A few days after arriving in Vienna last month and scrolling through my Instagram feed, I realized that Wild Kaffee had launched a coffee shop in Vienna featuring none other than 2024 World Brewers Champion Martin Wölfl. However, when I checked the address on Google Maps, I found nothing… there was no such coffee shop in Vienna, only in Germany – the home of Wild Kaffee. While visiting Balthasar, I encountered the owner, Otto, who verified that they indeed had opened and were situated at Pilgramgasse 6. So, on one of the days when I had some free moments with my wife and son, we set out to locate it.
Oops, where are you?
We ended up accidentally entering another café first, and while sitting there enjoying my coffee, I kept thinking that I was certain Martin’s place was actually just across the road. Sure enough, upon crossing over and stepping inside, I instantly realized we had discovered it.
Décor and First Impressions
The coffee has a fresh, unique vibe, featuring vibrant green brand colors and an elegant granite brew counter that lends the space a refined yet inviting feel.
The venue itself was larger than I anticipated and already pleasantly bustling. Most importantly, Martin was present. The last time I had seen him was at World of Coffee Dubai earlier this year, so it was a delight to reconnect at his own café.
Coffee Setup
As a coffee enthusiast, my attention quickly turned to the setup: a custom-made Slayer espresso machine, neatly arranged coffee bags at the back for a clean appearance, and three Mahlkönig grinders lined up across the counter, which I assume are intended for different espresso-based beverages designated for house blends and guest options. To the far left of the setup was the state-of-the-art brew bar, naturally.
Coffee
After Martin had attended to a few patrons, we engaged in a brief conversation during which I mentioned that I had been advised to try the Panama espresso. However, since I was in the mood for something milk-based, I chose a cortado instead, and Martin graciously offered to prepare it himself.
Really, who could turn down coffee crafted by a world champion?
He served it in one of the most distinctive cups I’ve seen – the 2-way cup “barista series”. Its design was slightly asymmetrical, featuring one flatter side and one more rounded side, and Martin explained that each side emphasizes a different aspect of the coffee.
From one angle, I noted more body and depth, while from the other I detected brighter, fruitier notes. As you can imagine, this thrilled the coffee fanatic in me.
Of course, I couldn’t leave without sampling a filter coffee made under the guidance of a World Brewers Champion. Following Martin’s suggestion, I chose an El Salvador that offered flavors of blueberry, vanilla, and apple pie.
He prepared it for me, and I shared it with my wife, which enhanced the whole experience even more.
Retail Offering
I took some time to explore their retail coffee selection and was impressed by the variety available, and similar to Square Mile coffee in London, they also offer 350g bags.
There were espresso blends, single-origin coffees, and numerous options for filter brewing as well, along with pastries for those seeking something sweet to accompany their coffee. Naturally, I couldn’t resist purchasing a bag to bring home, which I requested to be ground for AeroPress brewing during my stay in Vienna.
I actually returned another day with a friend, and the café was packed, which is always a good indication, but this time I opted for their long black.
On my final visit, I knew I had to take some coffee back to Dubai, and as I was uncertain which to choose, the barista kindly brewed me their house blend as an espresso, which I thoroughly enjoyed, so that’s what I selected.
But I wasn’t finished yet, as I was particularly intrigued by their filter bags, which provided a fun and practical method to brew quality coffee without much hassle, especially while traveling or during flights. For around €10.5, you get 10 bags, which I considered excellent value, particularly for something so convenient and well-designed.
Final Thoughts
Overall, this is likely my favorite coffee shop in Vienna at the moment. Why? Because I appreciated the meticulous attention to detail, the selection of coffees, the warmth of the environment, and, most importantly, Martin’s generous hospitality.
He was approachable, eager to share tips, and clearly deeply committed to his craft. Yes, I can envision it becoming quite busy, and rightly so, but it’s precisely the type of place that turns a coffee excursion into a memorable experience. If you want something sweet to accompany your coffee, you can choose from a variety of pastries as well.
So, if you find yourself in Vienna and have even the slightest interest in outstanding specialty coffee, I would certainly recommend adding this café to your itinerary.
Wild Kaffee, 6 Pilgramgasse, Vienna.
**Discovering Wildkaffee: A Coffee Enthusiast’s Paradise in Vienna**
Located at the core of Vienna, Wildkaffee serves as a coveted spot for coffee lovers and casual patrons alike. Renowned for its dedication to quality and sustainability, Wildkaffee provides a distinctive experience that merges the rich legacy of Viennese coffee culture with contemporary, eco-conscious practices.
**An Expedition into Coffee Mastery**
Upon entering Wildkaffee, patrons are welcomed by the inviting scent of freshly roasted coffee beans. The café takes pride in sourcing beans from sustainable farms worldwide, guaranteeing that each cup not only tastes remarkable but also supports ethical farming practices. The passionate staff are eager to share knowledge about the origins and flavors of the various beans on offer.
**The Craft of Coffee Brewing**
Wildkaffee features a varied menu that caters to every coffee lover’s taste. From classic espresso and cappuccino to more adventurous choices like cold brew and pour-over, each drink is carefully crafted to showcase the unique qualities of the beans. For those interested in learning about the brewing process, the café occasionally hosts workshops where participants can explore different brewing methods and the science of making the perfect cup of coffee.
**A Warm Atmosphere**
The interior of Wildkaffee is designed to create a cozy and inviting space. With its rustic wooden furnishings, soft illumination, and eclectic decorations, the café is a perfect place for both relaxation and social interaction. Whether you’re looking to savor a quiet moment with a book or engage in lively discussions with friends, Wildkaffee provides a welcoming setting.
**Sustainability at Its Heart**
Wildkaffee’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond sourcing their coffee. The café employs environmentally friendly practices such as using biodegradable packaging, reducing waste, and supporting local farmers. This commitment to the environment resonates with many customers who are increasingly aware of their ecological impact.
**A Community Gathering Spot**
Beyond serving outstanding coffee, Wildkaffee acts as a hub for the community. It frequently hosts events like art exhibits, live music performances, and coffee tastings, nurturing a sense of camaraderie among Vienna’s coffee aficionados. These events offer a venue for local artists and musicians to showcase their talents, contributing further to the cultural landscape of the city.
**In Conclusion**
A trip to Wildkaffee in Vienna is not merely a coffee break; it’s a rich experience that celebrates the craftsmanship of coffee while encouraging sustainability and community involvement. Whether you’re a seasoned coffee connoisseur or a curious newcomer, Wildkaffee has something to offer everyone, making it an essential stop in Vienna.
