I encountered some of the best coffee shops during my first week in Austin. My e-commerce conference (so cliche, I know) was held at the W Hotel across the street from Halcyon. This coffee shop reminded me of some of the grungier cafes I hung out in when I was younger. After renting an apartment nearby, it became my go-to spot.
Since 2016, I've continued to explore Austin's cafe scene, paying attention to the location, design, accessibility of electric outlets, and food offerings as much as the coffee quality. I'm a social coffee drinker and enjoy going to coffee shops for the whole experience, whether working alone, co-working, or catching up with friends.
With all that in mind, I've compiled a list of the best coffee shops in Austin, organized by neighborhood. Click the link below to jump to that part of the list.
Austin's Top Cafes
Downtown
As downtown Austin continues to grow, so does the number of cafes in the city center.
Codependent Cocktails + Coffee
Codependent is a chic, Italian-inspired lounge on the ground floor of the Independent condo tower, one block west of Intelligentsia. The arrival of this cozy bar and cafe in 2020 offers downtown residents and visitors a more comfortable space to relax with friends over coffee or a date during aperitivo. A laptop-free policy after 4 p.m. encourages guests to connect with people instead of using the space solely for work.
301 West Ave, Suite 110, Austin, TX codependentatx.com
Related: Italian Coffee Culture in Milan
Cuvee Coffee
My first experience with nitro cold brew on tap was at the original Cuvee Coffee Bar in East Austin in 2016. I've been fond of the brand ever since. My Airbnb host took me there, and I was an instant fan of the taste and texture, perhaps because it reminded me of Guinness.
Cuvee helped popularize nitro cold brews in cans, which are more common today. The company's first three products were nitro black coffee, hemp oil, and horchata (all non-dairy). They've since released vanilla and mocha.
In 2023, Cuvee opened a new cafe on the ground floor of the Natiivo condo building on Rainey Street. The space is warmer and more comfortable, with floor-to-ceiling windows allowing lots of natural light. The East Austin location closed in May 2024.
48 East Ave, Austin, TX, cuveecoffee.com
Halcyon
Halcyon is a sentimental favorite, as I mentioned at the top. Centrally located, it's one of the last remaining vestiges of Austin's old city center. I hope Halcyon can maintain its original location as shiny glass office towers and hotels grow around it.
During the day, Halcyon attracts a young, casual crowd. The inside is a little dark, and the music can be too loud to concentrate on work, so I prefer it for socializing. While they no longer offer the avocado toast with smoked salmon, which I liked, they still have enough to choose from for a quick bite. Their s'mores dessert is popular.
Halcyon transitions to a bar and lounge in the evening, with weekly live music shows and other events. It's a great place to hang out.
218 W 4th St, Austin, TX, halcyoncoffeebar.com
See also: Best Speakeasies in Austin
Intelligentsia
Opened in August 2019, Intelligentsia is one of the newer arrivals to Austin's downtown cafe scene. My only previous experience with Intelligtentisa was visiting their coffee bar at the High Line Hotel in New York City. This small, ultra-minimalist cafe is on the ground floor of the Facebook building. Its glass facade allows plenty of natural light, and its tall ceiling allows the colorful tile backdrop to shine.
Intelligentsia offers multiple beverages on tap, including nitro cold brew, nitro latte, and nitro matcha latte ($6.75). After tasting them all, I ordered the nitro matcha latte and a mushroom goat cheese pastry. Easy Tiger and Odd Duck supply the pastries. This cafe is best suited for a drink on the go or a quick snack, not a long work session or a comfy coffee date.
607 W 3rd St, Austin, TX, intelligentsiacoffee.com
See also: Top Restaurants in Austin
Lucky Lab Coffee Co.
University of Texas students, faculty, and dog owners seeking delicious coffee in the West Campus neighborhood must check out Lucky Lab Coffee Co. They served the Austin community from a food truck until founder Courtney Hutton parlayed a collaboration with an Urban Outfitters store into a permanent home.
Lucky Lab Coffee Co. buys its beans from Third Coast Coffee, a local roaster in South Austin that only imports Fair Trade and organic coffee. From there, the baristas brew up inspired seasonal menus. During a recent visit, I savored an orange bergamot sweet cream latte, one of 13 options on the fall menu.
