Loos American - Vienna

I’ve seen such mixed reviews that I wasn’t sure I wanted to come and be disappointed, but we got a great table without a booking and had a great time. The drink... read more I’ve seen such mixed reviews that I wasn’t sure I wanted to come and be disappointed, but we got a great table without a booking and had a great time. The drinks are not cheap, but we were very pleased with them (I loved the Smoke Martini). I was excited to see the design of the space.

Loos American Bar on Kärntner Durchgang is a bijou Viennese study in compression: an American-bar idiom fitted into barely 27 square metres. Designed by Adolf L... read more Loos American Bar on Kärntner Durchgang is a bijou Viennese study in compression: an American-bar idiom fitted into barely 27 square metres. Designed by Adolf Loos in 1907-1908, it carries counter service, close seating, drinking and club-like intimacy without tipping into visual congestion. The effect comes through controlled illusion, not plainness. Dark mahogany contains the walls; brass catches the light; leather gives the banquettes weight; mirrors above the panelling multiply the marble columns and send the coffered ceiling into apparent depth. Filtered onyx-marble light at the entrance adds atmosphere without clutter. The result is not America transplanted to Vienna, but Vienna compressing the idiom into something smaller, denser and organised around proximity.

It was a fun social experimentation. There is people with suspicious white trace on the nose. Speaking about the bathroom, we preferred to avoid it. However, th... read more It was a fun social experimentation. There is people with suspicious white trace on the nose. Speaking about the bathroom, we preferred to avoid it. However, the cocktail was very nice.

We had a great time here! The bartender was very friendly. read more We had a great time here! The bartender was very friendly.

This bar has a historic feel and a nice interior, with mirrored walls and lots of wood that give it a classic, somewhat elegant atmosphere. It looks charming at... read more This bar has a historic feel and a nice interior, with mirrored walls and lots of wood that give it a classic, somewhat elegant atmosphere. It looks charming at first glance, and there’s even a small outdoor area where you can sit and have a drink. Unfortunately, the experience doesn’t quite live up to the setting. The drinks are expensive and not particularly good—some were surprisingly disappointing given the prices. The bartenders come off as a bit pretentious and don’t seem especially knowledgeable or attentive. The crowd tends to be older, which can make for some interesting people-watching, but overall the place feels a bit dated and stuffy. It might be worth visiting once just to see it, especially if you’re into historic venues, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to return. Price per person: €10–20 Food: 2 Service: 3 Atmosphere: 3