Café Hawelka

Really quaint and full of character. Amazing coffee and pastries without the crazy line ups. We loved the apple strudel that had the perfect sweetness, softness and warmth. Even the safer cake was quite good and moist with a light and fluffy whip cream. Great place to warm up after a long day walking around Vienna. Best thing is that it’s not as touristy and so no crazy line ups.

A hidden gem in the laneways hides this untouched diamond from the past. Walking through the front doors you can feel the history and wonder about the past. Quick service, great coffee and winter warmers. A beer after a long day. A must visit!

Delicious apfelstrudel!! We came for it for breakfast and we were definitely not disappointed! They served it hot, which made it only more mouthwatering and luscious; all the flavours were just melting in the mouth and creating this beautiful explosion of apples, cinnamon and breadcrumbs. Simple, but so inviting. We couldn’t resist of not getting a second slice of the magical pie. It is a bit expensive, but in my opinion, definitely worth the price for the quality and taste. The coffee, however, was nothing special; quite watery and not very coffee-taste. Next to this, my brother also got eggs&beacon, but the meal was too greasy and there wasn’t enough bread. The service was also not the best, because as we were paying the bill, we were already extra charged as a “tip”, but we never said to give one??? (we would’ve, but at least ask us if we want to give??). So, we found this quite rude from the waiter’s side. Regarding ambience, we sat outside, as it was more refreshing, but unfortunately there were some constructions and the noise was very annoying (of course, there couldn’t be done anything about it, I just think it would indeed be more enjoyed without it, especially as the area is quite nice). Inside the café though, is really eye-catching - interesting design, old-historic vibe, though a bit dark. Fascinating theme. In conclusion, even though we didn’t have the best experience, I can’t twist my soul that the apfelstrudel was not delectable and a must-try.

Classic Viennese cafe with rustic authentic interior and a cozy atmosphere where you feel you went back in time. The staff was dressed with suits, and they were quite serious, though friendly. The apple strudel and hot chocolate were yummy.

Authentic Viennese Cafe experience. From the classical cut service, to the environment passing through the menu itself. I sit outside since the Friday afternoon was calling for it. I had a Wiener Melange - which obviously was not specialty coffee, but it was more than decent. Served in a silver tray, as it has been done for many decades indeed, as Hawelka opened in 1945. The indulgement came in the form of "milchrahmstrudel", generously drowned in vanilla cream. Altogether worked out perfectly, and I really got to enjoy the atmosphere with a good coffee and dessert. I wanted to pay inside since I was expecting travelling back in time by stepping in, and it did not disappoint. You are 70 years back as soon as you open that door, which felt lovely. The service was kind every time, even with a considerably crowded venue. I can absolutely recommend visiting Hawelka if you are into Viennese Cafe culture. You want to visit it with a clear mindset though, expecting everything as old fashioned as it can get,..but still allowed to pay with card!

I love street food and discovering new places by chance and tasting foods you've never tried is priceless! like these excellent langos! delicious! we tried the one with bacon and the one with sour cream, bacon and cheese... delicious! we would have eaten 10 more!

We ate here twice after it was recommended during a walking tour of Vienna. The cafe is CASH ONLY so make sure you have some before coming in. There’s an ATM “Bankomat” which is a 2 minute walk and a €3.50 withdrawal fee. Staff were friendly, service was quick and no issues getting a seat. We had Apple strudel twice and was amazing the first time but had less flavour the second time. It’s a bit frustrating but that’s the risk with fresh food and ingredients they’re not all identical. We also tried their Sacher cake which was good. It’s a fair dense dryish cake but pairs nicely with the cream. The Frische Buchteln served only after 8pm were good but probably not worth making a special trip for but a nice novelty option if you’re there late. Hot chocolate was also really good and not too sweet.

We had coffee and cakes on a Monday morning here. It was an enjoyable experience and felt very authentic for Austrian cafe culture 🙂 🇦🇹 I had a coffee and apple strudel which was delicious, the cake was served warm and the apples were a nice consistency the pastry was buttery and perfect. The newspaper holders are cool and it’s feels like a chilled atmosphere to relax in. Reading other reviews on the service I would say just go in with an open mind and make an effort to speak some German. Remember you are in a different country so expect a different type of service.

