Gasthaus Pöschl — Restaurant in Vienna

This is from a couple years ago. We walked into the restaurant a summer evening it was completely empty inside. The outdoor seating was full. The waiter, an unfriendly bald hole called Helmut asked if we have a reservation and we said no. He looked around and said the only seats available at the bar. The four of us took the bar seats assuming people were expected to come in to fill the tables. So we ordered a couple of bottles of wine and 4 steaks from the bartender. Immediately he went to our waiter and said something. A minute later, 4 more people arrived and we heard them say that they didn’t have a reservation. But Helmut gave them one of the empty tables. We continued anyway because we were not going to let a cretin spoil our evening. In about 15 minutes, our steaks arrived at the bar. And I saw the bartender go to Helmut again. And suddenly, we were given a table. Mind you, there were still 3 empty tables at this time.

We had our dinner, the steaks were pretty good. Wines were enjoyable too. But being treated like this left a bad taste. We’ve been to many fine places around the world, but this was the first time it felt distasteful.

I could also hear Helmut indirectly begging for a tip from the other table he seated before us. I still tipped so that the decent bartender could get something. But I told Helmut that he was quite the p-r-i-c-k as I left.

So if you are received by him out there, maybe you should tell them to assign you another waiter so he can have the free time to wallow with his own miserable self. And maybe flip him the bird as you leave 😜

Would be curious to see if the restaurant owner or manager has a...

A Longtime Favorite in Vienna – Mixed Feelings This Time

During my routine trips to Vienna since 2016, I’ve always made a point to visit this restaurant. Unfortunately, during my most recent visit, the schnitzel I had was disappointing. However, the potato salad and soup were, as always, impeccable. Back in March, I had their potato soup, which was absolutely delightful. This time (November 24), I opted for the beetroot soup, and I highly recommend trying it if it’s on the menu.

In my previous visits, I’ve also tried their goulash and fish dishes, both of which were consistently delicious. The place, which used to feel more like a local gem, has gradually become a hotspot for tourists.

If you’re dining solo, you might still find a seat without a reservation, but I wouldn’t leave it to chance. They do take reservations over the phone. Since the restaurant isn’t very large, the number of tables is limited. If you’re open to sitting at the bar, you’ll likely find a spot more quickly.

The staff might respond a bit firmly if you push too hard for a table, as the seating capacity is understandably limited. However, apart from that, they are very friendly and do their best to ensure you have an enjoyable dining experience.

Despite the slight disappointment with the schnitzel, the soups and other dishes remain excellent, making this restaurant...

Yes, it’s local food. Yes, it’s tasty. But let’s be honest — it’s very basic. I ordered the classic Wiener Schnitzel with potato salad. The meat was decent, but slightly tough, the breading was fine, and the potatoes were just okay. There was nothing special or refined about the preparation — no standout flavor, no technique that made me feel like I was in one of Europe’s culinary capitals.

I have to emphasize — the meat was tough, which made the whole experience more frustrating. Honestly, my tip for anyone visiting Vienna is: skip the local cuisine. Go for food from places like Italy instead. In Italy, I might pay 25 or 30 euros for a dish, but it’s much more refined, generous, and worth it in every sense.

The experience? Normal. The price? Not even close to fair. Paying 25 to 30 euros for a dish that would cost no more than 8 euros if we were being honest about what was served — that’s frustrating.

I’m a traveler who values local food, real flavors, and I respect when things are simple but made with care and balance. But this was just average home-style food in a very standard setting, with a very inflated price tag.

If you want to try “typical Viennese cuisine,” sure, come — but manage your expectations and know what you’re paying for: basic food, high...