Viennese Coffee House Culture: Elegance Personified

Hi! My name is Arne. Having spent years working as a barista I'm now on a mission to bring more good coffee to the people. To that end, my team and I provide you with a broad knowledge base on the subject of coffee.

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Of all the coffee cultures worldwide, Viennese coffee house culture stands out for its rich history and sheer elegance.

Of all the coffee cultures worldwide, Viennese coffee house culture stands out for its rich history and sheer elegance.

What do I mean by this?

Well, imagine a crisp fall morning in Vienna. The aroma of fresh-roasted coffee beans wafts through the air as you push open the heavy door of a centuries-old coffee house. The interior is Versailles-level elegant. The gentle clink of porcelain cups and rustle of newspapers create a soothing symphony. This is Viennese coffee culture.

Have I aroused your curiosity? Keep reading to learn more!

Overview: Viennese Coffee House Culture

Forget your trendy Italian espresso bars. Viennese coffee houses or, in the local lingo, kaffeehäuser are what other coffee houses wish they were. These elegant establishments have been intellectual, social and artistic hubs since the 17th century. In these revered spaces, Freud pondered the human psyche, Klimt dreamt up sensual art and Trotsky plotted revolution.

Arkadenhof Im Cafecentral Menschen Vienna

More than anything, Viennese coffee house culture is all about enjoying the moment. While we often default to a latte or americano, Austrians go for elaborate coffee creations. What’s more, the wait staff offers excellent service.

But Vienna’s coffee culture is not just about the coffee. These cafés serve as Vienna’s “third places,” literally living rooms outside the home. Patrons read newspapers and coffee house literature for hours at a time. Or, simply sit and watch the world go by.

To me, a coffee house in Vienna is a time capsule. It’s a reminder to slow down and appreciate the simple pleasures of life.

A Brief History of Coffee in Austria

In Austria, coffee is a way of life perfected over centuries. In fact, the history of coffee here began in the 1500s, during the first Ottoman siege. However, the brew didn’t take off until after the second siege of 1683. Long story short, it failed and the Turks high-tailed it out of Austria. But, as they retreated, they left behind sacks of coffee beans.

As it happens, Austrians had no idea what these were. But a Polish military officer, Jerzy Kulczycki, did. He’d spent time in Turkey and, with these gems, opened the first coffee house in Vienna. At first, he served Turkish-style coffee, but later adapted it with milk, cream and sugar to suit Viennese palates.

Fast forward a century, and Viennese coffee house culture was in full swing. Unfortunately, Napoleon’s continental blockade in the early 1800s affected Austria’s coffee industry. But by the 1900s, Vienna had fully recovered and perfected the art of coffee.

Austrian Coffee Today

Wiener Kaffee Kaffeespezialitaeten

Today, Austrian coffeehouse culture is so iconic that UNESCO has it on its Intangible Cultural Heritage list! The country doesn’t grow coffee – those Alpine hills aren’t exactly conducive. Still, Austria is a major player in the global coffee trade.

Viennese roasters source beans from, among other countries, Ethiopia, Colombia, Brazil and Indonesia. They particularly favor Arabica for its smooth, complex flavors. In addition, roasters pay special attention to sustainability and fair trade practices. In fact, many have direct-trade relationships with growers.

While we Americans often favor a dark, bold roast profile, Austrians prefer a lighter touch. Viennese roast hits that sweet spot between medium and dark. It’s enough to bring out the beans’ natural flavors without charring them to oblivion.

Austrian baristas also contribute to this iconic coffee culture. They use meticulous Japanese-level brewing that makes these beans shine. All this makes Austrian coffee truly special. It’s a tradition that has put Vienna on the coffee map.

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Notable Viennese Coffee Houses

Vienna is packed with traditional coffee houses, each one dripping with charm and history. This culture is very different from French, Portuguese and other European coffee cultures. Here’s a little taste of some must-visit spots if you ever find yourself in The City of Dreams:

Café Central

Entering Cafe Central is like walking back in time. Since 1876, it has been an intellectual hangout and social hub. Today, it’s famous for its delectable Austrian coffees and pastries. Plus, the piano music playing in the background. Talk about immaculate vibes!

Cafe Central Einblicke Schanigarten Vienna

Café Demel

Demel’s been around since – get this – 1786! It was once the official pastry shop of the Imperial Court, and let’s just say they haven’t lost their touch. This Viennese café is world-famous for its delicate Dobos torte and hand-crafted chocolates. Plus, they let you watch pastry chefs work their magic. Seriously cool!