Historic coffeehouse in Vienna that you'll probably find in tons of guidebooks and recommendations. They are so popular they definitely don't need to upkeep much, it feels like how it probably felt and looked when it first opened. Had a melange (basically Vienna's version of a cappucchino) and sachertorte, both were good. Cash only cafe located very close to St. Stephen's Cathedral. There is seating inside and outside, was able to walk-in!

Highly accredited place on guides but seems more like a tourist trap in Vienna (typical...) Coffee wasn't anything special nor were the desserts they were known for. The service was bad too. I can't say I'll ever want to go back it wasn't that welcoming of a spot.

Our tour guide recommended this place for coffee over the big well known places. The side street cafe was perfect for people watching. I loved the locals and tourists as well enjoying conversation, a smoke, or pastry. Tables are very close together outside. Inside is dark and has a feeling it's been there unchanged for years. The waitstaff is in no hurry to take your order or push you out... But when you are enjoying a delicious cup of coffee in Vienna why be in a hurry!!!

When in Vienna you must visit a coffeehouse and this is where I had researched to go. Service was friendly and they are in no rush to make you leave even after you are finished. We had coffees and the sachertorte which was yummy. It was not too sweet and went perfectly with the latte.

Went for a cappuccino and strudel and was not disappointed. The cafe has a great feeling inside with funny and nice servers. It has the authentic cafe charm compared to the new cafes in town.

If you want a very old fashioned typical Vienna coffeehouse experience this is an excellent choice. It's dark, the waiters are a bit gruff (almost rude at times), but this is the stereotypical Austrian server way. If you know this going in to the visit you'll probably enjoy it more. This used to be a very smoky place before the law changed a few years ago. They have the old fashioned wooden holders for newspapers. They have memorabilia about the founder. He used to sit at the door on a wobbly wooden stool but he has passed away. The coffee itself is good, not great. They only accept cash.

They don't have a menu. LMAO. So, read through the yelp recommendations if you want to know what to order in this traditional Austrian coffee house. Here was what we ordered but I am sure they offer way more selection than these. # mélange (mocca with foam) # kleiner brauner (austrian style espresso w/ milk) # sachertorte (austrian chocolate cake) # apple strudel I still crave their coffee as of today. It's the best. I don't remember how the food was. People just sit there reading old fashion newspapers, sipping coffee, and chatting for a long long time. I envy the lifestyle in Europe, especially in Vienna.

This is a historic atmospheric old Viennese cafe with tobacco stained walls, no nonsense waiters and THEY ONLY TAKE CASH. The menu is limited and you need to be prompt in knowing what you want. We got black coffee, a latte and a piece of warm apple strudel all of which were fine. As long as you have your wits about you and enjoy it for what it is, it should be enjoyable.

The ambiance of this place is worth the trip alone, it looks and feels like nothing in this place has changes since the 1930s. The cafe melange was delicious and the plum bread dessert was so good and a great late night treat after dinner. The area is bustling too so plenty to do around here. Enjoy.

True Austrian style café. My friend took me to this local joint. Waiters he suggested are suppose to be rude; service is suppose to be slow. It's very interesting as the culture of the service industry is very different than other parts of the western world. We enjoyed a night of conversations, with coffee and tea. It was a very authentic experience. I adore the décor. The ambience is reminiscent of old Europe. It felt as tho I was stepping back in time.

All good except the wait staff - a bit brash. Wishing themselves a good day first, rather than the client. Awkward humour...great coffee and pastries as you might expect in Vienna.

Lovely cafe tucked away in an alley off the busy pedestrian section of Vienna's old quarters. We simply wanted a traditional Viennese meal and our tour guide walked us by this spot earlier in the day. We luckily stumbled back upon it by accident and snagged the last table in a busy Friday night in April. The service was a little cold but seems like this was my experience everywhere in Vienna. The food was very good. Traditional Austrian sausage with sauerkraut and a potato side dish for me. Mom had the chicken cordon blue which was also fine. With a glass of Austrian Riesling and an apple strudel for dessert the total came out to about 36 euros. Overall a very decent dining experience although the ambiance beat the food.

