It’s no secret that Josef’s Vienna Bakery and Cafe is a good place to go for Austrian/German fare in town. In addition to more casual sandwiches, salads and soul-warming soups, the chicken schnitzel and German bratwurst are menu favorites.
Josef’s Vienna, however, was first known for its baked goods and just next door, Josef’s offers something sweeter. Adjacent to the eatery, display cases overflowing with decadent cakes, fresh-baked pastries and other mouth-watering desserts beckon customers from the cafe side of the shop or those only coming in for grab-and-go.
The choices feel endless regardless of when you show up to Josef’s. Even right before closing, when some of the offerings have run dry, you have your pick of myriad treats. Small cakes and larger shareables pull your attention in a million directions.
The flaky crust of the mini key lime pie evokes sweet citrus flavors and a bright green hue that makes it just as fun to order as it is to eat. The filling is creamy and the chocolate detailing inside of the crust adds something extra.
The chocolate éclair is one of the bakery’s more indulgent options. Doughnut-esque, the pastry is cut and filled with soft whipped cream before it’s topped with a chocolate frosting and covered in almond slivers on either end.
For those with a real sweet tooth, the macarons are to-die-for. Layers of flaky cookie crust filled with creamy flavors and served in bright colors; the macaron options rotate but never disappoint.
For the season, eggnog and pumpkin spice are favorites, but the classics like chocolate never get old. The Smurf-like spiced chai, however, may be the best and most creative combination on the list.
When it’s the season for indulging in sweets we don’t think you need to justify your choices. But, if you want to pretend your dessert is at least a little healthy, the fresh mixed fruit tart boasting a honey-almond shell may be your best bet. Or trade in your signature breakfast for a coffee and pastry. The danishes are a personal favorite, most specifically the French apple danish with custard, a delicate pastry shell layered with creamy custard and fresh apples sprinkled generously with cinnamon and best served warm.
For the holiday season, Josef’s Vienna is offering to take the baking off of your plate, not simply with their everyday menu of goods, but with a pre-order pie menu overflowing with options. Impress family and friends with homemade creamy pumpkin, a double crust apple served warm and flaky, a sweet and tart cranberry apple strudel and a nutty pecan. Plus, the newest option on the menu—pumpkin cheese.
If pies aren’t enough, you’ll be absolutely enchanted by the sugar cookies, carefully decorated to match the season—think pilgrims, pumpkins and horns of plenty ahead of Thanksgiving.
After you’ve eaten your share of sugary desserts and fresh breads, take a peek next door where a full lunch menu awaits. The smorgasbord of items from the café and the bakery feel endless, and with options like spiced chai lattes, gourmet teas, and espressos on the menu, we feel Josef’s satisfies just about any craving that could strike throughout the day.
