Bar
Loos American Bar
A tiny cocktail bar designed by Adolf Loos in 1908, with mahogany, onyx, marble and mirrored walls that make the room seem far larger than it…
Porgy & Bess
Vienna's leading jazz club, in a historic basement venue on Riemergasse that has hosted variety, theatre and cinema since the early 20th century.
At a glance
- Type
- Jazz and music club
- Area
- Innere Stadt, Vienna, Austria
- Price
- $$ · Mid-range
- Official site
- porgy.at
Good to know
- Seated concerts
- Three stages
- Wheelchair spaces and lift
- Member card
- Bar food
Why we recommend it
Porgy & Bess is Vienna's best-known jazz club and one of the most respected in Europe. It presents concerts almost every night, from local musicians and young bands to established international names, and its programme ranges across contemporary and traditional jazz, improvised music and related styles. The club has three stages: the Main Stage, the smaller Strenge Kammer and a space called Public Domain.
The venue has a long history. The club occupies the basement of a building constructed in 1911 on Riemergasse, a quiet street in the old town, and that basement has been used for entertainment for more than a century. It hosted variety shows, theatre, revues and cinemas under a string of names, including a cinema that operated until 1991, before the space was bought for independent stages in the 1990s. Today the main hall is a comfortable concert room with a raised stage, good sightlines and a dedicated listening audience.
Concerts usually have reserved seating, and a ticket reserves a seat unless the event states otherwise, though the reservation is only held until the advertised start time. Doors usually open an hour before the show. Tickets can be bought online, by phone or at the box office, which opens daily from 16:00 to 22:00. Regulars can buy a member card that gives free admission to most concerts, and children up to 16 accompanied by an adult get in free. The bar, Andrew's, serves small dishes and cold drinks.
Porgy & Bess suits music lovers, couples and anyone who wants a night out with a more local, cultured feel. Coats, large bags and backpacks must be checked into the cloakroom, which is cash only. Photography and filming are not allowed without permission. The club has three wheelchair spaces and a lift; call ahead if you plan to bring a wheelchair.
Riemergasse is a short side street between Singerstraße and Wollzeile, a few minutes' walk from Stubentor station (U3) and Stephansplatz (U1, U3). The cathedral, the old lanes around the Franciscan church and the Stadtpark are all nearby, so it pairs well with an early dinner in the old town before the show.
Porgy & Bess FAQs
What kind of music does Porgy & Bess present?
Mainly jazz, from traditional to contemporary, along with improvised music and related styles.
How do I buy tickets?
Online at porgy.at, by phone on +43 1 512 88 11 or at the box office, open daily 16:00 to 22:00.
Are seats reserved?
Yes, a ticket normally reserves a seat, held until the advertised start time.
When do doors open?
Usually one hour before the concert starts.
Is Porgy & Bess accessible?
Yes, there are three wheelchair spaces and a lift. Call ahead if you plan to bring a wheelchair.
Can children attend?
Children up to 16 accompanied by an adult get free entry.
Is there food?
The bar, Andrew's, serves small dishes and cold drinks.
How do I get there?
Walk from Stubentor (U3) or Stephansplatz (U1, U3).