We are going to be in Salzburg the end of the month for Rupertikirtag. We've been before and know the main attractions but I was wondering if anyone can recommend any great dive bars in the area? I'm looking for hideaway places off the normal tourist's radar screen that only locals would know of. (And yes, I'm aware that posting it here could change that). We are looking for authentic local flavor.
Posted by
Firenze
500 posts
Not sure what you are really looking for - maybe the Augustiner beer hall in Mülln qualifies. But a lot of places could be what you are looking for. Just know a trick: when a table has a flag on it, it is the "Stammtisch", i.e. the table reserved to usual customers or members and friends of the owning family. Sometimes you can even see an empty Stammtisch and people being sent away as all the other tables are full. The Stammtisch is holy.
On a completely different register, a lot of old ladies (they are locals too) will spend an hour or two in the afternoon in pastry shops in front of a coffee and a piece of cake. The best of them is Niemetz, near the tunnel at Herbert-von-Karajan-Platz; at festival time you can be rubbing elbows with members of the Vienna Philharmonic or famous conductors, but the place, in spite of being upscale, is very quiet and welcoming. - If you are looking for a place a bit off tourists' radar, it could be.
Posted by
OP
Wisconsin
69 posts
Thanks, I know you are trying to be helpful but I don't think think you are familiar with the concept of a dive bar. A dive is usually an establishment that may be a little worn and rough around the edges but frequented by locals and can be quite quirky and interesting.
I have been to Augustinerbraü and am well familiar with the Stammtisch (for fishers, hunters and all other liars). I actually love that place and will visit again. The opera crowd is likely too high-brow for us. I was just looking for some local flavor to add to the regular and enjoyable tourist experience. Honestly, we will be there during Rupertikirtag so we should find plenty to do. I always like to find hidden gems (especially in the rough) wherever I go so it was just a diversion idea.
Posted by
Firenze
500 posts
Yes, I am not very familiar with dive bars, but it also looks to me that the Austrian ideal of Gemütlichkeit is somewhat at the opposite end of the dive bar. When me and my wife had our first Salzburg trip 25 years ago, we had an Austrian friend look for a cheap hotel and phone for us. We ended at at hotel Hölle (literally, Hell Hotel), in front of the largest cemetery, that could have qualified for your search of quirkiness and and worn finishing. Now they have rebuilt it and it is a four stars hotel.
I suspect your search for dive bars would be more successful in Vienna, maybe around the Ottakringer district...