Why Are Coffee Houses Such an Important Part of Social Life in Vienna?
Just as Americans might catch up with one another after work or on the weekend with a cocktail, glass of wine or beer at a pub, the Viennese do the same over a cup of coffee at a coffee house. However, unlike similar establishments in other countries, coffee houses in Vienna are more common, larger and far more active.
Though traditional coffee house throughout the world are often most popular in the morning, those in Vienna are busy throughout the entire day and most particularly at night. These trendy cafés act as locations where the locals can meet and catch up on current events or the lives of their friends and family members.
Coffee houses in Vienna are often one of two different kinds. A traditional coffee house is more formal and you’d find in these establishments that your espresso or cappuccino is served in fine china on a nice silver platter. Here, it is common for your coffee to be served with a glass of ice water, which is refilled throughout constantly by a friendly staff, no matter how long you stay. Less traditional, more laid back coffee houses are similar to pastry shops or bakeries, where one might stop in for a sweet treat and a cup of joe.
As the coffee houses in Vienna are a lot more formal, you can count on a more impressive menu as well. You won’t find the kinds of coffee one might pick up to go from a Starbucks in this city. A range of selections is available and coffee is not often the only thing on the menu. Guests can enjoy alcohol coffee-related drinks, pastries, desserts and other beverages as well.
The tradition of Viennese coffee houses dates back to the early 19th century, when writers would be found sitting for hours over a cup of warm coffee as they toiled over their latest works. Today, coffee houses in Vienna still offer an intellectual atmosphere and it’s not uncommon for people to meet up to discuss books, politics and current events or to sit alone in a coffee house all day reading a book or the newspapers.
However, as coffee houses gained popularity in the city, they also became more trendy and geared towards youthful crowds, who prefer the coffee house to the pub. At any given moment, one can find a range of entertainment in Vienna coffee houses, from musical talent and poetry readings to theatrical productions. During the summer, almost every coffee house in Vienna has an outdoor café section, where guests can enjoy their drinks on a patio into the night.
Tags: Vienna
Email this to a friend
