Perk Up Your Day: Discovering the Best Coffee Shops in Austin

Photo: Rachel E.

Austin, Texas is known for its vibrant and diverse coffee scene, with a plethora of independent coffee shops and roasters scattered throughout the city. Whether you’re a coffee aficionado or just looking for a cozy spot to work or catch up with friends, Austin has something for everyone.

From classic espresso drinks to innovative specialty beverages, the coffee shops in Austin offer a range of options to satisfy any caffeine craving. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best coffee shops in Austin, highlighting their unique features and specialties. So grab your favorite mug and let’s dive in!

Greater Goods Coffee Roasters

Greater Goods Coffee Roasters is a must-visit coffee shop in Austin. Their specialty coffee is made with high-quality ingredients, making it a great spot for those looking to taste something new. People highly recommend their bourbon latte and cold brew, both of which are made to perfection.

What’s even better is that a portion of their sales goes to several Austin charities, making it a great way to support the local community. Greater Goods is also a great place to work or study, with both indoor and outdoor seating options available. The staff is friendly and accommodating, making for a pleasant atmosphere.

In addition to their great coffee, they also offer food options like pastries and breakfast items. Overall, Greater Goods Coffee Roasters is a solid coffee spot that should definitely be on your list of places to check out in Austin.

Wright Bros Brew & Brew

Photo: Kevin W.

Wright Bros Brew & Brew is a popular coffee and craft beer spot located in East Austin. What sets this place apart is its wide selection of craft beer, wine, cocktails, coffee, and tea, making it a great spot for any time of day. They also offer a variety of breakfast options, including their signature breakfast sandwich and brisket sandwich.

Wright Bros Brew & Brew is a great place to start your day with a cup of coffee and breakfast, and then come back later on the day to try their beers. While the seating is limited to a small patio, they do have Wi-Fi available. The interiors have a hipster chic vibe, adding to the overall atmosphere of the place. If you’re in the area, Wright Bros Brew & Brew is definitely worth checking out.

Epoch Coffee

Epoch Coffee is a popular coffee shop in Austin that’s known for its strong and high-quality coffee. They offer a range of specialty drinks, including the iced mojo, Mexican mocha, and iced coffee, all of which come highly recommended.

Photo: Lily A.

The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and they can tell you about the cafe’s different brews and roasts. The shop is open 24 hours a day, making it a great spot for night owls and those who need to work late. The free Wi-Fi and casual atmosphere make it a popular place for students and remote workers alike.

Photo: Ward S.

The vibes are casual and a little unique, adding to the overall charm of the place. And if you’re a pet owner, you’ll be happy to know that Epoch Coffee is pet-friendly. All in all, Epoch Coffee is a great spot for anyone looking for a strong cup of coffee and a chill place to hang out.

Spokesman Coffee

Photo: Lena L.

Spokesman Coffee is a unique coffee shop located in a strip mall in Austin. The shop is known for its flavorful coffee and has received a lot of praise for its chai drinks.

In addition to its great coffee, Spokesman Coffee offers a variety of breakfast items, pastries, and lunch options. Some of their recommended dishes include the chicken salad sandwich, tomato pesto, and soyrizo wrap. The ambiance is chill and comfortable, with lots of intriguing art that add interest to the place. However, the seating is intimate, which makes it a great spot for catching up with friends or working remotely.

Spokesman Coffee is part of a series of other dining options in the strip mall, including a winery and chicken restaurant, so you can get a coffee, eat a quick meal, and more. The service is quick and efficient, making it a great spot for those on the go. Spokesman Coffee is one of the best coffee shops in Austin, especially if you’re looking for unique and flavorful coffee in a comfortable and intimate setting.

Figure 8 Coffee Purveyors

Photo: Jessica S.

Figure 8 Coffee Purveyors is a cozy neighborhood coffee shop in Austin that’s known for its affordable quality coffee. Some of their recommended drinks include cortado, vanilla latte, and iced latte.

The shop has limited indoor seating but there are outdoor picnic tables, so you can bask in the sun. The décor has a rustic sort of controlled chaos, adding to the overall charm of the place. Figure 8 Coffee Purveyors is a great spot to bring your laptop and work on stuff, but be aware that there may be a wait if you’re visiting during the morning rush.

Merit Coffee

Photo: Esther C.