Really frustrating experience at what should be a nice bar. We sat outside and ordered a coffee and an Aperol Spritz, and two pieces of cake. We had been in earlier in the week and glanced at menu prices on the board, which seemed pretty standard (3-4 euro for a piece of cake, for example), since there is no other menu. Service was slow but not actively rude until the very end. Food was OK but nothing special, and my spritz was both weak and small. We sat for a while and enjoyed the sunshine and finally asked for the bill. One of the "charming" things about this place is that they have no menus and no receipts/bills. I'm sure this works well for regulars, but totally screwed us over. The waiter said "oh, that's 17.80, service not included." I only had a 50, he gave me back 30 and said "thanks" and walked away. Far more than any tip would be in Vienna, for crappy service, and making up a total on the spot. Basically, charging about 10 euro for an Aperol Spritz, when the most I've seen anywhere else, including tourist trap locations, was 5, and usually it's more like 3.50-4.50. I really wouldn't recommend this place, they clearly take advantage of people who will only visit once or twice while visiting. I left feeling really frustrated and scammed.

Came here for coffee and we were not disappointed! The service was excellent and it was a mad house in there. The place is cramped but this just adds to the charm! I would highly recommend the melange and hot chocolate and be sure you are comfortable with close neighbors!!

I pretty sure you can't get anymore traditional than Cafe Hawelka. Dark, smoky-like (leftover from decades ago), cramped, we snuck a corner table in the back. Seating on somewhat unevenly and worn sofa, we ordered from an older gentleman in tuxedo like garb.** I'm sure that dude has stories. We drank our espressos with real Viennese sugar cubes and chatted with each other as well as our friendly neighbors. No to go orders here. This is a place where you come to spend hours exploring the likes of some subject 'til you can no longer. I can see why this place, opened since the late 1930's has been the social home to many an artist, philosopher, writer and Viennese thinker. I like European coffee houses, especially of the Viennese variety. ** This is wonderful and formal service. They will only bring a check upon asked.

Café Hawelka was definitely the most "old-timey" coffeehouse we visited. The inside is dark, and down-at-the-heels in a classic way. Tables and chairs (and everything else) are well worn from years and years of coffee sippers. We stopped because we wanted some lunch and weren't aware that Hawelka only did coffee and cake. The waiter clued us in and we were like "cake for lunch...okay, that's cool". So I ordered apfelstrudel, which was not too sweet and very delicious, aloing with hot chocolate. Hawelka's hot chocolate was really good but I liked Schwarzenberg's version better. My husband went with a mélange and plum donuts served with warm custard which he really loved. Because they've got a limited menu, you'll have your treats very quickly. Getting the bill might take some additional time and effort though - but cafes aren't really for those in a hurry. A few mentions on here of smoke - when we visited, the café seemed to be completely non-smoking. I don't know if that's a recent thing or if we managed to find the one time that no one was smoking, but I didn't smell any cigarettes at all.

"Traditional" cafe recommended to me by an Austrian friend. I sat outside to enjoy the late summer, but that meant I didn't get to stare a long time at the menu board inside, which seemed to have some things the paper menu didn't. Would recommend ducking in to check out the display case. The interior is dim and I can see it being a nice place to sit in the winter to read. The apple strudel was great though I don't see the hype about the melange. All in all a nice place to sit out and people watch, though. The waiters are a bit pushy about turnover so if you want to sit longer, make sure not to finish all your food at once...

Found the cafe Hawelka due to find a place to sit after a long walk and shop around old town Vien. Nice desert (strudel ) and coffee made the way. Place is small so we start talking with the people next table to us.

Had to wait for about twenty minutes at the table.. our order arrived five minutes later even before they had the time to actually clear the table of left overs from the previous customer.. unfortunately the waiter just had two hands and wasn't able to cope up with the surprisingly large footfall this place receives .. I would not rrc

