The “day drinking” trend is taking root in Vienna (in combo with typically Italian snacks): here is the new cocktail bar that opens as early as 11 a.m., giving patrons more flexibility to enjoy their cocktails.
Cover photo: Thomas Schauer
The bar
Vienna is set to welcome a new trend in the art of drinking with the opening of Alexandra, a day-drinking bar. What is it all about? Located in the heart of the city, specifically at Seilergasse 14, just a few steps from Stephansplatz, this cocktail bar offers its drinking list not in the evening but as early as the morning. The protagonists of this revolution, Rolling Pin reports, are Roberto and Alexandra Pavlović-Hariwijadi, already known for Roberto Bars, which had closed its doors in early 2024 due to bankruptcy. But, as they say, from the ashes comes a new opportunity, and so the two entrepreneurs decided to start again with an innovative and fresh concept, in a setting inspired by the Italian dolce vita.
The name of the new bar pays tribute to its co-founder, Alexandra, and the place itself is an ode to the pleasure of daytime drinking, a trend that is gaining momentum among young professionals and early drinkers. Opening from 11 a.m., Alexandra aims to recreate the typical atmosphere of Italian bars, where drinking is never a hurried act, but a moment of relaxation and conviviality. “I worked in the fashion industry for almost 20 years and spent a lot of time in Milan and Paris. I always liked the fact that you could meet for a drink and at the same time have a snack in the middle of the day, very easily and quickly. I simply realized that this offer was missing in Vienna. At the moment, new scenarios are opening up on the mixology front, but basically there is almost nothing for the day. Everything starts at 5 p.m., and I want to offer exactly the opposite, “ Alessandra confesses to GastroNews.
On the menu are not only impeccable drinks, but also a selection of Italian delicacies to pair with them, perfect to accompany an all-day-long aperitivo spread. Simple, flavorful cuisine that enhances Mediterranean flavors, under the banner of a culinary tradition that never goes out of style. Alexandra's interior design combines the understated elegance of the previous French venue, the Bon Vivant, with the warm welcome typical of the Italian bar. The décor, partly inherited from the French bistro that once occupied the space, gives the bar a touch of timeless sophistication, yet maintains an intimate and inviting atmosphere.
Although the central idea is day-drinking, Alexandra also transforms into a haven for those who like to enjoy the evening until late. Its doors remain open until 1 a.m., thus offering an experience that combines the pleasure of an afternoon aperitif with the desire to extend the evening in a sophisticated and relaxed environment. With this new opening, Roberto and Alexandra Pavlović - Hariwijadi not only make a triumphant return to the Viennese gastronomic scene, but also usher in a new era for “early bird” drink trends. Alexandra is destined to become a new landmark for lovers of good food and drink in one of Europe's most fascinating capitals.
