Sampling coffee in one of the world coffee capitals: Vienna’s Anker [classic article]

I tell you: in fighting jetlag, if you don’t have coffee, it’s like coming to a gunfight with a water pistol. That’s why I was thrilled to see all the coffee shops in the Vienna Airport after an 8 hour flight to Austria. They take such things seriously! Pastries, too — they’re all about cakes and pastries. This is the land of the famous Sacher Torte, the chocolate apricot cake. However, I got a dessert in a cup at the Anker, a bakery.

The place has been in business since 1891 (well, in Vienna — not in the airport, obviously), and today, they even carry fresh fruit, vanilla milk, “prickelnd” water — sparkling water — and all kinds of coffee and tea drinks. There are menus in German and English. Don’t worry, you’ll be able to figure it all out on your own, whether or not the counter staff speaks English.

I learned that a classic Austrian coffee drink is the coffee “Melange”, which is kind of a latte meets cappucchino. I liked it! I kept ordering the Coffee Melange drink all throughout Austria. It runs about 2 Euros plus change, about $3 U.S. — cash only! Change your money before you hit the baggage claim. It’s take away only, no seating. There’s also another coffee place right next to Anker, too.