A superb Czech cafe in the heart of the Tourist District. Let me go farther. A LIFEBOAT in the culinary morass of the Tourist District. Nearly every restaurant for about a kilometer and a half on every side is a tourist trap. Savagely overpriced freezer food for foreigners who don't know better. This is an honest place with a personality that serves great food. *** How small is the menu? The menu is so small - that there IS no menu. You ask the waiter what he's got and he tells you. There were two choices for dinner and three choices for dessert. *** But what choices! An absolutely magnificent boiled beef salad. Their take on boiled beef salad? Ban the lettuce. This is marinated boiled beef and lots of tiny filaments of green pepper and tiny filaments of onion. The mix is 2/3 meat, 1/3 tiny vegetable strips, 0/3 salad greens. Enough flavor to go to the moon. And a nice kaiser roll to sop up the dressing with afterwards. *** For dessert, a cream cheese strudel. A magnificent grown up pastry. It has powdered sugar on top but it is only slightly sweet. The cream cheese is cultured like a yogurt and intentionally sour. It is as rich as any cream cheese you have ever had. It is sweet, it is sour, it is heavy, it is light. I'm happy, I'm happy, I'm happy, I'm happy. *** Special kudos have to go out to the ambience. The garden had one third of the smokers in Vienna hanging out so we went inside. Inside is all wood panelling, wooden benches and art posters - totally run down. One third of everything needs maintenance. But somehow the place has a magnificent ratty charm - like an old comfortable bedroom slipper that belonged to your grandfather. There are pictures of Herr and Frau Hawelka who came from Czechoslovakia to found the cafe. The picture must date from the 1940's or 1950's and the Hawelkas were three hundred years old - even back then. This is an old fine cafe that captures an earlier classier era in the history of Vienna. If you don't fuss about your limited menu choices, you will have a meal and a dessert to remember.

I was told to try some desert here because it's one of the oldest bakeries in Vienna. Glad that I stopped by on my last day because it was delicious. Tastes like Hawaiian bread with some Apricot jam.

Café Hawelka has almost turned into a parody of itself. This famous café is more and more scarcely visited by the Viennese themselves - especially the artists who originally made it so famous. Tourists do find it - no doubt its central location helps. The waiters are 'Viennese grumpy' which is funny except when it's not. I recently took a few tourists here to try the Buchteln which Hawelka promotes but lo and behold these days one can only order Buchteln after 20:00 (8pm). Oh well - they still saw a famous old Vienna coffeehouse while eating some good apfelstrudel and Sachertorte, drinking some okay coffee and wine, and being served by a grumpy Viennese waiter.

Crowded, old fashioned and still very cozy place. Good coffee. Interesting interior.

I've only had the sacher torte at Oberlaa, Sacher Cafe, and here. So far, Cafe Hawelka wins easily. Really moist cake and icing, although a bit light on the apricot jam. Came in on a Sunday afternoon, and this place was PACKED. It's definitely full of tourists, but it's the kind of place where you go in, order, eat/drink, and leave immediately. My husband and I arrived the same time another couple came in, and I think we both averaged just 10-15 minutes from when we sat down to when we got up to leave. The waiters didn't rush us at all; it's just too packed to enjoy hanging out. The waiters were busy so I'm not sure if they normally seat you, but we just plucked the first free table that became available. As others have mentioned, there are no menus but we already knew what we wanted to it was fine. We didn't have to wait long for service, and our orders came really quickly. 13.50 Euros for a sacher torte, an espresso, and a Melange.

Cool cafe with nice sachertorte. It was recommended to me by a tour guide.

Went in to try the buchteln (sweet rolls) after dinner at Figmueller, so we were already stuffed. To be fair the sweet rolls were still delicious despite being full. But the lack of menu (except for a chalkboard) and mediocre service makes this a 3-star experience. For 5 rolls the price was €10 (so €2 per roll), which is high for what they are serving. It would probably have been a nice cafe to sit and drink a coffee for awhile, we visited late in the evening and it was not too busy, but too late for coffee.

This is THE place to really understand the Viennese true vibe. This place has been there for more than a century and is still being managed by the grandchildren of the founder. We met Michael, the most friendly and welcoming owner we ever met, who shared some stories and anecdotes about this lovely place. The coffee is perfect and the cakes are wonderful. We tired the cheese and apple strudel and the Éstherhazy cakes and each were the best we had in Vienna. This is a must when in Vienna.

