How Austria’s Coffee Tradition Started in 1687

Ever wondered why Austrians drink coffee after every meal — like tea in China — or how their whole cityscape is shaped by cafés? The answer isn’t marketing or modern trends. It’s a single military retreat in 1687.

In 1687, during the retreat of Turkish troops from Vienna, two sacks of coffee were abandoned. Locals tried the beans, liked the flavor, and a 300-year coffee habit was born. That’s not legend — that’s the factual start of Vienna’s café society.

The Birth of a Daily Ritual

For over three centuries, Austrians have made coffee part of daily life. It’s not just for breakfast or a morning jolt. They drink it after every meal — and often in between. This isn’t just social custom; it mirrors how the Chinese drink tea. Just as teahouses dot Chinese neighborhoods, Vienna’s streets are lined with cafés identifiable by the drifting scent of coffee.

The Viennese Café: More Than a Coffee Shop

Viennese cafés are unique public spaces. Typically housed in modest one-story buildings with plain interiors — no fancy décor, often not even floral centerpieces — every café, however, has newspaper racks stocked with the day’s papers. These places aren’t cafés in the chain-store sense. They are city living rooms.

Here, people read, write, chat, play cards or just sit quietly. The atmosphere is calm, relaxed, and intentionally uneventful. You’ll find individuals spaced apart, enjoying solitude without loneliness. Daylight moves slowly across the room: the sun peers in the east window in the morning, then the west in the evening. That’s the only visible change. Noise is minimal. No singing, no loud talking. The café is a social refuge, not a stage.

A Historical Social Hub

A century ago, cafés served purposes far beyond coffee drinking. With housing scarce, they became key public spaces: places to make friends, talk business, write novels, or conduct secret meetings. Some cafés catered almost exclusively to certain professions — becoming de facto clubs. Central Café, located near government offices, was a political salon. Others attracted writers, painters, musicians, and journalists. Their walls absorbed legends, scandals, and history.

One old café near the palace became a meeting point for publishers and authors. A well-known story involves a struggling writer whose book deal was negotiated over coffee — despite him arriving by train with only half a ticket, the café owner covering the rest. Such stories aren’t just folklore; they’re part of the café’s enduring identity.

The Timeless Café Code

Though lifestyles have changed, the café’s role hasn’t. Today, people still flock to these spots to read, write, or play games. The old rules hold. You can nurse a single coffee for hours. Cafés won’t rush you out when your cup is empty. You can order snacks if you get hungry. Many places still honor the tradition where regulars claim a favorite seat — marked with a nameplate. In some cafés, you’ll still see a reserved sign on a prime window seat, occupied by an elderly patron in vintage attire — a living snapshot of the past.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Austrians start drinking coffee regularly?

Austrians’ coffee habit dates to 1687, when Turkish troops left behind two sacks of coffee during their retreat from Vienna. Locals tried it and adopted it as a daily staple.

Why do Austrians drink coffee after every meal?

Drinking coffee after meals is a longstanding cultural practice in Austria, similar to how the Chinese drink tea. It’s a normal part of the day, not just a morning or afternoon ritual.

What makes Viennese cafés different from regular coffee shops?

Viennese cafés are social spaces with minimal decor, always stocked with newspapers, and designed for lingering. They serve as public living rooms where people read, write, talk, or simply sit quietly without pressure or noise.

Did Viennese cafés have historical significance beyond coffee?

Yes. In the past, cafés were used for everything from political meetings to clandestine encounters. Certain cafés became hubs for writers, artists, and journalists, and hosted famous conversations and deals.

Can you still reserve a seat in a Viennese café?

While not officially reserved in most places today, some cafés still follow the old tradition where regulars claim a favorite seat, sometimes marked with a nameplate, especially prime window or corner tables.

Are Viennese cafés quiet places?

Yes. Loud behavior, singing, or dancing is not allowed. The atmosphere is designed to be calm and respectful of all patrons — a tranquil space in a busy city.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Café Culture

Pair Vienna’s historic coffee ritual with FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera — bright and fruity with citrus and jasmine notes — or Yirgacheffe, offering floral tones and a tea-like body. For a deeper experience, try PWN Golden Mandheling: low acidity, full body, and classic Indonesian spice and chocolate. All showcase the craft behind every cup, perfect for slow sipping in a café setting. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.