„Waking up to a tasty breakfast is like unlocking a new level of happiness“; Cafe Drechsler
Last weekend was one of those days I look forward to every month. My best friend and I have developed a little tradition: once a month, we head out together to try new brunch spots in Vienna. New cafés, new cuisine, new vibes. You could say we’re pretty well-versed in checking out breakfast and brunch locations by now. This time, one place on our list was one I’d been curious about for a long time: Café Drechsler.
And I can tell you right now – this brunch had it all. Great drinks, great food, a really vibrant atmosphere, and exactly the kind of Viennese coffeehouse feeling you crave on a weekend.
From the outside, Cafe Drechsler seems almost a bit understated. Sure, the large gold lettering on the facade catches the eye – but overall, the place doesn’t have that loud, over-the-top Instagram look of so many new spots. It seems to say more like: „Anyone who knows me will come anyway.“ And I really like this mix of understatement and confidence. When we arrived, it was already quite busy. People were standing outside, others were waiting for their seats, and inside, you could see the typical weekend bustle through the windows.
At that moment, I just thought:
Thank goodness I made a reservation. Because as soon as we walked in, it was immediately clear – Cafe Drechsler was completely booked. Every table was occupied, and there was conversation, laughter, and movement everywhere. And quite honestly: That’s always a good sign for me.
Viennese coffee house
meets modern design
The moment you step inside, you immediately sense the special atmosphere of Café Drechsler. That typical Viennese coffeehouse charm is in the air. People are talking everywhere. The smell of coffee fills the air. The waiters and waitresses move briskly between the tables. There’s a touch of chaos that somehow works perfectly. At the same time, the interior feels surprisingly modern. What I particularly liked was the combination of classic elements and fresh, modern details. The old white arches in the room lend the space a historical, almost elegant feel.
And then there are the colorful wallpapers and pictures that instantly bring color and life to the space. I would describe the design as refreshingly chic. Not overly stylish. Not artificial. Simply cool.
In addition, there are cozy seating areas and small alcoves where you can retreat from the hustle and bustle. Especially when the café is as crowded as it was this weekend, these little havens are invaluable. Very cute, very relaxed – exactly the kind of place where you want to linger. And that’s precisely what Cafe Drechsler is perfect for.
While we were sitting there, I noticed something I particularly love about Viennese cafés: they have their own unique dynamic. People come in, others go out. People read newspapers, hold meetings, celebrate birthdays, or simply drink cappuccinos. At Cafe Drechsler, you also had this feeling of being part of a small urban microcosm. Next to us sat a couple who were obviously enjoying their first coffee of the day. At the table behind them, a group of friends were discussing travel plans. And somewhere at the other end of the room, someone was laughing so loudly that suddenly several tables joined in.
It was lively. And incredibly cozy at the same time. That’s exactly what makes cafe drechsler so special.
Drinks first
– always
Now we come to a very important point in our brunch tradition. My best friend and I always look at the drinks menu first. Always. You could say it’s a ritual. And this time, we were immediately impressed. Cafe Drechsler has a drinks menu that instantly makes you want to try things. Our first decision was made relatively quickly. Two mango mimosas. Because: Brunch without a mimosa just isn’t a real brunch. The mango mimosas at Cafe Drechsler were absolutely perfect for starting our brunch. Fruity, fresh, slightly sparkling – just the thing to ease into the weekend.
But of course, we also wanted to do something good for our health. Balance is important, after all. Also bestellten wir zusätzlich noch zwei Ginger Shots. It’s all about the balance.
A sip of mimosa, a ginger shot—we suddenly felt very grown-up and very healthy. At least for about five minutes. Then something happened that we absolutely hadn’t expected. We discovered mini gin and tonics on the menu. And at that moment, my bestie was hooked. He loves gin and tonic. Really. So it’s no wonder I gave him a gin advent calendar last year. The decision was made immediately:
We’d order mini gin and tonics after dinner. At Cafe Drechsler, of course. So after our meal (more on that in a moment), we ordered the mini gin and tonics. And they were… so good. Really. So good that we completely forgot about coffee. Which is practically a sacrilege when you’re sitting in Cafe Drechsler. But at some point, we both looked at each other and realized: Wait a minute… we haven’t even ordered coffee yet. Then we burst out laughing. And we simply decided: Now it doesn’t matter anymore. So we ordered more mini gin and tonics.
And I can tell you – that was the most fun start to the weekend in ages.
The agony of choice
– on the map
Let’s talk about the food. The brunch menu at Cafe Drechsler is truly extensive. There are sweet options, healthy bowls, sandwiches, combination dishes, and of course, classic egg dishes. Basically, everything you could want for a leisurely brunch. And that’s precisely why we briefly faced that typical dilemma: What should we order? After a few minutes of deliberation, we both opted for egg dishes. Because—you know—balance. My best friend chose the Spicy Chorizo Omelette at Cafe Drechsler. And it sounded really good just reading about it.
It consisted of: two eggs, fried Spanish salami, avocado, jalapeños, fresh bell pepper, marinated red baby chard, and Waldstauden rye bread. A mix of spicy, fresh, and savory. And according to my bestie, it was perfectly seasoned. Not too hot, but with just the right kick. I opted for the Green Herb Omelette at Cafe Drechsler. And that was a really nice surprise.
My omelette also consisted of two eggs, various herbs like parsley, chives, and spring onions, plus avocado, cottage cheese, marinated baby chard, and Waldstauden rye bread. I had expected the herbs to simply be chopped and mixed into the eggs. But the omelette was actually completely green. Everything was blended together seamlessly. It looked almost a bit fancy—and tasted just as good. To be perfectly honest, I might have liked a little bit of butter with my bread. But that’s really nitpicking.
Because overall, the food at Cafe Drechsler was truly delicious. Fresh, well-seasoned, and exactly the kind of brunch that leaves you pleasantly full—but not completely stuffed. And that’s exactly what I like.
A place with history
– not your typical Instagram spot
What many might not know: Cafe Drechsler is one of Vienna’s most traditional coffee houses. There has been a café on this site since the beginning of the 20th century. Over the decades, the establishment has constantly changed, been renovated, reinterpreted, and adapted to the times. Nevertheless, a part of the classic Viennese coffee house feeling has remained.
And it is precisely this blend that makes Cafe Drechsler so appealing today. It’s not a museum. But it’s not your typical Instagram spot either. It’s a place that combines tradition and modernity. After all, Viennese coffee house culture is even a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
And even though Cafe Drechsler appears significantly more modern than many of the city’s classic coffee houses, you can still feel this tradition. People linger here for a long time. They talk, read, work, or simply observe life around them. No one rushes you. No one gives you strange looks if you stay longer. Cafe Drechsler therefore functions simultaneously as a brunch spot, a meeting place, and a living room. And that’s exactly what I love about places like this.
my summary
A perfect start to the weekend
When we finally got up, we suddenly realized how much time had passed. Several hours. And that’s exactly what brunch should be. Slow, relaxed, full of conversation and little surprises. Cafe Drechsler gave us just that this weekend. Good food, good drinks, and that special atmosphere that simply takes you away from everyday life for a little while. So if you’re looking for a brunch spot that combines Viennese coffeehouse charm with a modern lifestyle, then you should definitely try Cafe Drechsler.
It’s vibrant. It’s stylish without being over the top.
And it’s exactly the right place for long brunch dates with people you enjoy being around. My best friend and I have decided: We’ll be back. Maybe next time with coffee. But maybe also with mini gin and tonics.
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