Falstaff Barguide 2024: These are the best bars and bartenders in Austria

With over 1,200 entries and 61 award winners from various categories, the Falstaff Barguide 2024 is the most comprehensive to date. The best of the best results both from the 16,000 votes of a passionate Falstaff community and the judgement of our expert jury.

Numerous awards were presented in various categories, including "Host of the Year", "Most Innovative Bartender" and many more. The best bars in the country are rated in cocktail and wine bar categories. Falstaff congratulates all award winners 2024!

Host of the Year

Kan Zuo, "The Sign", Vienna

Water service from the boss himself? No question! With the new garden, it was once again apparent what distinguishes the mixologist from Liechtensteinstraße, in addition to incredible flavour connections: friendliness at the bar, for which he likes to use the word "hospitality" - and Kan Zuo lives it night after night in his restaurant.

Barmaid of the Year

Aylin Stadlwieser, "Truth & Dare", Vienna

From Tyrol's seasonal establishments, it was off to Vienna's city centre: after short-lived bars and large, well-rehearsed teams, most recently at "Roberto's," Aylin Stadlwieser has now found her way to the small bar family in Schönlaterngasse. And here her creativity is not only shown in the weekly "minis" of this wonderful drinking place.

Bartender of the Year

Heinz Kaiser, "Dino's Apothecary Bar", Vienna

It is the bar that has changed, not the man behind it: for 28 years now, Heinz Kaiser has been working at "Dino's". And with the "Barmazeut" as boss, the South American passion moved in, and not only for the drinks with Jungle Juice; thanks to the garden and the young team, Kaiser's way of bartending is experiencing a new heyday.

Most Innovative Bartender

Alexander Morgenstern, "Eden Bar", Zell am Ziller

There is "MalisGarten" and then the "Eden" garden for cocktail lovers, in the hotel of the Binder-Egger family. From the whisk(e)y glass to the tequila selection, Alexander Morgenstern leaves nothing to chance - and still has time to dedicate himself to promoting young talent with his own award. The industry needs people like that!

Rookie Bartender of the Year

Selina Zesar, "New Highness", Vienna

The "New Highness" presents each province of Austria with a signature cocktail, based on distillates from local distilleries. Despite her young age of early 20s, Selina Zesar has already been involved in Mixology and has become a key member of the bar team, and right from her first day behind the counter.

Bar Team of the Year

"Kleinod" Group, Vienna

The official GmbH name "Kleinod Überall" actually speaks volumes; the bar world of David Schober and Oliver Horvath is a small empire - kept running by longtime fans and handpicked youngsters. Even g'stand bartenders hired for the summer work in the pop-up - not a bad sign!

Best Cocktail Bars 2024

American Bar

"Door 7", Vienna

If a bar is so formative in service and drink quality, there are usually signature cocktails. But Geri Tsai's carte blanche concept does not rely on routines. With the guest, the idea of a customised drink is created, which is implemented "à la minute" in the Josefstadt cocktail living room. Unique!

"Dino's Apothecary Bar", Vienna

If you're looking for a Ti Punch or even the Derby Cocktail in Vienna, you've come to the right place. The interior is as dignified as a wardrobe trunk; the ties may sit loosely, but the drinks are highly serious. Whereby there is always room for some Latino joie de vivre ("The Mexican Cucumber Pot", let's just say ...) as well.

Restaurant bar

"Kleinod Stadtgarten", Vienna

The finest pizza was already available in the Stadtgarten years ago, and the cocktails from "Kleinod" are also nothing new in this springtime pop-up - but the interaction really flows. Whether it's just snacks with Barbie Girl or Pornstar Martini or an evening with a full menu; Vienna discovers its southern side here.

Hotel bar

"Daring Cavalier" at the Grand Hotel, Vienna

For a long time, the beautifully outdated box on the second floor was deserted, but the new beginning was a brilliant success. Nicolas Kröger's knowledge of spirits is stupendous, and his Signature Manhattan is as spectacular as it is profound in taste. And the team's hosting qualities are so "old school" that you immediately feel at home.

New opening of the year

"Pani", Vienna

Finally! Marco Pani has opened his own bar and created a home not only for his legendary Thai Massage. Vinyl and vintage drinks in the 9th district is the responsibility of the master together with the accomplished Alex Bisanz. Those who loved London's "Happiness Forgets" now come to Rossauer Lände; Dive Bar with lots of soul.

Bar Jewel

"Stage Bar", Innsbruck

Five years enriches the hotel bar in a hidden location, already central to the Innsbruck scene. Claudia Tschallener and her team have once again expanded the menu with bar food and twelve explicitly low-alcohol drinks. From espresso in the courtyard to "day drinking" to a tiki drink before bed, a guarantee of a good time!

