British or American visitors to Vienna who feel a little homesick can take refuge at Bobby’s Foodstore, just a couple of minutes walk from Karlsplatz in the center of town.
- Stocks Anglo-American basics, as well as imported sweets, chocolate, biscuits & drinks
- Great at Christmas and Easter for seasonal fare
- Friendly staff
- Book classical concert tickets* in Vienna
- See also:
US & British groceries
(A window into the exotic delights of Anglo-American cuisine)
Inside Bobby’s, you’ll find plenty of food and drink from (mostly) the UK and USA.
Chief among these products are a wide range of snacks, biscuits (cookies), sweets (candy), chocolate and crisps (potato chips), as well as a collection of beers, sodas and other liquid delights.
This selection has saved my soul on those rare occasions when my palate rejects Sachertorte and yearns for the sugared or salted objects of my English past.
In other words, if you’re dying for a packet of cheese & onion flavored crisps, here’s the place to go. You may sometimes even find Twiglets there (often known by their alternative name: the Snack of the Gods).
(The stock changes but British and US chocolate is a reliable constant)
Intriguingly, salt and vinegar crisps, once the sole domain of Bobby’s, now appear semi-regularly in Austrian supermarkets. I attribute this development to my pioneering promotional efforts on the flavour’s behalf.
The store also stocks basic foodstuffs with a British or American flavo(u)r, such as cereals, teas, jams, and peanut butter. I will unashamedly admit to a continuing addiction to Branston pickle that has lasted 30 years in Austria thanks to Bobby’s excellent service.
At Christmas and Easter, seasonal goods like Christmas crackers, Paxo stuffing or chocolate Easter eggs make an appearance. As do those addictive Cadbury mini eggs.
Inevitably, prices reflect the scarcity of the products, but you won’t find many of the items elsewhere in the city. Though Cheddar cheese does now seem to be a thing in local grocery stores.
Oh, and let me also put in a word for the coffee and bagel store next door to Bobby’s: especially good for vegan and vegetarian bagels and flat breads.
P.S. A tip for locals
If you actually live in Vienna, do check out the noticeboard near the entrance.
The pinned notices may help you find various English-speaking groups and activities, whether you’re pining for the company of your fellow countryfolk or just looking for an English-language playgroup for the kids.
(Almost time for another pilgrimage)
How to get to Bobby’s
I usually walk up from Karlsplatz station, which is on the U1, U2, and U4 subway lines.
Alternatively, take the 1 or 62 tram to Paulanergasse or the 59A bus to Schleifmühlgasse. The 1 tram, for example, leaves from various stops along the Ring boulevard that encircles the centre.
Address: Schleifmühlgasse 8, 1040 Vienna | Website