Details
This Lower East Side cafe is a well-regarded spot for authentic Austrian cuisine [1], [2]. Diners can enjoy classics like Wiener schnitzel, goulash, and buttered Spätzle, with a particular recommendation for adding bacon to the Spätzle for a satisfying experience [3]. The restaurant also shines during asparagus season with its white asparagus and hollandaise, and is noted for its friendly owners and regulars [4], [5].
Food Overview
Cafe Katja is celebrated for its authentic Austrian and German cuisine. Standout dishes include Wiener schnitzel, beef gulasch with spätzle, and buttered Spätzle, which is recommended with added bacon for a satisfying meal [3]. The restaurant is also noted for its seasonal white asparagus with hollandaise sauce, a dish worth trying when available [4], [5]. Other mentioned items include sausages and currywurst [6].
Caveats
One discussion notes uncertainty about Cafe Katja's suitability for a lunch spot aiming to avoid crowds or for those with very specific German food requests [14].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About CAFE KATJA
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Planning A Fullday Europeanstyle Dining Itinerary
"Café Katja is recommended for lunch, noted for its Austrian vibe."
PositiveFrom post: What Is Your Favorite Asparagus Dish In The City
"Cafe Katja is recommended for its Spargelzeit (asparagus season), typically featuring white asparagus with hollandaise, available in April or May."
PositiveFrom post: What Are Some Restaurants With The Largest
"The commenter suggested Cafe Katja."
NeutralFrom post: Pickle Appetizer
"Cafe Katja was simply listed as a place to consider."
NeutralFrom post: Where To Get Apple Strudel
"The author plans to try Cafe Katja in the future based on a recommendation."
NeutralFrom post: Where To Get Apple Strudel
"The author recommends Cafe Katja."
PositiveFrom post: Kolsch And Authentic German Food
"Cafe Katja is mentioned as a potential place for German food, though it's uncertain if they have the specific 0.2L glasses requested."
NeutralFrom post: Nice Weekend Lunch Spot With Cocktails
"The user DinerEnBlanc suggested Cafe Katja as a lunch spot in the West Village, East Village, or UWS. The original poster is looking for a place that serves regular lunch and drinks without the intense weekend brunch crowds, and is okay with a reservation or waiting."
NeutralFrom post: Best German Restaurant In Nyc
"This user recommends Cafe Katja."
PositiveFrom post: 30 Cuisines From Around The World In Nyc
"This user noted that Cafe Katja is an older establishment that is still in business, expressing approval."
PositiveFrom post: 30 Cuisines From Around The World In Nyc
"The author suggested that the white asparagus at Cafe Katja is worth trying if available during the right season. The Austrian restaurant also offers Wiener schnitzel, beef gulasch with spatzle."
PositiveFrom post: Les Casual But Fun Spots
"The commenter recommended Cafe Katja, noting it serves Austrian food like sausages and schnitzel, with good beer and a chill vibe."
PositiveFrom post: Pastry Filled With Poppy Seeds
"This user suggested Cafe Katja as a place to try Austrian poppy seed strudel, alongside Hungarian Pastry Shop. They also mentioned rugelachs and poppy seed Babka from other establishments."
PositiveFrom post: Bavarian Food Recs
"This user seconded the recommendation for Katja, noting its many regulars and the friendliness of the owners, Erwin and Andrew. They also mentioned that the restaurant serves a good schnitzel and most of the other mentioned dishes."
PositiveFrom post: Bavarian Food Recs
"This comment suggests Cafe Katja for Austrian cuisine, noting it as a place with authentic food and differentiating it from places with stereotypical American attempts at German cuisine."
PositiveFrom post: Bavarian Food Recs
"Katja is recommended as it is well-regarded and serves Austrian food, which might appeal to someone looking for Bavarian cuisine."
PositiveFrom post: Second Time In Nyc
"Cafe Katja is considered a decent Austrian option."
NeutralFrom post: Help Me Find Something Similar Pork Belly Mac
"This restaurant is suggested for its buttered Spätzle, with a recommendation to add bacon. While not pork belly, it's noted to have a similar satisfying quality."
PositiveFrom post: Les Sunday Brunch
"Café Katja is suggested for its Austrian-inspired cuisine."
Neutral