Dunlin Bar: Bar of the Year Austria 2025!

Raise your glasses, Innsbruck! The Dunlin Bar has just been named “Bar of the Year Austria 2025” by Mixology, a magazine. For the first time in almost two decades, this prestigious title didn’t go to Vienna — but to Tyrol. Finally, Innsbruck is recognized for the bar scene and the rest of the world can know what Innsbruck locals have known all along! A well-deserved win that shines a light on Innsbruck’s growing reputation as a true bar hotspot.

Originally from Styria and raised on the Greek island of Mykonos, Kostas Karvounis  followed his heart to Innsbruck. With Dunlin, he finally fulfilled a long-held dream: a small, perfectly formed bar that reflects his passion and philosophy.  “The concept, the size, the crew — it’s exactly how I dreamed it,” he says. “It’s hard to wish for more right now. I’m just happy to keep doing what we are doing.” As employee Corina, who has been there since the beginning, sums it up, “Dunlin is elegant yet grounded.” Perfect for a city like Innsbruck! 

Dunlin opened its doors on June 5, 2020, right in the middle of the pandemic — a brave move that came with plenty of challenges. Owner Kostas told me, "The beginning was rough, opening during corona, we only had a few tables outside, and not much space for more.”
Then came another lockdown. But perseverance paid off. Over six years later, Dunlin has evolved into one of Austria’s most celebrated cocktail destinations — and the team couldn’t be prouder of how far they’ve come.

You could easily walk past Dunlin, but once inside, it’s clear why it stands out. The space is small and cozy, full of character and creativity. Behind the counter, Kostas and his team approach mixology like a culinary craft.

So why come to Dunlin for a cocktail? They are into fermentation, buying produce and working it to make concentrates, signature drinks, and bringing something special.  A culinary journey. Team member Corina explained “When a Gin & Tonic needs a slice of cucumber or a wedge of grapefruit it’s really wasteful. Now we make our own concentrated flavors and liquids, reducing waste while creating even more depth of flavor.” Their cocktails are unique, delicious and all around an experience.

Bar of the year is given out by Mixology, you can't register or nominate yourself there are hundreds of jurors of different backgrounds. The jurors vote on various categories to make a definitive top 10 list, the ‘long list’. One month later a ‘short list’ of the top 5 bars is released and the Bar of the Year is decided! 

Winning bar of the year was a pleasant surprise and unforgettable moment. The team went to the award ceremony in Berlin and seeing Dunlin on the big screen was an amazing and gratifying experience! All the hard work paid off! It’s not just a win for the team: “It’s fantastic for our bar, but for the region, it’s even bigger,” says Kostas. “Innsbruck has a super bar culture. You can’t and shouldn’t compare us to Vienna — it’s more important to look at what we’re building here in the region.”

Dunlin captures everything that makes Innsbruck’s evenings so special: creativity, warmth, elegant but grounded. If you’re planning a night out, make sure it’s on your must-visit list.

And while you’re exploring, check out more of Innsbruck’s bar highlights — from our Podcast on Rooftop Bars for sky-high inspiration to our earlier feature on Stage 12 Bar, another local favorite that helped shape the city’s cocktail culture.

Because one thing’s for sure: Innsbruck has no shortage of cool bars — and Dunlin is definitely one of them. Give them a follow on Instagram @dunlin.bar

Cover Photo : @Stefanos Miskovic