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Finding the best coffee shops in Austin is key to experiencing the city's vibrant culture. Based on our experience assessment, Austin's cafe scene excels with unique signature drinks, from artisan teas to specialty lattes, and exceptional food menus featuring local ingredients. This guide details the top spots and what to order, providing a clear roadmap for residents and visitors alike.
What are the best specialty tea drinks in Austin? While known for coffee, Austin boasts several cafes with exceptional tea offerings. For a traditional experience, West China Tea offers artisan, farm-direct Chinese loose-leaf tea served in the Gong Fu Cha style. Their Gamma Ray – a sweet, earthy purple red tea – is a popular choice. At the family-owned Sorrento’s Coffee Drive Thru, the signature chai latte, made from a handed-down secret recipe, is a standout. For a visually striking and delicious option, Revival Coffee serves the El Último Latte del Mundo, a strawberry matcha latte. Another notable drink is the dirty chai latte at Cafè Crème, which blends chai tea with espresso.
Which Austin coffee shops have the most unique coffee drinks? Austin's coffee roasters and shops are renowned for their creativity. A local favorite is the Shakerato, a shaken iced espresso, from Texas Coffee Traders, a roaster on the Eastside since 1994. For those interested in wellness-focused options, Radix House Coffee Shop offers a popular CBD Latte featuring locally sourced hemp. Intelligentsia Coffee Shoal Creek recommends trying a cappuccino made with their Black Cat espresso blend. The bourbon latte at Greater Goods Coffee Co. is an alcohol-free signature drink made with house-made Treaty Oak bourbon syrup. For a floral twist, the lavender oat milk latte at El Tigre Coffee Roasters is a consistent favorite.
Where can you find great food at Austin cafes? Many Austin cafes double as exceptional eateries. Magnolia Cafe, open 24/7, is famous for its Magnolia Mud, a shareable appetizer of house-made queso, black beans, and avocado served with chips. For pizza, The Meteor serves a popular sourdough pizza called the SuperTuck. Swedish Hill is ideal for a quick, quality meal, with a standout house-made hearth bagel and lox board. Dessert seekers should visit Maaribu for gluten-free options like the Confetti cupcake or Brentwood Social House for their Millionaire Bar. For a unique breakfast, Ovenbird offers a breakfast sandwich on a Bavarian croissant, a hybrid of a pretzel and croissant. Cherrywood Coffeehouse’s top seller is the Sol Taco, an open-faced taco loaded with breakfast ingredients.
What are the best cafes in Austin for coffee cocktails? For those seeking an adult beverage with their caffeine, several spots excel. Cosmic Coffee Beer serves a popular Frozen Boozy Coffee, a creamy blend of espresso, horchata, tequila, and mezcal. Their non-alcoholic Cosmic Comet cold brew is also a hit. Halcyon is well-known for its coffee cocktails, particularly the crowd-favorite Chocolate Espresso Martini.
To fully experience Austin's cafe culture, prioritize visiting establishments known for their unique signatures. Whether you're in the mood for a classic espresso, a creative tea blend, or a full meal, the city's diverse offerings cater to every preference. Exploring different neighborhoods will reveal hidden gems and local staples that define Austin's welcoming and innovative food and drink scene.
