All About Coffeeshops In Austin, Texas

Editor: While looking up addresses, I discovered that It's a Grind Coffeehouse is a national chain. I had not realized that, and I took it off. It was my intention to only feature unique locales. (Also, thank you for your kind remark. I appreciate that.) Austin has a plethora of coffeehouses. Surely it rivals Seattle in this regard. You can live in Austin for years and never get around to all of them. These locally owned jewels are located in every part of town. Even in Texas’s sometimes blistering heat, you will find folks sipping espressos outside on the porch of one of the cafes. If you are visiting Austin, you should definitely try one of the coffeehouses listed below, which are the coffeehouses most often frequented by the locals.

1. The Spider House—This place is a trendy alternative-type coffee shop just north of the UT campus. You can sit in the cozy bungalow, or out on the patio and watch the students study. You might want to bring along something to work on yourself. It offers a small menu and occasional poetry readings, as well as live music. It offers wireless internet, but sometimes it may be too crowded to use it. Definitely a happening spot. 2908 Fruth Street.

2. Mozart’s—Located on Lake Austin, this charming coffeeshop features many yummy pastries, outside seating by the lake, and is located next to popular restaurants. It is the perfect place to pop in and unwind after a busy evening. It is open late, and it is relaxing to sip coffee out by the water. You probably won’t want to bring your computer, but if you do, wireless internet access is available. 3825 Lake Austin Blvd.

3. La Ruta Maya—Once a tiny coffeehouse located downtown, it has morphed into a huge warehouse space that provides wireless internet, salsa classes, poetry readings, and a rocking good time on the weekends. During the day, it can feel very spacious, but at night, you’ll be hard pressed to find a seat. The fair trade coffee is yummy. The transformation was a good one, as it has turned into South Austin’s community center for the groovy crowd. Did I mention that they also offer yoga with their lattes? 3601 S. Congress Ave.

4. Little City—This shop, located directly across the street from the UT campus, is very popular with coeds. It has a modern feel and is dominated by a large glass window covering the front of the building that provides a view of Guadalupe Street, otherwise known as The Drag. Interesting sights can be seen at this one! 916 Congress Avenue.

5. The Flightpath—Located in North Central Austin, this shop has a cool 50’s ambience, complete with old funky furniture. It is typically not crowded, and is an excellent place to kick back on a mod couch and relax. 5011 Duval Street.

6. Café Mundi—Locating on the up and coming Eastside, this coffeehouse is often quite crowded, and hosts many community events. The best part is the gorgeously landscaped outside patio. 1704 East 5th Street.

7. Flipnotics—Located in the vicinity of Zilker Park, this Austin favorite features live music, beer and juices in addition to an excellent cup of java. Wireless internet is also offered. 1601 Barton Springs Road.

8. Mojos is open 24 hours. If you ever need a place to go at 3am, then Mojos is your place. Basic munchies are offered along with the coffee. Mojos is the place to go before, after or while getting your mojo on! Lots of art and an overall good vibe. Wireless internet access. 2704 Guadalupe Street.

9. The Bouldin Creek Coffeehouse and Café serves excellent desserts. With plentiful parking, vegan cooking and delicious desserts, this is where it is at for the vegetarian crowd and many others. Try the delicious brownies. 1501 South 1st Street.

10. Quack’s, the coffeeshop formerly known as Quackenbush’s, is a delightful shop featuring a cornucopia of pastries. It is located in the fashionable Hyde Park neighborhood. Their coconut cream pie and coffee is a perfect way to start your day. Lots of hustle and bustle. Arrive early to get your java on, and bring your laptop if you’d like the free wireless access. 411 East 43rd Street.

11. The Green Muse—This quiet Southside coffeeshop offers wireless internet access, and a spacious interior, as Cipollinawell as a beautiful patio. The coffee’s not bad either. Their latte’s are some of the best in town. Their wireless connection is said to be excellent. 519 West Oltorf Street.

12. The Hideout—This groovy little joint is located right downtown, and is open late, making it the perfect place to take a date before dinner. It is cozy, and often has stunning artwork on the walls. Part of the space also doubles as a theater, so that’s what those stomping sounds and yelling that you might hear are. Wireless internet provided. 617 Congress Avenue.

13. JP’s Java, located in Central Austin, is a cool little shop that offers wireless access. It is a good shop to walk to, as parking can be limited. 2803 San Jacinto Blvd.

14. Lava Java, also in Central Austin, serves a good cup, and offers reliable wireless service to boot. Fair trade coffee. 2901 Medical Arts Street, Ste.A. Have fun exploring Austin’s coffeehouses. Austin’s coffeehouses capture the eclectic atmosphere of the city, and you really haven’t visited until you’ve tried one or ten of them!