Entering Café Ritter is like taking a journey back to the 19th Century. It truly doesn’t get anymore traditional than this, when it comes to coffeehouses. The high walls with dark wood panelling, the wide curtain-framed windows, the chandeliers and the stucco on the ceiling will stir your senses as you stir your coffee. Nevertheless, Café Ritter still has that calm and comfortable feel that a good Viennese coffeehouse possesses, making it a great spot to spend several lazy hours.
Leaning back in one of the many red leather booths, we can’t help but wonder what kind of stories this café could tell: of secret kisses behind the red velvet curtain leading to the kitchen, of the nights filled with the music played on the old piano in the corner, and of the famous Austrian artists and authors that once frequented the so-called Ritter.
Even the waiters fit in perfectly with the interior. It is impressive to watch them work the room, and walk the line of the true Viennese brand of distant politeness. Whether it is a, “Grüß Gott die Damen. Bitte schön?” or a “Rauchen können’s im Raucherteil, aber ned hier,” directed at the fragile old lady next to us, the tone never changes.
