Café Sperl

Sperl is an elegant and pricey cafe in Vienna, one that retained-regained its original 1880 look. Sperl was known as the hangout of the Viennese Secession artists, such as Koloman Moser, Josef Hoffmann, and Gustav Klimt, whose home base, that strange white building topped with a golden dome, is just a few blocks away (paper and painting supplies were always within arm’s reach to ensure that Sperl’s marble tables remained free of creative inspirations).

The right-hand side of the space is anchored by pool tables, the left is for coffee and socializing. Today, Sperl is a bit of a tourist spot, but not distractingly so. Across the street is phil, a new-wave cafe and bookstore, so you can sample both sides of Vienna.