Some districts in Vienna are massively underrated, and the 20th district falls into this category. Admittedly, Brigittenau is not as glamorous as other districts (one of its prominent claims to fame is that Hitler lived here some time at the beginning of the 20th century) but that's not to say that the area has no charm. It is a predominantly working-class district, but I like the communal buildings and the sprawling grounds they have. Café Monika is actually located at the bottom of one of the so-called Gemeindebauten - a council-built block of flats. It's very communal, very (stereo)typically Viennese. When you walk in, there are always tables of old people chattering animatedly in thick Vienna schmäh, playing cards and complaining loudly about things (it's called Jammern and is a very Viennese phenomenon).
That said, Monika finds itself in one of the more alluring corners of Brigittenau. There's a tram stop - the 33 - just outside. It is surrounded by plenty of green space, is right in front of a beautiful church, the local district hall, and near the Hannovermarkt.
It's a kind of rough-and-ready place; don't bother visiting the website because it has probably been under construction for the last three years. There's no Facebook site to speak of. That said, there's wifi - you could easily surf the net in peace for hours. For me, these kind of cafes, although unheralded, are really the backbone of the culture. It doesn't really get more Viennese than this.
Find your way with 163 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
This Vietnamese restaurant has friendly staff and offers simple lunch menus that I love! The chicken-bamboo shoots I had last time were so delicious.
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If you are reducing meat in your diet and want to only have high-quality meat on rare weekend occasions - Praterwirt is the place to visit!
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The smell of fresh roasts will guide you! Balthasar is a lab and shop specializing in premium coffee and an array of coffee specialties to stay or to go.
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I won't give away too much, but you need to pass through a restaurant's back door and turn a painting the right way before you end up in the confessional.
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The owner of Barista Cats cooperates with a local pet shelter and brought these wonderful creatures to "work" on the relaxation of the customers.
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Challenges that unlock access to new items or areas may include word games, detecting patterns, assembling objects, and optical phenomena. Teamwork is key.
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"Harvest" Vienna has become a well-known vegan restaurant in Vienna for its lunch buffet that changes daily! I also love their outdoor area...
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Up to 18 holes and obstacles await you on the minigolf course, which is separated into several rooms with differing themes.
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"Concordia Schlössl" Vienna is a restaurant for people that are described as 'attracted to slightly morbid Schnitzel curiosities and fond of meat'.
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"Hands Up" is 1 of 2 museums/exhibitions in Vienna that give you firsthand experience on sign language & the barriers - and benefits - that come with it...
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"Wiener Eislaufverein" in Vienna not only represents a precious memory for me, but it's also a possibility for everyone to enjoy urban ice skating!
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A stylish and timeless hub for: A quick coffee on the way to your next meeting, a buzzy hotspot for an after-work drink, or a style-proof dating location.
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