You’ve probably already heard of the truly famous houses – and there are often long queues outside them. We’d rather show you the ones the Viennese sit in themselves.
Our favourite classics
Four houses where time has stood still in the loveliest way:
- Café Sperl (Gumpendorfer Straße, 6th district): wood panelling, a billiard table, the famous Sperl Torte – an embodiment of the Viennese coffee house since 1880.
- Café Jelinek (Otto-Bauer-Gasse, 6th district): small, creaky, with an iron stove and home-made Gugelhupf. A snug little insider tip, much loved by locals.
- Café Hawelka (Dorotheergasse, 1st district): the legendary artists’ café, dim and cult-status. In the evening, the famous Buchteln (sweet buns) come fresh from the kitchen.
- Café Prückel (by the Stubentor): 1950s charm rather than imperial splendour – wonderful for sitting, reading and people-watching for hours.
And right here in the west?
Around Hernals and the neighbouring districts, there are small, honest neighbourhood cafés with no tourist crush, too. Which ones are especially lovely right now, we’d rather tell you in person – just ask us when you arrive.
A quick word on ordering
So you feel right at home: a Melange is the Viennese answer to a cappuccino; a „Großer Brauner“ comes with a little milk; a „Verlängerter“ is lengthened with water; and an Einspänner is a mocha with lots of Schlagobers (that’s our word for whipped cream) in a glass. A glass of water is traditionally always served alongside. And don’t worry – nobody here will rush you.
Take your time, leaf through a newspaper, gaze out the window. That’s exactly what these houses are for. Here’s to a good Melange …
