A Canadian beer drinkers guide to Vienna

First things first, relax. I know you’ve heard wonderful things about the fine offering of European beers and have high hopes to sample them all and make your country proud through egregious consumption but you should take it slow. Here are some things you need to know:

1) Beer and other spirits are much more “cost effective” in Austria.

You may have been used to paying $12-$15 Canadian for a 6-pack and upwards of $35 per 24 pack of your favourite lager in Canada. In Austria, that same beer or a beer of equal or better quality will cost you about 5€ or less for 6 delicious cold ones. One unique difference is that there is no distinction for tall boy cans as we know in North America but don’t worry the big beers won so you won’t find those amateur 355 m.l. cans anywhere. If you`ve become accustom to buying beer in 2-4`s, there’s no problem in Vienna and they`ll happily accommodate you. Each beer is roughly 0.70€ per 500 m.l. can (about 17€/2-4) and comes gift wrapped for your convenience.

The local beer is called Ottakringer and seems to be quite available all over the city if you wish to contribute more directly to the local economy. You still have easy access to Heineken and Corona’s if you don’t feel like adapting.

Ottakringer Heller (Blond Lager)                     Statue depicting man’s struggle for the perfect beer

 

If you prefer wine then you can easily obtain some of a quality unknown to myself for 2 or 3€ and all spirits are available at the many grocery stores in the city. Vienna has many local vineyards due to it’s favourable climate and as such I’m confident that you’ll find one that pleases you. I welcome any suggestions.

The only thing that should scare you is that most grocery stores close around 6 or 7 p.m. in Vienna. There are a few that are kind enough to leave their doors open until 9 p.m. One of those Grocery stores is called Billa and if you find yourself near the University of Wien, all is not lost.

2) Bars are open much later in Austria than in Canada.

A usual night might consist of beginning to drink at 7 or 8 p.m. depending on the time zone of your favourite hockey team, then someone shouts “BAR” and you all consume like a madman to head out into the streets around 10:30/11 p.m. You were used to last call happening around 2 a.m. and even though you may have been kicked out for downing too much tequilla, you could usually plan to stay out until 3 a.m. at the latest.

In Austria you probably had one or two pints with your Wiener Schnitzel at dinner. You will then carry on with the momentum per Canadian tradition. When someone shouts “BAR” relax, you don’t need to drink yourself stupid. Austrian law allows you to consume your spirits on the street at a more reasonable pace. Pay attention Canadian law makers! Drinking on the tram is prohibited which is only enforced if you’re visibly intoxicated and annoying other patrons. Also please note that you might be out later than you expected due to the fact that bars close late but you can relax knowing that the U-Bahn trains run all night on Friday and Saturday so it’s safe to say that you should rest up before going out with the Austrians. You may never come home.