Mehlspeisen is the national term for cakes and puddings, all of which are wonderfully appetising. There are more than 57 varieties of Torte , which are often consumed with coffee at around 1500. Obstler is a drink found in most German-speaking countries, and is made by distilling various fruits. It is usually very strong, and widely drunk as it is cheap and well flavoured. Most bars or coffee houses have waiter service and bills are settled with the arrival of drinks.
All restaurants have waiter service.
Most coffee houses and bars serve wine as well as soft drinks and beers. High-quality goods such as handbags, glassware, chinaware and winter sports equipment represent the cream of specialist items found in Austria. Some shops are open until 1930 on Thursday and on Saturday opening hours extend until 1700. The Austrians believe in 'early to bed and early to rise' and consequently Austrian nightlife is relatively quiet and civilised. There are casinos and nightclubs in all of the bigger cities and tourist resorts.