Welcome to The Austin Insider, your new favorite spot to find out what’s what in Austin TX. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local that wants to get a little more out of the city, there is an article here for you. From Vegan Food to Locally Owned Businesses, we are passionate about answering any questions you might have about where to eat, drink and have fun in our favorite city. In this edition we have made a list of coffee shops that we can’t stop visiting. In some instances, it isn’t even about the coffee as many of our Austin coffeeshops are institutions for live music and entertainment. Some of them even serve alcohol and lead a double life as a bar! Regardless of what youre looking for we here at the Austin Insider can find a coffeeshop to fit the bill.
Radio
4.6 ★
Early risers will be thrilled to know that Radio Coffee & Beer on Menchaca Rd is open every day at 7 am, while those who sleep in can also rest easy since they don’t close until 12 am (11 pm on Sunday) all while offering both coffee, beer and live entertainment. Bluegrass, Trivia and Comedy are only a handful of themed evenings among shows put on by your favorite local groups. Attention to detail is what makes their coffee some of the best since 2014, whether it be the “Coyote Coffee” by their own RCB Roasters or an Espresso Martini when you need something harder, there’s a menu option for every coffee addict out there. On the bar side of the menu take a leap towards the eccentric by trying the cocktail named “La Ultima Palabra”, which is like an obituary but made with mezcal. It is a favorite amongst us at Austin Pedal Party and certainly worthy of mentioning here. Keep an eye out for their upcoming McKinney neighborhood location coming to Montopolis Drive sometime in 2023.
Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden
4.7 ★
When you want to feel good about where your coffee or beer comes from, and maybe even learn something about permaculture and sustainability along the way, you head right over to Cosmic Coffee + Beer on Pickle Rd. Once you start to have “Garden of Eden” thoughts pop into your head upon viewing the scenery, you will know you’ve arrived at the right spot. From their natural, all rain water sustained pond and waterfall garden to the array of (sometimes edible) plants surrounding, to the 120 square feet of raised garden, this is more than just a stop to wet the old whistle. From 8 am – 11 pm (12 am on the weekends starting Thursday) you can come in for some coffee, with or without booze, draft beer, and a wicked selection of cocktails, to say the least. This menu is expansive and you will want to come back more than once to give everything a try. For hot Texas days we recommend the frozen matcha painkiller, served either with or without alcohol, this caffeinated beverage is sure to delight!
Mozart’s Coffee
4.5 ★
Featuring an unmatched view, along with an open mic night that is legendary (to say the least) Mozart’s Coffee has been serving up aesthetic pleasure, insane entertainment and in house brewed coffee/tea. Located right on Lake Austin Blvd, you might forget to watch the musicians and poets that come through often in favor of their seating right on Lake Austin. Even if you can’t find the time during their regular house (7 am – 12 am every day) you can tune in to their Late at the Lake podcast series with a take home bag of coffee or tea for an at home experience. You will not want to miss the experience of visiting Mozart’s Coffee, after all there’s a reason they have been around for almost 30 years!
Kick Butt Coffee
4.6 ★
Like the name suggests, there is some seriously “kick butt” coffee at Kick Butt Coffee, a martial arts inspired café, bar and music venue located on Airport Blvd. Varying hours throughout each evening (depending on the entertainment happening) means you will want to double check the website for any visits happening after 5 pm but trust us, you will want to check them out. Known for an array of coffee selections, classic bar food options and a show schedule that features acts from all genres, Kick Butt Coffee has a little something to keep most people satisfied. From the Wednesday night “Comedy” open mic to the Femme Rock Showcase in September, all the way to a ukulele specific open mic that comes through in August, when we say these shows “kick butt” just like the coffee, we mean it! For martial arts lovers, you’ll enjoy the aesthetic of this place AND you can visit their website to find out how to win a free month of Tai Chi or Kung Fu.
Irie Bean Coffee & Wine Bar
4.6 ★
Known for the “Cheers” style atmosphere, where everyone knows your name, Irie Bean Coffee + Bar is a cozy spot located on Lamar Blvd and even features a puppy friendly back patio. Coffee, wine, espresso, locally sourced treats from vendors in the city and more can be ordered at this unique location. Along with your normal open mic night, Irie Bean has become notorious for hosting art based events regularly. Whether you’re interested in the Adult Coloring Night, local creative spotlights or the recurring Art Opening happening every month, Irie always has some sort of event going on. Normal hours differ based on what they are hosting at the time so take a moment to browse their website/Facebook events page to be certain before making your visit.
