Café Prückel – A Coffeehouse with History
Café Prückel is one of Vienna’s most beloved coffeehouses, blending traditional Viennese café culture with a distinctive 1950s modernist aesthetic. Established in 1903 as Café Lurion, it has been a meeting place for locals, artists, and intellectuals for over a century. While many historic cafés in Vienna emphasize imperial grandeur, Prückel stands out with its mid-century charm, a look it has maintained since its major redesign in the 1950s.
Originally, the café was known as Café Lurion, named after its first owner. It was a classic Viennese coffeehouse, designed in the tradition of other grand establishments along the Ringstraße. During its early decades, it attracted a diverse clientele, from businessmen to students, reflecting the lively social life of Vienna’s coffeehouse culture.
After World War II, the café changed ownership and was renamed Café Prückel in the early 1950s. With this transition came one of the most defining changes in its history: a complete redesign that gave the café its signature 1950s aesthetic.
Café Prückel has changed very little since its 1950s redesign, making it one of the best-preserved examples of mid-century Viennese café design. It continues to serve classic Austrian coffee specialties, homemade pastries, and meals, all in a setting that transports guests to a different era.
Though Vienna’s café scene has evolved, with modern specialty coffee shops and trendy brunch spots emerging, Café Prückel remains a living piece of history. With its 1950s décor, rich cultural heritage, and live piano music, Prückel proves that some traditions are best left unchanged.
