So much for not reviewing coffee houses: I just can't stay away. In my quest to visit as many traditional Viennese cafés as possible during my stay, we went to the venerable Café Hofburg, located in the middle of the very impressive Hofburg (Imperial Palace). It sits on a gorgeous, very large inside patio, which makes for fantastic outdoor seating in the summer. On this rainy and chilly day, we took refuge inside.Just a warning: sure, it's pricey. The coffee will run you 4.20 Euro (yes, on a silver tray, and this is per cup, not unlimited refills) and the same for the delectable slices of hard-to-beat Viennese cake art. For the same price, you could probably have brunch at Simon's in Vegas -- but this is so much better. The café has strange opening hours, as it's connected to the well-known Sisi museum, and closes at 6 p.m. in the winter, so come early.
The place is chic and very Viennese (comfortable tables, large windows, chandeliers, waiters in tuxedoes, painfully restored antique furniture) and service is unexpectedly friendly. If you are looking for a for-sure bet that is worth the many calories, this is your place, as the café gets its pastries from the capital's finest culinary outposts: Landtmann. You will never be able to eat a cake from Albertson's (or Costco, or even Freed's) again.
Café Hofburg (German only)
Open every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
1010 Vienna, First District
Inside the Imperial Palace (inside patio)
Phone: 01/24100-0
--By Judy Jenner
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