Café Sperl, located in Vienna, speaks its own language with a combination of Viennese traditional coffeehouse charm, rich history, and artistic atmosphere—something that attract locals and tourists alike. Built in 1880 by the architects Gross and Jelinek for Jacob Ronacher, it was taken over soon after by the family of the Sperls and got its current name in 1884. Adolf Kratochwilla became the owner. Manfred Staub took over the Café in June 1968, and worked with the Federal Heritage Office and the architect Nairz to provide a sufficient, tasteful renovation to retain the historical patina of this old location, dovetailing its requirements concerning comfort and hygiene with the needs of today.
It has been the meeting place for artists and writers for decades, such as Thomas Sautner, Robert Menasse, and Michael Köhlmeier, who are all regular guests of the café. Readings by famous authors like Pavel Kohout or Friederike Mayröcker enrich the cultural appeal of the facility even more.
Beyond its literary connections, Café Sperl offers a wide variety of food and beverages, supplemented by daily specials. There is an excellent choice of newspapers for customers to read, and one can relax even more by enjoying a game on one of the three tables catering to carambole billiards. If a customer happens to be a family with children, there is a corner equipped just for them right beside the spot containing the billiard tables. Sitting outside the café is very pleasant during the spring months, and on Sundays, there is piano playing that starts around 3:30 PM.
