The Best Coffee Shops in Austin
A curated look at the coffee shops that make Austin’s café culture one of a kind.
Merfolk’s Specialty Coffee on South Congress brings a whimsical twist to Austin’s café scene with its imaginative “Alchemy Bar” and myth-inspired drinks. The menu blends creativity with craft, offering playful options like the El Chupacabra mocha, the Nessie matcha with blackberry, and the elderflower-infused Mothman latte. Whether you’re grabbing a quick espresso or lingering over a custom creation, the welcoming “Alchemists” behind the bar make every visit feel like an experience.
Idlewild Coffee blends specialty brews with skate culture in a tight and welcoming downtown Austin space. Tucked inside No Comply Skate Shop, it's a vibrant meeting point where expertly made cold brew, lattes, and cappuccinos meet skate decks and vintage video clips. The baristas are as passionate about crafting stellar coffee as they are about building community, offering oat milk at no extra charge, and keeping the vibe friendly yet electric. For festival-goers, their SXSW outpost brings the same great coffee, reliable Wi-Fi, and comfy couches perfect for recharging mid-chaos.
Klerje Coffee, pronounced “clergy,” is a stylish East Austin café that blends elegance with a playful edge. Located on East Sixth Street, it serves carefully crafted coffee, tea, and matcha along with locally made pastries in a space that recently expanded to offer more seating. The cozy interior, filled with greenery and warm design touches, makes it a welcoming spot for both quick stops and long conversations. Customers praise the friendly baristas and inviting vibe, calling it a gorgeous and comfortable place to relax.
Cherrywood Coffeehouse is an East Austin staple known for its laid-back vibe, hearty menu, and strong coffee. The café offers everything from breakfast tacos and smoothies to burgers and salads, making it a true all-day spot. With plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, free Wi-Fi, and a small stage for live music and open mic nights, it doubles as both a work hub and community hangout. Local favorites include the Cuban con leche, sweet potato hash, and the homemade veggie burger.
Afuga Coffee is a bright and welcoming café in East Austin that started as a mobile coffee bar and gift box venture before finding its home in Texas. The name, which means “a small breather” in Hebrew, reflects the shop’s mission to create a space where people can pause and recharge. With large windows, natural light, and both indoor and outdoor seating, it offers a cozy yet sophisticated setting for everything from quiet mornings to casual meetings. Popular favorites include the cinnamon and date latte, lemon cream croissant, and shaken espresso, all served with a personal, community-driven touch.
Mozart's Coffee Roasters is a true gem in Austin, offering more than just a caffeine fix—it's an experience. Nestled along the scenic shores of Lake Austin, this cozy coffee shop invites you to unwind with a perfectly brewed cup of their signature Mozart's Blend or treat yourself to a decadent slice of their famous Turtle Cheesecake. Whether you're sipping a latte on their spacious deck or indulging in a fresh-baked pastry, Mozart's is the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxing moment in the heart of Austin's natural beauty. Plus, their festive holiday light show adds an extra sprinkle of magic to the mix!
Figure 8 Coffee Purveyors Cafe & Roastery
Figure 8 Coffee Purveyors has been a beloved East Side coffee destination since it opened nearly a decade ago. Housed in an unpretentious, industrial-chic space filled with greenery, it’s the kind of café that feels both industrious and inviting. The menu features rotating offerings of pour-over, drip, espresso, and iced coffee, each carefully curated and often handwritten to reflect a fresh, thoughtful approach. Beyond the coffee, visitors love the cozy vibe, quiet corners perfect for working or relaxing, and the occasional in-house DJ that adds a subtle artistic flair.
Bennu Coffee is a beloved Austin institution known for its cozy atmosphere and 24/7 availability, making it a perfect destination for early risers and night owls alike. With three locations around the city, Bennu offers high-quality, fair-trade coffee sourced from local vendors like Texas Coffee Traders. Their menu features personal French press service with rotating organic beans, along with a variety of customizable espresso drinks and seven signature gourmet mochas, including the popular Raven, topped with dark chocolate and whipped cream. Beyond coffee, Bennu is dedicated to sustainability, offering compostable coffee grounds and participating in local recycling programs.
