It's not just hot dogs and peanuts in Lakeview anymore. There's now a taste of Vienna.
Julius Meinl (pronounced MY-nl), a Viennese institution for more than a century, recently opened a coffeehouse in Lakeview serving smooth, medium- roasted brews and traditional Viennese pastries and confections. "We're trying to bring a bit ot Viennese coffee culture and tradition to Chicago," said Thomas Meinl, whose great-great-grandfather Julius started the coffee business in 1862 in Vienna. The contemporary exterior is deceiving. Inside the 70-seat shop, at 3601 N. Southport Ave. (773-868-1857), are classical Viennese chairs upholstered booths, and soft lights offset historical photos lining the golden stucco walls.

Coffee is served Viennese-style, with a china cup and saucer on a tray, and caramel or chocolate cookies and a glass of water on the side. Viennese desserts include traditional pastries such as a whipped cream apple strudel and Mohr im Hemd, a hot molden chocolate cake served with warm chocolate sauce and schlag, a not-too-sweet whipped cream.