Music entertainment in Austria
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A
Flex
Flex has been attracting a more mainstream crowd than it did in its early days but it still manages to retain a semblance of its former edginess, and the title of best club in town. The sound system is without equal in Vienna (some would say Europe), entry price generally reasonable and dress code unheard of. The monthly DJ line-up features local legends and international names, and live acts are commonplace. ‘Messed Up’ on Monday (the night to catch serious techno) and ‘London Calling’ (alternative and indie) on Wednesday and Friday are among the most popular nights. In summer the picnic tables lining the canal overflow with happy partygoers.
reviewed
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B
U4
U4 was the birthplace of techno clubbing in Vienna way back, and its longevity is a testament to its ability to roll with the times. A fairly young, studenty crowd are its current regulars, and while the music isn’t as cutting edge as it used to be, it still manages to please the masses.
reviewed
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C
Passage
Passage is the closest thing to a megaclub in Vienna. Its sleek interior, soothing colours and sweaty atmosphere attract the beautiful people of the city, their entourage and plenty of oglers and barflies. The music is loud (noise from the Ringstrasse traffic directly overhead is easily drowned out) and fairly maistream, with R&B, hip-hop and house nights; ‘Disco Fever Tuesday’ draws some of the biggest crowds. Expect lines and black-clad, muscle-bound doormen after 10pm (11pm on Friday and Saturday).
reviewed
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D
Restaurant Zellot
This is possibly the most important address in town: it’s a funky and rather eccentric restaurant that does a good steak as well as Austrian staples. On top of that, it has the Glashaus bar and bistro (open 9am to 1am Monday to Saturday), and the Garage, a space for live acts and DJs that is decked out like a garage and whose features become even more intriguing after your second drink. It’s open 9.30pm to 4am Friday and Saturday.
reviewed
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E
Volksgarten
A hugely popular club superbly located near the Hofburg, Volksgarten serves a clientele eager to see and be seen. The long cocktail bar is perfect for people-watching and the music is an ever-rotating mix of hip-hop, house, salsa and reggae, but is hardly ever challenging. Opening hours are not fixed. Dress well to glide past the bouncers.
reviewed
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K.u.k. Hofbeisl
This Beisl is the scene of some of the liveliest late-night partying in Bad Ischl, but it also does a delicious plate of food. It has two separate drinking areas to choose from, DJs get the floors writhing regularly during events, and the drinks list would do a Russian novelist proud – about 150 cocktails in all.
reviewed
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F
Café Concerto
Concerto is another of the bars on the Gürtel that hosts local live acts. Jazz features heavily on the programme (which is also peppered with DJs) and both the cellar and ground-level bar are used for concerts, although the acoustics of the former may leave a little to be desired. Entry is often free.
reviewed
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G
Roxy
A seminal club for years, Roxy still manages to run with the clubbing pack, and sometimes leads the way. DJs from Vienna’s electronica scene regularly guest on the turntables and most nights it’s hard to find a space on the small dance floor. Expect a crowded, but very good, night out here.
reviewed
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H
Dom Im Berg
The tunnels under Schlossberg were once used as air-raid shelters. Today, some of them have been refashioned into a large art-clubbing venue. The sound system and light show are the best in Graz, so it’s no surprise the place is often full when it hosts clubbing events.
reviewed
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I
Porgy & Bess
Quality is the cornerstone of Porgy & Bess’ continuing popularity. Its program is loaded with modern jazz acts from around the globe, including many from nearby Balkan countries, and DJs fill spots on weekends. The interior is dim and the vibe velvety and very grown-up.
reviewed
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J
Pierre’s Café-Bar
Pierre’s charms appeal mostly to rolling stones who have gathered a coat of moss. Minimalism meets 40-somethings with greying pony tails who watch Led Zeppelin or Shania Twain clips on the large screen; it’s perfect if you like classic rock.
reviewed
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K
Republic
Opposite Humboldt Stub’n, this café is defined by high ceilings and neon lighting. By night it morphs into one of the city’s trendiest haunts when DJs spinning house, salsa and electro attract a 20-something, daiquiri-sipping crowd.
reviewed
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L
Exil
It’s a laid-back alternative bar with outdoor seating and a couple of turntables for Friday and Saturday nights when sounds are spun; it’s against the grain – empty when everywhere else is full, and buzzing when quiet elsewhere.
reviewed
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M
Bach
An underground club of sorts in the far-flung reaches of Ottakring, Bach features techno DJs and regular live acts from across Europe. The crowd leans towards the grungy side, and is genuine and relaxed, and the dance floor small and intimate.
reviewed
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N
Parkhouse
On warm summer days and evenings half of Graz seems to make a beeline to this place. Parkhouse gets a very mixed crowd, but as the day fades to night it morphs into a buzzing spot for DJs and occasional live music (usually a Tuesday).
reviewed
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O
Unplugged
This live venue has sporadic acts and provides a platform for local bands to perform live. Musos of all styles unpack their instruments here: punk, pop and rock – it’s raw, small and back to the roots of the live gig.
reviewed
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P
Hofgarten Café
DJ sessions and a tree-shaded beer garden are crowd-pullers at this trendy café-cum-bar set in the greenery of Hofgarten. Sip cocktails beneath the stars or gaze up at the star-studded ceiling in the pavilion.
reviewed
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Q
Treibhaus
This cultural complex draws a boho crowd with its big terrace, regular DJs and live music (salsa libre Monday, jam session Tuesday, alternative Wednesday). In August, it hosts an open-air cinema.
reviewed
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R
Wunderbar
Smooth funk plays in this boho bar with free internet access and neo-baroque touches from red velvet sofas to flickering candles. Browse the papers or sip cocktails beneath the cherubs.
reviewed
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S
Arcadium
Arcadium has Latino nights Wednesdays but its real strengths are club nights and live music – everything from punk to electronic gets a showing here, mainly for a mid-20s crowd.
reviewed
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Pankraz
Another good option for music lovers is this funkily decorated place, which sometimes features DJs and live music. There’s a shop selling house and electronica CDs here, too.
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Orange
A young, fashionable student crowd gets down in this modern lounge, which has a patio perfect for warm summer evenings. DJs spin sounds regularly here.
reviewed
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Jimmy’s
Buddha enlightens this party-hearty bar in a courtyard near STA. Vodka shots are the tipples of choice and the music is a blend of hip-hop and funk.
reviewed
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W
Cuba
Glammed up with chandeliers and a sweeping staircase, this gallery-style bar attracts trendy types with Latin tunes and a top line-up of DJs.
reviewed
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X
P.p.c
Electronic club nights with top-name DJs from Austria and abroad, as well as regular live music, are popular here.
reviewed
