Vienna’s Best Bars: A Liquid Guide for the Witty and Tipsy

Vienna isn’t just about Mozart and sausages—it’s a city where the beer flows smoother than a well-timed pun. If you’re here for the liquid history and the kind of bar scene that makes your ex’s dating profile look dull, you’re in the right place. This guide is your passport to Vienna’s finest watering holes, where the beer is cold, the stories are hotter, and the Wiener Schnitzel is there if you need a mid-night snack (we won’t judge).

Top 10 Bars in Vienna That Deserve a Standing O (or a Standing O at the Bar)

Let’s cut the chase: Vienna’s bar scene is a masterclass in “how to drink without dying.” Here are the top 10 spots that’ll make you wish your bartender could teleport to your kitchen for happy hour.

• The Gilded Tap (123 Weinstraße): A bar where the beer menu changes daily, and the owner’s name is literally Dr. Beer. Want to make your own brew? Start here.
• Bar 1913 (Gasse der Bäuerin 4): A speakeasy with a velvet rope and a menu that includes “Firewater in a Teacup.” Pro tip: Ask for the “Waltz of the Schnapps.”
• Das Bierkönig (Karlsgasse 5): A bar so good at beer, they’ve been featured in Beer Monthly (a publication you’ve never heard of but now want to subscribe to).
• The Drunken Philosopher (Lerchenfelder Straße 11): Best for overthinking your orders. The bartender once quoted Nietzsche while opening a can of Stella.
• La Luna Loca (Mariahilfer Straße 22): A Spanish tapas bar with a side of Austrian beer. The paella is fire, and the sangria is less “fire” and more “will this get me a second date?”
• BarrelHouse Vienna (Donaukanal 15): A craft beer haven where the taps are alphabetized (A–Z, not A–Z of your ex’s bad decisions).
• Club 71 (Simmeringer Hauptstraße 42): A 24-hour bar with a DJ who plays elevator music. The coffee is strong, the beer is stronger, and the bouncers know your name.
• Waldviertel Bierhaus (Landstraße 1): A rustic spot where the Wiener Bier is served in mugs that could double as helmets. Warning: The pretzel basket is a trap.
• Bar Tropic (Schönborngasse 3): A tropical-themed bar where the bartender swears he’s never had a drink in his life. The rum cocktails are suspiciously strong.
• The Velvet Hops (Kettenstraße 10): A bar with a “no phones” policy. They also serve a drink called the “Text Message.”

Hidden Gems: Bars That Secretly Exist (Or So You Think)

Vienna’s best bars aren’t always on Google Maps. These spots require a password, a dare, or the ability to read Austrian Gothic script. Here’s how to find them:

• The Secret Cellar (Behind a bookshelf at Schubertstraße 7): Ask for the “Sausage and Beer” combo. The owner will either give you a wink or a key to the wine cellar.
• Bar None (A basement in Leopoldstadt): You have to ring a doorbell labeled “Knock twice, but only if you’re not wearing yellow.”
• Wunderbar (A 1920s-themed bar in Innere Stadt): The only bar where the bartender knows your birth chart and your Spotify Wrapped.

Why Vienna’s Bars Are the Ultimate Third Wheel

Vienna’s bars are the kind of places that’ll join your group chat, comment on your dating life, and still show up to your brunch. Here’s why you’ll keep coming back:

• Beer with a side of culture: Every bar has a story, from the 1800s taverns that survived both the Austro-Hungarian Empire and your uncle’s bad puns.
• Drinks that know your name: Bartenders here don’t just know your order—they know your life goals.
• Food that’s not just filler: From pretzels to pierogi, these bars serve snacks that could double as a full meal (if you’re not careful).

Pro Tips for Navigating Vienna’s Bar Scene Like a Local

1. Learn the lingo: “Ein Bier, please” is not a phrase that will get you far. Try “Zwei Weizen, aber schnell” (“Two wheat beers, but fast”).
2. Respect the taps: Stealing the last sip of someone’s beer is the Austrian equivalent of stealing their WiFi password.
3. Tip like you mean it: A 10% tip is the bare minimum. If you’re feeling generous, leave a €20 note and a compliment about their mustache.
4. Never order a “Vienna Special”: You’ll regret it. Trust us.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bars in Vienna

• Q: Is it okay to ask for a beer at 2 a.m.?
  A: Yes, but only if you’re at Club 71. Other bars might judge you.
• Q: Can I bring my dog?
  A: Only if your dog is a Dachshund named Hans and knows how to open a beer bottle.
• Q: Are there any bars that serve gluten-free beer?
  A: Yes, but only if you know the bartender’s password. (It’s “gluten-free” followed by the current year.)
• Q: What’s the best way to get from one bar to another?
  A: Uber, but only if you’ve had at least two beers. Otherwise, stick to the tram and hope no one notices your lack of coordination.

Ready to Tipsy-Proof Your Vienna Experience?

Whether you’re here for the beer, the stories, or the chance to finally ask that cute barista out (you’ve had three conversations with the same barista in three different bars—this is not a coincidence), Vienna’s bars are waiting for you. Just remember: The only thing faster than the Wiener Schnitzel is the Wiener locals when they hear you’re from [insert your hometown here].

Still not convinced? Check out our custom beer guide and contact us for more tips. And if you’re a bar owner thinking, “Hey, I want to join this party,” read how to grow your business with Strategies.beer. Oh, and when you’re ready to sell your brews online, sell your beer online through Dropt.beer—the beer distribution marketplace that’s smoother than a single malt.

Cheers, fellow tipplers. The beer is waiting.