Review of Austin's Best Coffee Houses for the Daily Texan; DT Weekend
Ahh - the feeling of a hot latte's steam grazes your face as you sit in your favorite coffee shop for that necessary pick-me-up. In Austin, you are never far away from this coffee house oasis. With a ride range of hippie-chic to clean retro spots - whatever you are looking for is right around the corner.
Jo’s juxtaposes retro and modern with its clean, yet funky interior and reminiscent charm. Servers raved about the burgers, tuna melts, and accommodating service that delivers every drink from their Oregon Chai to Italian soda. Located in the 2nd street district, visitors can relax on the patio on a sunny day and or enjoy their meal and coffee in the restaurant-like interior. Jo’s leans on the café side with a full menu of migas, sandwiches, and salads for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Each meal is completed with a wide drink selection of coffees, teas, and out of the ordinary sodas.
The newly renovated Halcyon has a relaxed but hip feel. With a plethora of couches and lime green arm chairs, this is a great place to puff on a cigar from their well stocked supply, order a drink from the full bar, or enjoy “the best latte in town,” says barista Nola Parker. Halcyon is also well known for the s’mores platter complete with all the dessert’s ingredients and a personal flame to roast the marshmallows to a perfect golden brown. The front porch overlooks the action on 4th street as the glow from the votives nestled in coffee beans shines through the window panes. Cheese trays and appetizers are featured on a modest menu, so most visitors come for the gourmet coffee and tea.
There are few places where a Brazilian flag will show up in the froth of your latte. Café do Brasil takes ownership of their South American roots with a colorful menu of organic gourmet coffee, desserts, tapas, and sandwiches accented with a cultural flare. Guests sit comfortably at the café’s tables and chairs eating their Turkey, Bacon, Avacado or Tropical Chicken sandwiches- the lucky ones snag the couch to sip on ancho chile mochas. Natural sunlight floods the space- highlighting the Artist of the Month’s display on the burgundy walls. Café Do Brasil is ideal for a light lunch, afternoon sweet, or flavorful caffeine jolt.
The Hideout: part coffee shop and café, part comedy club. This unique combination generates a lively environment for people either passing through to see a show in the back theater or to plop on a couch and sip on a Hideout Hazelnut Latte. The art hanging on the richly colored walls, dark wood accents, and mismatched furniture create a cozy, eclectic feel. The Hideout’s kaleidoscope of drink choices with raspberry, vanilla, and almond flavored coffees are accented by their varied menu, boasting their very popular veggie chile and grilled cheese combo for a flat $5. This hubbub of entertainment is a fun destination for a meal or late night visit.
Little City delivers a menu complete with salads, entrées, sandwiches, and soups. The rich, dark décor resembles an elegant bistro- with deep plum chairs, wrought iron sconces, and saffron walls adorned with modern art. The “Poet’s Plate” is a favorite with fruits, cheeses, and breads but for a complete meal- Little City offers plates from the wasabi tuna sandwich to eggplant parmesan. The shop roasts coffee beans from all over the world- and even supplies them to other coffee shops around town. Located on South Congress in the Capitol’s shadow, their menu caters to the meal-seeking crowd but their well known beans attract coffee connoisseurs as well.
