Jelinek is a cozy neighborhood café off Mariahilfer Straße in Vienna's District 6. The high-ceilinged establishment opened in 1910 and the deeply weathered interior is proof that little has changed here in the past century. In fact, there’s an ornate fireplace at the center of the space into which customers occasionally toss a few logs to keep the flames alive in the cold months.

Jelinek serves breakfast food all day, but you’re here for the homemade Gugelhupf cakes. And for the ambiance – try to score a table in one of the snug corners with plush chairs. The customers are a mix of local hipsters, neighborhood residents, and an increasing number of tourists. Prices are higher than what you’d expect, but the vibes make up for it.

To remain unbiased, I visit all places incognito and pay for my own meals and drinks. I never accept money in exchange for coverage. But this means I must rely on readers to support my work. If you're enjoying this article, please consider making a one-time payment (PayPal, Venmo) or becoming an Offbeat Patron.