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Take a Sip at the Top 5 Coffee Shops in Downtown Austin

  • November 17, 2022
  • | 7:00 AM

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Here are our recommendations for the top 5 coffee shops in Downtown Austin.

Downtown is actually home to some of the best coffee in all of Austin. Most of all, the coffee shops serve local hot coffee of all kinds, some with exceptional food options as well.

If you happen to work in Downtown, think outside the Starbucks box when you need a little, wake me up. As for everyone else, venture out to the area just for the coffee. Sure, parking can be a hassle, but some offer free parking!

coffee shops in downtown austin
📷 Caffé Medici

1. Caffe Medici

In the primmest locations of all locations, you’ll find Caffe Medici right on Congress Avenue. One of seven locations in Austin, this walk-up location serves Americanos, Macchiatos, and Lattes, to name a few. We recommend the oat milk latte!

Whether you grab a seat on their patio for a lunch break or grab something to-go so you can walk over to the Capitol, Medici is the one to visit if you’re looking to roam around the tourist area of Downtown.

Hours + Location

Monday–Friday | 7AM–1PM

 

📍 804 Congress Ave #101, Austin, TX 78701

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coffee shops in downtown austin
📷 Better Half Coffee & Cocktails

2. Better Half Coffee & Cocktails

If you’re a latte person, this coffee shop is the spot for you. They have a delicious Thai Iced Latte with BH Cold Brew, sweetened condensed milk, cardamom, and chocolate bitters. They also launched the Chagaccino recently, a Wild Foraged Chaga Mocha with cinnamon, Madagascar vanilla, and monk fruit.

We don’t know if you’d consider this better than Better Half, but they’re one of the few locations in Downtown to offer free parking. We recommend going early as their patio is quite hopping in good weather.

Hours + Location

Monday | CLOSED
Tuesday | 9AM–10PM
Wednesday – Friday |9AM–3PM
Saturday | 10AM–4PM
Sunday | 10AM–8PM

 

📍406 Walsh St, Austin, TX 78703

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coffee shops in downtown austin
📷 The Driskill

3. 1886 Cafe & Bakery

If you’re looking for an Instagrammable shot of your coffee, you need to step inside 1886 Cafe. Located inside the beautiful Driskell Hotel, you’ll find this bakery that’ll take you back in time.

Whether it’s for free refills on your coffee or for a bite to eat, the Victorian-style café is quaint enough to spend some time in. And don’t forget to try their cake! It’s one of the best in town.

Hours + Location

Every Day | 7AM–2PM

 

📍604 Brazos St, Austin, TX 78701

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coffee shops in downtown austin
📷 @houndstoothcoffee

4. Houndstooth Coffee

Can’t decide between coffee or beer? Go to Houndstooth to get both! Out of the four they have, this location is a cozy and relaxed spot to post up with a warm coffee. They even validate parking for an hour!

Their baristas can whip up anything from an espresso to an Iced Toddy. So not only will they make it, but they’ll love to talk about it too.

Hours + Location

Every Day | 6:30AM–7PM

 

📍 401 Congress Ave #100c, Austin, TX 78701

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coffee shops in downtown austin

5. Halcyon Coffee Bar

Halcyon Coffee Bar is just that, basically a bar that serves coffee. Do they have other drinks? Yep, they serve bar drinks as well. But their coffee menu is extensive, including both delicious hot and iced coffees. They even have many flavors of fraps!

What really stands out at this coffee shop is the fact that they have live music and are open late. Go for fun or to have good conversations!

Hours + Location

Monday–Sunday | 8AM–2PM

 

📍218 W 4th St, Austin, TX 78701

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Curated by

Poonam Patel

Poonam Patel

Poonam is a City Manager for UNATION and author of the Stuff to Do in Austin City Guide. For more insight on the best events and things to ...