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#4DaysOf4K: Four Kitchens’ guide to Austin coffee

4 Min. ReadEvents

Let’s be honest for a minute and talk about what you’re really going to need to get through a week of tacos, adult beverages, sessions, and networking. Caffeine. A cup of joe. The almighty coffee.

Brew & Brew

Website: thebrewandbrew.com

“Good beans & good beers” pretty much says it all. Located on East 5th, the Brew and Brew is a short walk via 4th Street from the Convention Center to the east side. Grab a cup of locally roasted Flat Track Coffee and settle in for a relaxing cup surrounded by Austin’s hip elite. Oh, did I mention the 38 taps of craft beer – yeah…

  • What to get: I’m a huge fan of the Aeropress!
  • Like a local: Bring a notebook to write/doodle and hang out at the bar. Strike up a conversation with your neighbor if you’re feeling social.

Caffe Medici

Website: caffemedici.com

With three locations around town, Caffe Medici must be doing something right. Cuvee Coffee beans and great service definitely make it a winner. If you need a place for a quick, informal one-on-one meeting then the Austonian location on Congress Avenue is a great choice.

  • What to get: Feeling simple? Get the french press. Feeling fancy? Their cappuccinos are delicious and always adorned with foam art, so make sure to snap an Instagram before you enjoy it.
  • Like a local: Try the West Lynn location in the heart of the Clarksville neighborhood. The tiny house is a nice spot to people watch and get away from the hustle of Downtown.

Frank

Website: hotdogscoldbeer.com

Frank offers several different methods of brewed caffeination, making their coffee a fantastic choice. The Tableside Siphon, available at Brunch only, is an especially delightful coffee experience served black, no frills. But that’s not all Frank has to offer as they are known for their decadent brunch and great hot dogs – including vegan and vegetarian options! The monthly rotation of public art on the side of the historic building is a must see.

  • What to get: Try the Single Origin pour over. Or if you’re feeling like something sweet, get the Frank Crank, a cold brew toddy made with house-made chocolate ganache and vanilla syrup.
  • Like a local: If you decide to come back to Frank for lunch or dinner, know that you have choices! You can actually get any of their hot dogs in a regular hot dog bun, a flap jacket, a pretzel bun, or a flour tortilla!

Halcyon

Website: halcyonaustin.com

You’ll fit right in with your laptop and headphones in this popular spot among the young Austin tech crowd. Whether you’re looking for a solid cup of coffee or a spiffy cocktail, this is the answer. They also have a cigar room if you’re into that kind of thing.

  • What to get: Try one of the espresso cocktails for a little morning kick. Long Island iced coffee anyone? Bring a couple friends and get the tableside s’mores. Yum.
  • Like a local: After you get your caffeine fix grab lunch around the corner at Turf n’ Surf Po-Boy (http://lavacastreet.com/turf-n-surf). Don’t be put off by the location (a window inside a sports bar) because the gourmet po-boys are some of the best in town and you don’t want to miss it. Get the jumbo shrimp or oyster; you can thank me later.

Houndstooth Coffee

Website: houndstoothcoffee.com

The Web Chef crowd favorite, Houndstooth offers the best coffee in town. With two locations, one Downtown on Congress and one next to TacoDeli (did someone say tacos?!) on North Lamar, Houndstooth should be on your coffee tour. Treat yo’self.

  • What to get: Pour over. Absolutely.
  • Like a local: Their bean selection changes weekly so I suggest asking your barista for a recommendation. Houndstooth baristas love to chat about coffee!

Jo’s

Website: joscoffee.com

Both the Downtown and South Congress (known by locals as SoCo) locations have their perks. Check out the SoCo kiosk for a pick-me-up – and the famous “I love you so much” mural – before checking out the iconic shopping district. Jo’s Downtown offers more food options, making it a great location to grab a delicious breakfast or lunch and then strolling around the 2nd Street district.

  • What to get: If you’re on SoCo grab an Iced Turbo. If you want to stay Downtown then don’t miss their breakfast sandwiches which are served until they run out!
  • Like a local: The SoCo location serves to-go breakfast tacos, because why not.

Vintage Heart

Website: vintageheartcoffee.com

A clean, simple interior with a collection of small tables and a couple comfy couches make this a Web Chef favorite for working from the East Side. The wifi is solid and there’s plenty of places to plug in your laptop.

  • What to get: Burnt out on coffee? Try one of their delicious rotating selections of iced teas, served Texas style in a mason jar.
  • Like a local: Get there early for a chance to get delicious vegan donuts from local vegan baker Red Rabbit Co-op.

This post is part of our #4Daysof4K Guide to Austin series. Be sure to check out the other guides:


Photo credits: zagat.com, seriouseats.com, hotdogscoldbeer.com, halcyonaustin.com, @houndstoothcoffee, mlovesmblog.com, urbanspoon.com