KAFFEIN home base — Restaurant in Vienna

Folks that work here need to switch to decaf. A little too high in the instep and contradictory to traditional coffee shop culture.

Looking back at the exchange, we eventually found some humor, drawing a relatable parallel to Seinfeld: Season 7, Episode 6. Spot on!! Watch it, laugh, and if you ever stumble upon this coffee shop, know what you’re in for. ;)

My personal experience here… We were walking and my husband spontaneously wanted an espresso. Found this place tucked away on a low traffic side street. Party of 3, 2 pm Sunday. There was an abundance of empty tables, with maybe 6 other patrons across both indoor and outdoor spaces. 2 of us went to sit down while my husband placed his order. While at the counter he was told if he wished to sit and drink his espresso, everyone in our party would be required to buy something. I could understand this policy if the coffee shop was busy or lacked seating (there are similar upscale restaurants I’ve been to in Miami and New York with a similar position, more specifically on duration of reservation), but that wasn’t the case and we certainly weren’t trying to make this an extended visit. The "barista" went so far as to come to the table (after my husband quickly explained his exchange to me) to personally take my order - I imagine had I not been willing, we would have been told to leave. His body language and demeanor was, for lack of a better word, off-putting, and no, there was no misunderstanding. I ordered something, not interested in an awkward exchange. After he walked away, I grew increasingly unsettled by the encounter- just something really distasteful about all of it. I got up, walked over to the register and requested to have the beverages "to go," no longer interested in being in such an environment. What was prepared for me was OK… but at the end of the day, there are A LOT of coffee options and amazing experiences in Vienna (we went to over a dozen spots during our week in Vienna). This wasn’t...

Hot Sunday, 30°C. Inside, all tables were empty, and only half the terrace was occupied. We were 4 adults and 2 children. We ordered 2 drinks, planning to have a quick coffee and leave within 15 minutes. Nothing unusual, especially with kids in the heat — we just needed a short break.

To our surprise, we were approached twice — in an unkind, almost scolding tone — and asked to leave because we hadn’t ordered enough. This was shocking and honestly humiliating. It felt as if we weren’t welcome simply because we didn’t spend more money.

Later I found out about the café’s strict policy: every guest must order a drink, no laptops, etc. But the real issue wasn’t the rule — it was how it was delivered. Rude, condescending, and completely unnecessary.

I used to enjoy this place and often brought friends here. But after this experience, I will never come back. If the owners are so focused on transactions over hospitality, maybe it’s time to turn the place into a to-go only café. It would probably align better with their values.

Update after owner’s response Thank you for this passionate TED Talk on the struggles of running a coffee shop. Most people usually share this kind of emotional unpacking with their therapist, partner, or close friends — not random visitors who stopped by for 15 minutes with two children.

Unfortunately, your response makes it clear that you either didn’t read my review carefully or chose to ignore the main point: our issue was not your policy, but the rude and arrogant way it was communicated. You could have explained your expectations politely — we might have understood, even empathized. Instead, you chose to be dismissive and condescending.

Your reply only confirms the values your business stands for. I truly wish you customers who match those values....

Don’t even waste your time coming here, especially if you want to enjoy “just for a cup of coffee” and waiting for nice treatment;) The owner is so rude. I have visited this cafe yesterday and this was the worst experience in my entire life. I see a lot of similar reviews as my own, which makes it clear that it is not a one time thing. I was having an unplanned meeting in 25 mins so I took my laptop and prepared. The cafe was quite empty, a lot of free tables..The owner came to me first and without saying hi just said that I can order inside. I said okay and continued waiting for my work call. The owner comes rushing to me in another 5min and starts shouting at me asking whether i want to order something. I‘d strained my voice recently and could barely speak so I asked for a glass of hot water. He annoyingly raised his voice: “Hot water?! Really?” And I said yes and told him that after a work call I will order something else, since I don’t want my coffee to get cold while having a meeting. He asked what for and i said for a medical tea, he rolled his eyes and left. He came back literally shouting and saying what an unusual request it was and that I “came here, didn’t even say hi, and sit here for 20! minutes without ordering anything.“ He couldn’t be nice and respectful and could not even do it in German, because he doesn’t speak the language…

Then I asked him if he wants me to leave and he kicked me out 5min prior my call ;) Friend who has joined me was in an...