Opa Coffee + Wine Bar
4.6 ★
Greek food, coffee, wine and live music are all waiting for you at Opa Coffee + Wine Bar on south Lamar Blvd in Austin. From 8:30 am – 11 pm (12 am on the weekends) you can even bring your dogs (on a leash) to their pet friendly patio, to enjoy everything on the menu along with live music every night of the week! Come in on Tuesday night at 7:30 pm to sign up for open mic and check out their events calender to find out what other acts will be going up throughout the week. Not only does this location always have some sort of entertainment to enjoy, but also holds a huge list of wines and spirits to really get you in the mood. Don’t hesitate to celebrate at Opa with their Greek appetizers, entrées and desserts, you won’t regret the choice at all. Happy hour is EVERY DAY from 3-7 pm and holds some epic deals when you’re trying to have fun and save a buck or two.
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Halcyon
4.3 ★
Downtown Austin is home to Halcyon on west 4th street and saying that they have everything you need during all points of your day is the least we can do. From 8 am – 2 am every day/night you can roast s’mores, listen to jazz music or enjoy a cappuccino well into the evening. What starts out as a coffee shop in the morning, turns into a lounge/bar at night. Hell, you can even order Nutella crepes at all hours, and if that doesn’t sell you then we don’t know what more to say. The word “Halcyon” is a descriptive term to mean “carefree” in light terms and this location goes out of their way to provide that type of environment. You can even host an event featuring up to 80 guest at Halcyon so keep them in mind for your next major gathering.
Captain Quackenbush’s Coffeehouse
4.7 ★
Adding to the Captain Quackenbush Bakery family, Captain Quackenbush’s Coffeehouse on Menchaca Rd is recognized as part of the vibe that locals describe as “Old Austin” meaning you won’t find a 12$ croissant on the menu. Affordable and tasty, every menu option at any of their three locations is sure to impress no matter what group you’re coming in with. Menu options vary from cupcakes to cookies, cinnamon rolls and back and you know the product is good when they say “Subject to Availability” as a disclaimer. First come, first served means you want to get in line early for these iconic treats. Even if you miss out at the coffee shop, there are two other locations in the city specific to baked goods alone, ask them about their wedding cakes if that’s what you’re planning for!
You will also want to take a look at the events calender for the coffehouse location, all the best locals come out to host shows quite often and there’s never a shortage of new media to enjoy at their Soundspace.
The Buzz Mill
4.7 ★
All hours of the day and night, you can come in to The Buzz Mill on Town Creek Drive for coffee, beer and food truck menus galore! Since 2013, this location has provided a spot for night owls, early birds and everything in between. Focused on the community surrounding this location, The Buzz Mill regularly hosts “clean up days” around their regular open mic nights and is constantly looking for ways to improve the surrounding neighborhood. Live shows, locally sourced food and coffee/spirits that will keep you wanting to come back are all just pieces of why locals and out of towners want to come back to The Buzz Mill again and again.
Jo’s Coffeehouse
4.5 ★
Four locations throughout Austin, there’s definitely something to be said for Jo’s Coffeehouse who has been serving the community since 1999. South Congress and Downtown are just a couple of the spots you can look up and see the Jo’s Coffeehouse sign. Make any regular hot coffee into an iced drink to go along with a variety of grilled items, burgers and fresh made breakfast selections no matter which building you choose for the day. Each different brick and mortar location offers a different special each week so don’t forget to check the website to find out how to save a buck or two when you go in. Alongside menu options that are tried and true, you’ll find a unique events calender that shows off anything from a Puppy Party to the Sinner’s Brunch. When you want something different than your average coffee shop, you head to any of the Jo’s Coffeehouse locations. You can even ask about their catering options, or how to create your very own pop up booth.
Radix House Coffee Shop
4.5 ★
Coffee, tea and CBD? Yes you read it right, Radix House Coffee Shop on William Canon Dr has more than your average café and can’t wait to find your perfect match. Whether you need to amp up for your day or calm down after the end of a long one, you can make a selection any day of the week from 7 am – 8 pm. Radix is dedicated to people and making the world a better place, while serving up products that can’t be beat. A regular supporter of PTSD treatment and research in Texas, you know that your money is going to a great place with a portion of all sales going towards this particular group. With a mission to keep everyone mentally happy and safe, you’re sure to feel great about spending time and money at Radix House Coffee Shop. For cold brew lovers, you will want to take advantage of their signature Rwanda brew, an unimaginable blend that will keep you craving more.
CONCLUSION
So there you go! Plenty of selections to pick from when you want a cup of coffee, mug of beer, some fancy cocktails and food from all over the spectrum. Here in Austin, our coffee shops take pride in having something to suite everyone’s needs ranging from live entertainment to what to eat. Keep coming back here to The Austin Insider when you have any questions about visiting us in Austin, Texas!
Before you go, take some time to browse the rest of our site and check out our pedal party tour options. You haven’t lived until you’ve taken a ride with us on the #Austinpedalparty, an Eco-Friendly and unique way to get to know our favorite city!