Epoch Coffee is a true Austin staple, offering a laid-back atmosphere and freshly roasted coffee made with sustainability in mind. Since 2021, Epoch has been roasting its own beans using the eco-friendly Bellwether machine, reducing its environmental impact while ensuring every cup is fresh and flavorful. Their menu features a variety of unique roasts, from the grapefruit and toasted almond notes of their Costa Rican Hacienda Sonora to the dark chocolate richness of their Commander Charlie. With an ever-changing art gallery featuring local artists and a focus on community and sustainability, Epoch Coffee is the perfect spot to relax, connect, and enjoy an expertly crafted cup of coffee.
Known for its expertly brewed coffee, from rich espressos to smooth cold brews, Spokesman is a café by day and a bar by night, seamlessly transitioning from a go-to spot for your morning pick-me-up to a vibrant evening hangout with a rotating selection of craft beers. But the experience doesn't stop at coffee and drinks—Spokesman also serves a delicious selection of breakfast items, from hearty tacos to freshly baked pastries. Beyond the food and beverages, Spokesman is a community-driven hub celebrating local art, music, and culture.
Genuine Joe Coffeehouse is more than just a coffee shop—it's a second home, a community hub, and a place where you're encouraged to be yourself simply. With quirky decor, including an abundance of dinosaurs and the comfiest chairs, this North Austin spot feels like a cozy retreat from the hustle and bustle. The welcoming vibe, friendly staff, and eclectic mix of locals make it a true standout in the Austin coffee scene. Genuine Joe has something to delight every coffee lover, whether craving a unique drink like the Dark Spring, The Wizard, Asteroid City, or Grandma's House.
Buzz Mill Coffee is a one-of-a-kind, 24-hour coffeehouse and community space that perfectly blends coffee culture with a rugged, outdoorsy vibe. Located in East Austin, this log cabin-inspired spot is known for its dedication to sustainability and community outreach. Whether you're stopping by for a strong cup of their freshly brewed coffee, one of their signature drinks, or a refreshing craft beer, Buzz Mill offers a unique experience around the clock. With regular events like comedy shows, live music, and an outdoor patio perfect for unwinding, Buzz Mill is more than just a coffee shop—it's a true community hub.
The Hideout, located in the heart of downtown Austin, is the city’s oldest independent coffeehouse. It is open from morning to night, weekdays and weekends. In addition to its expertly crafted coffee drinks, the Hideout offers beer, wine, fresh sandwiches, and pastries from local favorites like Easy Tiger, Zucchini Kill, and Rock Star Bagels. Enjoy your treats during a performance at the connected theatre, where food and drinks are welcome.
Dear Diary Coffeehouse is a charming East Austin spot that blends creativity with a welcoming, artistic vibe. Open daily, this plant-filled café serves up various coffee drinks, vegan pastries, and light bites, making it a cozy haven for anyone looking to relax or get some work done. Their menu features unique offerings like specialty lattes, cold brews, tea, and non-dairy milk options. The bright, open space is perfect for enjoying your drink or attending one of their many community events, from art shows to open mic nights.
Halcyon Coffee Bar offers a one-of-a-kind experience that combines stellar coffee with a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for any occasion. Whether you're stopping by in the morning for a cup of java or spending the afternoon working away from the office, Halcyon has you covered seven days a week. Using Golden Ratio coffee roasters, their unique gold-roasted beans provide a smoother, gentler coffee experience that’s easy on the stomach, giving you all the flavor without the harshness. Pair your drink with a grilled panini or enjoy tableside s'mores with friends, and create your own perfect Halcyon experience in their relaxed, lounge-style setting.
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