Looking for the best coffee shops in Austin, Texas? Whether you’re a local on the hunt for your new go-to spot or a visitor eager to explore the city's vibrant coffee scene, Austin is full of cozy cafés, third-wave roasters and Instagram-worthy hangouts that serve more than just great espresso. From downtown staples to neighborhood gems in East Austin and South Congress, this guide highlights top Austin coffee shops where you can sip, work, or simply soak in the city's laid-back charm—one cup at a time.
Better Half Coffee & Cocktails
Located in the heart of Clarksville, Better Half blurs the lines between café and all-day hangout spot. While sipping your flat white or cortado, don’t skip their chicken biscuit sandwich, one of the most beloved brunch items in Austin!
Civil Goat Coffee
With locations around town—including their Cuernavaca flagship—Civil Goat is known for their smooth specialty roasts and authentic wood-accented interiors. They roast their own beans and have a loyal following for drinks like the iced dirty chai.
Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden
Cosmic is a garden party with coffee, tacos and chickens. The South Austin location includes food trucks and a permaculture-inspired setting, while their newer east side location, Cosmic Saltillo, has an industrial garden vibe with firepits and koi ponds. Don’t miss the frozen boozy coffee made with house horchata, tequila, and chocolate-molé spice.
Desnudo Coffee
Founded by brothers Sergio and Juan Trujillo, Desnudo is a micro-roastery and trailer based in East Austin, dedicated to brewing small-batch beans from Colombia. Beyond coffee, you can’t go wrong with their house-made chai or their white vanilla miso latte.
Flat Track Coffee
Flat Track is all about combining coffee with Austin’s bicycle culture. The café shares its space with a working bike shop on East Cesar Chavez Street. Their dog-friendly patio and unfussy vibe make it feel like a true neighborhood hangout. Hungry while you're there? Try one of their locally made toaster pastries or brisket kolaches!
Houndstooth Coffee
With multiple locations (Downtown, North Lamar, East MLK and Rock Rose), Houndstooth is a local chain known for precision espresso drinks. If you’re hungry, they’ve partnered with Austin-favorite Tacodeli to offer grab-and-go versions of their breakfast tacos.
Jo’s Coffee
A classic for a reason, Jo’s is where you go for strong coffee (we recommend the iced turbo!), breakfast tacos and the iconic “i love you so much” mural at their flagship location on South Congress.
Lucky Lab Coffee Co.
This woman-founded coffee trailer brings handcrafted espresso and third coast coffee roasts to events, neighborhoods and pop-ups across the city. Lucky Lab’s mission is all about supporting dogs, with part of their proceeds going toward local animal rescues.
Maaribu
Part espresso bar, part curated home goods store, Maaribu keeps things minimal and cozy. The gluten-free pastry case is a highlight (try the coffee cake muffin), and they offer herbal and wellness drinks alongside traditional coffee options.
Proud Mary
Proud Mary roasts its own beans and serves an all-day menu of breakfast, lunch, and smoothies in South Austin. Choose your espresso by origin, and don’t miss the ricotta hotcakes with seasonal toppings.
Kick Butt Coffee
Equal parts funky café, live music venue and martial arts museum, kick butt coffee is said to have the best pecan cold brew and best bagel in Austin. Founded by a local kung fu master, it’s a true Austin original with plenty of personality to spare.
Terrible Love
This compact East Austin walk-up serves knockout seasonal lattes with flavors like cranberry molasses and grapefruit brown sugar. Located inside a converted boiler room, Terrible Love boasts plenty of outdoor space to sit with friends. Think: dogs and picnic tables.
Freewheelin’ Cofee
Freewheelin’ is located inside an airstream trailer near Cesar Chavez Street, packing a punch with its full espresso bar, floral and spiced lattes and tasty baked goods. The miso caramel and rose-cardamom lattes are local favorites.
Curious to experience more of Austin’s local flavor? Explore the city’s dive bars, bakeries and neighborhoods that keep things interesting.