The evolution of Austin’s coffee scene has gone from average to overwhelming, in recent years.  It’s only fitting with the massive flow of population growth we’ve seen, with no signs that it’s expected to slow down (looking at you Tesla)!

These days a modern-day coffee shop isn’t only limited to high-quality, sustainably-grown, roasted beans served by skilled baristas.  Many shops masquerade as cafes offering a full-service bar with ice-cold beer, craft cocktails, and a full menu of delicious snacks, pastries and plates for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  With a vast offering of outstanding coffee shops in every corner of Austin, there’s absolutely no reason for you to stop at Starbucks unless you have something against keeping your business local.

After sipping dozens of freshly brewed cups of latte, cold brew, espresso, and Americano, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of our favorite coffee joints in nearly every neighborhood in Austin.

EAST AUSTIN

Greater Good Coffee Co.

2501 E 5th St | Greater Goods offers a carefully curated selection of specialty coffees from around the world.  The modern, architectural interior is bright and airy and filled with the energy of an upscale coffee shop that anchors East Austin’s reformation and growth.

Houndstooth Coffee

East Austin – MLK (multiple locations in Austin) | Since opening their first cafe in 2010, they have fueled the growth of the coffee community in Austin. While many spots focus on serving great coffee, Houndstooth invites guests to help weave a vibrant social fabric—the Pattern of Coffee and People, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere in each cafe by focusing on hospitality, the art of conversation, and education.

Wright Bro.’s Brew & Brew

500 San Marcos St #105 |  Whether you’re in the mood for coffee, a cold brew, or an ice-cold brew, Wright Bro.’s sits in a specious and industrious space with a key focus on local craft beer and coffee in one of the best spaces in town.

The Buzz Mill

1505 Town Creek Dr. | This rustic spot is a go-to for excellent locally roasted premium coffee and craft beer that’s typically open 24 hours!  Also enjoy delicious burgers and specials from Plow Burger.

Cenote

Two Locations | The original spot on East Ceasar Chavez is one of the few classic spots left in town with its original charm, offering a delicious full dining and coffee menu for breakfast, lunch, and evening options, crafted with locally sourced ingredients.  It’s also a perfect spot to enjoy during patio season!

DOWNTOWN/CENTRAL AUSTIN

Halcyon

Two locations in Austin | Halcyon coffee is a 24 hour downtown destination for excellent coffee, alcohol, nicotine, and all of your legal vices under one roof.  This spot serves as a buzzy date night spot or daytime work-from-your-laptop spot with a vibe that’s particularly unique to Austin.

Better Half

406 Walsh St. | In full honesty, I usually go here for the dining menu but in addition to their delicious food, this little coffee shop offers a dog-friendly patio and defines excellent in local brewing to match their tasty menu.  They also offer an amazing happy hour from 1 pm – 4 pm, as well as a nightly reverse happy hour from 9 pm – 10 pm.

Merit Coffee

Three Locations in Austin | For those self-proclaimed coffee snobs out there, San Antonio based Merit Coffee offers three Austin locations, where you can flex your snobbery in the most excellent way possible.  Selected staff have been certified as professional coffee stewards, trained to brew the finest coffee in the city from roasted coffee beans acquired in some of the best regions all over the world.

Jo’s Coffee

Two Locations | With two locations in central Austin, Jo’s Coffee offers so much more than the infamous “I Love You So Much” mural on South Congress.  Enjoy anything from breakfast tacos in the morning to sandwiches, burgers, and queso for lunch.

Batch Craft Beer & Kolaches

3220 Manor Rd. | Batch Craft Beer and Kolaches is an Austin, family-owned kolache bakery, coffee shop, and taproom. Batch offers a full espresso and coffee program through a partnership with Greater Goods Roasting.  Their pastry chefs elevate the classic Central Texas Czech pastry to gourmet status by teaming up with Micklethwait Craft Meats and local fruit vendors.

Mozart’s Coffee

3825 Lake Austin Blvd | Mozart’s Coffee has been an Austin institution since 2009.  What’s better than staying caffeinated on Austin’s largest lakeside deck with snacks and some of the best pastries in the city.

NORTH AUSTIN

Hank’s

5811 Berkman Dr | Hank’s has helped to revitalized the creative energy of the Windsor Park neighborhood with their extensive patio, delectable restaurant menu, and gorgeous little coffee shop all connected in the same space.  During patio season you might find yourself taking longer-than-normal lunches with friends if you do it properly.

Sa-Ten

4917 Airport Blvd. | Thew jewel of Airport Blvd. is a cute little coffee shop featuring a Japanese-American fusion menu, along with espresso and coffee drinks. Tour around the art scene at the Canopy location (East), or head north and fuel up at their Airport Blvd. location.  (Photo credit: Sa-Ten Facebook)

Kick Butt Coffee

5775 Airport Blvd  | Kick Butt Coffee reminds me of what old school Austin once was back in the 1990s.  It might not be the fancy, shiny new spot made for fashion or lifestyle influencers, but their top quality coffee, cookies, housemade breakfast tacos, lithium-like Austin vibe will bring you back when you want to keep things delicious and simple.  (Photo Credit: Kick Butt Coffee Facebook)

SOUTH AUSTIN

Cosmic Coffee

121 Pickle Rd. | mic is so far beyond the spectrum of any normal coffee shop.  Not only do they serve world-class coffee, beer, and cocktails, but they also host one of the largest backyard patios with some of the greatest food trucks in Austin.  Do you fancy smoked BBQ from LeRoy & Lewis with your cold brew?  Done!  In the mood for chicken wings with your coffee cocktail?  Hey, no one will judge you!  (Photo Credit: Austin Food Magazine)

Radio Coffee & Beer

4204 Manchaca Road | South Austin hangout Radio Coffee & Beer a local favorite, with a welcoming family-friendly space with something for everyone with ample onsite car and bike parking and expansive dog-friendly outdoor shaded seating, offering guests a selection of unfussy cocktails, meant to be enjoyed anytime to pair perfectly with onsite food truck partners.

Seventh Flag

1506 S 1st St. | Located on South First, this Seventh Flag offers high-quality coffee paired with a cozy and classic coffee shop vibe that makes you feel like you’re spending time in a living room.

Patika Coffee

2159 S Lamar Blvd. | Fom Patika’s beginnings as a coffee cart in downtown Austin in 2010, owners Wigginton and Krupa founded their first brick and mortar at 2159 S Lamar in 2014 and grew to recently open a downtown Luncheonette on Congress Ave. in July 2019, serving a daily menu of craft coffee, breakfast, and lunch offerings.