The Chapel Vienna

Reminiscent of the original speakeasy bars of the Lower Eastside in New York I recently visited the relatively new bar near Westbahnhof. Just steps away from the Mariahilferstraße, the area of Rudolfsheim-Fünfhaus (15. district) certainly evokes a familiar flair: A somewhat shady past and a recent gentrification lead by the city-IKEA and new hip bars, coffee shops, and restaurants make a trip worth-while.

It's easy to miss the entrance and that is a part of the experience. I won't give away too much, but you first need to pass through a restaurant's back door and turn a painting the right way before you end up in the confessional. This is where the scent of incense confirms you finally found the bar of the hour. An intimate and buzzing place of exquisite taste, great service staff, and delicious cocktails. You need to order 2 weeks in advance to get a table. Or you behave, pray, and be gutsy. As they say: Bad girls go to heaven.