Cafe Old Vienna Brings Authentic European Cuisine to Downtown Myrtle Beach

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Located about one mile north of Bay View on the Boardwalk, Cafe Old Vienna offers guests a taste of classic European dishes in an “Alpine Lodge” setting while visiting America’s favorite family beach vacation destination. And for folks who enjoy Germany’s best-known export, the restaurant now features an open-air beer garden where patrons can sip on some suds and soak up some fresh air.

Celebrating its 20th year of operation on the Grand Strand, Cafe Old Vienna is still settling into a new and larger building after the restaurant’s success story outgrew its previous location. Despite being tucked away in a nearby strip mall, the original Cafe Old Vienna developed a loyal following among locals and tourists alike for its authentic German and Austrian family recipes. For years, it was considered one of Myrtle Beach’s best-kept secrets — but the word is now out.

After packing the tiny house in the old location, the husband-and-wife team of current owners/chefs Werner and Martina Horvath decided to move to a more spacious venue in a higher-profile neighborhood — on Kings Highway in the downtown district. Featuring a large bar area in the front of the house, a roomy dining area that can accommodate large parties, and an open-air patio serving cold beers and drinks, the new and improved Cafe Old Vienna has reached the next level.

The lunch and dinner menus are filled with what the Horvaths refer to as “German Soul Food” — Old World comfort dishes that are sure to satisfy after an active day on the beach. But the selection is also diverse enough that there are items for everyone in your party, including a variety of kids’ meals for picky eaters. But it would be a shame to leave the place without trying the house specialties, such as the Veal Wiener Schnitzel, Chicken Cordon Bleu or Viennese Gulasch.

Cafe Old Vienna also offers fresh salads and sandwiches for those looking to eat light, and the daily soup specials are among the tastiest things on the menu. The little ones can choose from a grilled cheese sandwich, a Kinder Wiener and more, and there’s even a selection of non-alcoholic kiddie cocktails. Save room for dessert because Cafe Old Vienna makes favorites like hot apple strudel, Black Forest cake, tiramisu, carrot cake, and, of course, German chocolate cake. Special dinners to celebrate their 20th year in business will be held throughout the year.

Relax in the beer garden after dinner and choose from six different German and Austrian beers on tap, as well as a wide selection of bottled domestic, import and craft beers. Cafe Old Vienna has a full bar and an extensive wine list for those with a taste for drinks beyond beer, and the 4 to 7 p.m. happy hour offers great specials on food and drinks. Live polka music is presented each week on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, and patrons can even join in on the Hokey Pokey or the Chicken Dance.

Cafe Old Vienna is open Tuesdays through Saturdays, with lunch served from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., followed by dinner service and bar hours that last until the owners decide to shut it down. Reservations are available by phone at 843-946-6252. For more information, visit http://www.cafeoldvienna.com