Jeff H.
Yelp
Haas-Beisl is an old Viennese Beisl in the coolest part of the Margareten neighborhood. Without a doubt this establishment is extremely charming in appearance - both outside and inside. It is on the small side but that only adds to the charming atmosphere. The food here is very decent - think tasty classic Viennese and Austrian specialties. I was there recently because they had a special menu with a Pumpkin Cream soup, mixed salad, and a Tirolean Gröstl which I always like a lot. (By the way they also had as a decoration the largest pumpkin I have seen in Vienna this year.) There are lots of old fotos on the wall which are interesting to look at .... but be careful as we sat at a table underneath an old Rapid Vienna team photo which I never would have done if I had noticed it before sitting down. I felt like writing "Austria Wien Rules" underneath that foto, but I resisted the temptation as I didn't want to get thrown out before devouring the authentic Gröstl.
Now what are some of the negatives? Haas-Beisl certainly is a little bit too "Bieder" for any real hipster. Perhaps for some, it might be a little too smoky (I didn't think so but I'm not that vigilante about smoking like I know some people are). But to me, I think there is only one major negative - the service. This is a Beisl filled with Stammgäste (regulars) whom the wait staff all know and seem to treat pretty well but those same waiters can be pretty perfunctory and unsmiling to outsiders. If you are visiting Vienna and feel that you have somehow missed out on the "mürrisch Kellner" (grumpy waiter) treatment, dine here and there is a good chance you will experience it in live action!!