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Wien › Wien › phil - Café, bookshop & bar
phil - Café, bookshop & barBWorth Trying
Gumpendorfer Str. 10 - 12, 1060 Wien, Austria
· Bar, Cafe, Book store
· 4.6/5 Google (3755 reviews)
Outdoor seating
Atmospheric book-lined cafe with friendly vibes, simple brunch plates, and a firm no-laptop policy; great for relaxing, reading, and conversation, but not for working.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Phil excels as a destination bookshop-cafe with exceptional setting appeal and strong community loyalty, but inconsistent execution—particularly service delays during peak hours and occasional food quality lapses—prevents a higher grade. Solid breakfast and pastry offerings paired with fair pricing and warm staff create a compelling neighborhood experience, though the no-laptop policy and service variability limit broader appeal.
Restaurant Summary
Cozy and bookish is the headline here: shelves of curated titles, couches you sink into, and a mellow soundtrack. Reviewers describe staff as warm, with the occasional slow patch when it is busy. One diner put it simply: "A perfect spot to linger with a coffee and a book." Note that there is a strict no-laptop policy, which some adore and others find frustrating. The cooking skews classic cafe comfort: breakfast sets with eggs and cheeses, toasts and antipasti, falafel with hummus, plus cakes and croissants. This is about calm, conversation, and analog browsing more than culinary showmanship. Most find flavors satisfying and prices fair, though a few mention overcooked eggs or a dry slice of cake. Families and solo readers will do well. Kids can pick from simple, familiar bites like rye toast with cheese, croissants, or falafel and bread; gluten-free bread is available. There is no kids menu, but the options are approachable. For homework or tablets, remember the no-laptop rule applies.
At a Glance
- Immersive bookshop-cafe vibe with comfy seating and curated shelves
- Friendly staff and relaxed atmosphere; great for lingering
- Fair prices for breakfast sets, toasts, and pastries
- Service can be slow and unclear during busy periods
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- bookstore_cafe_combo
- living_room_ambiance
- gender_neutral_bathrooms
What People Love
- Feeling like they are in a living room surrounded by books
- Friendly, personable staff interactions
- Being able to browse and buy curated titles
- Relaxed mornings with solid coffee and simple breakfast
Points of Concern
- Strict no-laptop policy is enforced and divisive; not suited for working
- Food and bills can take 20–45 minutes during peak times
- A few reports of dry cake or overcooked eggs amid many positives
- Occasional disturbance from solicitors entering the space
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost€20-26 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Pair a breakfast set (€9.5–€10.8) with a croissant (€2.5) and coffee for value.
- Gluten-free bread (€2.5) available; ask to swap if needed.
- Vegetarian or vegan? Choose Philgood Breakfast or falafel with hummus.
Perfect For
- A slow morning with a book and coffee
- Casual catch-ups in a cozy setting
- Solo reading time without screens
- Light breakfast before shopping nearby
Location Insights
Area: Creative, central 6th district near Mariahilfer Straße; youthful, artsy, and bookish crowd.
Safety: Generally safe, lively foot traffic; occasional mentions of solicitors entering.
Nearby: Near shopping streets, galleries, and cultural venues; mix of residents, students, and visitors.
MariahilfMariahilf is characterized by its bustling shopping streets, especially Mariahilfer Straße, and a diverse dining scene ranging from casual cafés to trendy bars and international restaurants. The area attracts a creative and youthful crowd, with a strong presence of cultural venues and independent shops, making it a popular spot for socializing and dining.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday14:00–21:00
Tuesday09:00–22:00
Wednesday09:00–22:00
Thursday09:00–22:00
Friday09:00–23:00
Saturday09:00–23:00
Sunday09:00–21:00
Available: Outdoor seating
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