We recently visited Cafe Katja in the Lower East Side and it worked out well that is was during one of the first nice days in New York City so the restaurant was able to open its windows to the outdoor eating area providing a nice breeze inside the restaurant. When we arrived we were one of the only visitors; however, as people began to enter it became apparent that it was a neighborhood hangout as everyone seemed to know or be friends with the staff. The inside of the restaurant is decorated in dark woods, brick, and white decorated tiled ceilings. The restaurant has Southern German and Austrian decor along the brick walls.

The restaurant deems itself as an Austrian restaurant; however, the menu appears to be more of an upper region Austrian cuisine and, thus, highlights specialities known in the upper region and Bavaria in Germany. Additionally, they have a wide variety of more “American” style foods. When we visited we ordered the Wiener schnitzel platter and a side order of buttered spätzle. The schnitzel was decent, but it was not a Wiener schnitzel, but a chicken schnitzel so do not expect veal. The platter comes with roasted potatoes that were delicious and a nice, summer salad. The spätzle was quite good, but different than a typical Swabian style. Overall, we enjoyed the food, but unfortunately we were unable to have dessert since we waited 30 minutes for a dessert menu (that never came after we asked twice) and finally had to get up and ask for the check.  If you are in a hurry we do not recommend Cafe Katja since it appears more of a low-key hangout atmosphere. For those in the Lower East Side, Cafe Katja could provide you with a basic introduction to Austrian/Bavarian cuisine with a twist.

Side Note: They offer a wide variety of Austrian and Bavarian beverages.