Well, to be fair, I also don't travel to meet other Austrians

There was actually one exception though.
On one island of Cap Verde is an Austrian guy who made the best Rum there.
Had to hike to the distillery for like 2h up a little mountain.

Sadly can't remember the name anymore...

But regarding your french friend, I'm with her. I can get drunk more cheap alone at home.
Visiting bars means to have other people around.
Sometimes those are just silent drink buddies, with which you drink in silence.
But usually some discussion about whatever comes up