Café Griensteidl

Founded in 1847, Café Griensteidl became the go-to joint for writers, poets and intellectuals. Interestingly, it was part of the Jung-Wien (Young Vienna) literary movement.

The original café, demolished in 1897, made a comeback decades later, reviving its elegant interior. The vibe is relaxed, but the history? That’s what makes this place a must-visit. Pair that with the excellent coffee and service, and you’re in for a real Viennese experience.

Café Hawelka

This Viennese coffee house is one for night owls. Leopold Hawelka and his wife Josefine opened the joint in 1939, and it quickly became the go-to spot for artists, writers and the bohemian crowd.

Crucially, Café Hawelka has that “lived-in” feel – worn leather chairs, wood-paneled walls and all the character that comes with decades of late-night chatter. It’s also famous for buchteln (plum jam-filled rolls). These literally keep people coming back!

Café Sacher

Sachertorte is an iconic Viennese chocolate cake and this is the place that put it on the map. The cafe, inextricably linked with the history of coffee in Austria, was founded in 1876 by Eduard Sacher. Incidentally, he was the son of the legendary Franz Sacher who invented this cake in 1832.

Today, this cafe, part of Hotel Sacher, is an elegant and iconic Viennese landmark. When you visit, try the original sachertorte. Anything less would be uncivilized.

Café Sacher Vienna Wien

Café Sperl

Established in 1880, Café Sperl has stayed pretty much unchanged. Its standout feature is its timeless charm – the grand chandeliers, wooden furniture and old pool tables all scream tradition.

The baristas and wait staff are also consummate pros and know their coffees, drinks and Viennese foods inside out. If you’re after that real-deal Viennese coffee house experience, Café Sperl should be on your list.

Café Schwarzenberg

Established in 1861, Café Schwarzenberg is one of Vienna’s oldest coffee houses. It has oodles of charm, with high ceilings, marble tables and polished wood that transports you back in time.

This café is popular for business meetings, with a refined yet welcoming vibe. If you’re looking for a place that balances luxury and old-world charm, Schwarzenberg delivers in spades.

Viennese Coffee Houses: What to Expect

Interior and Furnishings

Stepping into a Viennese coffee house is stepping into a whole other vibe. Think of it as a portal to the past where elaborate drinks, coffee and tea ruled.

Most coffee houses have high ceilings, vintage chandeliers and plush velvet seats, as well as marble tabletops and worn wooden furniture. The décor is, in effect, a well-preserved 1900s time capsule.

The Staff

The staff here? Pros through and through. These aren’t your average baristas, bartenders, chefs and service staff but folks who’ve perfected their craft for years. You’ll always find these waiters in uniform, with serious facial expressions, bow ties and aprons to boot.

Don’t be surprised if they give you a little sass – in the most respectful, charming way, of course! It’s all part of the experience, and ultimately, they’ll serve you with unmatched elegance.

Ordering and Etiquette

How do you navigate this caffeine-fueled wonderland like a true Viennese? Easy: follow the rules!

Viennese Coffee Ordering and Etiquette

Avoid marching up to the counter expecting Starbucks-style drive-thru-speed service. This isn’t the place for it. A formal waiter will glide over to your table. Then, they’ll wait patiently as you scan the menu.

If you have no idea what to order, trust me, you’ll get the help you need. Coffees come served on a small silver tray with a glass of water on the side. They’re meant for you to savor slowly, however long it takes.

Food

Coffee may be the star in Viennese coffee house culture, but food is a strong supporting act. Expect to indulge in delicate cakes and pastries like the famous sachertorte (a rich chocolate cake), apfelstrudel (apple strudel with spiced apples and raisins) or kaiserschmarrn (caramelized sugar pancake).

If you’re in the mood for something heartier, there’s always a selection of soups and warm meals. Austrian goulash, belegte brötchen (open-faced sandwiches) or Wiener schnitzel (breaded veal cutlet served with parsley potatoes) will do you nicely. Oh, and let’s not forget the ubiquitous water glass on the side.

A Selection of Viennese Coffee Drinks

Viennese coffee house culture is very different from our own and anything we might identify as the more familiar Italian coffee culture. So, you can bet your life you’re in for a unique taste experience.