Past winter menus have featured a campfire sweet cream latte, a ginger spice latte, and a blood orange clove latte. All the syrups, sauces, and sweet creams are crafted in-house. Plus, they make their pastries. The chai chocolate chip cookie I tried was excellent. As the name and logo suggest, this is the perfect place to bring a dog.
2421 San Antonio St, Austin, TX, luckylabcoffee.com
East Austin
Cenote
Cenote was one of the first coffee shops I visited in East Austin. I love that the owners created a cafe in an 1887 historic building. In 2011, they received a "Merit Award for Adaptive Use" from the Heritage Society of Austin. I usually sit inside, though their patio has tons of outdoor seating. In addition to great coffee and house-made chai tea, they offer Texas craft beers, wine, and a full breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu.
1010 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX, cenoteaustin.com
Related: Swedish Coffee Breaks
Cosmic Saltillo
In fall 2023, the much-anticipated Cosmic Saltillo opened in a historic building along the CapMetro train line in East Austin. Unfortunately, it was about a year after I moved out of the neighborhood. When I stopped by for the first time, I was blown away by the space's design. It features an indoor bar, a large outdoor patio with a water feature, and a small rooftop deck offering 360-degree views.
I tried my first carajillo, a Mexican coffee cocktail made from fresh shaken espresso, mole spice, and vanilla licor. Other options include an Irish coffee and a boozy Thin Mint cold brew. It's not that the alcohol is necessary. They've got a cold brew with Mexican vanilla, a mole mocha, and all the standards. Plus, there are eight breakfast tacos to consider.
1300 E 4th St, Austin, TX, cosmichospitalitygroup.com
Desnudo Coffee
Colombian-owned Desnudo Coffee aims to help family-run farmers produce higher-quality coffee beans using sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices. If that's a cause you can get behind, visit Desnudo's trailer in East Austin. Arrive early (preferably on a weekday); lines are standard. This truck was the rave in 2023 thanks to its stated mission, specialty coffee drinks like the Brown Sugar Miso Latte, and social media buzz.
On my first visit, a weekday morning with temps in the mid-40s, a dozen people were still there for coffee. I enjoyed the signature Desnudo, a few espresso shots over ice, shaken briefly to produce a foamy head.
2505 Webberville Rd, Austin, TX, desnudocoffee.com
Greater Goods Coffee Roasting Co.
If you like to drink your ethically sourced coffee from local roasters, check out Greater Good's flagship cafe in East Austin. In 2019, Food & Wine Magazine named Greater Goods the best coffee in Texas, and Roast Magazine recognized them as their 2021 Micro Roaster of the Year.
This spacious coffee shop offers plenty of seating and natural light, though the seating isn't as comfortable as those at other spots on this list. Proceeds from selling coffee bags support local charities, including the Central Texas Food Bank, the Autism Society of Central Texas, and Austin Pets Alive!
2501 E 5th St, Austin, TX, greatergoodsroasting.com
Wright Bros. Brew and Brew
Brew and Brew is a local favorite on East 5th Street, across from Target and a few blocks from downtown. You'll find a friendly neighborhood cafe serving coffee, craft beer, and cocktails. Breakfast is served until noon on weekdays, including bagels and schmears, and they have some excellent sandwich options for lunch. Brunch is served until 3 p.m. on the weekends.
My favorite feature of Brew and Brew is the outdoor seating area, which wraps around the corner of the building. It's a terrific spot for people-watching or hanging out with your dog, though it also attracts homeless people looking for handouts.
500 San Marcos St #105, Austin, TX, thebrewandbrew.com
South Austin
Cosmic Coffee and Beer Garden
Cosmic Coffee and Beer Garden's outdoor patio has a waterfall and koi pond. How cool is that!? According to their website, they "utilize rainwater harvesting, chicken coops, on-site composting, biological ponds, raised beds, rainwater, and waterfall gardens that attract pollinators and provide us with herbs, nuts, vegetables, eggs, and fruit." Plus, their menu is incredible. Like the landscaping, the seasonal drinks are next-level.
