that the Institution PUSSER'S® and American Bar Culture in Munich lives on at Falkenturm Strasse 9 - A Munich Institution!

Those who like perfectly mixed cocktails in an atmosphere like none other in the city will love PUSSER’S® BAR. The interior is that of a classic New York Bar. A Caribbean fisher boat hangs above the main bar and is a coveted museum piece. The walls are mahagony panelled and photos depicting the history of the bar are neatly displayed. You will enjoy the quiet jazz and bar music and those who prefer live piano can find it in the “Downstairs Room” every Thursday till Saturday. Reservations are recommended. 

The barkeepers know how to mix the best drinks in the city – no wonder as their teachers were none other that David and Bill Deck. The signature drink is the Legendary PUSSER’S PAINKILLER™.

PUSSER'S® Bar in Munich is an Institution. Bill Deck, is the man behind this concept and is a Living Legend. Since 38 years he is ever-present. His son David has joined in and is now for over 10 years the guarantor of continuity.

Bill Deck is the founder of the classic American Cocktail Bar Culture in Germany. He excels as a charming host to his many and varied clientele. He is a creative Barkeeper and an interesting and entertaining entrepreneur. He and his son David have had as guests, King Karl Gustav and Queen Silvia of Sweden and has stood behind the bar with Arnold Schwarzenegger. Politicians such as the German Secretary of State Walter Scheel or President Richard von Weizsäcker, Industry giants such as August Oetker or Rolf Rodenstock, Artist such as Andy Warhol and stars such as Hardy Krüger love the mixture of this elegant, cosy atmosphere, perfect service and great drinks.

In September 1974 the American Bill Deck a former U.S. Air Force reporter, chose Munich as his domicile. Here he opened the first cocktail bar outside a hotel which was a sensation at the time. He called it Harry’s New York Bar and renamed it PUSSER'S® in 1993. The "Pusser" was the "Purser" aboard the British Naval Ships and the "PUSSER'S® Rum" was drunk by the sailors mixed with cold water, brown burnt sugar and lime juice. They named this concoction "Grog".

The Mother of the Munich Bar Scene

PUSSER'S® is the Mother of all Munich Bars and Bill Deck is the father and has trained some of the now most well-known bartenders in Germany. "One doesn’t go into a bar to get drunk. One goes to meet interesting people, charming people and to share the moment with them. It’s not the work place and it’s not home, it’s that place in-between", is how Bill explained his bar philosophy. This successful concept was passed to his son David who continues carrying the torch of American Bar Culture.

THE JURY'S VERDICT

"PUSSER'S® Bar" is an Institution and its founder Bill Deck a Living Legend. After 38 years of success this cradle of Classic American Bar Culture in Germany is as actual as on the opening day. Therefore the FIZZZ Award for the best Long-seller in Germany has been awarded to "PUSSER'S® Bar" in Munich, congratulations to Bill and David Deck!

Some of the world's best piano entertainers have performed in Pusser's "Downstairs Room". Entertainment can be enjoyed every Thursday, Friday and Saturday beginning at 21.00 hrs. Reservations are necessary and easy. Simply fill in the reservation form.

Our "Downstairs Room" is perfect for your Birthday party or any other celebration or get-to-gether. Simply give us a call at 089-220500.

Performing now is METIN CANGÜREL one of Munich's most popular pianist.

The signature drink is the legendary PUSSER'S PAINKILLER™. The Süddeutsche newspaper wrote: "If a cocktail could earn a star, then it would be awarded to the PUSSER'S PAINKILLER™." 

It was created on the island of Jost van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands at the "Soggy Dollar Bar".

For more than 300 years, long before the days of Nelson and his "Walls of Oak", Great Britains's Royal Navy issued a daily tot of PUSSER'S® RUM on board their ships. This tradition was one of the longest in seafaring history continuing until July 31, 1970. The name PUSSER'S®? Nothing more than a corruption of the word purser, the seaman responsible for the daily issue of PUSSER'S® RUM. This is the exact same rum that was still being served when the rum issue was stopped on July 31st, 1970. PUSSER'S® is the father of all Navy Rums and the standard by which others are measured. It is a blend of three centuries and six rums providing a full rich flavor that is unsurpassed. NO FLAVORING IS ADDED! It is ALL NATURAL.

