We returned to Matiki, Vienna’s tiki bar, with high expectations after last year’s outstanding experience. Located in the Spittleberg neighborhood, we arrived a little before opening and found a really great neighborhood Christmas Market nearby. Once Matiki opened there were several groups coming in behind us over the next twenty minutes.
The interior remains clean and modern with some display tikis but without traditional thatch and tapa cloth. The music on our visit was a really great set of early 70s soul that cohesively transported us and kept the energy in the room. Arik was serving as host and bartender and did a wonderful job getting and making drink orders.
I was impressed by the Mai Tai last year so much it made our Top 10 of 2024, and this one hit almost as good and is currently ranked at 14 for this year. I was interested in the Hibiscus Punch that is listed as including “dark rum.” I asked what the dark rum was and was told it was Planteray (no surprise) and asked if they could use Smith & Cross instead. Arik said it was not a problem and it came out so well, with the Jamaican rum working perfectly with the Averna and Hibiscus syrup – I was really amazed by this cocktail.
Mrs. Mai Tai’s drinks were the same as last time, the Humuhumukunukuapua’a and Tutti Flirty, and both were stellar. Both are nicely presented in mugs, including the little note for those looking to get flirty. Both cocktails were very well balanced and approachable for the tiki newbies who make up a large portion of Matiki’s clientele.
Feeling great with the drinks so far, we went off script for some highballs in the last round. I loved the Corona Amorosa made with the beer and with fresh Maracuja (passion fruit), and Mrs. Mai Tai’s Busty Betty with Bourbon, Strawberry syrup, and home-made Gingerbeer was just as stellar.
Matiki was one of the best cocktail experiences we’ve ever had at a tiki bar.
