For richer or pour over, Austin’s coffee shops are what keep us going in the morning. Our city ranks among the top coffee cities in America thanks to factors like cafes per capita and the price of beans.
The Capital City has no shortage of masterful baristas, aromatic roasts, and foamy lattes. But if you’re having trouble deciding on a spot, gather some brews clues with our guide to some of the best coffee shops in ATX.
Pro tip: if you need to refine your order, review the different kinds of coffee before stepping up to the counter.
For latte art lovers
Don’t miss out on Café Crème’s seasonal sips.
Photo by @cafecremeaustin
Café Crème, 1834 E. Oltorf St. | This French-Vietnamese cafe not only offers super creamy lattes, homemade breakfast tacos, and seasonal bites — it’s also a marketplace for local artists. What to order: Café Crème Brûlée or chai tea latte.
The Hideout Coffee House, 617 Congress Ave. | Lovers of the arts will flock to this shop, which famously has a stage and improv school inside.
Merit Coffee Co., Multiple locations | In addition to its picturesque pastries, Merit’s attention to detail is what makes its drinks shine.
Proud Mary Coffee, 2043 S. Lamar Blvd. | Experience a piece of Melbourne’s coffee culture here in the Lone Star State. Psst — don’t forget to order something from the kitchen.
Simona’s Coffee + Cocktails, 2510 S. Congress Ave. | Got an important meeting or need to impress someone? Take them to Simona’s upscale shop, which converts to a bar in the evening and has a welcoming library upstairs.
Specialty drinks
Dear Austin Coffee Bar, 2310 S. Lamar Blvd., Ste. #102 | Grab a coffee drink, boba tea, or strawberry frosé at this shop, where you can leave a love letter for Austin on the wall.
Lucky Lab Coffee Co., multiple locations | Grab your (leashed) furry friend, order a seasonal creation, and don’t skip the homemade pastries.
Dog owners will love libations from Lucky Lab Coffee Co.
Photo by @luckylabatx
Plaza Colombian Coffee Bar, 3842 S. Congress Ave. | This south Austin coffee shop has it all: Colombian coffee, gourmet teas, guava pastries, pataconcitos, cocktails, and an outdoor patio. What to order: El Houston Bogota or London Fog.
Revival Coffee, 1405 E. 7th St. | At this shop, the drinks are just as tasty as the interior’s all-pink style. What to order: Matcha fruity pebbles or horchata.
Sweet Memes, 3801 S. Congress Ave., #109 | Satisfy your sweet tooth at this pretty local coffee shop and bakery, featuring treats like coconut cream coffee and taro frappes.
Revival is the pinkest coffee shop in Austin.
Photo by @coffeefriyays
Best bites
Cafe Corazon, 1701 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Ste. #103 | This cozy little shop in east Austin serves international flavors (like the pistachio rose latte) and inventive homemade cookie flavors.
Cenote, 1010 E. Cesar Chavez St. | Cenote’s expansive patio makes it a solid choice for any time of year, especially with a mocha and breakfast sandwich in hand.
Civil Goat Coffee Co., Multiple locations | You won’t go hungry at any of this mini-chain’s three locations, which serve acai bowls, avocado toasts, and omelets in addition to specialty drinks.
Dear Diary Coffee, 1212 Chicon St., Ste. #103 | This all-vegan coffee shop is always serving up specialty seasonal drinks and a wide array of snacks.
The Meteor, 2110 S. Congress Ave. | A bike shop/wine bar/coffee shop hybrid, The Meteor has a full menu to enjoy, a sunny patio, and fancy wines to peruse.
Mozart’s Coffee Roasters, 3825 Lake Austin Blvd. | This lakeside coffee shop has views for days, an expansive menu of pastries, and an ongoing events roster.
Nate’s Baked Goods + Coffee, 401 Orchard St. | This teeny tiny coffee shop only has a few tables, but tons of flavor, so don’t leave without something from the kitchen.
Kick Butt Coffee, 5775 Airport Blvd. | Kick Butt Coffee might be the only coffee shop/open mic/dojo combo in Austin, and it has a full kitchen and plenty of space for co-working.
