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 160 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"Emmerich" is a 'Buschenschank' in Vienna - a small wooden stand in a vineyard where the owners offer their spritzer and small plates. Go enjoy the view!
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The Summer Stage is like an outpost of several Vienna restaurants in the form of a huge terrace next to the Kanal with all sorts of different cuisines.
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The Kent family of restaurants is well known in Vienna as vibrant outposts of Turkish culinary delights with their classic array of appetizers, charcoal-grilled skewers, kebab, and many other highlights.
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The noodles just really taste so different if they are hand-made. The decoration of the plates and drinks is lovely and adds to the overall culinary experience.
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The architecture is simple, light, and modern and allows the creative food and drinks to shine. Arguably one of the finest in Liesing, it still boasts very reasonable prices and ventures into the many flavors of Asia.
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The Lobau is a national park made of meadows and forests that can be reached via subway and yet it's a world of its own. The perfect escape from city life is a walk in the National Park.
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A long-time resident of Vienna, Sohyi Kim bridges Korean cuisine with Viennese traditions reaching an outstanding culinary level.
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They will make it hard for you to choose from the abundance of sweet (and salty) delicacies. Eastern European and Viennese pastries come in huge portions and diversity.
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In the trendy 7th district of Vienna the concept store musette (small "muse" in French) stands out with its thought-through selection of products assorted around a topic.
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