Schweizerhaus — Local services in Vienna

Tourists beware - unfortunately, we had a very bad experience with one of the waiters. I am careful with using the word racist, but I struggle to describe it in any other way. We were recommended Schweizerhaus by an Austrian friend, and were looking forward to it. My girlfriend is white British, and I am British with South Asian ethnicity. We arrived at 16:25 yesterday and sat down at an empty drinks table reserved from 17:30. The waiter came over some time later and said he would not serve us, pointing at the reservation sign and the time. We were confused as the reservation was over an hour away. He then seated a friendly Austrian man on our table, who he served a beer. The man left shortly after and was not part of the reservation. At 16:40, we had the same argument where I tried to say that (like the Austrian man) we only wanted a beer and had nearly an hour - the waiter angrily said “no, 10 mins!” and joked to guests at the next table about us. I politely tried to explain we didn’t understand and asked why he wasn’t serving us. Eventually, he agreed to serve us if we left by 17:20 (which was always fine for us). We then ordered 2 beers, he asked what food we wanted, and we said none. From this point, he was much friendlier, explaining he had misunderstood and he thought we wanted to eat as well. I felt he had treated us differently because we were foreign, but could not be sure - perhaps it was only due to the language barrier. Then, he sat down to have a conversation with us. He asked me where I was from - I said England, London - and he said “No, no, not English! You’re not from England. Where are you really from?”. I said India, although I am British and have spent almost all my life in England. He asked my girlfriend the same question - she said England, to which he said “Originally? Your mum and your dad too?”, and she said yes. These questions were clearly based on my ethnicity. It confirmed to us that we were treated differently when we arrived not only because of the language barrier, but also because we were tourists and we were foreign, and so the waiter assumed we would not understand. It is a shame because we are beer lovers, we very much enjoyed the drinks we were poured (pictured) and liked the beer garden environment. We engaged in polite conversation and tipped at the end to avoid another argument, but we were very unhappy with the situation. Looking at Tripadvisor, there is another review in English from a few weeks ago complaining about a racist waiter - it seems like a recurring problem. If you are a tourist, and especially if you are ethnic minority,...

Shweizerhaus in Vienna Prater is a delightful establishment that combines a warm, welcoming atmosphere with an excellent selection of food and drinks, with their famous pork knuckles being an absolute highlight. Nestled in the heart of Prater, it's an ideal stop after a day of exploring this iconic amusement park.

The first thing you'll notice is the charming, traditional Austrian ambiance. The interior is cozy and adorned with wood furnishings, creating an inviting environment to relax and savor your meal. The outdoor seating area offers a lovely view of the Prater, making it a great spot to people-watch or soak in the park's energy.

Now, let's talk about the food. Shweizerhaus boasts a mouthwatering menu filled with Austrian classics and a variety of beers. But the real star of the show is their famous pork knuckles. These succulent, perfectly roasted knuckles are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. They're a generous portion of flavorful, juicy goodness that you simply can't miss.

The culinary experience is a true taste of Austrian cuisine, and the portions are generous, and the quality is top-notch.

But what truly sets Shweizerhaus apart is its extensive beer selection. With an array of Austrian and international brews, it's a paradise for beer enthusiasts. The knowledgeable staff can help you navigate the choices and even suggest pairings for your meal.

Service here is friendly and attentive, enhancing the overall dining experience. The waitstaff is happy to share recommendations and provide a glimpse into Austrian culture and traditions, making your visit more immersive.

In summary, Shweizerhaus is a quintessential Austrian dining experience in the heart of Vienna's Prater, with their famous pork knuckles being a must-try. It combines delicious traditional cuisine, a wide selection of beers, and a cozy ambiance to create a memorable and enjoyable visit. Whether you're a tourist exploring the Prater or a local looking for a charming spot to unwind, Shweizerhaus is a...

Schweizerhaus, nestled in the heart of Vienna's iconic Prater, is a destination that stands tall in the annals of Austrian culinary history. It is not just a restaurant; it's a rite of passage for anyone visiting Vienna.

The legend of the Stelze is deeply intertwined with the Schweizerhaus's legacy. A dish that's celebrated far and wide, the Stelze is a pork knuckle that's roasted to perfection, having a crispy exterior and tender, flavorful meat within. A trip to Schweizerhaus is incomplete without indulging in this delectable treat. To complement the Stelze, the chilly Bohnen, an Austrian spin on the classic chili recipe, is an absolute must-try. It's a harmony of flavors that dances on your palate. And of course don't miss out on the Sauerkraut, a classic in any case.

For beer lovers , missing out on the Gemischtes—a delightful mixed beer light and dark —is a sin. It's a refreshing blend that's both satisfying and invigorating, especially after a day of exploring the Prater.

However, it's essential to be prepared for the Schweizerhaus experience. Being a renowned tourist attraction means waiting times can be long, especially during peak hours. And while the ambiance and food are top-notch, the staff members can be rather in-your-face about tipping. Customers should be allowed the discretion to express their gratitude via tipping ,and it's a tad off-putting when the choice is somewhat taken away by a member of the staff making you to chose a procentge of the overall bill that you would like top tip. Tipping is not mandatory, it is a way of showing appreciation and saying thank you. It is not to be expected.

In summation, Schweizerhaus is an institution—one that offers a slice of Vienna's rich culinary tapestry. While there are certain nuances to be wary of, the gastronomic journey, especially the legendary Stelze, is worth every moment spent...