When the bartender at a 5-star hotel refers you to another bar, you know that it must be something…read morespecial. That's how I came upon Nightfly's. While staying at the Le Meridien, I wandered into the hotel's bar and asked for a Sazerac, and the bartender got a wistful look and smile and said that he didn't have all the makings of it, but he knew where I could go to find a true cocktail lounge.
I wandered in on a cold and rainy night, and sat down at the bar. I asked the bartender if he had absinthe for a Sazerac, and told him about Silver Bar and Keita. He had a chuckle, and said that he knew Keita and respected his opinion, but that he made all the classics. As there were only a few other patrons, we had a chance to speak at length, and I soon learned that the bartender was actually Gerhard, the owner. For nearly 24 years, Gerhard has run this small temple to mixology, and he has stocked it with the finest of what the world has to offer. In particular the rums and whisk(e)ys span the world and the decades, with vintages I've never seen before (like a 25-year old Edmund Dantes Havana Club). In terms of variety, Nightfly's is maybe second only to The Brandy Library in New York City, but in a much more intimate environment.
The space is dark and feels like you're walking into someone's den or study. The bar itself is underground, and the staircase leading you in is lined with boxes and bottles of glorious spirits that have been enjoyed by prior guests. The main seating area will be right in front of you, with small tables perfect for couples or small groups. To the right is the small bar, with room enough for 6 or so, and just past the bar is a sealed non-smoking room. Yup - Nightfly's is smoker-friendly, and you can either bring your own cigarettes, cigars, vape, or select from Gerhard's great stock of cigars for sale.
If you sit at the bar, you can enjoy both Gerhard's company as well as watch the man at work. Each drink is made precisely, and will be mixed while the glass in which it is served is cooled down with ice cubes that are carefully drained so that you're never getting excess water in your cocktail. After each drink is made, Gerhard hands his tools off to his talented apprentice, who serves as both waiter in the main room as well as barback. Each shaker, blender, and stirrer is cleaned within minutes of being used behind the bar, and prepared for the next round. It's fast, efficient, and a marvel to watch.
In my few days in Vienna, I managed to make it here twice regretting only that it could not be more. If you only have one evening for a well-made cocktail or top-shelf whisk(e)y or rum, Nightfly's is where you should go. If you actually live in Vienna, well then I can only congratulate you for being so fortunate as to come here whenever you wish. I wish Gerhard many more years behind the bar, and look forward to enjoying his craft again next time I'm in Vienna.
