Vienna Restaurant Tips by Joe_Puntoni

Restaurant Name: Cafe Leopold Hawelka

This is the famous Vienna coffeehouse. It is located in the 1.District and is today as it was when opened in 1936. This is one of the only (if not the only) coffeehouses in Vienna that still represents the tradition of the classic artists' coffeehouse which mainly existed until the beginning of the 2. world war. Leopold Hawelka still sits in the entrance and will find you a table, even though he is 94 years old. If you look close, you can see him in the back, left of the photo.


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Theme: Coffeehouse
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: less than US$10  » Currency Converter
Website: http://www.hawelka.com/

Restaurant Name: Cafe Westend

Cafe Westend is a traditional coffeehouse which is frequented by artists, students, journalists, creative types, as well as people simply waiting for a train in the nearby Westbahnhof. The cafe was established in 1895 and the decor seems 1950s/60s and has dark green chairs and benches, ornate chandeliers, and large windows. There is even a private room which is used by artists and political organisations for displays and talks. It can also be let out for events. The coffeehouse serves good food as well.


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Theme: Coffeehouse
Comparison: more expensive than average

Address: Mariahilferstraße 128
Directions: Across from Wien Westbahnhof

Restaurant Name: Cafe Central

Cafe Central is one of the most famous coffeehouses in Vienna. It was originally opened in 1876 and during its heyday was a meeting point for writers, politicians, and intellectuals. Viktor Adler, Theodor Herzl, Leon Trotsky, Josef Stalin are just some of the names that used this cafe at the start of the century. Adolf Hitler used to come into the cafe and try to sell his paintings before he was rejected by the art school. Peter Altenberg made it his favourite coffeehouse and his statue sits by the doorway. Cafe Central was closed in 1943 and didn't open again until 1982, although the restoration of the building wasn't completed until 1986.

Although the interior is beautiful and the coffeehouse is full of history, I didn't particularly fancy Cafe Central. It has become more of a tourist attraction than a real coffehouse and the prices and atmosphere reflect this. If you really want a good coffeehouse to hang out in, go to the Hawelka or Westend.


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Theme: Coffeehouse
Comparison: most expensive

Address: Herrengasse 14