Speakeasy

"The Chapel", Vienna

The appeal of entrance-seeking wears off over time. A speakeasy has really arrived when it naturally enriches the migratory routes of barflies. In this case, the "sinful" drinks are the reason, offering options for self-confessed drinking conservatives (Vieux Carré) in addition to Insta-worthy.

Day Bar of the Year

"Bar Amouro", Graz

How can you recognise a successful day bar? The shopping bags from the city's most fashionable stores parked next to the champagne cooler are a good sign! How can you tell the quality of a day bar? The timelessly cosy interior and the impeccable quality of the drinks - such as Hans Prommer's Whisk(e)y Sour.

Rooftop Bar of the Year

"Stone Terrace", Salzburg

The fortress on the other bank of the Salzach is within reach at lofty heights, if you didn't need every free hand for creations like French Paloma or Brad Pitt's gin The Gardener. The fact that this one-place, culinarily curated by top chef Andi Senn, is also open in winter says a lot in chilly Salzburg.

Bar Card of the Year

"D-Bar", Vienna

Take a look in the mirror. Guests can choose between drink classics and those with a twist by Florian Steflitsch's team. However, the variations are hidden behind mirror writing. Carmen Maria Alber's drawings provide a sense of anticipation. At the least, when being served you know: the "D" of the bar stands for "Discovery" - discovery.

New Product of the Year

"Mistake & Love"

It doesn't always have to be Prosecco; Daniel "Dany" Hubmann and Marcel Katzer rely on white wine from Frauenkirchen, which is carbonated, for their "bottled drink" from bartenders. At the same time, the Italo classic in large format provides an answer to the great aperitivo thirst.

Fire of the Year

"WienGin"

In the middle of the Prater or in the gin streetcar - there's no escaping the now four creations of the "Kesselbrüder" in Vienna. What began twelve years ago as a hobby has become one of the most stable brands in the now weakening gin segment. But the distiller trio from Vienna 21 put it so nicely: "gin and tonic always goes!"

The Best Wine Bars 2024

Special Price Special Selection

"Le Cru", Vienna

The density of champagne specialists has increased in recent years, but Comptoir de Champagne in Vienna 1 is the top dog. 16 years of groundwork, in terms of consumption by the glass and bottle in a relaxed atmosphere, is paying off. 500 labels from the apretif Champagne and absolute rarities too.

New Opening Wine Bar

"Capra", St. Valentin

You can't buy courage, Helena Jordan thought, and opened a wine bar back home. Anyone who wants to talk shop about natural wine with the well-travelled top sommelière will have a long conversation at a high level. Those who want to enjoy a breakfast with local ingredients or antipasti will be equally happy. A real enrichment!

Classic Wine Bar

"Pub Klemo", Vienna

Only Robert Brandhofer manages to offer Brunelli from the 1990s, domestic Merlots and a Jura horizontal in one week - modest in manner and with understatement, as he cultivates the house pasta, which has long ceased to be a disdainful base for wine freaks, and at the same time offers an unrivalled selection by the glass, especially of matured wines.

Wine Bar in a Wine Shop

"Loisium Wine Bar", Ehrenhausen

A princely selection of Styrian wine reigns supreme at the Schlossberg - with the in-house vinotheque as its base, the wine bar draws on its full resources. In keeping with the location however, the aperitivo culture is also cultivated, sometimes starting at the pool, where the vintner's trailer represents the Loisium wine competence during the day.

Wine Restaurant / Bistro

"Haschka Wine Bar", Linz

Fabian Haschka has now been running this established vinotheque location under his own name for five years. And the wine list is not stingy with big names either; Sine Qua Non, Giscours, Opus One or Comtes Lafon complement the local wines, so that beginners and connoisseurs alike can enjoy themselves. And there's pizza to go with it - as an understatement.

Natural Wine Bar

"O boufés", Vienna

Everything from Andert to Zillinger - but the wine ABC of Konstantin Filippou's bistro does not only speak Austrian. As with the snacks (carp tarama!), you like to look out into the wide world. Minimally invasive winemaking aka "Natural" gets here not only a cool, but an even delicious coating.

Largest Selection in a Wine Bar

"Wine & Co" wine bars

The promise is full-bodied: Austria's walk-in wine list. The implementation, behind which quasi senior editor Willi Klinger stands, convinces on all fronts. Top wines are available by the glass with over 1,500 labels waiting in perfect conditioning. This makes Wein a local supplier and hypermarket in one.