The Viennese have three typical places at which they prefer to congregate. In Vienna's coffee houses, in a heuriger, and in the city's countless outdoor dining areas. Eating and drinking in the open air is simply a part of life in Vienna. From two small tables on the sidewalk in front of a small bar to giant beer gardens – the choice is seemingly endless.

However, there are a few special highlights among them. For various reasons, they stick out from the rest and are the best places for cool drinks, delicious food and a convivial time with friends on lovely warm days. Here are seven special outdoor dining areas in Vienna!

Volksgarten Pavilion

Where trendy DJs play by night, things are a little quieter by day. Under giant trees, we enjoy our shady break in the Volksgarten Pavilion and look forward to the wonderful Austrian and Mediterranean grilled specialties from the smoker. The pavilion is also designed in the retro style of the 1950s and exudes the wonderful charm of that time. Interesting variety is offered by the petanque court for a decent round of boules and by exciting duels on the table football table.

Amerlingbeisl

The Amerlingbeisl is at home in the unique, narrow Biedermeier lanes on the Spittelberg. After a long day in the historic center of Vienna or on Mariahilfer Strasse, a detour into the cozy outdoor dining area of the Amerlingbeisl promises to be the perfect time out. The culinary selection ranges from Austrian specialties such as Wiener Schnitzel & Co. to international dishes. A special treat is the organic roast pork served every Saturday and Sunday. A visit to the outdoor dining area is also worth it in bad weather. This is made possible by a hydraulically operated roof.

Salonplafond

We find the restaurant Salonplafond inside the MAK – Austrian Museum of Applied Arts/Contemporary Art. It describes itself as a modern, traditional Viennese inn and successfully delivers the classic inn culture with a modern twist. For example, Viennese classics alternate with modern creations on the menu. However, the real highlight of the Salonplafond cannot be seen from the street: the wonderful outdoor dining area tucked away in the green courtyard. On fine days, it offers plenty of space to relax on 150 seats and comfortable loungers on a large lawn. The outdoor bar plies guests in excellent style with a range of fresh drinks.

Clementine im Glashaus

The kitchen at Clementine im Glashaus also serves up traditional Viennese cuisine with a creative and modern twist. The classy restaurant is at home in the impressive Palais Coburg, which was built atop Vienna's former city walls in 1845. It gets its name from Clementine d’Orléans, one of the first residents of the Palais. We enjoy a particularly high-quality outdoor dining area experience here in the exquisite ambience of the Palais garden with its sycamores and magnolias.

Ulrich

A particularly Austrian version of the outdoor dining area is the sidewalk café. Here, the tables are placed outside the establishment on public land. The sidewalk café of the Ulrich – located right on the idyllic St-Ulrichs-Platz – is a mix of café-restaurant and bar, and is one of the best of its kind in Vienna. It is perfectly suited to a hearty breakfast or brunch on a summer's morning. In the heart of Vienna's trendy 7th district, the main menu and lunchtime menu fulfill all culinary wishes. The home-made pita bread is an absolute must. The perfect complement to this: the equally home-made lemonade.

Glacis Beisl

The Glacis Beisl is slightly tucked away behind the MuseumsQuartier and offers a perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle between the Volkstheater, Mariahilfer Strasse and the historic city center. A quietly babbling fountain, abundant flowers, and even more greenery make the outdoor dining area a little oasis in the middle of Vienna. At the Glacis Beisl, the chefs give the Old Viennese cuisine a modern touch. All served with an impressive selection of wines.

Heuer on Karlsplatz

We find the restaurant Heuer on Karlsplatz, one of Vienna's most central locations. The restaurant's excellent food and drinks can be enjoyed even better outdoors. What is eaten and drunk is what hand-picked, regional producers provide. The focus is on the quality of the ingredients. Of similar high quality are the fantastic cocktails. Together with the wonderful terrace, all of this results in one of the most popular meeting places in the center of Vienna.