Here are a few delicious Austrian coffee specialties to give you an idea of what to expect:

Kleiner/großer schwarzer

This coffee translates as “little black.” It’s the Austrian version of a single espresso but with a slightly longer extraction time, yielding 1.5-2 ounces (44-59 milliliters). A großer schwarzer is simply a larger version, something between a double espresso and an americano.

If you’re in the mood for something more elaborate, a similar coffee (a sort of latte macchiato), is the kleiner schale gold, an espresso with hot milk topped with foam.

Kleiner/großer brauner

This coffee translates to “little brown,” and is similar to large espresso with milk or cream. Served in a petite cup, the milk or cream is just enough to preserve its flavor. A großer brauner, “large brown,” is the same but in a bigger coffee cup.

Melange

One of Vienna’s most beloved coffee creations is the melange, a term borrowed from the French for “mix” or “blend.” Many consider it Vienna’s answer to the cappuccino. It consists of strong coffee, topped with hot, steamed milk and a dollop of foam, and typically comes in 5-6-ounce (148-177-milliliter) cappuccino glasses.

Melange Caffee Viennese Coffee

Einspänner

Einspänner means “one-horse carriage.” Legend has it that this striking coffee was popular among carriage drivers, hence its name. It very much resembles a large marocchino. 

Unlike many Viennese coffees, einspänner comes in a clear glass with a handle to showcase its striking contrasts. You can drink the coffee through the cream or stir it in; there’s no wrong way!

Kaffee Verkehrt

Kaffee verkehrt means “upside down.” It’s essentially the Viennese version of an Italian or Spanish latte but with a higher milk-to-coffee ratio. It starts with a base of two-thirds steamed milk, topped off with one-third strong coffee and, sometimes, a little foam. Typically, it comes in large latte cups.

Milchkaffe, not typically Austrian, is its closest equal. It most resembles that French classic, the cafe au lait.

Alcoholic Delights

Vienna has some delightful, boozy coffee creations. These are popular as indulgent early evening pick-me-ups or as after-dinner treats. Some popular choices include:

  • Fiaker: Double espresso, sugar, rum and whipped cream. A mazagran (not the Portuguese iced coffee version) is basically an iced fiaker.

  • Pharisäer: Strong coffee, rum and plenty of whipped cream. Fun fact: apparently people ordered it to disguise alcohol consumption from a strict local priest!

  • Maria Theresia: Strong coffee, orange liqueur, whipped cream and an orange zest garnish. Named for the famous 18th-century Habsburg empress.

  • Kaisermelange: “The Emperor’s blend.” Strong black coffee, raw egg yolk and honey, spiked with brandy or cognac. Vienna’s boozy take on our eggnog, but coffee-based.

Final Thoughts on Viennese Coffeehouse Culture

Viennese Coffeehouse Culture Interior

I hope you’ve enjoyed this whirlwind tour of Vienna’s legendary coffeehouse scene! From the marble table tops and elegant interiors to the one-of-a-kind brews and elaborate meals, Viennese coffee house culture is truly a feast for the senses. Once you’ve experienced it (as I have), it will live with you for a long time.

So, if you don’t plan on visiting Austria soon, why not take a page out of Vienna’s coffee culture? Get fancy, slow down and savor that coffee!

Have you experienced the magic of Viennese coffee house culture? Or do you have a local café that captures that same timeless vibe? I’d love to hear all about it! Share your favorite moments below!

Viennese Coffee House Culture FAQ

Viennese coffee houses are historic institutions that have informed Vienna’s cultural life for centuries. They serve elaborate coffees and meals and offer patrons elegant and refined interiors.

Vienna coffee houses are sophisticated and refined. They boast elegant interiors with classic decor and serve excellent coffees, and traditional Austrian meals, cakes and pastries.

Coffee houses in Vienna always serve coffee with a water glass on the side.

Viennese coffee uses a special medium-to-dark Viennese roast. Beans are roasted fresh for peak flavor and brewed meticulously. Coffee comes served in specific cups or glasses on a silver tray with a glass of water on the side.

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Arne Preuss

Hi! My name is Arne. Having spent years working as a barista I'm now on a mission to bring more good coffee to the people. To that end, my team and I provide you with a broad knowledge base on the subject of coffee.

More about Arne Preuss

Hi! My name is Arne. Having spent years working as a barista I'm now on a mission to bring more good coffee to the people. To that end, my team and I provide you with a broad knowledge base on the subject of coffee.

More about Arne Preuss

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