Merit Coffee is a popular coffee shop in Austin that’s all about high-quality coffee. They source their coffee from Central or South America and Africa, ensuring that every cup is made with the best possible ingredients.

Some of their recommended drinks include the vanilla oat milk latte, hot chai latte, and iced latte, all of which are made to perfection. Their specialty drinks always get a shout-out in reviews and for good reason! The coffee shop sees a lot of foot traffic, which you know must mean they have good coffee.

The café is great for working, chilling, and catching up with friends, with free Wi-Fi and friendly staff. The shop is also dog-friendly, adding to the overall charming vibes of the place.

Codependent Cocktails + Coffee

Photo: Megan L.

Codependent Cocktails + Coffee is a unique spot in Austin that’s a mix of both a café and a bar. The cocktails are also worth a try, and they have a range of options to choose from. The outdoor seating is great for those with dogs, while the indoor seating is charming and beautiful, with huge windows and bright natural light. The vibes are a mix of both café and bar, making it a great spot for any time of day.

However, if you’re looking for a place to work, it might not be the best place, as they really encourage more face-to-face interaction. There are only select tables where you can use your laptop, and no laptops are allowed on the weekends after 11 am.

However, they also host music events with DJs, so it can be a cool spot for some entertainment. All in all, Codependent Cocktails + Coffee is a great spot for anyone looking for a unique and charming atmosphere.

Radio Coffee & Beer

Radio Coffee & Beer is a casual café in Austin that’s known for its great coffee and beers. As the name suggests, they offer a range of both coffee and beer options. Most of their recommended drinks are from their cold brew options, so if that’s your cup of joe, then you’re in luck.

The shop is a popular place for remote workers, with plenty of space and comfortable seating options. However, it can be crowded during peak hours, so plan accordingly. There’s also outdoor seating available, which is great for those looking to enjoy the Austin weather. And for those driving, there’s parking available.

Radio Coffee & Beer also hosts events on occasion. It’s an all-in-one package for one of the best coffee shops in Austin.

Try Hard Coffee Roasters

Photo: Kevin W.

Try Hard Coffee Roasters is a gem of a coffee shop in Austin. They’re pretty known for their great coffee and breakfast items, especially their tacos. If you’d like to try their dishes, some favorites include the breakfast tacos, hash bowl, and migas tacos, all of which are made with high-quality ingredients and a lot of love.

According to reviews, the staff is very accommodating to requests, and you can clearly tell that they use high-quality tortillas to make their tacos. The atmosphere is very welcoming and inviting, with both indoor and outdoor seating available. The quirky décor adds to the overall ambiance. They are also known for their live music, adding to the overall charm of the place.

Better Half Coffee & Cocktails

Photo: Jordan P.

Better Half Coffee & Cocktails is one of the best coffee shops in Austin. The spot is dog-friendly, has a parking lot, and offers both indoor and outdoor seating, including picnic tables and a cowboy pool out back. They offer friendly service and the atmosphere is cool and welcoming. It’s also considered a great spot for big group hangouts since the space is spacious enough to accommodate lots of people.

Photo: Paul D.

They do see a lot of people during peak hours. The combination of their sandwiches and high-quality coffee sounds like the start to a great day. It’s just a plus that their cocktails and food also come highly recommended. Some of their recommended dishes include the breakfast sandwich, fried chicken, and chicken sandwich. Better Half Coffee & Cocktails is one of the best spots in Austin for hanging out, loading up on caffeine with some delicious food as a bonus.

Jo’s Coffee

Photo: Marisa C.

Jo’s Coffee is an Austin staple located in the heart of downtown. While the shop is popular as the go-to spot for coffee, they also offer a range of breakfast and lunch options. Some of their recommended dishes include breakfast tacos and tuna melt. Belgian Bomber coffee is also highly recommended and a must-try for coffee lovers.

Aside from that, people also stop by for its charming and welcoming atmosphere. The shop sees a lot of foot traffic from locals and tourists alike. The location in the middle of downtown makes it a great spot to grab a quick bite or cup of coffee while exploring the city.

Conclusion

Austin is a city known for many things and their vibrant coffee culture definitely holds up to keep Austin weird. From cozy neighborhood cafes to bustling downtown spots, there’s no shortage of great coffee shops to choose from. This is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the best coffee in Austin. Whether you’re looking for a strong cup of joe, a unique atmosphere, or great food options, there’s a cafe in Austin that will meet your needs.