CafƩ Sperl is a historic and iconic coffeehouse in Vienna. It is renowned for its rich history, traditional Viennese coffee culture, and charming ambiance. Like other traditional Viennese coffeehouses, it offers a variety of items on its menu, including coffee, tea, pastries, light snacks, and full Viennese cuisines.
The coffee they serve is reason alone to visit. But if a friend is someone who enjoys history, I bring him or her here, too.
ĀFrom CafĆ© Sperlās menu, you can also enjoy delicious pastries and cakes, including Sachertorte, Apfelstrudel, and Topfenschnitte to accompany your coffee.
Table of Contents
History
CafƩ Sperl was established in 1880 by Eduard and Ignaz Sperl. It quickly became a popular gathering place for intellectuals, artists, writers, and musicians during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Many famous figures, including Peter Altenberg and Arthur Schnitzler, frequented the cafƩ.
Architectural Charm
The cafĆ© has retained its original 19th-century charm with its elegant interior design. The decor features ornate wood paneling, marble-topped tables, chandeliers, and plush seating. The cafĆ©ās timeless atmosphere transports visitors back in time to the heyday of Viennaās coffeehouse culture.
Coffee and Pastries
CafƩ Sperl is known for serving some of the finest coffee in Vienna. It offers a variety of traditional Viennese coffee specialties, such as EinspƤnner (a black coffee with whipped cream), Melange (similar to a cappuccino), and Wiener Eiskaffee (Viennese iced coffee).
1. Coffee: Cafe Sperl typically serves a wide range of coffee options, including Viennese coffee, espresso, cappuccino, and other coffee-based beverages with Baileyās Latte probably the most unique ā I havenāt seen this in other cafĆ©s.
2. Tea: They usually offer a selection of teas, both traditional and herbal, with the option for milk or lemon.
3. Pastries: You can expect to find a variety of classic Viennese pastries, such as Sachertorte (chocolate cake with apricot jam), Apfelstrudel (apple strudel), Linzer Torte, and other sweet treats.
4. Cakes and Tortes: In addition to pastries, they often serve cakes and tortes, which may vary seasonally. They also serve a delightful flourless cake, the Sperl Schnitte. For gluten-free diets, this is the perfect dessert.
5. Sandwiches and Light Snacks: Like some of Viennese coffeehouses, the cafƩ also offer light savory snacks, such as sandwiches, sausages, quiches, and soups. The truffle fries is a must-try!
6. Beverages: Alongside coffee and tea, they usually serve other beverages like hot chocolate, soft drinks, and a selection of alcoholic drinks, including wine and beer.
7. Breakfast and Brunch: CafĆ© Sperl offer breakfast and brunch options with everything eggs, croissants, cheese, ham,Ā breads, and other morning items. For 10,50ā¬, you can get the Sperl breakfast, consisted of a pot of coffee, tea or hot chocolate, 2 rolls, butter, apricot jam, or strawberry jam, or homemade raspberry jam.
Viennese Cuisine
CafĆ© Sperlās Main courses are somehow cheaper than those that weāve featured before. A plateful of Schinkenfleckerl, Salat (pasta with ham, salad) costs 8,60ā¬ and seems like the plate isnāt getting empty! Their Wienerschnitzel mit Salat (āWienerschnitzelā ā fried turkey or pork- with salad) and TafelspitzĀ (boiled beef served with spinach, roasted potatoes, chive sauce, apple horseradish) are also relatively priced.
They also cater to the preferences of vegetarians. Their vegetarian highlight menu is the āSPERLā Fitness Salat, which is a salad plate with lots of healthy greens, mozzarella or smoked salmon.
Cultural Hub
Throughout its history, CafĆ© Sperl has been a hub for Viennaās cultural elite. It has been a source of inspiration for many artists and writers, making it a place of creativity and intellectual exchange.
One of the most famous artists who was known to visit CafƩ Sperl was the Austrian painter Gustav Klimt. Klimt was a prominent figure in the Viennese art scene during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was a key member of the Vienna Secession movement.
Klimt and other members of the Vienna Secession were known to gather in Viennese coffeehouses like CafĆ© Sperl to discuss art, philosophy, and cultural matters. CafĆ© Sperlās historic and artistic ambiance made it a fitting location for such meetings, and it became associated with the intellectual and artistic life of Vienna during that period.
Relaxed Atmosphere
CafƩ Sperl offers a relaxed and unhurried environment where patrons can linger for hours over their coffee and conversation. It is a perfect place to read a book, work on a project, or simply enjoy the company of friends. You can even play a round of pool with friends if you have time to pass.
Location
CafƩ Sperl is situated in the Mariahilf district of Vienna, making it easily accessible to both tourists and locals. Its central location makes it a convenient stop for those exploring the city. You can walk from many train and tram stations to its location.