Expect nothing: rude (but efficient) service, no menu (there is a hand scribbled in chalk menu on a blackboard on the wall inside the door on the left hand side), high prices and crowds (do not expect seating, first come first serve, etc.). Expect everything and the world: in the taste of coffee (try the Einspaenner, strong espresso with whipped cream on top) and a true no-frills coffeehouse experience. This is thankfully not a touristy, "customer-service-oriented" place. You will not prove that you're right to anyone here. Be patient, go with the flow, smile, observe, and get what your waiter suggests. Be civil, and polite with the (overworked) waiter. You will be rewarded with coffee and strudel that's out of this world. :)

Cafe Hawelka offers some very tasty coffee, some of the best I've had in Vienna (and I pride myself on being an English-writing and Yelping coffee connoisseur. A very specific distinction, I know.) Cafe Hawelka is both your typical Viennese YOTCH (Yea Olde Traditional Coffee House) and not your typical Viennese YOTCH, what a paradox! The ambiance is that of a tiny, smokey living room, with too much furniture and furniture that's too large for the room. (It reminded me of the description of the mistress's apartment in The Great Gatsby..) There's no menu you can peruse at your table, just a chalkboard when you first enter the cafe. I think you're expected to just order your coffee, and perhaps a pastry as well; if memory serves me correctly, there's a pastry display, which makes it easier for non-German-speakers, although I'm pretty sure most of the waitstaff speak a bit of English. If I were rating this place on my YOTCH scale, it would get a 5. However, since it's an atypical Viennese YOTCH (as far as I've encountered: the ambiance is different, the coffee is not only drinkable, but amazing..), it will be rated on the regular coffee house scale. That being said, on the regular coffee house scale (I know, I'm a very complicated Yelper), this place gets 4 stars for the sole reason that it's so damn expensive. Like seriously ridiculously expensive, y'all. It has great coffee, yes, but even Orlando di Castello (also in the First District, different but really cool/"hip" ambiance), has equally amazing coffee and you can get it considerably cheaper from the walk-up Italian bar (€2? €3?), or for around the same price (but a larger portion) at your table (€3,90ish).

Amazing experience. Walk into Cafe Hawelka and you are instantly transported back 70 years. Dark interior, wooden floors, aged furniture, it's all great. I absolutely loved the cappuccino I had here (sweet and potent perfection). The cake/breads that I tried were also perfect.

Dark, quiet and oh so Viennese, Cafe Hawelka should be on your list when you visit Vienna. There's no menu, you just have to remember to ask the waiter if you want something to eat. As it was our waitress left after we ordered coffee and we had to work to get her attention some time later to order some of those famous cakes to accompany them! Alas she didn't mention their Buchteln, but I overheard a waiter mentioning them to someone else so maybe none were available when we ordered. As it was I had Sachertorte and Mr had a strange, but delicious, warm cheesecake with apple and sponge at the bottom. Both were very good, as were the coffees. Hawelka comes highly recommended in most guides to Vienna, and deservedly so.

In Vienna to visit our son, so he took us here for coffee. Cool place, a little crowded. Flew half way around the world and met a couple at the table next to us from back home.

Awesome place not too far from St Stephens square but of a little side street. Very old and venerable, they've made their bones a long time ago! Amazing melange (like a cappuccino) and you must try their plum cake. We split a piece of this rich confection and nearly licked the plate it was so good. I don't like plums and yet this was one of my favorite desserts on our week plus in Europe.

A real Vienna institution. Smoke, dark lit coffee house which is always full and buzzing. Nice place to sit and chat with friends, stick your nose in a book or just watch the action inside. Lovely coffee. We ordered irish coffees to warm up a bit and it seemed like there was more irish than coffee! Great taste! Be warned though its not cheap so make your stop worthwhile by taking your time to enjoy!

It's located in a little alley right off of the main tourist strip. I love how the place exudes quaint coffee shop and I also enjoyed the history of this place. I would have never found this place if it weren't for a blog I was reading and I am glad I did. It was definitely warm and crowded the day we got there. The place is not particularly big so you have to grab an open table when you can and keep in mind it's quite cozy. The coffees and cake we ordered were good. The only thing that slightly irritated us was that our waiter was a little impatient. Also, he interrupted us to pay our bill telling us that his shift was ending but I think he was still there by the time we left! Regardless, I still think it's a charming reprieve from a very touristy part of Vienna and I think its worth a visit after sight seeing.

One of the best coffees we had in Austria, and I love the old school decor. It's in the middle of the busiest shopping areas, but if you go there in the middle of afternoon, it's so pleasant. Typical coffee & cake hours (4~5pm) is filled w/ tourists though.

