Salzburg Kaffeehaus

In college, I read a NY Times article about Austrian Kaffeehauses (traditional coffee houses). They began long ago when artists, politicians, and philosophers would sit for hours in their espresso infused second homes, chat and debate while sipping coffee drinks made with artisan skill. And they still exist today.

Ever since I was 9-years-old coffee and I have been best friends. When I read that article, I knew one day I must go to an Austrian kaffeehaus, explore their extensive coffee menu, sip my cappuccino, and talk with friends for hours, just like an Austrian kaffeehaus connoisseur.

When we were in Munich, we decided to take the train with Luise and Peter and their kiddos to Salzburg, Austria for the day. Images of kaffeehauses danced in my mind as I peered out the rushing train window at the vivid green hills, and quaint homes flashing by.

We spent most of the morning wandering the narrow pedestrian only paths in the old downtown area. We learned that Mozart was born and grew up on these streets–thus the Mozart cafes, Mozart shot glasses, Mozart dolls, and Mozart marzipan chocolate in every cheesy souvenir shop.

Mozart’s birth place

We loved standing on the bridge over River Salzach and admiring the town’s skyline, gaping at leather shops from the 1500s, and peering up at Hohensalzburg Castle on the hill protecting the city.

But our day was coming to an end, and we still hadn’t visited one of the many kaffeehauses lining the avenues. Our German friends recommended not going since we didn’t have much time left, and instead enjoy the rest of the city.

I looked crestfallen. “My dream to not come true and be so close? Oh no!”

I didn’t say this, but my face certainly expressed it. They relented, and asked me to chose whichever kaffeehaus I wanted. I led them back to a modern looking one with comfy white, leather armchairs I had seen through the window.

My friends laughed at how enamored I was with the coffee menu’s many pages, and how I analyzed the barista’s latte art abilities. I sipped my cappuccino with closed eyes, savoring the perfect taste of espresso made with love–a perfect accompaniment to the apple strudel drizzled with warm vanilla sauce that we all shared.

Dom, who never cares much about coffee, had this face when drinking his carmel latte. Austria helped him start to actually enjoy coffee, much to my delight.

Luise and Peter thought it was weird I wanted to get coffee in Salzburg. Coffee shops are everywhere in Europe, who cares?

It was here that I taught my German friends that where I was from in Waxhaw, N.C. it is very hard to find good coffee-shops with baristas that care enough to make good espresso, along with a good atmosphere.

I loved how the Salzburg kaffeehaus had a modern room with cozy seats, and no smoking, as well as an classic room with a smoking section, and traditional gentlemanly look to it. It was the best of both worlds, and my cappuccino had perfect espresso and foam.

It was just what I always envisioned. Thanks for letting me live out one of my dreams dear Luise, Peter and hubby.

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