Vienna is a city world-renowned for its imperial history, its sweeping Baroque architecture, and its legendary coffee house culture. However, tucked away in the vibrant 7th District is a doorway that leads far away from the Danube and straight into the heart of the South Pacific. Tiki Bar isn’t just a place to grab a drink; it is a meticulously crafted portal to a Polynesian paradise.
In this review, we’ll explore why Matiki has become a cult favorite among locals and a “must-visit” destination for cocktail enthusiasts traveling to Austria’s capital.
The Matiki Philosophy: Elevating Tiki Culture
The “Tiki” movement, which saw its first golden age in mid-20th century America, has often been misunderstood as nothing more than kitschy decor and overly sugary drinks with little umbrellas. Matiki Bar, founded by two brothers with a profound passion for mixology and tropical aesthetics, aims to dismantle that stereotype.
Their philosophy is simple yet demanding: “Quality Without Compromise.” At Matiki, Tiki is treated as a high art form. It’s an homage to the complex history of rum, the precision of balanced flavors, and the hospitality of the islands. While the atmosphere is laid-back, the craft behind the bar is as serious as any Michelin-starred kitchen.
Ambiance and Interior: A Sensory Journey
The moment you cross the threshold of Matiki, the gray skies of a Viennese winter (or the hustle of the city) vanish. You are immediately greeted by a shift in temperature, lighting, and sound.
Masterful Set Design
The interior of Matiki is a masterclass in immersive design. The lighting is intentionally dim, casting a warm, amber glow that emanates from woven wicker lamps and hidden LEDs tucked behind traditional Polynesian carvings. The walls are adorned with tapa cloth (bark cloth), hand-carved Tiki masks, and shelves stacked with an impressive array of custom-made ceramic mugs.
Unlike many themed bars that feel “plastic” or cheap, Matiki uses organic materials—bamboo, wood, and rope—which give the space a tactile, authentic soul. It feels less like a commercial establishment and more like a private clubhouse for 1940s explorers.
An Intimate Yet Vibrant Social Hub
The layout is clever. While the space is relatively compact, it offers different “micro-environments.” You can sit at the bar to watch the theatricality of the bartenders, or find a cozy corner for a more private conversation. The soundtrack—a curated blend of Exotica, 1960s surf rock, and retro tropical rhythms—acts as the perfect glue, binding the visual and auditory experiences together.
The Liquid Stars: A Symphony of Rum and Freshness
The heart of Matiki Bar is, of course, its cocktail menu. If you’re used to Tiki drinks being syrupy concoctions from a juice carton, prepare to have your palate recalibrated.
The Art of the Ingredient
Matiki’s commitment to quality starts with what goes into the shaker. They don’t cut corners. All juices are freshly squeezed daily, and their syrups (such as the essential orgeat or passionfruit syrup) are made in-house.
Furthermore, their rum selection is world-class. They understand that not all rums are created equal; they utilize the “funky” esters of Jamaican rums, the grassy notes of Rhum Agricole from Martinique, and the deep, molasses richness of Demerara rums to create layers of flavor that evolve as you sip.
Signature Drinks and Classics
The menu is a balanced mix of “Tiki Totems” (the classics) and “Matiki Originals.”
- The 1944 Mai Tai: This is the litmus test for any Tiki bar. Matiki’s version is a purist’s dream. It is tart, nutty, and allows the blend of aged rums to shine through, proving that a real Mai Tai is a sophisticated cocktail, not a fruit punch.
- The Zombie: Legendarily potent and historically complex, Matiki’s Zombie is a tour de force. It’s a multi-layered experience of spice, citrus, and high-proof spirits, served with the flair it deserves.
- Experimental Creations: Keep an eye out for drinks that utilize fire, dry ice, or aromatic smoke. These aren’t just gimmicks; they are designed to engage your sense of smell before the liquid even touches your tongue.
The presentation is equally stunning. Every drink is a visual masterpiece, garnished with lush mint sprigs, edible flowers, and exotic fruits, often served in a mug you’ll want to take home with you (and yes, they often have some for sale!).
Service with the “Aloha Spirit”
In a city that is sometimes stereotyped for its formal or “grumpy” service, Matiki is a breath of fresh air. The staff are genuinely welcoming and possess an encyclopedic knowledge of their craft.
Whether you are a rum aficionado looking for a specific vintage or a novice who doesn’t know where to start, the bartenders act as your guides. They take the time to ask about your flavor preferences—sweet, sour, spicy, or “boozy”—and will tailor their recommendations accordingly. This lack of pretension makes Matiki accessible to everyone, regardless of their cocktail knowledge.
Location and Practical Information
Matiki Bar is situated in Neubau (the 7th District), Vienna’s hub for hip boutiques, art galleries, and modern gastronomy.
- Address: Schottenfeldgasse 2-4, 1070 Wien, Austria.
- Accessibility: Easily reached via the U6 (Burggasse-Stadthalle) or several tram lines.
- Reservations: This is a small, popular venue. To avoid disappointment, reservations are highly recommended, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. You can book directly through their website: https://www.tiki-bar.at/.
Final Verdict: Why You Should Visit
Matiki Bar succeeds because it offers something rare: absolute immersion. It is a labor of love that honors the history of tropical drink culture while pushing it forward with modern techniques.
The Pros:
- World-Class Mixology: Some of the best-balanced cocktails in Central Europe.
- Authentic Vibe: A stunning interior that avoids the “cheesy” pitfalls of the Tiki genre.
- Education: Bartenders who are happy to share the history of the drinks they serve.
- Visual Flair: Every drink is Instagram-ready without sacrificing taste.
The Cons:
- Capacity: It’s a cozy spot, so it can feel crowded during peak hours.
- Focus on Drinks: They are a bar first and foremost; don’t expect a full dinner menu (though the drinks are almost a meal in themselves!).
Conclusion
Whether you are a local Viennese looking to escape the winter chill or a traveler seeking the world’s best bars, Matiki Bar is an essential stop. It reminds us that cocktails are meant to be fun, adventurous, and, above all, an escape from the ordinary.
So, next time you’re in Vienna, put down the Sacher Torte for an hour, head to the 7th District, and say “Aloha” to the best Tiki experience in the city.