Check out a few of these options from their latest winter menu:
- Cosmic Comet with cold brew, Mexican vanilla, orange honey, and oat milk
- Apple Chai-der with microbrewed chai and fresh apple cider
- Lavender matcha latte
Boozy coffees include classic Irish Coffee, Rum Thai Iced Coffee, and more. Need something heartier? Check out the food trucks, including LeRoy and Lewis BBQ and Pueblo Viejo for tacos.
121 Pickle Rd, Austin, TX, cosmichospitalitygroup.com
Ovenbird
When I discovered Ovenbird, I was immediately hooked on their Central and Eastern European baked goods, many of which I'd never heard of before. Every visit is a fresh opportunity to try new pastries, like a Franzbroetchen (German-style cinnamon roll), sochniki (Ukrainian cheese scone), and chocolate babka.
They've also impressed me with their seasonal drink menu. Last fall, I enjoyed a toasted black sesame latte. And I recently ordered a campfire white mocha with caramelized white chocolate mixed with cinnamon, nutmeg, black pepper, and espresso. Have mercy!
Ovenbird serves breakfast and a small selection of sandwiches and salads Tuesday through Sunday, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
6501 S Congress Ave #211, Austin, TX, ovenbirdatx.com
Plaza Colombian Coffee
Plaza Colombian Coffee is on South Congress Avenue, a few blocks south of Cosmic. I'm a massive fan of Colombia. After living there for many years, it feels like my second home. Moving to Austin has been fantastic in many ways, but I still miss Colombian culture, including the food and drinks.
When I learned about Plaza Colombian Coffee, I invited my friend Jenn. Walking up to the cafe, you pass a small old jeep, like the ones still used in the Colombian countryside. The cafe is in a standalone building. An outdoor bar serves Colombia-inspired tiki drinks. They roast 100% Colombian coffee and offer a variety of traditional sweets and savory foods.
Specialty coffees include:
- Houston Bogota, a honey cinnamon iced cappuccino
- Late con Arequipe, a latte sweetened with Colombian arequipe (similar to dulce de leche)
- Oatiest Chai Latte
Getting together for food, drinks, music, and salsa dancing is a big part of Colombian culture. Plaza Colombian Coffee regularly hosts live music.
3842 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX, plazacolombiancoffee.com
Radio Coffee & Beer
A few minutes' drive west of Cosmic Coffee and Plaza Colombian is Radio Coffee & Beer. This popular South Austin cafe, which opened in 2014, serves its own coffee and offers guests a large outdoor patio with three food trucks.
- Veracruz (tacos)
- Dee Dee (country-style northeastern Thai)
- Briscuits (biscuits and barbecue), a Bib Gourmand selection in the Michelin Guide.
4204 Menchaca Rd, Austin, TX, radiocoffeeandbeer.com
The Meteor
The neon sign advertising "Espresso, Champagne, and Chain Lube" says it all. Or at least captures your curiosity if you're driving down South Congress. Equal parts cafe, wine shop, and bike shop, The Meteor offers a welcoming space for everyone.
Housed in a renovated mid-century building, The Meteor is a partnership between two cycling enthusiasts -- Doug Zell, founder of Intelligentsia Coffee, and Chris St. Peter, a former lawyer. The menu includes coffee, pastries, Roman-style pizza, and natural wines. And for cyclists, you've got access to another bike shop and community in the city.
2110 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX, espressochampagnechainlube.com
Two Hands
The Two Hands coffee shop began in NYC and expanded to Austin and Nashville. They've been a welcome addition to the Music Lane development on South Congress Avenue.
You can enjoy an extensive drink menu here, from a great cup of coffee to specialties like turmeric chai latte and purple taro latte. Teas, juices, lemonades, and smoothies are also available. If you're in the mood for something more robust, you can order a cocktail and snacks during their daily happy hour, which runs from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
1011 S Congress Ave, Suite 170, Austin, TX, twohandsnyc.com
West Austin
Better Half Coffee & Cocktails
A block south of Swedish Hill is Better Half Coffee & Cocktails, resulting from a partnership between three East Austin cafe owners—the Wright brothers (Brew and Brew) and Matthew Bolick (Flat Track). Better Half opened in 2016 as a coffee shop and bar delivering a tasty all-day menu.
