Visiting Vienna

Given the local beer culture, it’s no surprise to find numerous fine drinking establishments in Vienna.

One of these is the Bierteufl, a cosy bar in the third district, within walking distance of the U3 and U4 subway lines (station: Wien Mitte / Landstrasse) or the O tram.

The bar nestles at the bottom of a building dating back to the start of the 19th century and which offered lodgings a few years later to a classical composer by the name of Ludwig van Beethoven.

Indeed, it was in this house that Beethoven completed his ninth symphony, which premiered in Vienna in May, 1824. That piece provides the official anthem of the European Union.

The bar features several dozen beers, including 40+ local and international bottled beers and eight wheat beers. There’s even a beer brewed from hemp. Whatever I’ve ordered has also come in an appropriately labelled glass.

The decor is all wood with a rustic, dark look, supplemented by subdued lighting. So although there’s plenty of room, you never lose the feeling of intimacy and privacy should you require it.

The food is — unsurprisingly — the kind of solid fare you’d drink with a beer, at normal prices. The mainstream pop music played does contradict somewhat with the ambiance. But while it might not receive the approval of Beethoven, it’s played so low as not to challenge your conversation.

All-in-all, an excellent location to meet friends and experience some of the delights of the brewer’s art.

Address: Bierteufl, Ungargasse 5, 1030 Vienna
Website: http://www.bierteufl.at/

This entry is filed under Cafes, bars and pubs.