Revolución Coffee + Juice, 207 San Jacinto Blvd., Ste. #200 | Order an ube latte, London Fog, or chlorophyll water to go with some delicious breakfast tacos at this Downtown coffee shop.
Plenty of outlets and internet connection
Bennu Coffee, multiple locations | This is the perfect work-away-from-home destination — it’s open 24/7, serves up tasty breakfast tacos, boasts a big drink menu, and has free Wi-Fi.
Epoch Coffee, multiple locations | With plenty of seating, outlets, and knowledgeable baristas, Epoch Coffee makes an excellent study or co-working space.
Flightpath, 5011 Duval St. | Working from this coffee shop will make you feel like you’re sitting in an old friend’s living room. City Editor Figi here — I’ve written the newsletter from this shop many times, and in addition to lovely drinks and delicious treat options, it’s always a nice change of pace.
The Hive, 10542 Menchaca Rd. | This newly refurbished coffee shop sits on an expansive garden, has several rooms of indoor seating to choose from, and offers a full menu. What to order: lavender lemonade or hot chocolate.
Monkey Nest Coffee, 5353 Burnet Rd. | A popular study destination for UT students, Monkey Nest has a great sandwich and drink selection, from drip coffee to Thai iced coffee and smoothies.
Where to write your novel
Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden, 121 Pickle Rd. | An urban oasis, Cosmic easily transitions from work to play with equal emphasis on coffee, cocktails, and the great outdoors. What to order: Molé mocha or black cherry limeade.
Jo’s Coffee, multiple locations | There are plenty of these shops to choose from around the city, so choosing a place to work won’t hinder your writing schedule.
Mañana, multiple locations | This tranquil shop has a fully rounded-out coffee and tea menu. What to order: golden milk or matcha latte.
Radio Coffee + Beer, multiple locations | Grab a lemonade or locally sourced brew and stay for a while on Radio’s massive patio.
Patika also hosts an affordable brunch on weekends.
Photo by @patikacoffee
Patika Coffee, multiple locations | Patika will make you feel fancy, even if you just order a pot of tea. Its natural lighting and breezy patio make it an ideal place for meeting, working, or even brunch on the weekend.
The Perch, 74 Trinity St. | Get inspired at this shop, which has plenty of seating along Lady Bird Lake, while you sip on a Butterbeer latte or green smoothie.
Settle into The Perch’s huge waterfront patio, which is perfect for the more temperate months.
Photo by @jg.marketingatx
Trendy and new
Cosmic Saltillo, 1300 E. 4th St.| The second Cosmic installment keeps you happy and fed with its adjacent taco shop, unique coffee drinks, rooftop patio with Downtown views, and proximity to the Red Line.
Palomino Coffee, 4136 E. 12th St. | Tucked away in an adobe-inspired interior, this shop doubles as an apothecary and home goods store. What to order: anything from the seasonal menu.
Be the barista
Shop our favorite coffee essentials to turn your house into our city’s next great coffee destination.
- It all starts with the beans — for the best coffee (and tea), skip the big brands and shop this collection of coffee from local roasters. For a whole bean coffee, try Methodical Coffee’s Pink Lady, while these Loveland Coffee K-Cups are a great Keurig option.
- For a French Press that lasts, avoid breakable glass options and opt for stainless steel — this Secura French Press is highly rated and comes in multiple colors.
- Bloom pour overs like a pro with elegant gooseneck design of the COSORI Electric Gooseneck Kettle.
- These double walled glass espresso cups or these handmade ceramic espresso cups will set your home cafe apart.
- Hide coffee stains under espresso makers with this absorbent drying mat that sucks up coffee drops like magic.
- For the sleekest coffee accessories imaginable, shop the Fellow collection for coffee bean grinders, kettles, and carafes.
- Ready to go all in? The Breville Barista Espresso Machine is a best-selling espresso machine that makes coffee shop-worthy lattes, cappuccinos, and espresso at home.
