Seemor

Gasthaus ElsnerA-Worth Trying

Name: Gasthaus Elsner
Address: Neumayrgasse 2, 1160 Wien, Austria, Wien, Austria
Rating: 4.7

Neumayrgasse 2, 1160 Wien, Austria · Austrian restaurant · 4.7/5 Google (1127 reviews)

Reservations · Takeout · Outdoor seating

Classic Viennese comfort food with generous portions and friendly, no-frills service at fair prices; cash only and occasional brusque interactions to note.

Why it gets an A- for overall quality

Gasthaus Elsner earns its A- grade through strong food quality anchored by crisp schnitzel and hearty traditional dishes, paired with reliable service attentiveness and fair value. Consistency shows occasional variation in temperature and seasoning, and the modest neighborhood setting lacks destination appeal, preventing grade A territory. This is authentic Viennese Beisl hospitality—unpretentious, generous, and worth seeking out for classic Austrian comfort.

Restaurant Summary

A cozy Viennese Beisl with warm, local energy, Gasthaus Elsner draws regulars and curious visitors for old-school hospitality and big plates. One diner summed it up: "It feels like the neighborhood spot where you settle in for comfort and a beer." Expect a no-frills room that fills up at dinner, cash on the table, and servers who keep things moving. The cooking leans traditional and hearty: crisp schnitzel, roast pork with dumpling and sauerkraut, and paprika-rich goulash. Portions are generous and pricing fair for Vienna, which is why so many call it a great value. Most visits are smooth and satisfying, though a few report lukewarm plates or brusque moments—very much the classic Beisl experience, not fine dining polish. Families are welcome, and there is a dedicated kids menu alongside easy wins like schnitzel and fries. Vegetarians have a couple of lifelines (fried Emmentaler, bread dumpling with egg), but vegan choices are scarce. Bring euros—cards are not accepted—and note water may be charged by the glass.

At a Glance

Generous portions and fair prices for classic Austrian dishes
Cozy neighborhood vibe with many locals
Cash only; no card payments
Occasional brusque service and temperature inconsistencies
Possible charge for tap water per glass

What Sets It Apart

classic_beisl_atmosphere
generous_portions_value
locals_favorite_setting

What People Love

Crispy, satisfying schnitzel
Hearty roast pork and goulash
Neighborhood authenticity away from tourist crowds
Fast service on most visits

Points of Concern

Cash-only policy can catch travelers off guard
Some reports of lukewarm plates and variable seasoning
A few guests experienced brusque or dismissive service during busy times
Review patterns are consistent with organic voices; however, experiences vary with crowd levels

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost€28-38 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Start with goulash soup (€5.20), then schnitzel (€15) and a mixed salad (€4) for classic balance
For kids, choose schnitzel with fries (€9.50) or hot dogs with fries (€7.00)
Vegetarians: fried Emmentaler (€14) or bread dumpling with egg (€13)

Perfect For

A hearty, traditional Austrian dinner
Casual groups seeking value and big portions
Travelers wanting a local, non-touristy spot
Families who need simple kid-friendly plates

Location Insights

Area: Residential, local-focused part of Ottakring with classic Beisl vibe; relaxed and unpretentious.

Safety: Generally safe with steady foot traffic; typical urban side-streets with adequate lighting.

Nearby: Near smaller parks and mixed housing; away from core tourist zones, reachable from Westbahnhof area.

OttakringOttakring is a lively, multicultural district in Vienna known for its authentic local atmosphere and traditional Viennese charm. The dining scene here includes traditional Austrian taverns, casual eateries, and increasingly trendy spots reflecting the area's evolving demographic.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday Tuesday11:00–22:00 Wednesday11:00–22:00 Thursday11:00–22:00 Friday11:00–22:00 Saturday Sunday

Available: Reservations, Takeout, Outdoor seating

View full analysis on Seemor →