Best Coffee Shops in Austin
by Lauryn Lax
The average American drinks at least 2 to 3 cups of coffee every single day as if it was a necessary nutrient every day.
Unfortunately, however, not all coffees are created equal. In fact, instant coffee (think “Folger’s in your cup”) is one of the most cross-contaminated foods with gluten. Many other coffees contain high amounts of mycotoxins (read: toxic mold spores), common in many shelf-stable food items (like bulk bin nuts and dried fruits and grains that sit for years on shelves).
That said, if you are going to drink coffee, you can do it right. Many local coffee shops take pride in their organic, fresh roasts and “coffee snobbery” flare that puts any cup of Starbucks or Keurig pot to shame.
There are several new kid coffee shops on the block, along with a handful of our favorite staples, that had to make this list—the 10 Best Coffee Shops in Austin (for really really ridiculously good coffee)—in no particular order.
#1. Best for Your Health: Picnik
Address:
Trailer: 1700 S. Lamar Boulevard. Austin, Texas 78704
Restaurant: 4801 Burnet Road Austin, Texas 78756
Website: https://www.picnikaustin.com
Blurb: Picnik is who made butter coffee “cool” in Austin. But whether you’re into the butter thing, or you just prefer coconut milk or plain, Picnik prides itself in top-notch, organic coffee blended with an extra punch of health goodness. Lately, we’ve been digging the ‘shrooms’ (reishi, lion’s mane, chug, and cordyceps) that you can add to your cup of Joe. But… Seriously. All. The. Drinks. Are. Delicious!
#2. Best Social Do Good: Greater Goods Coffee
Address: 2501 E 5th St, Austin, TX 78702
Website: https://greatergoodsroasting.com
Blurb: Greater Goods is a “micro-roaster” that roasts their own beans—sourced from sustainable growers the world over (from Costa Rica and Colombia to Ethiopia to Rwanda and beyond). Greater Goods Coffee was also named 2021 Micro Roaster of the Year by Roast magazine. We love how for every bag sold, they support several Austin-area non-profits, including providing 4 meals for Central Texas Food Bank per bag!
#3. Best Scenery: Mozart’s Coffee
Address: 3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703
Website: https://mozartscoffee.com/pages/mozartsmenu
Blurb: You know you’re an Austinite when Mozart’s Coffee comes top of mind on this list! The best place in town on a pretty day to sit outside on the lake and soak up the sun! This one is all about the experience more than the actual Joe, but we couldn’t let it slide. Perfect for a post-dinner date, catch up with old friends or reading and studying outdoors.
#4. Best Sunny Day Vibes: Cosmic Coffee
Address: 121 Pickle Rd Ste.111. Austin Tx 78704.
Website: https://www.cosmiccoffeebeer.com
Blurb: High vibes, culture, art and weird—all in one. Cosmic is tied with Radio Coffee in our book for a great outdoor, eclectic escapade for coffee or drinks and good catch up time with friends. They are a full-on bar and coffee shop in one.
#5. Best Work Zone: Halcyon & Merit Coffee
Halcyon
Address: 1905 Aldrich Street, #110 , Austin, TX 78723
Website: http://halcyoncoffeebar.com
Blurb: Spread out and get in the zone. Great for studies or getting a little computer work done, and easy parking on the street.
Merit
Address: Multiple locations https://meritcoffee.com/pages/austin
Website: https://meritcoffee.com
Blurb: We love the bright natural lighting and high vibes feels. Perfect for a casual or business meeting for movers and shakers (like you).
#6. Best On-the-Go Joe: Houndstooth
Address: 4200 N Lamar Blvd, Ste 120, Austin, TX 78756
Website: https://www.houndstoothcoffee.com
Blurb: A local version of “Starbucks.” Simple straight up coffees, espressos, lattes and beyond.
#7. Best Food Too: Cenote, Hanks, Thai Fresh & Sa-Ten (Ties!)
Not all coffee shops offer grub, but if you’re hungry, why wait? Grab some Cenote, Hanks, Thai Fresh or Sa-Ten. (Too many options Austin!).
Cenote
Address: 1010 East Cesar Chavez Austin, TX 78702
Website: http://cenoteaustin.com
Blurb: Simple but delicious American food. Crowd faves include all things breakfast taco, burgers or one of their fresh springy salads.
Hanks
Address: 5811 Berkman Dr, Austin, TX 78723
Website: https://www.hanksaustin.com
Blurb: Did someone say sweet potato fries? Yes! Bowls and salads. Yum. And those Brussels sprouts.
Thai Fresh
Address: 909 W Mary St, Austin, TX 78704
Website: https://www.thai-fresh.com
Blurb: A joint coffee-restaurant-bakery with an appreciation for health conscious folks (like us). You have to try their famous Tom Kha coconut soup and, of course, their curries.
Sa-Ten
Address: 4917 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX
Website: https://www.sa-ten.com
Blurb: Japanese-inspired food with a flare. Their bowls and plates include chicken, veggies and rice that hit the spot if you have an appetite.
#8. Best Legit Coffee: Plaza Colombian
Address: 3842 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Website: https://www.plazacolombiancoffee.com
Blurb: Colombians know how to make coffee and this is exactly what you’ll get. No frills or laces. Dark and strong.
#9. Best Friendly Vibes: Trianon Coffee
Address: 3654 Bee Cave Rd Ste A, Austin, TX 78746
Multiple. Check em out here.
Website: https://www.trianoncoffee.com
Blurb: This is a local Westlake fave, sort of like Cheers restaurant (TV show) where “everyone knows your name.” If you want a simple cup of Joe and a friendly smile and warm welcome, stop by.
#10. Best Austin Original: Summer Moon
Address: Multiple. Check em out here.
Website: https://summermooncoffee.com
Blurb: What starts here, changes the world. Local fave Summer Moon was founded in Austin nearly 20 years ago and has now grown to over 20 locations statewide. They are best known for their “fire roasted” coffee beans and “Moon Milk”—a mixture of sweet cream and flavors of caramel and vanilla mixed in with it, added to any coffee of choice.
Have a favorite spot not mentioned? Do share and we may add it to the mix!