Viennese, If You Please...

Making my way around NYC on a motor scooter, sometimes I feel like there isn't much in this city I haven't seen. Yet every so often you discover a place that transports you far, far away and that's exactly what recently  happened to me at Cafe Sabarsky on the Upper East Side. The cafe is tucked inside a museum showcasing early twentieth-century German and Austrian art and design, the Neue Galerie. Housed in the former William Starr Miller House, a Louis XIII/Beaux-Arts structure located on the corner of Fifth Avenue and 86th Street, the imposing mansion is a treat for the eyes.

The restaurant, operated by restaurateur Kurt Gutenbrunner, does have somewhat unusual hours and often, a 20-minute wait for a table is common. Early mornings, with windows overlooking Fifth Avenue and a collection of daily international newspapers, it's a lovely spot for breakfast alone. Try the marzipan ring cake ($3.00), and a cup of Kaiser Mélange,  fresh-ground coffee with whipped cream ($5.00), just one of their famous coffee offerings that's worth waking up for. 

While the restaurant offers the same selections for both lunch and dinner, after sunset, it's a whole different environment as the room seems to take on a magical glow. With its' lights dimmed and a knowing crowd that's  aware that its' found a special spot, you feel as though you've just been transported into a wonderful fairytale. 

Many come here in the evening to dine on the variety of German Sausages such as Weisswurst Mit Brezen, Händelmaier's Bavarian Sausage served with a warm Pretzel & händelmaier’s Mustard ($12.00) or Bratwurst mit Sauerkraut, Röstkartoffeln roasted sausage with riesling sauerkraut, roasted potatoes & dijon ($14.00). I encourage you to enjoy your meal with a glass of Franziskaner Weisse beer from Munich.

Another treat is the opulent dessert display that's set up only during the evening dinner service. It's quite a sight! As if inside the dining room of a grand palace, a marble buffet table displays a large variety of Viennese cakes and torts including Sachertorte, a classic viennese dark chocolate cake with apricot ($8.00).

If you live in New York, or have the opportunity to visit, I urge you to stop by Cafe Sabarsky for Breakfast, Dinner or Dessert. It's just one of the treasures you'll find in the Neue Galerie.

Cafe Sabarsky

1048 5th Avenue
New York, NY 10028-0111
P. (212) 288-0665

Amy is a member of HHonors® Dining