„Coffee is a language in itself.“- Jackie Chan; Cafe Prückl
There are days when you just need a place where you can slow down a bit. A place where you’re not constantly looking at your phone, but really being there—at the table, talking, laughing. That’s exactly the kind of afternoon I had when I sat with my mom at Café Prückl in Vienna. Mother-daughter chat deluxe.
And if I’m honest: Café Prückl is perfect for that. This place isn’t just any coffee house, it’s a little journey back in time. Just walking in feels like being catapulted back to the 1950s—from the decor to the small details you only notice upon closer inspection. But we didn’t sit inside at all; we sat out on the terrace.
Luckily, I must say, the terrace at Café Prückl is covered. Because—surprise—it was raining in Vienna again, as if the sky were pouring out all its bad moods at once. Without a roof, we would have gotten soaking wet, but this way we sat in the dry, cappuccino in hand, and were still able to enjoy the atmosphere outside.
A coffee house like in the movies
Café Prückl is a true Viennese traditional café—but without that overstuffed, almost intimidating feeling you get in some coffee houses. Instead, it has a charmingly old-fashioned feel, with a touch of nostalgia that immediately makes you feel cozy. The interior is preserved in the style of the 1950s, a bit like a set where you could shoot a movie scene at any time.
“ … typically Viennese feeling. „
Outside on the terrace, the atmosphere is more relaxed. White tablecloths, small flowers on the tables, and the background noise from the street, which nevertheless doesn’t disturb you. It’s that typically Viennese feeling: you’re sitting somewhere, observing the world, while at the same time, the world outside stands still.
the culinary
Cappuccino, Strudel & a Pavlova
Of course, every coffee shop visit begins with coffee – that’s for sure. We both ordered a cappuccino. It was beautifully creamy, with milk foam so thick you could almost stand a small spoon on it. And then came the sweet decision: what to treat ourselves to?
My mom opted for the classic – apple strudel. Served warm, with that golden-brown, crispy pastry shell that easily falls apart at the first touch. Inside, sweet and tart apples, cinnamon, a hint of vanilla – perfect.
I, however, couldn’t resist when I spotted Pavlova on the menu. A dessert you can’t find everywhere in Vienna, and certainly not in a coffee house as steeped in tradition as Café Prückl. So I tucked in.
The Pavlova arrived on a white plate, like a small work of art: crispy on the outside, still slightly soft and marshmallow-like on the inside, with fresh berries and whipped cream. It looks innocent, but tastes like a firework—sweet, fruity, and airy.
Pavlova
Why is Pavlova actually called Pavlova?
If you’re wondering where this name actually comes from, it’s quite simple – the Pavlova was named after the Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova. She was one of the most famous dancers in the world in the 1920s, and when she toured Australia and New Zealand, chefs there created a dessert in her honor.
The idea behind it: The dessert should be as light and elegant as its dance. That’s why the Pavlova is crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside—almost as if it’s floating. To this day, Australia and New Zealand argue about who really invented it. But honestly, as long as I get to eat it, I couldn’t care less.
Rain, conversations & little escapes
As we sat there, watching the rain and savoring our desserts, I thought to myself: Moments like these are truly priceless. This typical mother-daughter conversation, where everything and nothing are discussed—from serious topics to little everyday stories that are only truly funny when told.
Café Prückl provided us with the perfect setting. Not too loud, not too hectic, but just right for us to sit quietly, take another sip of coffee, and surrender to the feeling that nothing else matters.
And yes—I admit: the Viennese rain is killing me. It really is. It feels like it always rains when it’s supposed to be summer. But at the same time, it gave us this special afternoon. If we’d had sunshine, maybe we would have continued walking, gone for a run somewhere—and not gotten lost in Café Prückl for so long.
Why I love Café Prückl
There are many coffee houses in Vienna, but Café Prückl is special to me because it offers this blend of history and lightheartedness. You can sit there for hours and no one will look askance. Whether you come with a laptop, a newspaper, with friends, or—like us—for a mother-daughter chat, it’s always a good fit.
And then there’s this terrace, which remains a safe haven even on rainy days. A place where you can find the raindrops almost romantic. A bit like a little bubble in the middle of the big city.
my summary
An afternoon for the soul
When we finished our cappuccinos and our plates were empty, I was honestly almost sad to get up. Café Prückl not only provided us with sweets and coffee, but also with that kind of atmosphere you can’t plan.
An afternoon there isn’t a big trip, not a ticketed event—but it’s still a little escape from everyday life. And that’s exactly what I love about places like this.
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