The first week I arrived, I began encountering some of the best coffee shops 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. It became my go-to spot after renting an apartment a few blocks away.
Since then, 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 Austin
As downtown Austin continues to grow, so does the number of cafes in the city center.
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. As shiny glass office towers and hotels continue to grow around it, I hope Halcyon can maintain its original location.
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.
In the evening, Halcyon transitions to a bar and lounge, with weekly live music shows and other events. It's a great place to hang out.
218 W 4th St, Downtown Austin, 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 leaves plenty of room for its 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, Downtown Austin, intelligentsiacoffee.com
See also: Top Restaurants in Austin
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, Downtown Austin, codependentatx.com
Related: Italian Coffee Culture in Milan
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.
The 2023/24 winter menu features 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, Downtown Austin, 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 a historic building constructed in 1887. 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/dinner menu.
1010 E Cesar Chavez St, East Austin, cenoteaustin.com
Related: Swedish Coffee Breaks
Wright Bros. Brew and Brew
Brew and Brew is a local favorite located on East 5th Street, across from Target and a few blocks from downtown. Here, you'll find a friendly neighborhood cafe serving coffee, craft beer, and, more recently, cocktails. Breakfast is served until 2:30 p.m., including Rosen's Bagels, and they've got some excellent sandwich options. 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.
500 San Marcos St #105, East Austin, thebrewandbrew.com
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, East Austin, cosmichospitalitygroup.com
Cuvee Coffee Bar
My first experience with nitro cold brew on tap was at Cuvee Coffee Bar in East Austin. I've been fond of the brand ever since. My Airbnb host took me there, and I was an instant fan of the experience, perhaps because it reminded me of Guinness.
The coffee shop is a bit too dark and barren for me to hang out in for a long time, so I'm glad they created nitro cold brews in a can. The first three products were nitro black coffee, hemp oil, and horchata (all non-dairy). Additional flavors continue to be released.
2000 E 6th St, East Austin, cuveecoffee.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 I don't find the seating options as comfortable as other spots on this list. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of coffee bags goes to support local charities, including the Central Texas Food Bank, the Autism Society of Central Texas, and Austin Pets Alive!
2501 E 5th St, East Austin, greatergoodsroasting.com
Related: Where To Brunch in Austin
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 support, head over to Desnudo's trailer in East Austin. Ensure to arrive early (preferably on a weekday); lines are common. 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, East Austin, desnudocoffee.com
Figure 8 Coffee Purveyors
Figure 8 has been around for a while, but I only recently learned about it. While writing this article, I stopped by for a cappuccino and liked the interior decor, at least in the main room. A second room offers benches made of reclaimed wood but looks otherwise bare. Outdoor seating is also available. Figure 8 provides a standard variety of coffee made using a beautiful white Italian espresso machine.
1111 Chicon St, East Austin, figure8coffeepurveyors.com
South Austin
Opa Coffee and Wine Bar
The Greek-inspired, family-owned Opa Coffee and Wine Bar is one of my favorite coffee shops in South Austin. The large patio is well-shaded by trees, making it an option even in Austin's hot summers. The inside is what you'd expect of an old wooden house-turned-cafe and wine bar. It's comfortable, but I'd rather be outside under the giant oak tree.
The coffee menu includes all the usual favorites, plus Greek coffee as a house specialty. The food menu features some pastries for breakfast and hummus, baked feta, Greek salad, gyros (my favorite), falafels, moussaka, etc.
2050 S Lamar Blvd, South Austin, opasola.com
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, South Austin, cosmichospitalitygroup.com
Plaza Colombian Coffee
Plaza Colombian Coffee is a few blocks south of Cosmic on South Congress Avenue. I'm a massive fan of Colombia. After living there for so 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.
So when I learned about Plaza Colombian Coffee, I invited my friend Jenn to join me. Walking up to the cafe, you pass a small old jeep, like the ones still used today in the countryside. The cafe is in a standalone building, so there is plenty of space. 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, South Austin, plazacolombiancoffee.com
Cafe Nena'i
Opened in February 2017 by mother-daughter duo Elena Sanguinetti and Gladys Benitez, Cafe Nena'i brings a Latin touch to Austin's cafe scene. Since moving to the city, I've kept one eye open for businesses that remind me of my years living and traveling in South America. Cafe Nena'i fits the bill. Elena was born in Paraguay, and "Nena'i" was her childhood nickname.
Savory pastries include empanadas, Venezuelan arepas, and Paraguayan cheese bread. On the sweet side, there are Argentinian alfajors (yum!), medialunas (little croissants), arroz con leche (rice milk with cinnamon), and more. Cuban espresso drinks are available, as well as a cocido con leche, an infusion of yerba mate with milk. Mate is a popular tea drink in Argentina and Uruguay.
1700 Montopolis Dr, South Austin, cafenenai.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, 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. Are you in the mood for something more robust? Order a cocktail and snacks during their daily happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
1011 S Congress Ave Suite 170, South Austin, twohandsnyc.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 (northeastern Thai)
- Briscuits (biscuits and barbecue)
4204 Menchaca Rd, South Austin, radiocoffeeandbeer.com
Ovenbird
I discovered Ovenbird last year and 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, South Austin, ovenbirdatx.com
West Austin
Swedish Hill
Little Swedish Hill is a bakery, deli, and cafe next to the location of its predecessor, the family-owned Sweetish Hill. The small modern space was designed by McGuire Moorman Hospitality, a group responsible for some of the most stylish eateries in town, including June's, Josephine House, and Elizabeth St. Cafe.
The standard coffee options made with Intelligentsia are available. The tea selection is from The Steeping Room. Fresh juices are also available. As it's a bakery, you'll find some of the city's best pastries, bagels, and sandwiches.
1120 W 6th St, West Austin, swedishhillaustin.com
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, West Austin, betterhalfbar.com
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.
It's known for its ample outdoor seating, including a multi-level wooden deck, on-site coffee roasting, and bottomless cups of hot coffee and cold brew. Mozart's 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, mozartscoffee.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. This was 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 had my fill, I returned to the cafe and ate one of their chocolate doughnuts before heading home. The cafe's interior is small but comfortable and full of natural light. The first time I visited, several people were there working on laptops. I'd later co-work there myself.
In 2020, Civil Goat Coffee Co. wisely opened a second, more accessible coffee shop in downtown Austin. I visited the new space, which has an indoor coffee bar and a small outdoor patio. Unlike the Cuernavaca location, the downtown cafe lacks roasting equipment, and Butters won't be making any appearances.
Original Shop & Roastery: 704 Cuernavaca Dr. N, Austin, civilgoat.com
Downtown: 3423 Guadalupe St., Austin
Eastside: 2610 Manor Rd., Austin
Related: Malasadas at Leonard's Bakery
North Austin
Hank's
I have my friend Amanda to thank for introducing 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. In the spring and fall months, you'll find me working from one of the round tables in the shade. Hank's is, without a doubt, one of the best coffee shops in Austin.
5811 Berkman Dr, North Austin, 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, which is 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, houndstoothcoffee.com
Epoch Coffee
Epoch Coffee is closing out my list of the best coffee shops in Austin. The original North Loop location was established in 2006, making it one of the older cafes you'll come across. 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, North Austin, epochcoffee.com
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And there you have it, my recommendations for the best coffee shops in Austin, Texas. I'll update this list annually to reflect what's new.
