Le Bol: A little slice of heaven in Vienna

Tucked into a side street in the Inner Stadt, this lovely and busy french bistro is a great place for brunch (Google Map).

I've tried unsuccessfully on several occasions to get a table around lunch-time, and its nearly impossible without a reservation. A constant stream of people make their way through the entrance only to be disappointed by a lack of seating.

Regardless of the tight seating, the cuisine is both gourmet and affordable. A light chicken salad with goat cheese, or a tasty portion of quiche should do the trick. This is also probably the only place in Vienna you'll enjoy free bread at your table!

And for Vienna, you won't find this kind of service very often. Waiters were both polite and patient, and spoke English/French/German all with ease.

I'll definitely be going back, but by reservation only.

Our Favorite Local Hangout: 1516 Brewing Company

My friends and I often end up at 1516 (named after the year of the beer purity laws), whether it's for a birthday party or just a few drinks before hitting the town.

The helles Lager goes well with almost anything on the menu, and service is usually prompt but not always courteous. Actually it's the latter that keeps us coming back. We've gotten to know most of the staff, including the hilarious Irish barkeep who's known for prodding you into ordering another beer, or chides you for leaving too early.

While many patrons congregate downstairs under the huge plasma screens (which are nearly always tuned into football) we prefer the upstairs bar and candle-lit table scene.

Ex-pats will be comfortable drinking amongst the locals, and all the waiters speak or understand English (menus also come in both languages). Whether it's wings, an American-style burger, or a traditional Austrian dish, the menu offers plenty of gastronomic options.

Reservations recommended for groups of 4 or more after 8PM.

Eulennest Vinothek & Weinbar

Literally, "The Owl's Nest," this cozy wine bar off of Kaertnerstrasse is a wonderful place to escape the touristy town center.

Whether you come in with friends on a weeknight, have a special event and need a table to entertain, or just feel like putting back a few glasses of wine to unwind, this is as good a place as any to do it.

In addition to a fine and broad selection of wines to probe, patrons can also order from a charming menu of antipastos and pasta.

TIP: An aromatic cheese plate goes very well with the Weiss Landwein.

Might as well order up a nice bottle of wine for a special occasion to take with you as well!

Reservations suggested for a larger table, or even smaller parties after 7:00PM.

Wein und Wasser: Vienna's Charming Wine Cellar

Located in on an unassuming block, this little wine bar is a wonderful surprise waiting for you just below the street-level (Google Map).

Exposed brickwork greets you throughout the casually-lit cellar atmosphere. A bottle is the best value, but don't expect any Zinfandels!

Settle in for the evening with your second bottle, order a delicious antipasto tray drenched in olive oil, and complete with bread fresh from a local bakery. If you're celebrating something great, ask for the cigar menu--the offering is a page long, ranging from individual cigarillos to packs of a few larger stogies.

Oh, and at the end of the evening, don't be shy about calling for the check!

Best Mexican in Vienna: Jalisco

A friend recently asked for restaurant recommendations from a Mexican colleague working in Vienna. As all of us are big fans of food from south of the border, we thought we'd check out a few places on the list; so far, we haven't gotten past the first: Jalisco!

Located in Vienna's 4th District (Favoritenstraße 58), this little restaurant is a must for anyone looking for the real deal.  Authentic is an understatement.  We usually like to drop in right after 6PM, for Happy Hour (half price cocktails), which runs everyday.  

The colorful and welcoming atmosphere is sure to remind you of your favorite Mexican restaurant.  Don't be fooled by the place's location outside downtown, or the lackluster exterior: the food, cocktails, and atmosphere inside more than make up for a few minutes on the u-bahn.

If you're like me, perhaps you get stuck in a rut at Mexican restaurants, and are especially wedded to one dish.  A friend from Texas recently put it bluntly, however: try everything on the menu--it's only going to be a slight variation of the same basic thing.  

While I agree with that sentiment, I'll stick with the crunchy texture of Jalisco's deep-fried chicken flautas.

For you chips and salsa types--expect to pay a few Euros for the pleasure.  If you're accustomed to such freebies, get over it.

Service: A

Food: A+

Value: A-