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A Local’s Guide to Coffee Shops in Austin

 - January 17, 2020
2Q4A3722

It probably wouldn’t surprise you much to hear that Austin is home to one of the most diverse coffee scenes in the South. There are definitely a ton of spots to get your caffeine fix, which means that if you’re new to the area, you may not even know where to start! I like to think there’s a coffee shop for just about anyone–from warm and inviting, to bright and minimalistic–Austin has it all and everything in between! Whether you’re looking for a place to cozy up and get lost in the pages of your favorite book, want to catch up with a friend, or need somewhere energizing to crack open your laptop to get some work done, there’s an Austin-original coffee shop for you. We quizzed our Common Desk ATX staff and came up with our top ten must-try coffee spots around town. Check them out below, and get ready for a caffeine craving to kick-in!

#10 Genuine Joe Coffeehouse

2001 W Anderson

(Photo by Kemati’s Coffee Magazine)

This is a great shop if you find yourself in North Austin, and it just so happens to be a few spots down from our Anderson Lane location! This humble shop serves up homey living-room vibes in the best kind of way. While other shops on this list are bright and Instagram-able, Genuine Joe is made up of three rooms full of mismatched and crazy-comfy furniture. Drinks are reasonably priced (a rare find in Austin’s coffee scene), and there’s a ton of space to sprawl out and hunker down to get some real work done. They’re also home to a few really neat coffeehouse-style events. Check it out if you’re wanting to explore! Genuine Joe is definitely an Austin gem.

#9 Caffe Medici 

Multiple Locations 

(Photo by Runaworkshop)

I know, I know, this one’s a local chain. But hey, if it ain’t broke! Caffe Medici opened in 2006 and has six locations all through Austin, with their newest one containing a roasting facility! At a Caffe Medici, you can get classic espresso-based drinks, cold-brew, seasonal goodies, and teas. They also boast a fun combination of snack offerings for when you get a little hungry after downing espresso. They also sell Tacodeli breakfast tacos! I’d say Caffe Medici is perfect if you’re needing to sit and get some work done (that is if you can’t get to a Common Desk, of course).

#8 Wright Bros Brew & Brew

500 San Marcos St

(Photo by Marisa Dunn)

Brew & Brew is exactly what you’re thinking it might be–coffee and beer under the same roof. I’ve heard they do a good job at keeping Austin weird, but you didn’t hear it from me. Home to a full espresso bar with 39 (!) rotating taps of craft beer and cider, Brew & Brew focuses on giving equal attention to everything they serve. Next door they have a shared event space and an art gallery. If you ask me, it’s a good happy hour destination, or maybe even a nice date night spot. Grab a brew (or a brew) with a pal after work and you’ll be doing Brew & Brew right.

#7 Quickie Pickie

1208 E 11th St

(Photo by John Anderson)

As far as the title of “Quirkiest Coffee Shop” goes, Quickie Pickie might be one of the first places to come to mind. Essentially, they’re a restaurant and grocery store…but honestly, they’re so much more. This hybrid is on our list because their coffee is superb. Also, as I’m scrolling through their Yelp, it seems like a ton of out-of-towners fawn over this place. A nice place to take your visiting friends as a midday coffee stop whilst adventuring, perhaps?

#6 Better Half Coffee & Cocktails

406 Walsh St

(Photo by Alison Narro)

Y’all, I’m not kidding when I say this: Better Half has it all. They serve coffee, cocktails, wine, neat spirits, draft beer, and a full menu from breakfast to dinner. Next time you’re in the area, stop by Better Half if you’re jonesing for a quick bite. Their patio is heavenly and so are their cauli tots. But this is a coffee shop blog post, so we shall talk about their coffee. I’ve heard amazing things about their chai specifically, so if you’re a chai person, try it out and get back to me! Better Half is another one of my personal favorites, mostly because I think their location is easy and their ambiance is great. You could easily sit and hang out in the sun for hours with that massive backyard of theirs. 

 #5 Flat Track Coffee

1619 E Cesar Chavez

(Photo by Tomlinson’s Feed)

Flat Track was founded in 2012 as a catering business for events. It only took a year for them to open their brick-and-mortar in the neatest part of town. They share a space with Cycleast bike shop, which adds an entirely different ambiance than any other shop around town. Flat Track is my personal Austin favorite; I find the staff friendly, the food delicious (they serve breakfast and lunch), and the coffee fantastic. It’s the perfect spot to order an oat milk latte and sit down with a book before working at our Far East location. 

#4 Flitch Coffee

641 Tillery

(Photo by Flitch Coffee)

This coffee spot runs out of a 1955 Spartan Manor trailer. What’s more Austin than that? They have breakfast tacos and pastries to accent their cozy coffee menu. They don’t have a ton of coffee options, but I promise you–what they have, they make right! The lot they park their trailer in is full of patio furniture and the cutest plants you ever did see. Flitch is laid-lack, warm, and eclectic. This is the perfect Saturday morning hang out. And don’t forget to bring your four-legged friend along for the fun!

#3 Seventh Flag Coffee

1506 S 1st St

(Photo by John Anderson)

Seventh Flag operates out of a beautiful 100-year-old home that was stripped and redone from scratch. There are high ceilings, large windows, and wood accents. Around the shop, you’ll find tons of tables to spread out on. Seventh Flag’s entire vibe makes you feel like you’re having the best day ever; there’s just something about the kind people and smooth espresso that really makes you want to stay awhile. There’s a great outdoor seating area as well. This space would be perfect for just about anything.

#2 – Mañana 

1603 S Congress Ave

(Photo by Jennifer S. on Yelp)

Mañana, located at South Congress Hotel, is the cutest grab-and-go spot south of Lady Bird Lake. They have a curated menu of specialty coffee drinks, wine by the glass, and the most delicious homemade pastries. Seriously, the reason you stop in here instead of the million other shops on Congress is because of these pastries. The shop itself is very airy and contemporary and would be perfect for an air-conditioned escape on one of our infamous hot Austin summer days. 

#1 – Fleet Coffee Co

2427 Webberville Rd

(Photo by Fleet Coffee)

Fleet Coffee is short, sweet, and to the point. This coffee shop is run under the direction of Patrick Pierce and Lorenzo Perkins of Cuvee Coffee and Caffeé Medici, so when you’re here, you know you’re in good hands. Blond maplewood countertops, a classic La Marzocco Linea espresso machine, and little yellow barstools greet you upon entering this tiny shop. They rotate their beans from different roasteries in the US, and also sell them if you fall in love with a certain roast. I’ve heard good things about their Oreo infused milk and espresso. All that being said, Fleet is the perfect spot to meet up with a friend on a sunny Austin day.

Alrighty folks, there you have it; that’s it for our top ten coffee shop recommendations in Austin! Personally, I’ve only been to a few on this list, so I guess I know what I’m doing this weekend! Flitch sounds especially dreamy after all this nice weather we’ve been having. What do you think of our picks? Comment below and tell us your favorite Austin coffee shop!

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