PUSSER'S® costs more to produce because it's a pot stilled rum from whence its full, rich flavor derives (like single malt scotches). It is a higher proof as the Navy's rum was, and consequently, the taxes on it are also substantially higher. PUSSER'S® RUM, the same superb blend of 300 years and five West Indian rums as served on board Their Majesties' ships for three centuries.

PUSSER'S® RUM also known as "NELSON'S BLOOD" Liquid History!

Rum and the sea are inseparable, and no rum is more akin to the sea and the sailor than PUSSER'S® RUM – the Original Navy Rum. For more than 300 years, from the earliest days of wooden ships and iron men, sailors of Great Britain's Royal Navy were issued a daily ration – or "tot" – of rum by the ship's Purser (corrupted by the sailors to Pusser's). Prior to 1740, the men's daily tot of PUSSER'S® RUM was a pint a day, which they drank neat, that is without water! Before battle, they were issued a double 'tot', and always after victory for a job well done!

From 1655 to the 19th century, PUSSER'S® RUM was one of the few daily comforts afforded those early seamen of Britain's Navy as they fought around the globe to keep the Empire intact and its sea lanes open. It was not until July 31st, 1970 that the Admiralty Board abolished the daily issue of PUSSER'S® RUM. "Times had changed", they said as they concluded that "in a highly sophisticated navy no risk for margin or error which might be attributable to rum could be allowed". And so it was that the daily issue of PUSSER'S® RUM, which had stood the test of time as the Navy's longest serving tradition for over 300 years, was cast aside like a piece of flotsam and jetsam where it lay quietly until 1979.

In 1979, Charles Tobias – entrepreneur, global sailor, raconteur – sought to resurrect the PUSSER'S® RUM tradition. He obtained the rights and all the blending information from the Admiralty, and formed Pusser's Ltd. on Tortola in the British Virgin Islands and began bottling and selling this storied spirit in 1980 to the public for the first time. (Prior to then, it was restricted to the Royal Navy). British Navy Pusser's Rum is the same Admiralty blend of five West Indian rums as issued on board British warships, and it is with the Admiralty's blessing and approval that PUSSER'S® is now available to the consumer.

Prior to 1740 PUSSER'S® Rum was issued to the navy men "neat", that is undiluted. Their ration was ½ pint twice daily, and the men were oftimes drunk because of it. Admiral Vernon (pictured here) the hero of Portobello and the Commander in Chief West Indies was much concerned with the drunkenness and the severe punishment that followed for those who became unruly. 

Thus he issued his infamous Order to Captains no. 349 on August 21, 1740. His order refers to the "unanimous opinion of both Captains and Surgeons that the custom of the seaman drinking their allowance of rum in drams, and often at once, is attended with many fatal effects to their morals as well as their health. [...] You are hereby required and directed [...] that the respective daily allowance of rum be mixed with the proportion of a quart of water to a half pint of rum, and that the men be given extra lime juice and sugar that it be made more palatable to them." This was to be mixed in a scuttled butt (also known as "Grog Tub") kept for that purpose and to be done upon deck, and in the presence of the Lieutenant of the Watch who is to take particular care to see that the men are not defrauded in having their full allowance of rum.

The men affectionately nicknamed Vernon "Old Grog" on account of the grogram cloak he often wore on the quarter deck. They were incensed that he'd watered their rum, and thus named it contemptuously Grog from the name they'd already provided Vernon. Thus true Grog is PUSSER'S Rum with water, lime juice and brown sugar! The first cocktail!

In Vernons orders the scuttled butt became known as the Grog Tub. Officers would receive their Grog daily at 11 a.m. pure, direct from the Spirits Vault when the piper piped "UP SPIRITS". The rest of the crew known as "Jack Tars" received their grog one hour later.