Cultural Heritage
Viennaās coffeehouses, including CafĆ© Sperl, are recognized as a part of Austriaās cultural heritage. They are often seen as places to savor the essence of Viennese life, engage in intellectual discourse, and enjoy the cityās culinary traditions.
In Popular Culture
CafĆ© Sperl was featured in the movie āBefore Sunrise.ā It serves as one of the key locations where the main characters, Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and CĆ©line (Julie Delpy), spent time together and engaged in deep conversations.
The cafƩ provided a cozy and intimate setting for their discussions on life, love, and various philosophical topics.
CafĆ© Sperlās classic Viennese coffeehouse ambiance, with its elegant interior, traditional coffee, and pastries, added to the charm of the filmās scenes set in the cafĆ©.
The use of CafĆ© Sperl in āBefore Sunriseā not only contributed to the movieās romantic and intellectual atmosphere but also showcased the authentic Viennese coffeehouse culture that is an integral part of the cityās identity.
CafĆ© Sperl remains a beloved institution in Vienna, offering visitors a chance to experience the cityās coffeehouse culture in an authentic and historic setting. It continues to be a cherished destination for coffee enthusiasts and those seeking a taste of Viennaās rich cultural past.
āā
Cafe Sperl
Gumpendorfer Strasse 11, 1060
How to Get to CafƩ Sperl By Public Transport:
Subway (U-Bahn): Take the U4 line to the āKettenbrĆ¼ckengasseā station. Go up the street called Stiegengasse then turn left at Gumpendorferstrasse. Start from Gumpendorferstrasse 39 until number 11, you wonāt miss the ocher yellow building.
Tram: Alternatively, you can take tram line 1 to the āPaulanergasseā station or tram line 62 to the āGumpendorfer Str./Theobaldgasseā station. Both tram stations are within walking distance of Cafe Sperl.
On Foot: Once you arrive in the vicinity of Cafe Sperl, you can walk to the cafe. It is very near the Naschmarkt (U4), but you have to walk up a little. Going down from the Museumsquartier (U3) train station is also a good way to go.
By Car: If you are driving, you can use a GPS navigation system or a maps app to guide you to the address. Please note that parking may be limited in this area, so itās advisable to check for nearby parking facilities.
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Karen says
I love Vienna and am looking forward to trying out Cafe Sperl next time I am there! Looks like a great little spot.
admin says
Yes, and also make that photo like Ethan Hawke and Julie Delphy with your special someone. š
Amber Myers says
I can see why this is a favorite spot. It looks like a wonderful coffeehouse. Iād be a fan!
admin says
Itās very community-oriented ā friends always come by to meet up!
Brandy at Reeblog says
I love the idea of traveling to new places. You really shared a lot of good things here, I am sure no one will leave without having a fabulous time because of your guide!
Marysa says
We are hoping to make it to Vienna next summer. Iāll have to make a list of this and all the other great places you have listed!
admin says
Yes, reserve as early as two weeks at the cafes, especially Cafe Central, always fully-booked! š
Tara Pittman says
This place has a good variety of food. It would be a great place to go for brunch.
Monidipa Dutta says
Your delightful post captures the essence of the beloved coffeehouse spot. A warm, engaging read that truly brings out the charm of this place. Looking forward to more from you!
Lavanda Michelle says
As a mom, itās not always easy to find moments of leisure, but reading about this historic and iconic coffeehouse made me dream of a visit. Your vivid descriptions of the charming ambiance, rich Viennese coffee culture, and delightful menu had me captivated. The fact that CafĆ© Sperl was a hub for intellectuals, artists, and writers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries added a layer of historical charm to the story.
LisaLisa says
Looks like a great place to sit back and enjoy a cup of coffee and a few good pastries!
MELANIE E says
Cafe Sperl sounds like the perfect coffee house to visit when in Vienna. It sounds like it is not only beautifully decorated but also well located making it easy to get to. I love that they have such a varied menu. Iād be popping in for coffee and a cake.
Rosey says
I love to visit different coffee shops around the world. I think my favorite so far has been one Hemmingway loved to write in.
Shami says
Charming atmosphere, delicious pastries, and rich historyāCafĆ© Sperl is a must-visit!
laura says
It looks like a wonderful place to sit down and have some coffee. If I was an coffee drink these are the kind of place I love to go. thanks for sharing.
Claudia Krusch says
I love that the place has a great variety of food. Everything looks amazing! It looks like a great place to go for brunch as well.
Beautiful Touches says
The interior is lovely and the drinks as well as treats looked delicious! Itās no wonder the place is a favorite!
Richelle Escat says
This looks like an interesting place. I will love to visit it!
Christy G says
This looks like a great coffee shop. Iād love to get some iced coffee to drink while I work. Itās been a while since Iāve been to the coffee shop.
Zab Zaria says
That place really looks like a haven of relaxation! Thank you so much for sharing this cafe
Gervin Khan says
Wow! That sounds like a great place to visit and to eat delicious food!