Pubs In Austria: Open For Business?

Austria is known for its diverse drinking culture, with a wide range of seasonal drinks and beverages. The country has an extensive menu of hot drinks, which are perfect for warming up during the cold winter months. Coffee, in particular, is an integral part of Austrian life, with café culture dating back to the 17th century. Vienna, for example, is home to some of the oldest and most decadent coffee houses in Europe, with grand cafés that have been granted intangible cultural heritage status by UNESCO. Austrians also enjoy drinking tea, with a growing demand for new varieties and specialties, such as rooibos, pu-erh, and matcha. When it comes to alcoholic drinks, Austria has a variety of options, including beer, wine, and cocktails. The country boasts the highest density of breweries in Europe, with 298 active breweries producing a range of popular brands. In addition, Austria's diverse climate and fertile soils create ideal conditions for producing fine wines, with the country making wine since 700 BC.

Pubs in Austria are typically ordered at the table, not the bar

Visiting Pubs in Austria? Order at Your Table, Not the Bar.

Austria's towns and cities offer a great selection of bars and pubs to explore. However, it can be challenging to know how to act as a newcomer to the country. Here is a guide to visiting a bar like a local.

Ordering at the Bar is Not the Norm

Ordering at the bar is usually not the done thing in Austria, unless you are in an English or Irish pub. Cafes and bars in Austria typically offer table service. Therefore, the correct etiquette is to take a seat and wait for the waiter or waitress to come over. Wandering up to the bar when you should wait for table service is considered rude behaviour. So, embrace patience and wait to be served.

Pay Your Tab at the End

In many cafes and bars, the waiting staff or bartender will run a tab for your drinks, and you will pay at the end, rather than paying as you go at the bar. This also offers customers a chance to tip for the service they have received.

Tipping Culture

In Austria, leaving a tip (known as "Trinkgeld") is not as common as in the US and Canada, but it is still expected in pubs and cafes. The unspoken rule is to tip around 10% of the bill, or simply round up if paying for just a coffee or a glass of wine. For example, if a drink costs €3.70, you can pay €4 by saying, "mach mal Vier, bitte" or even just "Vier", which means "make it 4" or simply "4". Alternatively, you can say, "Stimmt so" when paying the bill, which means "keep the change".

Drinking Culture in Austria

Austria is known for its drinking culture, with beer and wine being the most popular alcoholic drinks. The country has the highest density of breweries in Europe, with 298 active breweries producing a variety of beers. Austrian wine is also renowned, especially its dry white wines made from the Grüner Veltliner grape.

In addition to beer and wine, Schnaps is a beloved distilled spirit in Austria, often enjoyed as a digestif after a meal. Drinking Schnapps is not just a cliche in Austria; it is a common practice, especially during the weekend and at après-ski bars.

It's considered rude to sit at a table reserved for another party

Visiting Pubs in Austria

Austria's towns and cities have a great selection of bars and pubs to explore. However, as a newcomer to the country, it can be hard to know how to act. Here are some tips to help you navigate the pub culture in Austria and avoid unwittingly causing offence.

Ordering at the Bar

Ordering at the bar like in a British pub is generally not the norm in Austria, except in English or Irish bars. Cafes and pubs usually offer table service, so the correct etiquette is to take a seat (unless there is a sign asking you to wait to be seated) and wait for the waiter or waitress to come over. Going up to the bar when you should be waiting for table service is considered rude.

Reserved Tables

Tables that are reserved will usually have a sign saying "Reserviert" (reserved). It is considered rude to sit at a table reserved for another party. If you accidentally do so, you risk annoying the staff. If it is the only table left, ask what time it is reserved for. Usually, you will be allowed to sit at the table as long as you leave about 10 minutes before the booking.

Grumpy Service

Austrian waiting staff are renowned for being grumpy. In Vienna, there is even a special name for this grumpiness – the Wiener Grant. So, if you encounter a less-than-friendly waiter or waitress, don't take it personally. Similarly, waiting staff in Austria prefer to leave their customers alone after they have taken their order. Therefore, if your waiter hasn't arrived at your table for a while, simply raise your hand to get their attention.

