Wilhelm J. Sluka

A historic Viennese confectionery and café in the Innere Stadt, long associated with the Habsburg court. It stands as one of the city's established names in traditional pastry-making.

History

The confectionery was founded in 1891 by Wilhelm Josef Sluka and his wife Josefine. In 1896 Sluka was granted the title of confectioner to the imperial and royal court (k.u.k. Hofzuckerbäcker), recognising the quality of his products.

The café, at Rathausplatz 8 (formerly Reichsratsstrasse 13), drew customers from the highest social circles, among them Empress Elisabeth. Its central position and quiet atmosphere made it a regular haunt of ministers and deputies from the nearby Parliament, town hall officials, Burgtheater actors, and members of the nobility and bourgeoisie.

Culture

Sluka remains a traditional café in Viennese social life, where pastries and the long afternoon coffee have deep roots. It is still very popular with tourists, who often visit it as a classic stop in the historic centre. In 2000 it received the Goldene Kaffeebohne (Golden Coffee Bean) award from Jacobs.