In 2018, they were named Eater's Austin Restaurant of the Year. Since then, the guys have also opened Hold Out Brewing next door. Better Half's coffee menu currently features a cardamom clove latte and a rosemary lavender latte, which makes me wonder why I'm not working from there right now!
406 Walsh St, Austin, TX, betterhalfbar.com
Civil Goat Coffee Co.
The original Civil Goat Coffee Co. cafe is a 30-minute drive west of downtown Austin. Butters is the resident pygmy goat, and due to health codes, he can only be seen on the outdoor deck of Civil Goat's original location.
Soon after I ordered a cappuccino and avocado toast, Butters showed up around noon. The website suggests you will likely see him between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
He's a headstrong goat, as in he'll happily push his hard head into your shins for as long as you'll let him. In addition to petting Butters, I watched him eat, poop, and push a staff member across the deck. He's a handful!
When I was done with the goat, I bought one of their chocolate doughnuts before heading home. The cafe's interior is small but comfortable and full of natural light. Several people were working on laptops the first time I visited, and I later co-worked there myself.
In 2020, Civil Goat Coffee Co. wisely opened a second, more accessible coffee shop in downtown Austin and a third in East Austin. Each offers an indoor coffee bar and an outdoor patio. Unlike the Cuernavaca location, the downtown and East Austin cafes lack roasting equipment, and Butters won't be making any appearances.
Original Shop & Roastery: 704 Cuernavaca Dr. N, Austin, TX, civilgoat.com
Downtown: 3423 Guadalupe St., Austin, TX
Eastside: 2610 Manor Rd., Austin, TX
Related: Malasadas at Leonard's Bakery
Mozart's Coffee Roasters
For fresh air, head to Mozart's Coffee Roasters. No list of the best coffee shops in Austin would be complete without this one. An Austin original dating back to 1993, Mozart's is on the banks of the Colorado River at the western edge of the Tarrytown neighborhood.
Mozart's is known for its ample outdoor seating, including a multi-level wooden deck, on-site coffee roasting, and bottomless cups of hot and cold brew. It is also a full bakery that serves many sweet and savory pastries.
Every December, Mozart's strings up one million LED Christmas lights over the deck and plays holiday music. This scene attracts visitors from across the region. I once dropped by when they hosted a meetup of Ferrari owners, which filled the parking lot with dozens of gorgeous Italian supercars.
3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX, mozartscoffee.com
North Austin
Epoch Coffee
The original North Loop location of Epoch Coffee was established in 2006, making it one of the older cafes you'll encounter. Like the original downtown Halcyon location, it's a bit more rustic. But what it lacks in modern decor, it makes up for with a warm, friendly vibe and long hours. Epoch Coffee's original location is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, making it a favorite among North Austin night owls.
221 W N Loop Blvd, Austin, TX, epochcoffee.com
Hank's
My friend Amanda introduced me to Hank's when we began co-working together. The minute I arrived, I was enamored with the huge patio and minimalist aesthetic. The pastries are delicious (hello, brown butter chocolate chip cookie with sea salt), the lunch menu is a good value, and the service is friendly. Oh, and there's coffee—my first cup was the mint cold brew.
Inside, there's music, but it's not distracting. Power strips make it easy to stay plugged in, and the Wi-Fi is sufficient for work. You'll find me working from one of the round tables in the shade in the spring and fall months. Hank's is, without a doubt, one of the best coffee shops in Austin.
5811 Berkman Dr, Austin, TX, hanksaustin.com
Houndstooth Coffee
My initial experiences with Houndstooth were through their downtown cafe at 401 Congress Ave in the Frost Tower, as I lived nearby. It's a small, bare cafe, better suited for a quick coffee than a place to hang out.
So, I branched out and visited the North Lamar location in the same building as Uchiko, one of my favorite sushi restaurants, and a block south of Austin's Lamborghini dealership. This cafe is relatively small, too; however, it's brightly lit, and the seating is more comfortable.
I was pleasantly surprised by the Arnold Pommer, a cold-brew coffee with pomegranate, lemon juice, and honey syrup (pictured above). Houndstooth's popularity as one of Austin's best coffee shops has led to its expansion. They now operate five cafes in Austin and three in Dallas.
4200 N Lamar Blvd #120, Austin, TX, houndstoothcoffee.com