I think I found my favorite cafe in Europe. I love people watching, and Cafe Hawelka is an excellent place to do so. I think I had 5 melanges there in 2 days and couldn't get enough. It's not terribly expensive either. I had their sausages as well as apricot, cheese, and apple strudels - all were good! I also hear their buchtelns are famous and made after an old secret recipe. I didn't really go inside - except to look at the menu, but I really like the decor! You can really feel that this place has a lot of history and has been around for a while.

Was a bit disappointing. The waiter did not care at all about the order. The place was crowded and the seating was cramped and uncomfortable. I know this is a historic place but neither the coffee and the pastry, nor the service felt inviting.

I found Hawelka by mistake. I entered and I immediately knew I had to stay a while. The atmosphere is very old-fashioned and fancy, trasporting you into mid 1920s. I guess time-traveling does work there. I just loved the interior design, which is very well thought out. The coffee or actually the cappuccino I had was very nice, although what I liked most about Hawelka was not the coffee nor the Strudel, but the personnel and the general atmosphere.

So you've been warned if you've already read a few of the reviews. There is no one at the door to seat you or your party. Walk around to look for an open seat but you're out of luck if the person behind you spots a seat before you and doesn't have the decency to give it to you. Once you sit, a server will come to you and expect you to know what you want. There is no menu so instead ask what is available. At that time, they had strudel and chocolate cake and coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. Yes, there are LOTS of tourists but what's a trip to Vienna without a coffee and a piece of strudel in an old cafe with typical servers in suits? Granted, I've had better strudel and coffee elsewhere. Go if you're nearby and it's not busy. Otherwise, skip it because the crowds of tourists will take away from the experience.

Plainly awesome. Went in the evening with friend

The best coffee i had in Vienna came from this place. I can't judge the authenticity of BuchteIn because it was the first and only BuchteIn i ate in my life. It was fluffy , warm and sweet. It went really well with coffee. There was no menu. Apparently, the menu is written somewhere on a chalk board. It was not a problem because our waiter was talkative and friendly. He told us what food and drinks they had. It stays open until 2 AM. What a great place for all insomniacs.... including me.

Came highly recommended by a friend who used to live in Vienna and did not disappoint. Old school, kind of grotty and run down, the walls are completely plastered with what appears to be years of posters layered on top of each othervery arty, but not in a hideous pretentious way. There might actually be a real artist languishing in soul searching agony beside you as you sip rich coffee and munch on delicious cake. Perfect for a late night snack attack.

This old and well-known coffee place is a good spot to stop by when walking through Vienna's city center. Just a turn from the one of shopping street - Graben, easy to locate but sometimes hard to find a seat inside. Outside seating available during summer. Coffee is brilliant, so are their cakes ;) thumb down just for the stuff, so arrogant :( anyway, coffee is a must when in Vienna ;)

A very old, no-frills, cafe that is centrally located in Vienna. The interior is nothing fancy, but hasn't been renovated for at least 40 years, so worth peeking your head in. Patio is great for people watching. Best to ask the staff what they recommend, as there is no menu. Coffee is excellent, although quite pricey.

Good coffee. Delicious apple strudel. The place has a lot of character and cosy booths for cuddling. Don't ask the waiter for a menu. They don't have one. He must hear that question a thousand times a day . Please spare him. They have coffee, tea and sweets. Tell him what you feel like and he'll recommend something.

My review is for the apple strudel. It is the best I have ever had in Vienna. It is very moist and not fall apart. Make sure you order this

Of course, it misses the wonderful Hawelka's, but the coffee is still wonderful and the atmosphere a joy. The waiters are classic. I will always love this place.

This sleepy little cafe is a rare gem. When I first walked in, my impression was it seemed dowdy and a little run down, but honestly that's the nice part about it. It's not pretentious, it's not assuming, it just has this air of acceptance regarding what kind of cafe it is, and it is the kind of cafe where you can sit down on the worn chairs and watch life pass you by while overhearing a bit of gossip. It has this wonderful atmosphere that makes you feel like you're cozying up in your bed to take a nap. Anyway enough about the atmosphere. I had the black tea and it was good. The service was also good. And as I already said, the atmosphere is unique and wonderful. I couldn't tell if they took cards, so I paid in cash. So I would definitely recommend taking cash with you.