Schanigarten is the Austrian term for the outside tables set up on the sidewalk in front of a coffeehouse or other establishment. Originally, the term referred only to Viennese coffeehouses, but now the expression is used in other parts of Austria and for other types of establishments like bars and restaurants.
Unlike normal Gastgärten (guest areas), the customers actually sit on public property. The first authorization for a Schanigarten was given in 1750 to coffeehouse owner Gianni Tarroni.
The origins of the term are unknown. One thread of speculation believes it stems from Giannis Garten. Another popular tale involves a Schani, an apprentice boy to a waiter, who was told to "Put up the garden!" He then dutifully obeyed the order by carrying chairs, tables and flower boxes outside.
In order to operate a Schanigarten, an establishment needs an authorization, which is valid from March 1 to November 15. The Schanigarten is a very attractive proposition for the owners of an establishment as they only pay a very limited yearly fee of several euros per square meter to the municipality. Operations like ice cream stores can thereby effectively multiply their seating area on public property at minimal cost. An extreme example is the ice cream store Zanoni in the Vienna city center that extends its Schanigarten over three quarters of the adjacent public square and has set up glass separaters to prevent side walk users from crossing the privatized zone.
Furthermore, permissions are also granted to set up Schanigartens not on the sidewalk but on the actual driving lanes or parking lanes, reducing the number of available parking spaces.