Paying the Bill

In many cafes and pubs, the waiting staff or bartender will run a tab for your drinks, and you will pay at the end rather than paying as you go. This also gives you a chance to tip for the service you have received. While cards are accepted in some establishments, cash is highly valued in Austria, and it may be annoying for staff to process card payments. If you must pay by card, let your server know in advance.

Grumpy service is common in Austrian pubs

Pubs and bars in Austria offer table service, so it's considered rude to order at the bar. Instead, it's customary to take a seat and wait for the waiter or waitress to come over. This can be surprising to newcomers, and it can take some getting used to.

Another custom that might be surprising to visitors is that it's common to be served by grumpy waiters and waitresses. In fact, grumpiness among serving staff in Vienna is so well-known that it has a name: Wiener Grant. So, if you encounter a grumpy server, don't take it personally! It's just part of the local culture.

In addition to embracing patience when waiting to be served, it's also important to be patient when waiting for your server to return after you've placed your order. Waiting staff in Austria prefer to leave their customers alone after ordering, so it may take a while for your server to come back to your table. If you need something, simply raise your hand to get their attention.

While it may take some adjustment to get used to the local customs around ordering and service in Austrian pubs and bars, it's worth it to be able to fully immerse yourself in the unique culture of the country.

You can drink in public, but not in stations or on public transport

Drinking in public is legal in Austria, and it is more socially acceptable than in many other countries. However, there are some important exceptions and nuances to be aware of.

Firstly, while drinking in public squares or parks is generally acceptable, it is forbidden in certain areas, including the Praterstern area in Vienna, the main stations in Salzburg and Graz, and Südtiroler Platz and Heiligengeistplatz in Klagenfurt. Additionally, drinking on public transport, including at stations and on platforms, is prohibited by most transport companies. While these rules are sometimes relaxed for quiet and calm behaviour, they are strictly enforced if people become loud or unruly.

It is worth noting that drinking in public outside of designated areas such as bars, pubs, and restaurants is generally frowned upon in Vienna. However, this attitude has shifted somewhat since the COVID-19 pandemic, with young people gathering in parks and open spaces during lockdowns and bar closures. As a result, some of these new behaviours have persisted, particularly during the warmer seasons.

In Austria, it is essential to be mindful of your conduct while drinking. While drinking in public is legal, public drunkenness is not tolerated, and heavy fines are imposed for drink-related anti-social behaviour. Additionally, enforcement of drinking laws varies depending on the type of alcohol. For example, enforcement is stricter in supermarkets than in restaurants and bars, especially for beer and wine.

In summary, while drinking in public is legal in Austria, it is important to be mindful of designated no-drinking zones, such as transport hubs and public transport. Additionally, maintaining appropriate conduct and avoiding public drunkenness is crucial to avoid fines and ensure a positive experience while drinking in public in Austria.

Pubs in Vienna close by 2 am at the latest

Vienna, the capital of Austria, is known for its vibrant nightlife, offering everything from rooftop bars to traditional pubs and clubs. While the closing times of pubs and bars in Vienna can vary, most drinking establishments are required to close by 2 am at the latest.

According to local regulations, drinking establishments such as bars are permitted to operate from 10 am to as late as 4 am. However, in practice, many bars and pubs in the city centre tend to close earlier, sometimes as early as midnight. This may be due in part to the local custom of enjoying a drink at these establishments before or after a meal, rather than staying for extended periods.

For those seeking a late-night drink, there are options beyond the traditional pub or bar. Discos and clubs in Vienna are allowed to remain open until 6 am, providing an alternative for those who wish to continue their evening beyond the typical closing times of pubs and bars.

It is worth noting that outdoor serving areas in Vienna are subject to different regulations. Most establishments are required to close their outdoor areas by 11 pm at the latest, and those on private land or not adjacent to a public space must close by 10 pm. However, during the summer months, some places may serve outdoors until midnight, depending on local regulations.

In summary, while the closing times of pubs and bars in Vienna can vary, most establishments adhere to the latest closing time of 2 am. For those seeking a later night, discos and clubs offer extended hours, while outdoor serving areas may provide additional options during the warmer months.

Frequently asked questions